Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning/directing satellite antennas towards a satellite with which it is to communicate. The system and method may use characteristics of symmetry of mutually exclusive orthogonal axes. By using the symmetry of the antenna main beams, the ideal direction of the antenna can be attained and, at the same time, maximum cross-polarization may be achieved. The cross polarization may be required in order not to interfere with the orthogonal polarization. The system and method may position the Antenna on three mutually exclusive orthogonal planes, including the azimuth plane, the elevation plane, and the polarization plane. The system and method may include an indoor unit, which may include a satellite receiver, a telemetric transmission, and supply of voltage to a control system and which may control a drive motor and/or an electronic search device; and an outdoor unit, which may include a supervisory unit, a motor, and a control unit.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning an electronically scanned, phased array antenna disposed on a moving platform, such as an aircraft, to enable the antenna to remain pointed at, and track, a geostationary satellite as the moving platform is in motion. The antenna is mounted on a support which is coupled to an output shaft of a motor. The motor is used to rotate the support, and therefore the antenna, as needed to maintain the beam of the antenna directed at the satellite. The support is rotated only after a scan angle of the beam of the antenna exceeds a predetermined maximum scan angle. The degree of rotational movement of the support is further selected to be such that only a minimum number of adjustments to the position of the support are needed to maintain the scan angle of the beam of the antenna within the desired maximum scan angle over a large distance of travel of the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of antennas for tracking nonsynchronous satellites (21, 22) along predefined trajectories. It is characterized in that the said system includes at least first (11) and second (12) transmitter/receiver elements moving in the vicinity of the focusing surface of the system (1) along a line of focal points, the first element (11) actively tracking a first satellite (21) and the second element (12) standing by to actively track a second satellite (22). Particular application to the tracking of nonsynchronous satellites, in particular low- and mid-orbit satellites, and of geostationary satellites.

Abstract: A motor-drive device for sensors around a spherical electromagnetic lens, for example a Luneberg type lens using in a system of transmission and/or reception, comprises, for each module, at least one piezoelectric motor rigidly connected to the module, the module moving in the vicinity of the surface of the lens by the reptation of the piezoelectric motor on this surface. The disclosed device can be applied especially to receivers and/or transmitters carrying out multiple-satellite tracking, for example in the field of communications by orbiting satellites.

Abstract: A satellite broadcast receiver comprises an antenna, a tuner, a modulator, a FEC decoder, a microprocessor, and an antenna driver. The antenna receives the satellite signal and the tuner tunes the satellite signal received by the antenna, and the modulator modulates the satellite signal tuned by the tuner into digital signal, the FEC decoder corrects a position error of the satellite antenna using the signal modulated by the modulator, and outputs a corresponding output signal, and the microprocessor receives the signal modulated by the modulator and the output signal of the error corrector, and outputs a control signal which controls the position of the antenna, and the antenna driver drives the antenna in accordance with the control signal of the microprocessor. The satellite broadcast receiver enables a user to detect satellites fast and see satellite broadcast conveniently.

Abstract: The pointing of at least two sensors (61, 62) is ensured through a Luneberg lens (50). A first frame (20) pivoting on a support (10), supports in pivoting manner a second frame (30), which can in turn support the lens (50). The second frame (30, 40) supports at least one rail (41) for guiding the sensors in the vicinity of the focal surface of the lens. Control means (90) act on the mount as a function of data concerning the position of satellites to be sighted. They are arranged so as to temporarily stop the sighting of one of the satellites, bring the mount into an opposite position on the focal surface, whilst continually sighting the other satellite, and resume the sighting of both satellites, the two sensors then being in an inverted position on the rail.

Abstract: A satellite communication antenna apparatus for performing communication with a communication satellite, comprises a spherical radio wave lens, an arcuate guide unit arranged along an outer surface of the radio wave lens and having a central point common with the radio wave lens, an antenna unit reciprocally movable along the guide unit, and an antenna positioning unit for positioning the antenna unit, wherein the guide unit is made of a material with a low specific dielectric constant.

Abstract: A ball joint gimbal system which provides for a precise line-of-sight stabilization of a gimballed mirror that rides on a ball and its associated support structure. The mirror is positioned by four braided lines. The brained lines are driven by four servo motor with each servo motor being coupled to one of four capstan shafts. Each of the braided lines is wound around one of the four capstan shafts. The braided lines are positioned by optical shaft encoders. The low inertia of the gimballed mirror and the positioning of the mirror by the braided lines result in an extremely accurate and fast scanning optical pointing system. Inertial gimbal stabilization of the line of sight to a target is by a stabilization algorithm utilizing body rate information from body sensors which are components of the missile for providing autopilot and navigation functions for the missile.

Abstract: An antenna pointing system automatically aligns an antenna with a geo-synchronous satellite using a Ku band signal, which has a relatively broad bandwidth, with sufficient accuracy for Ka band signal transmission, which has a relatively narrow bandwidth. Initially, the antenna is pointed at the selected satellite so as to receive the Ku band signal. The system obtains a series of signal strength readings over a predetermined azimuth (or elevation) region, such as plus/minus two degrees, from which a new peak location is selected. Signal strength data is then obtained over a predetermined elevation (or azimuth) region. Another signal peak location is selected based on the elevation data. Azimuth and elevation data are alternately collected for refining the peak of the Ku signal so as to optimize Ka signal transmission capability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a wide range azimuth (AZ) driving system for an antenna which has a simple structure and enables costs to be lowered and a producing time to be short. A first worm reducer which is connected to a worm shaft of a motor and a second worm reducer which is intermittently driven by the worm shaft and a clutch are provided, and gears of the two worm reducers engage with a large gear which is arranged to an antenna yoke. Further, one motor can arbitrarily control backlash and both wide range driving at a high speed and tracking driving with high precision are simultaneously possible by properly controlling the clutch and the motor.

Abstract: An antenna driving device for a mobile communication terminal including a flat antenna and a receiver for receiving a radio signal through the flat antenna. The device has a flat antenna driver for shifting the direction of the flat antenna by predetermined steps; an RSSI detector for detecting the RSSI value of the received radio signal for each shifting step of the flat antenna; a position detector for detecting a position of the flat antenna through the flat antenna driver; a memory for storing the RSSI value detected for each step and the associated flat antenna positional information; and a controller for controlling the flat antenna driver and the RSSI detector, and for shifting the direction of the flat antenna to a position having the highest RSSI value by controlling the flat antenna driver. The flat antenna driver comprises a motor for shifting the direction of the flat antenna; and a driver for driving the motor under the control of the controller to shift the direction of the flat antenna.

Abstract: An improved antenna device is provided which is easy to be made compact in size and easy to deflect a beam at a high speed. Further, a transmitting/receiving apparatus using the improved antenna device is provided which is capable of performing a detection within a large range. In particular, a primary radiator and a first transmission line combined with the primary radiator are provided on a movable section, a second transmission line electromagnetically combined with the first transmission line and a dielectric lens with a position of said primary radiator serving as a generally focal point surface are provided on a fixed section. Further, a structure is provided capable of deflecting the beam by displacing the movable section. Also, means is provided to detect the position of the movable section and a control means is provided for displacing the movable section in accordance with a position designating signal of the movable section.

Abstract: A Luneberg lens has a plurality of feeds arranged to send and receive signals to and from a plurality of satellites. The lens is spherical and is fixedly supported on a support mount. Also supported on this mount are a plurality of arcuate positioner tracks which form arcs parallel to the surface of the lens. Each of the feeds is mounted on a separate one of these tracks. The tracks are supported on the mount for separate pivotal motion along separate paths equidistant from the surface of the lens about a “y” axis relative to the lens. A motor is coupled to the drive of each of the tracks to pivotally drive its associated track in response to control signals. The feeds are mounted on the tracks for motion in paths about an “x” axis relative to the lens, such paths being equidistant from the surface of such lens. A motor drives each of the feeds in response to control signals along separate paths parallel to the lens surface.

Abstract: An antenna system of the invention includes a plurality of antenna devices respectively configured to send or receive a plurality of radio beams, a plurality of electric feeding units respectively holding the plurality of antenna devices and a spherical lens having a center and causing the plurality of radio beam to converge into the plurality of antenna devices respectively. A holding rail holds the plurality of electric feeding units in such a manner that the plurality of antenna devices are movable along a substantially constant distance from the center of the spherical lens. According to the antenna system, the plurality of electric feeding units can be arranged for one spherical lens to follow the plurality of satellites. Thus, the antenna system can be arranged in a smaller space.

Abstract: Scanning apparatus which scans input radiation from a scene and output radiation is transmitted to a receiver system, for example a millimetre wave imaging camera or a radar receiver by a rotatable reflective plate having an axis of rotation passing through the centre of its surface, secondary reflector and static reflector, wherein the secondary reflector is a second rotatable reflective plate having a common axis of rotation with the first rotatable reflective plate, wherein the common axis of rotation is inclined at a non-zero zero angle &thgr;b to the normal to the second reflective plate. The normal to the first rotatable plate is inclined at a small angle to the common axis of rotation, typically a few degrees and forms the secondary reflector. The static reflector may be a polarising roof reflector through which radiation is input to and output from the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a 45° Faraday rotator or a birefringent surface such as a Meander-line.

Abstract: A motor-driven antenna device in which an antenna element (10) has a short protruding length so that the outer dimension of the entire device is reduced, and in which damping of an AM-band signal by a signal path is restrained with a small stray capacitance. A rack cord (12) to be meshed with a pinion gear (24) is connected to a proximal portion of the antenna element (10) made of a helical coil over its entire length, and the antenna element (10) is caused to protrude and move to be housed by rotational driving of a motor drive section. The rack cord (12), the motor drive section and the pinion gear (24) are housed in a case (14), and a guide (26) to which the rack cord (12) is abutted and moves while bending is provided in the case (14). Thus, the rack cord (12) is abutted and moves to the guide (26) by the movement of the antenna element (10).

Abstract: An antenna arrangement is provided for use in a vehicle. It comprised an antenna element (601-606, 701a-704f, 901-907, 1203) and means (600, 801, 802, 803, 804, 900, 910, 1200, 1201, 1202) for moving the antenna element in relation to the vehicle. The means for moving the antenna element are arranged to move the antenna element in relation to the vehicle into a direction which is opposite to a direction of movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hinged electronic device (1, 1′, 1″) comprising a base part (2), hinges (6, 6′) and a cover part (3), the cover part (3) being arranged rotatably with relation to the base part (2) about the rotation axis (7) of the hinges (6, 6′). The device (1, 1′, 1″) also comprises at least one antenna structure (9, 9′, 9″) to which is arranged an antenna (10, 18, 21) and which is arranged substantially concentrically with the rotation axis (7) of the hinges (6, 6′). (FIG.

Abstract: A phased array antenna has a spatially periodic array of tapered pitch helical antenna elements disposed on a first side of a panel, and RF interface circuitry on a second side the panel. For a ‘pseudo’-monopulse tracking mode of operation, single bit, digitally controlled phase shift elements of the RF circuitry impart sequentially different amounts of phase shift to the energy derived from the spatial sections of the antenna elements. This causes a sequential electrical tilting of the beam pattern of the array in a plurality of respectively different directions relative to boresight. For each sequential tilt of the beam pattern, signals representative of the energy received by each of plural quadrants of the array are summed and stored.

Abstract: Two antenna units (11) and (12) are located on a pedestal device (13) provided rotatably around an azimuth angular axis thereof, and a rotating mechanism for rotating in an azimuth angular direction and an elevation angular direction respectively is provided in each of the antenna units (11, 12). The antenna units (11) and (12) execute, for the purpose of communicating with the orbital satellites (81) and (82) respectively, satellites tracking by adjusting its own azimuth angle and elevation angle while moving in association with rotation of the rotating mechanism (14) of the pedestal device (13).

Abstract: A mechanism for extending and retracting an antenna in a portable phone. A driving motor is provided and has a motor shaft around which a worm is fit, a worm gear is engaged with the worm of the motor shaft, and a pulley arrangement is provided which includes a roller shaft which connects the worm gear to a first pulley roller, a timing belt that transfers the force of the first pulley roller to a second pulley roller. A driving roller and a driven roller receive the force from the second pulley roller, and an antenna rod is disposed between the driving and driven rollers, to be extended/retracted by the driving and driven rollers. A first main bracket is provided which has a space for holding the driving motor, a first free end for supporting the worm gear, and a second free end for supporting the driving roller.

Abstract: An antenna control system is connected to an antenna in order to control the position of the antenna. The system includes a motor connected to the antenna for adjusting the position or vertical tilt angle of the antenna. A driver is provided for operating the motor. A sensor is also provided to detect the position of the antenna. In addition, an antenna controller is connected to an antenna memory, the driver, and the sensor, for reading the detected position of the antenna and for controlling the driver to adjust the antenna's position. A main controller is connected to the antenna controller for sending commands to and reading data from the antenna controller. In this manner, the main controller can interface with any number of antennas at a base station and control the position or down-tilt of each antenna. According to one embodiment of the control system, a user interface is also provided for entering commands to and reading data from the main controller.

Abstract: Identification tags (22) are secured to objects (20) moving upon a transport band (16). The identification tags (22) each contain a transponder circuit (32) in electrical communication with transponder antennae (30, 31). The transponder circuit (32) contains a unique digital code containing data relating to the object (20). When the identification tag (22) is located beneath the object (20), at least one reader antenna (25) is positioned beneath the transport band (16) and in alignment with a selected aperture (34) extending through a support plate (12). One or more apertures (34) in alignment with the reader antenna (25) provide capacitive coupling between the transponder antennae (30, 31) and the reader antenna (25). The reader circuit (28) generates a signal in the presence of an identification tag (22), which is transmitted to the transponder antenna (30) located on the identification tag (22).

Abstract: A suspension device for rotatable appliances, such as antennas, of the type which for rotation is connectible with a frame-mounted shaft which extends through a power operated disk or a similar antenna mounting and which, beyond the antenna mounting, has a free end mounted in a stationary part, which is capable of limited motion generated rated by insufficient concentricity between the antenna mounting and the shaft. An angle-transducing device is provided for said shaft. A connector is arranged adjacent to or round the shaft and directs components of force on the stationary part which have arisen owing to sufficient concentricity to merely displacement in the X-Y direction in a plane perpendicular to the shaft, by the connector being displaceably fixed in the X direction to the stationary part and displaceably fixed in the Y direction to the frame, or by the connector being displaceably fixed in the X direction to the shaft and displaceably fixed in the Y direction to the antenna mounting.

Abstract: An antenna positioner includes a housing and a hub mounted within the housing. A substantially planar configured support plate is rotatably mounted on the hub. A substantially elongate antenna is pivotally mounted on the support plate. An elevation drive mechanism is mounted on the support plate and interconnects the antenna for pivoting the antenna a predetermined angle and adjusting elevation of the antenna. An azimuth drive mechanism is mounted on the support plate and interconnects the hub and rotates the support plate relative to the hub a predetermined arcuate distance relative to the hub and adjusts azimuth of the antenna. A controller is operatively connected to the elevation drive mechanism and the azimuth drive mechanism and controls the azimuth and elevation drive mechanisms to adjust elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: An antenna positioner control system and related method is disclosed. The antenna positioner control system includes a housing and a hub mounted within a housing. A support plate is rotatably mounted on the hub. An antenna is pivotally mounted on the support plate. At least one elevation drive servomotor is mounted on the support plate and interconnects the antenna for pivoting the antenna a predetermined angle and adjusting elevation of the antenna. At least one azimuth drive servomotor is mounted on the support plate and interconnects the antenna for rotating the support plate relative to the hub a predetermined arcuate distance for adjusting azimuth of the antenna. An antenna control unit is operatively connected to the elevation drive servomotor and azimuth drive servomotor and includes an elevation control circuit and azimuth control circuit.

Abstract: A probe movement apparatus for spherical near-field antenna testing moves a probe (22) over a spherical measurement surface or path by two bent cantilevered arms (14 and 18). A positioner (12 or 16) rotates each arm (14 and 18). An elevation positioner (16) is mounted on the tip of an azimuth arm (12) The azimuth positioner (12) is mounted on a base (10). The rotation axes of the two positioners (12 and 16) intersect and are orthogonal. The axes intersection point defines the center of the measurement sphere. The antenna (32) is mounted within the measurement sphere on an anti-spin bearing (26) on the azimuth arm (14) centered above the azimuth positioner (12). A shaft (28) connects to the anti-spin bearing, extends down though the azimuth arm (14) and positioner (12) and connects to an anti-spin positioner (30). The anti-spin positioner (30) attaches to the base (10) and holds the antenna (32) stationary.

Abstract: A stabilizer platform mounted to a vessel for positioning a satellite dish antenna in the azimuth and elevation directions. An azimuth motor and an elevation motor are mounted in a formed hollow interior of a housing. Azimuth motor control cables and elevation motor control cables are connected to the motors to carry signals and power for controlling the operation of the motors. On top of housing is mounted a platform which rotates in the azimuth direction with respect to the housing. The azimuth motor is coupled to the platform through a gear arrangement and rotates the platform. On top of the platform is mounted an elevation drive which holds the satellite dish antenna. Mounted in the platform is an elevation gear cluster which rotates with respect to the platform. The elevation gear cluster is coupled to the elevation drive. The elevation motor drives the elevation gear cluster so that the elevation motor can move the satellite dish antenna in the elevation direction.

Abstract: A drive module comprising an elbow formed of composite material and having two generally tubular legs having a large bore. On one leg, elbow supports an azimuth drive module also formed in a generally tubular configuration and have a large bore. On the other leg, elbow supports an elevation drive module also formed in a generally tubular configuration and having a large bore. The respective modules are operatively connected to an outside diameter of the respective legs. Azimuth drive module and elevation drive module include motors which when energized enable displacement of the respective legs in order to control the azimuth and elevation of elbow to enable pointing of a structure, such as an antenna as may be located on a second elbow.

Abstract: Since the mobile satellite communication antenna according to the present invention has the antenna board provided on the top surface of the rotary member in the state in which a part of the antenna board protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer periphery of the rotary member, the antenna board doubles as a member for preventing the belt from coming off and reduces the number of parts, which can provide an antenna which is inexpensive and compact and is easily assembled.

Abstract: A tracking device comprises a cam-driven actuator arm by which the declination of an earth station dish is caused to vertically oscillate with a sidereal day cycle. In a second embodiment, the tracker comprises a constant velocity joint interposed between the satellite dish and the elevation frame of the antenna mounting structure. The rotation of the constant velocity joint over a sidereal day cycle will result in tracking of the figure eight path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structure of an active antenna system of a mobile and a satellite navigation method using the system. The present invention provides a structure of an active antenna system of a mobile and a satellite tracking method using the system, in which beams are formed and then directed by using sub-array concept, the tracking accuracy becomes to high by using double beam satellite tracking mode for tracking the satellite, tracking loss is reduced and positions are more accurately tracked during movement using an absolute steering sensing mode.

Abstract: Identification tags are secured to parcels moving upon a conveyor belt. The identification tags each contain a transponder circuit in electrical communication with a transponder antenna. The transponder circuit contains a unique digital code containing data relating to the parcel. When the identification tag is located beneath a parcel, at least one reader circuit is positioned beneath the conveyor belt in alignment with a selected aperture extending through the. One or more apertures in alignment with the reader antenna provide electrical communication with the reader antenna. The reader circuit generates a signal in the presence of an identification tag, which is transmitted to the transponder antenna located on the identification tag. The signal energizes the transponder circuit in the identification tag, which sends a unique digital code via the transponder antenna back to the reader antenna.

Abstract: A device for angular adjustment of a direction-indicating object of an antenna device such that the direction-indicating object performs a mechanical movement without rotating. The inside of a first end of a rigid tube is rotatably arranged via two bearing devices in relation to a fixed part of the antenna device around an axis of rotation, the fixed part is attached to a foundation. An antenna part of the antenna device includes the direction-indicating object. The antenna part is rotatably arranged via a bearing device on a bevelled outer edge of a second end of the tube around a central axis. The outer edge is bevelled to an intended fixed angle which determines the fixed angular adjustment of the antenna part with respect to the fixed part of the antenna device. A cardan coupling is arranged between the fixed part and the antenna part such that the cardan coupling prevents the antenna part from being able to rotate in relation to the fixed part.

Abstract: An optical reflector antenna utilizes a subreflector that is offset from the optical axis of the antenna and that revolves about the optical axis to scan the beam from the antenna in a circular path about the axis of the antenna to facilitate the search for and acquisition of a satellite for subsequent tracking and communications. The subreflector is mounted on a rotatable shaft that is aligned with the optical axis of the antenna. When the shaft is not being rotated, one or more springs hold the subreflector in a fixed position aligned with the optical axis of the antenna to facilitate tracking and communications. When the shaft is rotated, rotational forces cause the subreflector to shift to and remain at a position that is offset from the optical axis and the rotation of the shaft causes the offset subreflector to revolve about the optical axis of the antenna, thus scanning the beam from the antenna to facilitate the search for and and the acquisition of the satellite.

Abstract: A motor unit fitted with a buffer mechanism which absorbs the turning force of a motor when an output shaft of the motor stops due to an external load while the motor is operative and which can provide stable performance without causing biting between a worm and a worm wheel. The motor unit fitted with the buffer mechanism causes relative rotation between the output shaft and the worm wheel when the output shaft stops turning while the motor is operative. Springs and rubbers are provided in series or in parallel in a power transmission system within the worm wheel with respect to the direction of rotation of the worm wheel so as to function as buffer members by absorbing the turning force of the motor when the output shaft stops turning while the motor is operative.

Abstract: A stabilizer platform mounted to a vessel for positioning a satellite dish antenna in the azimuth and elevation directions. An azimuth motor and an elevation motor are mounted in a formed hollow interior of a housing. Azimuth motor control cables and elevation motor control cables are connected to the motors to carry signals and power for controlling the operation of the motors. On top of housing is mounted a platform which rotates in the azimuth direction with respect to the housing. The azimuth motor is coupled to the platform through a gear arrangement and rotates the platform. On top of the platform is mounted an elevation drive which holds the satellite dish antenna. Mounted in the platform is an elevation gear cluster which rotates with respect to the platform. The elevation gear cluster is coupled to the elevation drive. The elevation motor drives the elevation gear cluster so that the elevation motor can move the satellite dish antenna in the elevation direction.

Abstract: A tracking device comprises a cam-driven actuator arm by which the declination of an earth station dish is caused to vertically oscillate with a sidereal day cycle. In a second embodiment, the tracker comprises a constant velocity joint interposed between the satellite dish and the elevation frame of the antenna mounting structure. The rotation of the constant velocity joint over a sidereal day cycle will result in tracking of the figure eight path.

Abstract: A two-axis satellite antenna mounting and tracking assembly including a universal joint for mounting the antenna to support structure. A pair of linear actuators offset at 90.degree. to each other about the universal joint are operated in full-on/full-off fashion to control the azimuth and elevation orientations of the antenna. Satellite tracking is effected by maximizing received signal strength.

Abstract: The highly-stiffened, dual-axle antenna tracking pedestal improves tracking performance, reduces manufacturing and installation costs and increases safety during field assembly, maintenance and operation of the pedestal. The reinforced concrete counterweights affect the natural frequency of the pedestal system and reduce vibrational effects from wind loads during antenna slew. Reduction of the number of structural components and pouring concrete counterweights at the job site simplifies fabrication, as well as reducing shipping and handling costs. The use of a dual-axle mount provides antenna slewing without problems associated with conventional azimuth-elevation pedestal systems. The pedestal mount has a structure and drive system that is simple and inexpensive. The drive system has two orthogonal rotational axes, one oriented east-west and the other north-south. The two rotational degree-of-freedom arrangement allows smooth tracking over the entire sky.

Abstract: A steerable antenna system for adjusting the elevation of an antenna for communication with a central facility via a satellite. The steerable antenna system includes a motor, a spindle drivingly engaged to the motor, and a chassis fixedly disposed on the spindle. The chassis has a stop disposed about its periphery. A first waveguide is fixedly disposed on the chassis and a second waveguide is disposed on an antenna. A ring cam is mounted on the chassis, and a grooved is formed in the ring cam. A first portion of a lever arm is pivotally mounted on the chassis and a second portion of the lever arm is disposed in the groove of the ring cam. An antenna is hingedly mounted on the chassis and to the lever arm. A solenoid, disposed on a base of the steerable antenna system, is configured to engage a portion of the ring cam. In use, when the solenoid is activated, power from the motor is used to adjust the elevation of the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna device used in a car radar system for emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation, comprises a rotatable reflector; a feeder fixed relative to the antenna device and interacting with the reflector; a motor for driving the reflector; and a tachometer for monitoring the rotation of the reflector and for controlling the drive motor. The drive motor and the tachometer are constituted by flag motors, each having a rotor with flat coils and a stator including permanent magnets, the rotor being rotatable in a magnetic field created by permanent magnets and having the coil ends directed towards the permanent magnets, the rotors of the flag motors being rigidly, mechanically connected to each other.

Abstract: A low profile antenna positioning system is disclosed which has a carriage, an antenna, a first member pivotally secured to the antenna and slidably secured to the carriage and a second member pivotally secured to the antenna and pivotally secured to the carriage. The antenna is movable through a wide range of elevation angles and maintains a relatively low profile as it moves back and forth between an elevation angle of from approximately 15.degree. to approximately 69.degree.. In that regard, an upper portion of the antenna moves downwardly and rearwardly in a linear path and a lower portion of the antenna moves upwardly in an arcuate path as the elevation angle increases. Similarly, the upper portion of the antenna moves upwardly and forwardly in a linear path and the lower portion of the antenna moves downwardly in an arcuate path as the elevation angle decreases. The carriage may be pivotally secured to a base for movement about an azimuth axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a parabolic antenna includes a support member for supporting the parabolic antenna, a housing having a pair of frames assembled together for accommodating the support member, a first device for providing tilting movement in the parabolic antenna, and a second device for providing rotational movement in the parabolic antenna in sidewise directions, thereby providing tilting movements in the parabolic antenna and rotational movements therein in sidewise directions.

Abstract: A satellite dish antenna targeting device which corrects for incline and parabolic offset angle. The satellite dish antenna is connected to a base by a support member so that the satellite dish antenna is able to move through an elevation. An inclinometer is mounted to move in unison with the satellite dish antenna for sensing when the base is oriented at an inclination angle with respect to a tangent to the earth at a location where the satellite dish antenna is being targeted. The inclinometer further senses the elevation the satellite dish antenna moves through. The inclinometer thereby provides a dish elevation corrected for the incline and elevation of the satellite dish antenna to a microprocessor. The microprocessor corrects the dish elevation for the parabolic offset angle of the satellite dish antenna. A display device connected to the microprocessor displays a corrected dish elevation of the satellite dish antenna.

Abstract: An RFID antenna system is described comprising an elongated antenna disposed proximate an interrogation path for interrogating transponders moving along the interrogation path. The antenna is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the antenna is substantially perpendicular to said interrogation path. The antenna provides an active RF interrogation zone that intersects at least 40% of the horizontal longitudinal plane of the interrogation path.

Abstract: An antenna housing functions as a radome for a satellite antenna device for mounting on a moving body. The housing includes a lower portion on which the antenna device, having an antenna body and an automatic tracking mechanism, is fixedly mounted and an upper portion releasably connected to the lower portion in a watertight manner. The upper portion is made of a dielectric material and composed of a single layer of a resin having a relative dielectric constant of no more than 2. The upper portion is spaced from a surface of the antenna body by a distance except for values close to an integral multiple of a half-wave length.

Abstract: A base support for a moveable antenna. The base support is attached to an upstanding mounting member and the antenna is attached to a support structure connected to a base member. The support structure is operatively connected to a worm gear assembly which includes a motor driven worm and worm gear disposed between the base member and support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a predetermined axis. The motor driven worm is supported at an outboard end by a first bearing assembly and supported at its opposite end by a pair of spaced apart bearing assemblies to prevent backlash between the motor driven worm and worm gear. A second worm gear assembly including a similarly supported motor driven worn and worm gear can be interposed transversely between the first support structure and a second support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A compact, mechanically-steered antenna especially applicable for mobile terminals for receiving signals broadcast by satellites, is adjustable in azimuth and elevation. The antenna's active element can be rotated in azimuth through 360 degrees. Rotary couplings in the signal path are avoided by means of a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling conveniently comprises a torsion spring and the feedline, typically a highly-flexible coaxial cable, passes through it. The active element is mounted upon a first support member and rotatable relative to it about the boresight of the antenna. A second support member is mounted upon a base member and rotatable relative to it in azimuth. The first second support is mounted upon the second support by means of a hinge coupling which permits pivoting of one support member relative to the other to adjust the elevation angle.

Abstract: There is presented an antenna assembly comprising an elongated mast slida mounted in a support structure. A first electric motor is disposed at a proximal end of the mast for moving the mast along the axis of the mast, and a second electric motor is disposed at a distal end of the mast for moving the mast rotatively about its axis.