Abstract: A positioning device orients an antenna element, or an entire antenna of multiple elements, or other payload requiring positioning relative to a supporting base. The antenna element is pivotally mounted upon the base, and a strut extends from the antenna element to an actuator assembly which moves the strut to adjust the orientation of the antenna element. The actuator assembly has two linear actuators which extend from the base, respectively, to opposite ends of a lever which, in turn, connects via a pivot to an end of the strut distant from the antenna element. The lever pivot is located between the ends of the lever at a location closer to one of the ends than to the other of the ends of the lever, such as a two-to-one ratio of lever arm lengths. Use of a first of the actuators by itself serves for the primary source of adjustment of the position of the antenna element.

Abstract: A deployable satellite antenna system permits an antenna with elevation and azimuth control to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle. The elevation control assembly for the antenna system has a base with two parallel tracks and a slider that moves along these tracks. The antenna reflector is connected to a support frame pivotably attached to the slider. Pivot arms are pivotally attached between the reflector and the base adjacent to the parallel tracks. The elevational position of the antenna is adjusted by a motor that controls the position of the slider along the parallel tracks between a stowed position in which the reflector is stowed facing the vehicle and a deployed position in which the reflector is rotated to a maximum elevational angle. In one embodiment, a feed arm supporting the feed horn extends outward from the antenna support frame adjacent to the lower edge of the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna having a central axis is supported on a supporting member which in turn is supported on an azimuth gimbal. The antenna and the supporting member are rotatable around an elevation axis perpendicular to the central axis gimbal is supported on a base and is rotatable around an azimuth axis perpendicular to the elevation axis. A first gyro having an input axis parallel to the elevation axis is secured to the supporting member, and a second gyro having an input axis perpendicular to both the central axis and the elevation angle axis is secured to the supporting member. An accelerometer is provided for outputting a signal representative of an inclination angle of the central axis relative to a horizontal plane. An azimuth transmitter is provided for outputting a signal representative of a rotation angle of the azimuth gimbal around the azimuth axis.

Abstract: An antenna pointing device for use in a satellite tracking system, including a satellite tracking system mounted on a moving body. The tracking system has at least one sensor that generates a signal indicating the orientation of the moving body relative to the satellite. The pointing device includes a base mounted on the moving body, an antenna pointing arm carrying the antenna and a universal joint supported by the base. The pointing arm is rotatably mounted within the universal joint for rotation about first and second control axes, the universal joint being constructed and arranged to enable rotation of the pointing arm through greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees about each of the first and second control axes while suffering no singularities of control.

Abstract: A passive, active or mixed platform type antenna orienting apparatus mounts on a vehicle such as a small-sized vessel or an automobile, which is subject to turns and complex vibrations, traces a target such as a communications satellite with a directive antenna. Between a rotational shaft connected to a platform supporting an antenna and a stationery shaft connected to base to be carried on a vehicle, there is interposed as electric rotary coupling for transmitting power and signals necessary for a transmission signal and an attitude control, so that the platform 43 supporting the antenna 1 may continuously rotate with respect to the vehicle 27. Midway of a post 41, moreover, there is disposed a horizontal damping mechanism 70 which includes a laminate 75 and facial pressure apply means 76 for applying a facial pressure to a laminate 75, to effect a damping action which is excellent in durability and even in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A polar mounted antenna support mechanism utilizing a frame for holding the antenna. An azimuth adjusting element and an elevation adjusting element are included to appropriately move the frame and, thus, the antenna as desired. The present invention also provides the frame with a declination adjusting element having a track, which is linked to the frame. A bearing support guides the movement of the track and motivation mechanism is included for urging the track relative to the bearing surface.

Abstract: A base support for a moveable antenna employing a stepping motor and stepping motor controller to move the antenna in fine increments. The base support is attached to an upstanding mounting member. An antenna is attached to a first support structure connected to a base member. The support structure is operatively connected to a worm gear assembly and motor driven worm gear disposed between the base member and the support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a predetermined axis. The worm gear is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is controlled by a stepping motor controller to control incremental movement of the antenna. A second worm gear assembly can be interposed transversly between the first support structure and a second support structure to effect movements of the antenna about a horizontal axis. A second stepping motor and second stepping motor controller are used to drive the second worm gear and effect incremental movement of the antenna about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A linear-actuator-type antenna drive assembly for use in an antenna base, which drive assembly facilitates horizon-to-horizon tracking of geosynchronous satellites, includes a linear actuator having an expandable and retractable end, a first link pivotably connected between the expansible and retractable end of the linear actuator and a means for mounting an antenna to the base, and a second link pivotably connected between the base and the first link.

Abstract: A planar patch array antenna for satellite communications. The antenna includes a planar patch array and a dual axis positioner for rotating the array about azimuth and elevation axes. The dual axis positioner is unique in that it consists of a plurality of individual modules which can be easily assembled and disassembled. The positioner consists of the following modules: a fixed pedestal, an azimuth drive module, an azimuth rotary module, an RF/slip ring module, an elevation drive module, an antenna support and an electronic module. According to the invention, the pedestal remains fixed and the azimuth drive module is received in a recess defined by the pedestal. The azimuth rotary module is rotatably supported on the pedestal and is driven by the azimuth drive module so that it rotates about the vertical or azimuth axis. The elevation drive module is fixed to the rotary drive module and rotatably supports the antenna support module.

Abstract: A mechanically steerable antenna suitable for mobile earth stations of satellite communication systems comprises a support member mounted upon a base member and an active antenna element or array of elements mounted upon the support member. The antenna element or array of elements is rotatable about its boresight relative to the support member. The support member itself is rotatable in azimuth relative to the base member. The rotation axis of the antenna element or array of elements and the rotation axis of the support member are mutually inclined by a predetermined angle corresponding to the mean elevation angle of the satellite. The antenna includes drive means for rotating the support member relative to the base member, and a flexible coupling interconnects the base member and the antenna element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna apparatus for a moving object. It comprises a casing mountable on a moving object and a base plate rotatably supported for rotation about a first rotary shaft which is fixed to the casing. A first drive is provided for rotatably driving the base plate about the first rotary shaft. An antenna unit includes a first antenna plate having a predetermined first beam axis, a second antenna plate having a predetermined second beam axis and connecting member for connecting the first and second antenna plates, with the first and second beam axes being oriented parallel to each other and with the antenna plates being positioned at a predetermined fixed offset distance between them along a line which is parallel to the first and second beam axes.

Abstract: A mounting assembly including a casing having an outer surface attached to a TVRO antenna and having an inner surface and at least one first guide slot positioned on the inner surface of the casing. An inner tube is located inside the casing and has portions which extend out of the casing for attaching to the mounting pole. At least one second guide slot is formed through the inner tube. One of the first or second guide slots is non-linear. The casing is rotated by a spider-like mechanism having drive arm having a first end nested in the first guide slot, a body passing through the second guide slot. A leadscrew passes through the spider like mechanism and a motor coupled to one end of the leadscrew turns the leadscrew causing the spider like mechanism to move vertically along the leadscrew, which in turn causes the casing to rotate with respect to the inner tube.

Abstract: Gimballed scanning devices are an important aspect of space science. To achieve a scan pattern some means must be provided which impart to the devices an oscillatory motion. Various forms of machines have been employed for controllably conferring scan patterns on these scanning devices. Although they have included control moment gyroscopes, reaction wheels, torque motors, reaction control systems, and the like, rotating unbalanced mass (RUM) devices are a new and more efficient way to generate scans in gimballed devices or payloads. But they require power consuming and frequently complex auxiliary control systems to position and reposition the particular scan pattern relative to a target or a number of targets. Herein the control system is simplified. In the suspension system provided for payloads rotatably supported in gimbals payload rotation is restricted by a flex pivot so that the payload oscillates, moving in a scan pattern.

Abstract: An antenna pointing mechanism for a highly directional antenna which avoids the aforenoted problems. The mechanism including the antenna are rendered substantially immune to bending and play-induced movements resulting from vibration or the like, making it highly useful for land based vehicles, ships, and particularly for aircraft. It also provides the ability to point the antenna over elevational angles exceeding 180.degree., making it particularly useful for communication with satellites from aircraft.

Abstract: A satellite dish antenna mounting construction including a vertical support post having upper and lower ends, a pivotal polar mount member mounted on the upper end of the vertical support post, a satellite antenna dish frame pivotally mounted on the polar mount, a satellite antenna dish mounted on the dish frame, a power operated dish actuator having a motor and gear box housing with a motor and gear train mounted therein, an outer telescoping member extending downwardly from the gear box housing having an open outer and movable within and extending downwardly from the outer telescoping member, a clamp positioned on the vertical post at a position intermediate the upper and lower ends of the support post, a first universal pivot mount pivotally mounted to the clamp, and a second universal pivot mount pivotally mounted to the satellite dish frame at a position above the level of the location of the clamp.

Abstract: A satellite television receiver antenna for use on seaborne vessels comprises a Cassegrain antenna including a parabolic main reflector, and a hyperbolic sub-reflector mounted at an angle slightly opposite from the center axis of the parabolic reflector, the sub-reflector being driven by a motor to rotate so as to cause the antenna reception pattern to perform a conical scan around the main axis of the parabolic reflector. The rotational speed is an even multiple of the frequency of any amplitude modulation of the received signal, or of any electrical interference, and the received signal is measured at points rotationally spaced apart 180 degrees, so that the effects of modulation and/or electrical interference are cancelled. The measured signal strength at four positions spaced rotationally by 90.degree. is used to derive power signals to drive pulse width modulation control azimith and elevation motors.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the adjusting of a mounting part on a carrier in a statically determined position which can be adjusted in a rotatory and translatory manner in three axes with respect to the carrier. The arrangement comprises at least three adjusting units which are arranged in an offset manner with respect to one another between the carrier and the mounted part, each of which comprises two connecting parts which can be translatorily adjusted relative to one another in two axes and are constructed to be rotatorily in three axes as well as translatorily in one axis freely movable sloped to the adjusting plane of the connecting parts.

Abstract: A base support for supporting, positioning and securely maintaining a desired position of a communications dish antenna includes a non-rotatable worm gear having radially outwardly extending teeth and a motor driven worm having a continuous helical tooth intermeshed with adjacent ones of the worm gear teeth. In order to prevent backlash between the gears should any of the gear teeth become worn, damaged or otherwise deteriorated, the worm is pivotally mounted with respect to the worm gear and a force means such as a spring continuously urges the worm toward the worm gear to maintain tight intermeshing engagement. Thus, in the event of uneven or intermittent gear tooth deterioration, the communications dish antenna will be maintained securely in a desired position. Also, the support permits 360.degree. movement of the antenna around the base support and the pivotal mounting of the worm alleviates jamming of the gears.

Abstract: An orientation adjusting device for a satellite transmitting signal antenna comprising a housing inside of which an electromechanical actuation system comprising a worm gear-worm pair driven by a motor through a reduction gear set is disposed. A rotatable antenna seat which constitutes, in part, the housing is mechanically connected to the worm gear so as to be driven by the motor. The worm, of which one end is pivotally fixed on the housing, is biased toward the worm gear by biasing means so as to maintain a more precise engagement between the worm and the worm gear and to reduce the backlash associated therewith. Microswitches are provided inside the housing to control the rotation range of the antenna.

Abstract: A pointing system for reflector type antennas providing a high degree of accuracy with low loss over wide scan areas, including a fixed illuminator retained in fixed position at the focal point of the reflector of the antenna. Surrounding the illuminator is a Cardanic joint which acts as a spherical hinge capable of radial rotation around the illuminator. Attached to the Cardanic joint is a support arm which is connected to the reflector. The reflector is therefore freely movable in a spherical path defined around the illuminator with the illuminator coinciding with the center of the sphere. The illuminator is kept within the focal point of the reflector regardless of the position of the reflector as it spherically rotates around the illuminator. Tension springs in the Cardanic joint and guide wires controlled by motors are provided for finely positioning the support arm and reflector in any given position along the spherical rotative path through which the reflector is able to move.

Abstract: A stabilized antenna system. An inclination angle detector is mounted on an AZ frame and detects an inclination angle around an elevation, and the elevation of the antenna is controlled by a successive addition of the detected inclination angle to simplify control algorithm. Furthermore, the inclination angle detector includes a reciprocal combination filter for combining outputs of an inclinometer and a rate sensor. The reciprocal combination filter includes two reciprocal filters, and parameters of the reciprocal filters are adaptively controlled depending on frequency and amplitude of the inclination to ensure the reciprocity in a necessary frequency range.

Abstract: A pedestal assembly for rotatably carrying a load containing radio-sensitive equipment is disclosed, with the assembly having a turntable and base. The profiles of the turntable and base adjacent to one another are both stepped and define a tortuous path between them. The assembly further is designed to distribute any attached load directly to a driven bull gear, rather than to the turntable.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically controlling the rotation of an angularly positionable antenna from one angular position to a desired new angular position. The disclosed technique provides the user with a list of destination indicia, each of which corresponds to a geographic location. The user is also provided with a selector for choosing one or more of the available destination indicia. Once the user selects a destination index, a retrieval system automatically retrieves the appropriate geographic reference location from a destination indicia table stored in memory. A calculation is then automatically performed to determine the desired angular position of the antenna with respect to an arbitrary reference angle. The antenna rotor shaft is then energized to rotate the shaft to the desired angular position.

Abstract: A device for supporting and rotating a payload relative to a structure comprises a first coupling ring joined to the payload and a second coupling ring joined to the structure. A pair of annular bearings guide rotation of the first coupling ring relative to the second coupling ring. An annular motor has a stator fixed to one of the coupling rings and a rotor rotating the other coupling ring through a differential epicyclic train disposed inside the annular bearings.

Abstract: A digital servomechanism and control system which can be used to adjustably point massive structures to increments of microaradians is disclosed. This system includes: a rotating pedestal which is mounted on a gimbal, a high torque motor, a high current amplifier, encoder, a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter, a mount dynamics unt, a summing junction, a rate control unit, a controller unit, a D/P unit, and a Micro Vax computer.

Abstract: A biaxial rotary drive unit drives an antenna Ant on a vehicle for rotation in both azimuthal and elevational directions. A first axis Y represents a vertical axis, and an azimuth turntable 120 is rotatable about the first axis. The second axis X represents a horizontal axis, and the antenna Ant is mounted on the turntable so as to be rotatable about the second axis in the elevational direction. The turntable 120 represents a gear of an increased diameter, which is meshed by a gear 144 of a reduced diameter to be driven thereby for rotation. A cylindrical shaft 116 extends through the center of the larger diameter gear 120. The cylindrical shaft 116 carries a ring gear meshing with a pinion gear 154, which serves driving the cylindrical shaft 116 up and down. The vertical movement of the cylindrical shaft 116 is transmitted through a link 115 to drive the antenna Ant for rotation in the elevational direction.

Abstract: A device for measuring bending movements of an antenna support mast, wherein the device being comprises: at least two sets of sensors separated by a determined distance d and fixed to the mast in the vicinity of the free end of the mast; and a processor for processing the signals by the sensors; the processor including means for memorizing the signals. The invention is particularly applicable to radio beam links.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning balloon-borne experiments, free-flying spacecraft, or gimballed experiments mounted on a space shuttle or space station, makes use of one or more rotating unbalanced mass devices for selectively generating circular, line, or raster scan patterns for the experiment line of sight. An auxiliary control system may also be used in combination with the rotating unbalanced mass device, for target acquisition, keeping the scan centered on the target, or for producing complementary motion for raster scanning. The rotating unbalanced mass makes use of a mass associated with a drive shaft, such mass having a center of gravity which is displaced from the drive shaft rotation axis. The drive shaft is driven with a substantially constant angular velocity, thereby resulting in relatively low power requirements since no acceleration or deceleration of the mass is generally involved during steady state operations.

Abstract: A submarine radar antenna mast extension, retraction and rotation mechanism comprises a ball drive screw attached to the mast with a ball drive nut threaded to the screw. A rotary tube surrounds the mast with the mast keyed for translation within the rotary tube and prevented from rotation with respect to the rotary tube. An outer tube surrounds the rotary tube and effects a static hull penetration seal with respect to the submarine. The rotary tube rotates within the outer tube, but is prevented from translation with respect thereto. A brake/indexing assembly geared to the rotary tube selectively releases the rotary tube for rotation or locks the rotary tube to an indexed position for extension and retraction. A single bi-directional hydraulic drive motor geared to the ball drive nut effects mast extension and retraction by applying the brake to prevent rotary tube rotation. The drive motor effects mast rotation by releasing the brake.

Abstract: A receiver and antenna drive gear unit provide optimal mechanical and electrical pointing of the antenna dish at each of the satellite orbiting in geo-synchronous fashion above the equator, the receiver having the capability of calculating and initially pointing the antenna dish at each of the satellites, and then providing peaking routines under operator control to maximize signal strength. The antenna drive gear unit utilizes a separate motor for each of the azimuth and elevational directions and utilizes circular ring gears and a spur gear to drive the antenna, thereby providing much more accurate and repeatable monitoring and positioning of the antenna unit over extended usage.

Abstract: The device includes a fixed component (30) which is in two half-shells which clamp, sideways-on, around the fixed mast (3), and a rotatable component (28) which also is in two half-shells which, when assembled around the mast, are guided for rotation relative to the mast. Several rotation apparatuses (one per antenna) may be attached at different points on the height of the mast, so that each antenna (19) may be orientated independently of the other antennas towards the appropriate TV transmitting station. The stub shaft (29) on which the antenna (19) is carried may be rotatable relative to the housing (28), and so geared that a 180 deg rotation of the housing produces a 360 deg rotation of the shaft and antenna.

Abstract: A helical-element antenna as part of a communication system is mechanically steered with reference to an azimuth axis and an elevation axis within a positioning envelope greater than hemispherical. The system for mechanically steering the helical antenna includes a supporting frame having an azimuth member with a longitudinal axis coinciding with the azimuth axis around which the antenna rotates. Further, the supporting frame includes an elevation member that is integral with the azimuth member and has a longitudinal axis displaced from the azimuth axis. An interface fitting rotatably mounts the antenna to the elevation member. The supporting frame is rotatably mounted to a pedestal base that has a plane perpendicular to the azimuth axis. To position the antenna about the azimuth axis, an azimuth steering unit is energized to rotate the supporting frame 360 degrees around the azimuth axis.

Abstract: The mechanical stabilization system for a support comprises a working rotor mounted on the support by means of bearings and fixed to a working member having at least one parameter associated with the rotation of the working member and which is variable as a function of time. A reaction rotor is concentric with the working rotor and is mounted on the working rotor by means of bearings and is fixed to a reaction inertia member. A first servo-controlled electric motor is interposed between the working rotor and the reaction rotor and serves to drive the working rotor and the reaction rotor in opposite directions of rotation. A low power second electric motor is interposed between the working rotor and the support and is servo-controlled in such a manner as to reposition the reaction rotor and correct for drift in the correcting motion of the reaction rotor, due in particular to friction in the bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating structures such as large antennas which incorporates a motor for controlling rapid rotation of the structure through a ring gear and a screw jack which is selectively coupled to the ring gear for controlling a slower more exacting rotation of the structure about a common axis.

Abstract: A dual band integrated feedhorn includes a housing having a rotatable support for a C band coaxial waveguide, a clamp for a Ku band waveguide, a Ku band waveguide slideably mounted in the clamp for focus adjustment, and a pair of low noise blocks connected to the waveguide output probes for downconverting their incoming modulated carrier C and Ku band signals to modulated IF signals. A servo drives the support member to position the waveguides energy output coupling probes to match the polarization of the incoming RF energy; thus, eliminating the need for polarizers and reducing insertion loss significantly. The reduced insertion loss enables defocusing of the Ku band waveguide to widen the half power beamwidth to improve aiming accuracy without decreasing the gain and degrading performance. A position adjustable scalar and a pair of power modules are attached exteriorly of the housing. The scalar is positioned adjacent the end of the C band waveguide for focusing the C band waveguide.

Abstract: A low profile, mechanical scan antenna having an aperture assembly and a travel guide assembly is disclosed. The aperture assembly is mounted on a carriage for movement along the travel guide assembly which is rotatably mounted for rotation about an azimuth axis. The travel guide assembly includes an arcuately shaped track and the aperture assembly and carriage move along the inside of the arcuately shaped track through the scanning angle. The arcuately shaped track defines an effective antenna gimbal axis which is in front of the antenna aperture.

Abstract: A radar antenna of small overall dimensions is provided, placed in a belly radome, including a reflector of paraboloid shape of revolution about the longitudinal axis and integral with a case. This assembly is mounted for pivoting about the transverse axis and about the vertical axis inside the radome.Rotation about the longitudinal axis called roll axis is provided by rotating the transmission source by rotation means placed inside the case and the duct. With the reflector fixed in the roll direction, the area thereof may extend over the whole of the inner section of the radome, rotation of the radar beam along the roll axis being obtained through rotation of the source with respect to the reflector.

Abstract: A ship borne antenna using a gimballed mount for establishing a two degree of freedom unstabilized structure. A ring is mounted for rotation on a radome and carries an antenna mounted for rotation relative to the ring. The ring antenna are respectively driven by stepper motors. Variations in stability occurring by pitch, yaw or roll of the ship are corrected on a real time basis using a microprocessor that dynamically drives the ring and the antenna to maintain lock-on with a satellite.

Abstract: Power transmission and actuator apparatus especially advantageous in application to outdoor antennas, particularly TVRO parabolic antennas, to be operated by remote control, comprises a tub-shaped receptacle including a base having a peripherally encompassing relatively projected wall structure defining therewith a cavity, the major extent of the opening to the cavity being bridged by a releasably attached plate mounting a terminal strip adapted for connection thereto of a remote source of electrical energy, the base mounting a first integrated adapter for mounting a drive motor and a second for mounting an actuator assembly in a manner to provide for an inherent evacuation of water from each thereof during its use. The plate commonly mounts a perpendicularly related shaft and a multiplicity of control elements and the shaft has thereon a slip fit output gear in mesh with further gear means intermediate said plate and the base of the receptacle.

Abstract: A seeker head for a target pointer/tracker and the like, the head comprising a rigid mounting plate, an optical seeker for receiving a target signal, the seeker having a longitudinal axis, a joint proximate the longitudinal axis for securing the seeker to the mounting plate with freedom for reciprocal movement about at least two pivot axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axes, an eccentric driving element mounted on the mounting plate for selectively engaging the seeker to move the seeker about the pivot axes, and a controller for controlling operation of the eccentric drive element.

Abstract: A dual frequency feed assembly for antenna systems employing a pair of rotatably mounted probes each in respective coaxial cavities. The smaller cavity is supported by the rotating means for the larger probe and the smaller probe rotates with the larger probe driven by a common motor. The higher frequency signal is taken from the side wall of the lower frequency cavity. In an alternate embodiment, the smaller cavity is supported by a spider which rotates the smaller probe by means of external gearing and a separate motor. Other embodiments show coaxial lines which enter from the front face of the assembly and allow rotation of the smaller probe.

Abstract: A satellite antenna drive mechanism which includes a drive gear housing for reciprocally driving a satellite antenna dish. Generally, the satellite dish is supplied with a retaining bracket to which a U-shaped bow screw is mounted. The bow screw threadably engages the drive gear housing such that rotation of the drive gears causes a corresponding movement of the bow screw and the dish. The drive housing includes three meshed gears which cooperate to drive the bow screw. A first gear drive is connected to drive means for manually or mechanically driving the gears. An intermediate gear connects the first gear to a third internally threaded gear which receives the bow screw of the antenna dish. This third gear drive is positionally captured between the wall plates of the housing yet is free floating within the housing to provide smooth travel of the bow screw through the drive housing.

Abstract: A satellite receiver which selects one of radio waves from a plurality of satellites and receives the selected radio wave. This receiver comprises; a satellite number designation switch; an antenna controller for allowing a parabola antenna to face the designated satellite in accordance with the designation by the designation switch; a memory to store the data corresponding to a correction amount of the position of a probe for each satellite; a drive motor to drive the probe to the position corresponding to the data outputted from the memory; and a control circuit to allow the data for the satellite designated by the designation switch to be supplied from the memory to the drive motor. The probe position is corrected in accordance with the designated satellite.

Abstract: A dish for receiving satellite signals mounted on a stand through a casing which has a shaft projecting through the casing, the shaft having ends connected to the dish through bracket structure. Within the casing is a worm wheel mounted on the shaft. Also within the casing is a pivoted rocker plate mounting a worm gear and motor. The worm gear engages the worm wheel, and biasing means urges the rocker plate in a direction causing snug engagement of the worm gear and worm wheel. Shaft rotations are determined by electronic means.

Abstract: A drive system for a twistable septum in a feedhorn for use in satellite communications antenna systems. The drive system includes a flexible drive rod, coupled to a drive motor, which bends to accommodate off-center coupling with the septum drive wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an arbitrary orientation of the polarization of an antenna, such as an airborne microwave antenna, by using antenna pointing information and platform (aircraft) attitude information to position the input/feed signal.

Abstract: A rotator comprises a gear housing which has a lower attachment for fitting the housing to the top of a mast, and which has extending therefrom a tube which can be rotated about its longitudinal axis relative to the gear housing by means of a gear therein, this tube being intended to carry a top sleeve, which in turn is intended to carry an aerial.

Abstract: A gyro-stabilized mechanism that is to be carried on a vehicle, such as a helicopter, is provided with a protective enclosure consisting of a dome, usually of glass fibre reinforced plastic. The dome must be provided with a window transparent to the radiation involved, and this must be steered with the mechanism so that they remain in register with one another. Prior art structures employ elongated windows of sufficiently large size to accommodate the tilting and rolling of the mechanism, while pan movements are accommodated by rotating the entire dome. The invention provides a structure employing a small window that can be steered or slaved with the mechanism by rotation of the part of the dome including the window relative to the other part, which has the pan or yaw rotation motor connected to it.

Abstract: Mounts for satellite tracking antennas or other devices. Mounts according to the invention aim antennas or other devices at various satellites along the geosynchronous satellite arc by creating a mechanical analog of that arc and forcing the axis of the antenna or device to rotate through the analogous arc. This is accomplished by fixing an Earth center analog point and mechanically constraining the axis of the antenna or device to rotate about a site-analog point which is located vertically a predetermined distance from the Earth center analog point. A rotating arm through which the axis of the antenna or device may pass swings the axis through an arc which is in a plane parallel to the Earth's equatorial plane and which has the Earth center analog point at its center and a radius of 6.611 times the predetermined distance between the Earth center analog point and the site-analog point. The arm may be rotated to aim the antenna or device at various satellites along the geosynchronous satellite arc.

Abstract: An improved drive for a satellite dish assembly. A flat, steel arc is fixedly connected at its two ends to the pivotal frame of the dish assembly, which steel arc is provided with a series of rows of mini-gear teeth on its outer surface. The steel arc is sandwiched between a rotatable knurled hub and a roller bearing, which knurled hub is provided with a series of rows of mini-diamond-shaped recesses for meshing engagement and forming of the gear teeth of the steel arc, in order to pivot the steel arc, and, therefore, the frame and dish mounted thereto, through a desired arc for aiming the satellite dish. The knurled hub is driven by a motor assembly, the motor assembly, knurled hub, and bearing being mounted to a free end of a cantilevered support arm, the other end of which is fixedly connected to a housing for the pivot shaft of the dish assembly about which the frame and satellite dish rotate for aiming purposes.