Active Antenna As Reflector Patents (Class 343/832)
  • Patent number: 11791552
    Abstract: A center-fed array antenna comprises: a central radiation element located in the center among the odd number of N radiation elements; a first radiation part including n (=(N?1)/2) first radiation elements positioned on one side of the central radiation element and n first phase shifters corresponding to each of the n first radiation elements; a second radiation part including n second radiation elements positioned on the other side of the central radiation element and n second phase shifters corresponding to each of the n second radiation elements; and a 3-way power divider distributes the received feed signal in an asymmetric ratio in proportion to the ratio of the number of radiation elements included in the central radiation element and the first and second radiation parts, and outputs the obtained first to third distribution feed signals to the corresponding central radiation element and the first and second radiation parts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Byung-Wook Min, Hae-Gwon Park, Sung Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 10193229
    Abstract: Aspects of magnetic coils having cores with relatively high magnetic permeability are described. In some embodiments, a system includes a guided surface wave receive structure configured to obtain electrical energy from a guided surface wave traveling across a terrestrial medium. The guided surface wave receive structure includes a magnetic coil and a core disposed in the magnetic coil. The core in some embodiments has a relative magnetic permeability greater than about 10 and less than about 1,000,000. An electrical load is coupled to the guided surface wave receive structure, with the electrical load being experienced as a load at an excitation source coupled to a guided surface waveguide probe generating the guided surface wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: CPG Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Corum, Kenneth L. Corum, James D. Lilly
  • Publication number: 20150002356
    Abstract: A tube and ring directional end-fire array antenna is provided. The antenna can include a radome, a reflector housing disposed at a first end of the radome, a driven PCB element housed within the radome, a plurality of RF feed connectors disposed on a distal side of the reflector housing and electrically coupled to the driven PCB element, via the reflector housing, and a plurality of assemblies stacked within the radome. The geometry of the plurality of assemblies stacked within the radome can determine a radiation pattern performance of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: David Edward Urbasic
  • Patent number: 8917995
    Abstract: A balloon envelope with an integrated receiver. In an example embodiment, a balloon includes: (i) an envelope including one or more signal passing sections, each of the one or more signal-passing sections being configured to allow a signal to pass through; (ii) at least one signal receiver corresponding to a particular one of the one or more signal passing sections; and (iii) at least one signal-directing surface located within the envelope and corresponding to the particular one of the one or more signal-passing sections, the at least one signal-directing surface being configured to receive the signal and direct the signal towards the at least one signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Biffle, Richard Wayne DeVaul, Joshua Weaver, Anton Valdemar Staaf, Eric Teller, Michael Cassidy
  • Patent number: 8774196
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an active antenna array for a mobile communications network. The active antenna comprises a base band unit coupled to a base station, a plurality of transceiver units and at least one link. The plurality of transceiver units is terminated by at least one antenna element. The at least one link couples individual ones of the plurality of transceiver units to the base band unit 10. The at least one link is a digital link and is adapted to relay an individual transmit signal concurrently and in synchronisation with a transmit clock signal. The present disclosure further teaches a method for relaying radio signals in a mobile communications network. The present disclosure further relates to a computer program enabling a computer to manufacture the active antenna array of the present disclosure and to execute the method of relaying radio signal in a mobile communications system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Georg Schmidt, Johannes Schlee
  • Patent number: 8773319
    Abstract: A conformal lens-reflector antenna system in which a radio frequency (RF) reflector is disposed in a depression in a raised portion of a dielectrical RF lens. The RF reflector can be shaped to reflect RF signals between an RF feed path to the lens and a body of the lens that extends generally laterally away from the raised portion. RF signals having a frequency within a resonant frequency range of the lens can be directed along the RF feed path to the reflector, which can reflect the RF signals into the body of the lens from which the RF signals can radiate. Similarly, RF signals in the resonant frequency range of the lens in space near the lens can resonate in the lens, and the reflector can reflect those signals down the RF feed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corp.
    Inventors: Trevis D. Anderson, Heather M. Harrison, Brian M. Wynn, Douglas H. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 8698681
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to solar energy collection and use in communications systems and to enhancements thereof. In an aspect, dual function antennas are disclosed that can simultaneously function as an antenna and as a solar energy collection system. In further aspects, disclosed embodiments can focus incident solar radiation to increase output voltage of conventional solar cells. Measured and simulated results demonstrate various aspects of the subject disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok Wa Leung, Eng Hock Lim
  • Patent number: 8599861
    Abstract: The present disclosure teaches an active antenna array for a mobile communications network. The active antenna array comprises a base band unit, a plurality of transceiver units terminated by at least one antenna element; and at least one link. The link couples the individual ones of the plurality of transceiver units to the base band unit. The link is a digital link and is adapted to relay a payload signal at a selectable payload rate. The digital link is further adapted to relay a timing signal at a fixed timing rate, when the timing signal is embedded in the payload at a selectable payload rate. The present disclosure further teaches a method for relaying radio signals and a computer program for manufacturing the active antenna array and for executing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: KATHREIN-Werke KG
    Inventors: Georg Schmidt, Johannes Schlee
  • Patent number: 8482451
    Abstract: A resonant radar reflector assembly comprising first and second reflector members (110A, 110B), the first and second and reflector members each being configured to resonate at their respective resonant frequency when irradiated by radio frequency (RF) radiation of a corresponding frequency, wherein the first member has a portion (114A) responsive to an electric field applied parallel to an electric polarization axis of the first member, the second member having a corresponding portion (114B) responsive to an electric field applied parallel to a corresponding electric polarization axis of the second member, the first member also having a portion (112A) responsive to a magnetic field applied parallel to a magnetic polarization axis of the first member, the second member having a corresponding portion (112B) responsive to a magnetic field applied parallel to a corresponding magnetic polarization axis of the second member, the first and second members being arranged such that at least one electric or magnetic pol
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Harvey John Burd, David John Edwards, Christopher John Stevens, Tong Hao
  • Patent number: 8384611
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an antenna device including, a radiator having a feeder, and a planar reflector spaced from the radiator in a radio wave incoming direction, the reflector having at least one slit defined in a side edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Asakura, Kiyotada Yokogi
  • Patent number: 8279137
    Abstract: An antenna described herein includes a driven patch that is configured to emit radiation in a broadside direction in response to receiving excitation current, wherein the driven patch has a first radiating edge and a second radiating edge that are approximately parallel to one another. The antenna also includes a reflector element that is configured to reflect radiation emitted from the first radiating edge in a quasi-endfire direction. The antenna can also include two director elements that are configured to direct radiation emitted from the second radiating edge of the driven patch in a quasi-endfire direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Reuben DeJean, II
  • Patent number: 8116821
    Abstract: An active antenna with an IP address including a first set of modules (Mi) and a second set of modules (M?j), both sets using a same hardware platform and each set integrating radiofrequency sub-modules. Further including at least an Ethernet connection to the core network for providing the active antenna with capability of operation from an anchor site, and a digital platform integrating a set of modules for base-band processing, operating in one or more of 2G, 3G and LTE technologies. The active antenna includes processing apparatus for control plane of 2G and 3G radio access networks, routing apparatus for lu, Gb or S1 data relay from/to the core network to provide the active antenna with capability of operation from a relay site. Further included is at least two optical ports for connection in chain with a pair of active antennas in the same relay site and a power supply connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
    Inventors: Yannick Le Pezennec, Brendan McWilliams, Javier Lopez Roman, Santiago Tenorio Sanz, Manuel Lopez Roman
  • Patent number: 7911395
    Abstract: There is provided an optically driven, transmitting and receiving antenna transformable into an electrically invisible antenna when inactive, including a light source, a semiconductor wafer illuminatable by the light source and a microwave source or sensor. The wafer has a surface for forming optically induced plasma or electron hole concentration, assuming a spatial and temporal pattern defined by a light beam impinging thereon. Upon the wafer being exposed to the light beam having a power level sufficient for creating a dense plasma or electron hole concentration in the wafer, the wafer becomes reflective to microwaves, and returns to transparency when light from the light source is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kilolambda Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Doron Nevo, Moshe Oron, Ram Oron, Boaz Nemet
  • Patent number: 7603081
    Abstract: A radiotelephone includes a single radio frequency chain and a single baseband processor that is connected thereto. The single radio frequency chain and the single baseband processor are configured to communicate with a space-based system using frequencies of a satellite band and an air interface, and to communicate with a terrestrial wireless network using frequencies of the satellite band and substantially the air interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 7566889
    Abstract: A combination of radio frequency energy responsive and infrared energy responsive reflection based plasma radiant energy steering apparatus usable in directing radiant energy originating in for example an antenna array or an infrared source in order to direct the energy to a point of use under conditions of low inertia electrical directing control. Plasma gas films of electrode element determined properties achieve reflection control of the radiant energy both with and without use of a discrete reflector element. Theoretical support and identification of prior art supporting documents are included in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Timothy R. Klein, Stanley Rogers
  • Patent number: 7408456
    Abstract: An RFID tag (200) and similar control/sensing unit (300) for a communications system are described. The control/sensing unit has a control element (301) having one or more states, and include an antenna (207) as well as an electrical circuit (201-206) generating a pulse control signal for controlling transmission from the antenna and varying a parameter of the pulse control signal in dependence on the state of the control element (301). Also disclosed is a receiving communication unit in the form of a base unit or system controller for such a communications system, the unit including a receiver (100) for receiving a pulsed RF signal and an electrical circuit (105-106) for detecting a parameter of the pulsed RF signal. An output circuit (107) then produces an output control signal dependent on the detected parameter of the pulsed RF signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Tagtec Limited
    Inventors: Howard William Whitesmith, Richard Lew Davies, Andrew Jon Fell, Charles Robert Sims, Stephen Russell Taylor, Kenneth John Lang
  • Patent number: 7132997
    Abstract: Multiple monopole antennas or loop antennas for generating electromagnetic fields whose phases become opposite to the phase of an electromagnetic field that the conventional single monopole antenna or loop antenna generates are located in proximity to the conventional single monopole antenna or loop antenna such that the components of the electromagnetic field in directions other than a probe-desired direction will be cancelled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Uesaka, Masami Makuuchi, Kenichi Shinbo
  • Patent number: 7081866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displacing a moving plate (20) of a hexapod (100) whose legs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are provided with a length adjusting device from an orientation Vi which is defined by the azimuth-elevation coordinates thereof (?i, ?i) towards an orientation Vi+1 which is defined by the azimuth-elevation coordinates thereof (?i+1, ?i+1), characterized in that it comprises stages wherein: a law is defined which defines an offset distance d according to the orientation of the plate (20); the offset distance corresponding to the orientation Vi+1 is determined; the adjustment devices are controlled in order to modify the lengths L1–L6 of the legs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) in order to displace the moving plate (20) from orientation V1 to orientation Vi+1 and to offset it in relation to the normal on the fixed base (10) of the hexapode (100) via the centre OA of said base (10) on the azimuth plane of Vi+1 of the distance d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: IN-SNEC
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Gaechter
  • Patent number: 7042416
    Abstract: A multi-polarisation dielectric resonator antenna (1) having three mutually orthogonal feeds (5a, 5b, 5c) displaying C3V point group symmetry is disclosed. The antenna (1) may be operated so as to determine the polarisation of any incoming signal, since the three feeds (5a, 5b, 5c) have polarisations at 120 degrees to each other. Furthermore, a plurality of mult dielectric resonator antennas (1) may be formed into a composite dielectric resonator antenna with beamsteering, direction feeding and polarisation detection capability over a full 4? streradians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Antenova Limited
    Inventors: Simon Philip Kingsley, Steven Gregory O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 6844862
    Abstract: A wide-angle reflector antenna that substantially eliminates pattern blockage is provided. The reflector antenna includes a paraconic reflector and a feed supportably located in opposed relation to the reflector surface. A curved reflecting surface of the reflector is formed by symmetrically rotating a curve around a longitudinal center axis, wherein the curve also defines an apex on the longitudinal center axis. The curve's focal point may be located on the longitudinal center axis or laterally displaced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Cencich, Tom Milligan, Jason Burford
  • Publication number: 20030020667
    Abstract: An inflatable, mutifunction, mutipurpose, parabolic reflector apparatus having a plurality of manufactured parabolic mirrors made from a pressure-deformable reflective covering of an inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) and solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) electrical power generation, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5) projection of optical signals or images. The device also has non-electromagnetic uses, such as the collection of water. A first main embodiment utilizes two reflective membranes. A second main embodiment utilizes a reflective membrane and a transparent membrane. Portability is enhanced by complete collapsing of the inflatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: John R. Essig, James M. Essig
  • Publication number: 20020190918
    Abstract: The deployable antenna with the tensegrity support structure and mounting frame has improved specific mass, compact stowage volume and high deployment reliability. The reflector is mounted to the tensegrity support structure via the mounting frame which ensures proper deployment of the reflector in the desired antenna operating shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Ian Stern
  • Patent number: 6411255
    Abstract: A reflector antenna comprising a plurality of plane panels assembled edge to edge to form a non-plane surface constituting an approximation to a reference surface, and a beam-forming device generating a beam-forming function for an array of antenna elements coupled to said panels. The beam-forming function presents at least one surface error correction term to compensate at least in part for the difference between the surface constituted by the assembled panels and the reference surface. In a variant the manner for compensating for the error can be disposed on the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventor: Antoine Roederer
  • Patent number: 6323822
    Abstract: A modified offset parabolic antenna is disclosed which provides improved gain when receiving satellite broadcasts from geosynchronous transmission sources spaced substantially 10 degrees apart. The surface of the reflector is defined by a Zernike expansion mapped to a unit circle. The values of the parameters of the Zernike expansion are selected to provide a shaped reflector surface which focuses beams from the three separate sources onto three focal points such that the gain of the antenna is maximized. A peak beam gain for an offset beam of substantially 33.9 dBi has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Channel Master LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Cook, Bruce W. Barratt
  • Publication number: 20010028328
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an arrangement in an antenna, the arrangement comprising an electrically thin microwave phasing structure including a support member, a reflective arrangement for reflecting microwaves within a frequency operating band and supported by said supporting member, and a phasing arrangement of electromagnetically-loading structures, said electromagnetically-loading structures being interspaced from each other and disposed at a distance from said reflective arrangement by a support matrix to provide said emulation of said desired reflective surface of selected geometry. The electromagnetically-loading structures are arranged on at least two substrate layers in at least two planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Anders Stjernman, Erik Hemmendorff, Daniel Bystrom
  • Patent number: 6255997
    Abstract: A reflector for reflecting electromagnetic waves has a configured surface for these waves whereby localized deformations or configurations such as bumps (B) and dents (D) of the reflector (1) are so constructed that the reflector cooperates with several focuses (10A, 10B; 110A, 110B) which are spatially separated from the reflector proper. These focuses are so arranged that the electromagnetic beams emanating from the respective radiators (4A, 4B; 40A, 40B) and are directed onto the reflector can be directed through the reflector onto a common region (3A, 3B) to be illuminated, whereby particularly the beams may be tuned to different frequencies or for operation in different frequency bands. Such reflectors are particularly useful in antenna systems for communications such as satellite communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ratkorn, Michael Truemper, Christian Hunscher, Robert Sekora
  • Patent number: 6222495
    Abstract: A shaped offset parabolic antenna is disclosed which provides improved gain when receiving satellite broadcasts from geosynchronous transmission sources spaced substantially 10 degrees apart. The surface of the reflector is defined by a Zernike expansion mapped to a unit circle. The values of the parameters of the Zernike expansion are selected to provide a shaped reflector surface which focuses beams from the three separate sources onto three focal points such that the gain of the antenna is maximized. A peak beam gain for an offset beam of substantially 33.9 dBi has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Channel Master LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Cook, Bruce W. Barratt
  • Patent number: 5977914
    Abstract: The microstrip antenna of the present invention has a basic structure of a ground conductor plate, dielectric substrate and radiation conductor plate laminated together. On the dielectric substrate, upon which the radiation conductor plate is formed, two radio wave reflectors are placed parallel to each other facing across the radiation conductor plate. The two surfaces of the two radio wave reflectors that are facing each other are either perpendicular to the dielectric substrate, or else the interval between the two surfaces enlarges as they depart from the dielectric substrate. Due to this structure, by increasing the variation in antenna directivity, the antenna can be made less susceptible to noise generated from noise sources in the antenna vicinity. Moreover, the antenna can be small-sized since the radio wave reflectors can be placed close to the radiation conductor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuya Harano
  • Patent number: 5885906
    Abstract: A mesh material for a spacecraft antenna reflector is disclosed. The mesh material has a base material made from a dielectric fabric. A conductive material, such as nickel, is applied to the dielectric mesh. The type and thickness of the conductive material is adjusted to regulate the final conductivity of the reflective surface to a predefined range. The present invention utilizes a range that reduces PIM while at the same time maintains a high degree of RF reflectivity. The preferred range is 0.01 to 10 ohms per square.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Robert L. Reynolds, John R. Bartholomew, Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4689569
    Abstract: For use in logging a borehole through various formations of the earth, the preferred and illustrated embodiment of an RF transmitter system including antenna placed in the sonde is disclosed. The embodiment sets forth a pair of dipole antennas mounted in a closed chamber on a central support. The chamber is in a cylindrical housing filled with a high dielectric material. The antennas are bowtie dipoles which are fed with separately time delayed pulses (preferably having waveforms of only one cycle) so that the relative time delay between the two antenna inputs and the propagation velocity in the high dielectric medium results in reinforcing addition of the radiated wave in the forward direction and destructive cancellation in the reverse direction to provide a directional azimuthal radiation pattern. The housing is rotated at a slow rate to enable pulses to be transmitted in various directions to map the formations near the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Bob M. Duff
  • Patent number: 4670760
    Abstract: A radiating antenna system (30) comprises a plurality of vertically erect secondary antennae (34) disposed in a pattern about a vertically erect primary antenna (32). An electrically conductive screen (36) which surrounds the pattern of secondary antennae (34) includes partially-buried, partially exposed electrical conductors (54) which have exposed ends (54b) thereof electrically connected to one or more above-ground, loop-forming cables (52). A series of open-ended transmission lines 70 are suspended in an essentially horizontal plane above the ground with each of the transmission lines (70) being electrically connected to a top of an associated secondary antenna (34). The secondary antennae (34) are excited in a manner whereby radiation therefrom essentially cancels sky waves radiated by the primary antenna (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Inventor: Richard L. Biby
  • Patent number: 4123759
    Abstract: An antenna system for producing from a fixed array of active antenna elements which are each omnidirectional in a plane, a sensitivity pattern that is directional in said plane and which pattern can be rotated around the array. The system consists of at least three antenna elements located at the corners of a regular polygon and are excited with substantially equal magnitudes of current that are in the same phase at two adjacent corners and different in phase by substantially 90 electrical degrees at the third corner. The antenna system further includes an electrical power dividing and phasing network as well as electrical switching means to effect proper rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: Microwave Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion E. Hines, Harold E. Stinehelfer, Sr., Dana W. Atchley, Jr.