Abstract: A pedestal for tracking antenna includes a horizontal isolation assembly dimensioned and configured to isolate the support plate from horizontal vibration and shock of the base ring, a hub assembly including a support mounted on the horizontal isolation assembly rotatably supporting a rotating frame about a first azimuth axis, a vertical isolation assembly including an upright frame and a cross-level axis support slidably interconnected with a linear bearing assembly, the linear bearing assembly having a profiled rail slidably received within a complementary shaped bearing block, wherein the profiled rail can not twist axially relative to the bearing block, a cross-level frame pivotally mounted on the cross-level axis support about a second cross-level axis, and/or an elevation frame assembly supporting the tracking antenna and pivotally mounted on the cross-level frame about a third elevation axis.

Abstract: An antenna retaining device includes two spaced upright beams, two movable mechanisms, each movable mechanism slidably mounts on one of the upright beams, a retaining mechanism includes two connecting elements a connecting rod connecting rod rotatably and movably mounted on the connecting elements. A retaining board is located on the connecting rod, the retaining board holds the antenna. The first connecting element is rotatably mounted on one of the movable mechanisms, the second connecting element is rotatably mounted on the other movable mechanism. Two driving mechanism, each driving one of the movable mechanisms to move along the their respective bar. When the motors drive the movable mechanisms to move at different speeds, the first connecting element and the second connecting element rotate relative to the their respective loading boards and move along the connecting rod, to adjust a direction of the connecting rod and retaining board.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing a translating telemetry stationary antenna. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for automatically aligning a stationary antenna with a corresponding rotor antenna. The method provides for mounting a stationary antenna with respect to a rotor antenna associated with a rotor. The method includes mounting a stationary antenna to an inner circumference of a support frame, mounting a plurality of radial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining radial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna, and mounting a plurality of axial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining axial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna.

Abstract: A reflector assembly implementable in a scanning antenna assembly having a stationary surface includes a support assembly coupled to the stationary surface, a substantially planar first reflector panel coupled to the support assembly so as to enable rotation of the first reflector panel about a central axis of the first reflector panel, and an actuator assembly comprising a translating arm coupled to the first reflector panel, wherein translational motion of the arm is operable to rotate the first reflector panel about the central axis back and forth through a predetermined angular range at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A remote control for a wireless control system includes a controller, at least one actuator for operating the controller, a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter coupled to the controller, an antenna coupled to the RF transmitter, and a housing for the controller, the RF transmitter, the antenna and a power source. The antenna comprises a conductive loop mounted in the housing and being disposed in a first plane. The remote control further comprises a surface on the housing disposed in a second plane substantially parallel to and overlying the first plane. The surface has a conductive material disposed thereon substantially coplanar with the second plane and substantially coextensive with said conductive loop on said first plane.

Abstract: A unitized device and method to optimize directional antenna alignment for long-distance communications using the low-cost IEEE 802.11 (and related) compatible RF-chipsets (originally designed for short range Wireless-LAN and Wireless-PAN networks). The device combines these chipsets, along with a microprocessor, software, electronics to drive a directional antenna, and the motors and gearing necessary to physically move a directional antenna, into a unitized low weight, and low cost assembly designed to enable reliable digital radio links of many miles or more to be established with minimal costs, time, and installer skill. In one embodiment, the software methods incorporated into the software of this unitized device can include methods necessary to automatically or semi-automatically configure and align the directional antenna to one or more distant target sources. Various mechanical designs, as well as various software and electronics methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotational antenna includes a stationary feed which is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation. A parabolic dish is rotationally mounted about the stationary feed in a state of being tipped with respect to the stationary, substantially vertically oriented feed. The rotational parabolic antenna may alternatively be provided with a rotating radio frequency (RF) and acoustic feed. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A common multi-purpose actuator to control antenna remote electrical tilt, remote azimuth steering, and remote azimuth beam-width control is disclosed. A single stepper motor uses a Hall-sensor for closed loop positioning feedback. Serial and parallel communications are employed through the same harness to the motor control circuit. The driven shaft of the motor turns a self-locking worm-gear which rotates a mating shaft which drives the necessary gearing. The actuator assembly can be arranged in multiple or single output configurations. DC line filtering improves the antenna signal to spurious noise ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus operable to align an antenna and to retain the antenna in a reference position during alignment of the antenna. The apparatus may include a bracket having an arm attached thereto, and the arm conforms to the back wall of an antenna. An engagement means and/or securing means may be incorporated in the apparatus to retain the position of the antenna in a fixed or removeable connection with the apparatus. An alignment device being operable to align the antenna may be attached to the bracket. The apparatus of the present invention may be arranged or otherwise positioned in accordance with a reference position. Said reference position may be defined as a position that is selected in reference to a reference point, line, or plane of the antenna. The apparatus may retain the antenna in a reference position during alignment of the antenna.

Abstract: A radio relay comprising: a housing configured to be released from a mobile platform onto a support surface; a radio mounted within the housing, wherein the radio is configured to relay radio frequency (RF) signals and to operate as a node in a telecommunications network; a first antenna mast having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is rotatably coupled to the housing; a first antenna element operatively coupled to the radio and mechanically coupled to the distal end; and an antenna mast rotation mechanism mounted within the housing and the proximal end such that the antenna mast rotation mechanism is configured to upwardly rotate the first antenna mast to a raised position such that the first antenna mast is substantially parallel to the ambient gravity vector.

Abstract: An assembly that has a rotator element, a sensor element coupled to the rotator element or assembly, and a controller element provides azimuth antenna control. The rotator element has a worm gear driven slewing ring having a through hole through which a feed line to an antenna may be inserted to accommodate continuous rotation of greater than 360 degrees or partial rotation in either direction of the antenna coupled to the rotator element. The controller element is coupled to the rotator element and to the sensor element, and the controller element receives feedback information concerning a current azimuth position of the antenna from the sensor element to control the rotator element to rotate to a future azimuth position of the antenna in accordance with a selected azimuth function and the feedback information provided by the sensor element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to enclosed antenna systems for receiving multiple different broadcast types. In one aspect of the disclosure, the enclosed antenna system comprises an enclosure including a satellite television antenna assembly, an off-air television antenna assembly and control electronics disposed on a motorized turntable. In another aspect, the off-air television antenna assembly comprises both UHF and VHF antenna assemblies. In a further aspect, the UHF and VHF television signals received by the off-air antenna assembly are combined, amplified and diplexed with the television signal received by the satellite television antenna assembly. A method of watching television broadcasts from satellite and off-air sources using a multi-antenna system contained within a single enclosure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Controlling an antenna's polarization sense. An antenna system includes a polarized antenna and a mechanism for controlling the polarization sense of the antenna. The controlling mechanism can include rotatable polarizer panels disposed between the antenna's aperture and the antenna's target. The polarizer panels are rotated to switch between polarization senses. The polarizer panels can comprise meander line polarizers that convert the polarization sense of a linear polarized antenna to a circularly polarized antenna and vice-versa. The meander line polarizers can be rotated from a position in which the meander line polarizer panels convert between linear polarization and right-hand-circular (“RHC”) polarization to a position that converts between linear polarization and left-hand-circular (“LHC”) polarization. The polarizer panels can be rotated using a mechanical system that rotates the polarizer panels based on a signal received from a remote device.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system may includes a gimbal with a rim that supports a solar radiation concentrator or collector assembly passing through the plane of the rim, and foundation structures that support and anchor the gimbal, allowing it to both rotate and be raised or lowered. One flexible structural member may support the gimbal rim and a second flexible structural device both anchors the rim and enables the gimbal-collector assembly to rotate around an axis parallel to the earth's polar axis providing the desired primary tracking motion following the daily apparent motion of the sun. Motion between the gimbal and the solar radiation collector assembly allows the assembly to follow the apparent seasonal motion of the sun, among other tasks.

Abstract: A positioning system for a spherical object which adjusts orientation thereof in azimuth and elevation comprising first and second drive rods threadably engaged with respective first and second brackets secured to the surfaces of opposing left and right hemispheres the object The first and second drive rods include a first coupling configured for imparting co-rotation to the drive rods and a second coupling configured for imparting counter-rotation to the drive rods, and a clutch for selecting operation of either coupling.

Abstract: An outdoor television antenna includes VHF antenna elements, UHF antenna elements, reflector elements that are adapted to reflect broadcast signals, a rotation unit having a motor-fixed bolster and a main pole column, an antenna circuit that collects the VHF broadcast signals and the UHF broadcast signals and provides electric power to the rotation unit, a main body that supports the VHF antenna elements, the UHF antenna elements, the reflector elements and the motor-fixed bolster, and encloses the antenna circuit, a control unit that that relays the VHF and UHF broadcast signals and sends electric power to the antenna circuit, a remote controller that sends rotation control signal to the control unit, and a conductive cable that connects the control unit and the antenna circuit. The control circuit controls rotation of the rotation unit in response to the rotation control signal and the motor-fixed bolster rotates the main pole column with electric power delivered through the conductive cable.

Abstract: A radio frequency identifying device minimizes a null point area within a radiation pattern by horizontally or vertically vibrating an antenna plate radiating a radio frequency beam by using at least one vibration motor.

Abstract: An antenna system for satellite communication, mounted on a moving platform, includes an antenna assembly, a control and display unit, and an antenna steering unit. The antenna assembly includes a dipole driven element assembly and at least one director element mounted on an antenna mast. The antenna steering unit includes a support housing, a rotary joint comprising a BNC connector, an electronic magnetic compass. an angular velocity-sensing gyroscope, a global positioning system receiver, a signal processor and a motor. The direction of the antenna's azimuth axis is determined based on the heading of the moving platform determined by the signal processor. In one embodiment, the director elements, the antenna mast and the azimuth mast are all articulated on flexible joints comprising a cable and spring mechanism allowing the director elements to fold toward the antenna mast and allowing the antenna assembly to fold toward the azimuth mast for stowing.

Abstract: RET antenna with motor and clutch assembly that is operative to mechanically disengage the DC motor and drive unit (also called the gear-motor unit) from the phase shifter adjustment shaft during a manual tilt operation. Disengaging the gear-motor unit removes the drag of the motor and the high gear ratio gear box from the phase shifter control rod making it easier to manually turn the phase shifter control knob. In addition, the clutch disengages the gear-motor without disengaging the position detector from the phase shifter control rod so that position calibration is not lost during manual tilt adjustment. When the manual tilt operation is completed, the mechanical tilt clutch enables the gear-motor unit to be reliably re-engaged with the phase shifter control rod for motorized electrical tilt operation without having to re-calibrate the position detector.

Abstract: An antenna retaining device includes two spaced upright beams, two movable mechanisms, each movable mechanism slidably mounts on one of the upright beams, a retaining mechanism includes two connecting elements a connecting rod connecting rod rotatably and movably mounted on the connecting elements. A retaining board is located on the connecting rod, the retaining board holds the antenna. The first connecting element is rotatably mounted on one of the movable mechanisms, the second connecting element is rotatably mounted on the other movable mechanism. Two driving mechanism, each driving one of the movable mechanisms to move along the their respective bar. When the motors drive the movable mechanisms to move at different speeds, the first connecting element and the second connecting element rotate relative to the their respective loading boards and move along the connecting rod, to adjust a direction of the connecting rod and retaining board.

Abstract: A thermal compensating subreflector tracking assembly for a reflector antenna and methods of use. The subreflector tracking assembly provided with a base, an intermediate support and a subreflector mount. The intermediate support coupled to the base, movable normal to the base and the subreflector mount coupled to the intermediate support, movable orthogonal to the intermediate support. The movement in the Z, Y and or Z-axis enabling electrical performance optimizing reflector antenna beam alignment and/or focus adjustments resulting from asymmetric thermal distortion of the reflector antenna.

Abstract: Gimbal power systems and methods are operable to provide power to a device attached to the gimbal. An exemplary embodiment is configured to rotate a rotational member of the gimbal system about an axis, wherein a stator of a rotary power transformer affixed to the rotational member rotates about the axis, and wherein an end of an electrical connection coupled to a power connector of a rotor winding of the rotary power transformer remains substantially stationary as the stator of the rotary power transformer rotates about the axis.

Abstract: A communication system for supporting communications with a target market area. The system includes one or more solar-powered aircraft maintained in, or successively passing through, flight stations or flight patterns around the market area. Each of the aircraft targets limited beamwidth communication antennas on a substantial portion of the target market area. The control system is configured to fly selective flight patterns depending on the aircraft characteristics and the flight conditions. The flight patterns may emphasize high-power-generation patterns such as flying away from the sun for aircraft with wing-mounted solar cells.

Abstract: An antenna pointing control apparatus and method that reduce a pointing error of an antenna having a two-axis gimbal structure. An antenna installed on a ship hull is controlled to point toward a satellite by an antenna pointing control apparatus having a two-axis mechanism. Movement of the ship hull are recognized every prescribed cycle time, a satellite bearing is measured, and a pointing error of a directional antenna with respect to a satellite is detected. If it is determined that the satellite will not pass within a prescribed region A about an extension line of an azimuth angle (AZ) axis of the ship's hull, then a two-axis control is executed. However, if the satellite will pass within the prescribed region A, then a virtual three-axis control is executed.

Abstract: A pointing apparatus and method of operation for an antenna mount provided with a base frame and an antenna mount rotatably coupled together. A first wheel rigidly coupled to one of the base frame and the antenna mount driven by a mechanical linkage with a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the base frame or the antenna mount not rigidly coupled to the first wheel. The first drive wheel and the second drive wheel driven against one another in opposite directions; a torque level unbalance applied between the first motor and the second motor operative to rotate the base frame and the antenna mount with respect to one another in a first desired direction.

Abstract: A device for controlling a satellite tracking antenna. An azimuth drive is configured to impart an azimuthal rotational motion to the antenna about an azimuth axis. An elevation axis drive is configured to impart a rotational motion to the antenna about an elevation axis orthogonal to the azimuth axis. A tilt axis drive is configured to impart a rotational motion to the antenna about a tilt axis.

Abstract: A portable satellite tracking antenna utilizes a tiltable reflector surface, and a parabolic reflector surface to direct a satellite signal to a feed horn. A fixed flat reflector surface is utilized in conjunction with the parabolic reflector surface to increase the strength of a signal that is transmitted from the parabolic reflector surface to the feed horn. In one preferred embodiment the parabolic reflector surface is fixed, and the feed horn and tiltable reflector surface are rotatable to selected azimuth settings. The cant of the tiltable reflector surface is adjusted by pivoting the tiltable reflector surface.

Abstract: A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

Abstract: Provided is an antenna system for tracking a satellite which includes a fixed body and a rotating body. The antenna system includes a transmitting/receiving unit having a transmitting channel and a receiving channel for signal power, a driving unit for enabling mechanical motion of the rotating body for satellite tracking, and a control unit for monitoring and controlling the operation of the driving unit. Accordingly, the various kinds of the components of the antenna system mounted and operated on the movable body can be minimized and the output of the transmitted signal required in the antenna system can be simply replaced, thereby simplifying the configuration of the system and reducing the production cost of the system. In addition, the STR having the tracking signal processing function in the digital mode as well as the general analog mode is mounted on the antenna system, thereby improving accuracy of satellite tracking.

Abstract: A wireless local loop system is provided that includes a wireless base station that communicates with a subscriber station via a wireless link. The wireless link can carry a voice service, such as telephone calls, or a data service, such as internet browsing. The subscriber station includes a steerable antenna. A presently preferred steerable antenna for use with the subscriber station includes a driven element mounted on a base plane that is surrounded by a plurality of parasitic elements also mounted to the base plane. The parasitic elements can be optionally grounded or floated in order to reflect the wireless link towards the driven element. The antenna can be oriented in a desired direction during the transception of a voice or data service. A method of transceiving between a wireless local loop subscriber station and a wireless local loop base station is also provided.

Abstract: An antenna is provided for GNSS and other applications and includes an adjustable-height vertical support PCB mounted on a ground plane and mounting a crossed-dipole radiating arm element assembly. The gain pattern of the antenna can be varied by constructing the vertical support PCB with different heights or adjusting the height and gain pattern in the field. Vehicles with significant pitch and roll can be provided with low-horizon tracking capability by providing a high-profile antenna configuration. Alternatively, low-profile configurations provide steeper gain pattern rolloff at the horizon for maximal multipath rejection and high accuracy. The droop angles of the radiating arm elements are also adjustable for varying the gain pattern and beamwidth. A matching and phasing network is connected to the radiating arm elements and provides a relatively constant input impedance for the various antenna configurations.

Abstract: A rotating antenna for radio frequency (RF) communication. The antenna comprises a pedestal and a rotating base supporting at least one antenna reflector and an RF transmission/reception unit, the pedestal and the rotating base being parallelly mounted, a rotary joint positioned to allow a transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between the rotating base and the pedestal during a rotational motion of one relative to the other around a rotation axis, an encoder set to follow the rotational motion, a plurality slip rings positioned to encircle a vertical profile of the rotary joint between the pedestal and the rotating base so that an electric contact is maintained therebetween during the rotational motion, and an annular bearing positioned to radially encompass the encoder and the plurality slip rings around the rotation axis and to constrain the rotational motion.

Abstract: When an RF signal is output, noise is prevented from appearing in the RF signal without degrading convenience. The MPU of the set top box has a functionally of an RF determination portion, which determines whether or not the RF signal is being output, the antenna setting portion, which if it is determined by the RF determination portion that the output of the RF signal is started, sets a smart antenna to preset one direction of a first predetermined number of directions and to preset one gain of a second predetermined number of steps of gains, and a change prohibition portion which prohibits a change of a direction and gain of the smart antenna if it is determined by the RF determination portion that the RF signal is being output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconfigurable reflecting array antenna comprising a subset of patterns capable of radiating signals emitted in a given direction and means of loading and placing said radiating arrays to place one of them in a chosen emitting position, characterized in that: the loading and placement means comprise a system for scrolling a first film (F1) comprising the subsets of radiating patterns used to selectively position a subset of radiating patterns in the emitting position. The antenna can be of the reflecting array antenna type or of the phased array antenna type.

Abstract: An antenna array employing a combined azimuth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is disclosed. The system employs a dual purpose remotely controllable actuator. The actuator is used to adjust azimuth angle of the antenna array and radiation beam tilt of the same. An antenna array employing a combined azimuth, beamwidth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotational antenna includes a stationary feed which is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation. A parabolic dish is rotationally mounted about the stationary feed in a state of being tipped with respect to the stationary, substantially vertically oriented feed. The rotational parabolic antenna may alternatively be provided with a rotating radio frequency (RF) and acoustic feed. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

Abstract: An antenna steering mount includes two basic building blocks which are joined together to form any of the known steering-axis combinations. Each block includes a cylinder cut at an angle to form a cylindrical wedge. The wedges are joined together by bearings at their interface, and motors are used to counter rotate the two wedges relative to each other. One end of the complete assembly is attached to a mounting platform, and the other end includes mounting features for attaching an antenna dish thereto. Various two- and three-axis steering configurations are disclosed including combinations of azimuth, elevation, cross-elevation, and cross-level steering.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for positioning an antenna is disclosed. The system may include an antenna, a first substantially circular track, a base, and a first plurality of rollers. The first substantially circular track may be coupled with the antenna. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be coupled with the base. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be in contact with the first substantially circular track. Each of the first plurality of rollers may rotate when the first substantially circular track rotates.

Abstract: A radar antenna system comprises a base. A center support is coupled to the base on a first end. A radar array is pivotally coupled to a second end of the center support. At least two actuators are provided for pivoting the radar array about the center support, altering its azimuth position.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupled with the support member and the spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partially defines a void. And the support member may be at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.

Abstract: Dual reflector offset mechanical pointing low profile telecommunication antenna, to be used above all on vehicles, even high-speed ones. Its reduced physical dimensions facilitate its use, with respect to the known solutions, as it allows its connecting to the receiving system, such as a satellite, though installed on a train or on an aircraft. The invention lies within the technical field of telecommunications and the applicative field of stationary, movable antennas of reduced dimensions, and accordingly within that of telecommunications in general. The original dual reflector antenna is obtained from a second-order polynomial that configurates it in the Cartesian space XYZ.

Abstract: For two-dimensional imaging of scenes through continuous passive or active microwave scanning, use is made of a fully mechanized directional antenna array comprising a main reflector (1), a primary radiator array (3) and a subreflector (2) having a small size in comparison to the main reflector and being tilted relative to the optical axis (7) of the directional antenna array. First drive means (8) are operative to rotate the subreflector (2) about the optical axis (7), and second drive means (17,18) are operative to move the total directional antenna array in a direction approximately vertical to the optical axis (7). The moving speed of the subreflector (2) is very high in comparison to that of the total directional antenna array.

Abstract: This invention presents an apparatus and system and its accompanying method for automatically placing of RFID antennas and a method for obtaining a readable region for passive RFID Tags are disclosed. The apparatus and system include a Portable and Adjustable Mounting Framework (PAMF) with built in chain belt for holding the RFID antennas, an Antenna Position Controller (APC) and Antenna Position Holders (APH) for control the movement of the antennas, a Moveable Object Platform (MOP) for carrying a number of RFID tags and a Computer Integrated System (CIS) with Readable Region Analysis (RRA) software to capture the transmitted and received RF signal from/to the RFID readers.

Abstract: A low profile receiving and/or transmitting antenna includes an array of antenna elements that collect and coherently combine millimeter wave or other radiation. The antenna elements are physically configured so that radiation at a predetermined wavelength band impinging on the antenna at a particular angle of incidence is collected by the elements and collected in-phase. Two or more mechanical rotators may be disposed to alter the angle of incidence of incoming or outgoing radiation to match the particular angle of incidence.

Abstract: An antenna system for wireless networks having a dual stagger antenna array architecture is disclosed. The antenna array contains a number of driven radiator elements that are spatially arranged in two vertically aligned groups each having pivoting actuators so as to provide a controlled variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern.

Abstract: An antenna for communicating with mobile devices in a land-based cellular communication system via an antenna beam having a width, azimuth angle and downtilt angle. The antenna includes: a two dimensional array of radiating elements (31-34); and a feed network (35-39) from a feed line to the radiating elements. The feed network includes: downtilt phase shifting means (35,36) for varying the phase of signals supplied to or received from the radiating elements so as to vary the downtilt angle of the antenna beam; azimuth phase shifting (38,39) means for varying the phase of signals supplied to or received from the radiating elements so as to vary the azimuth angle of the antenna beam; and beam width adjustment means (37) for varying the power or phase of signals supplied to or received from the radiating elements so as to vary the width of the antenna beam.

Abstract: An antenna system includes: a single steering platform automatically pointing the antenna system at a specified target; a first antenna coupled to the single steering platform and operable in a first band; a second antenna operable in a second band that is coupled with the first antenna; a controller operably coupled with the single steering platform for switching between the first band and the second band such that the first antenna operates when the first band is available and the second antenna operates when the second band is available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat scanning antenna (1) comprising: a radiant unit (2; 2a), having a flat shape and comprising in its turn one or more radiant waveguides (7) arranged side by side as array, said radiant waveguides (7) being in their turn divided in one or more modules (9), on each of them there is one or more slots (6) arranged on the same plane to receive or transmit radio-frequency signals; and at least one beam forming network (8), connected to said radiant unit (2; 2a), to feed said modules (9) of said radiant waveguides (7) with proper phases, in order to realize the scanning of a radiant beam in elevation with respect said radiant unit (2; 2a).

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying plotting results when multiple signals of the same frequency have been detected from different directions. Signal characteristics of the signals detected from different directions are compared so that, on the basis of the signal comparison, a decision may be made as to whether a reflection from the same transmitter is occurring, or different transmitters are involved.