Parabolic-type Reflector With Active Antenna At Focus Patents (Class 343/840)
  • Publication number: 20080150826
    Abstract: An antenna provided. The antenna includes an outer dish having a first surface and a second surface; an inner dish mounted to the first surface of the outer dish; a helix feed mounted on a ground plane; and a support mounted at an axial center of the inner dish for supporting the ground plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Yong U. Kim
  • Patent number: 7388559
    Abstract: An antenna provided. The antenna includes an outer dish having a first surface and a second surface; an inner dish mounted to the first surface of the outer dish; a helix feed mounted on a ground plane; and a support mounted at an axial center of the inner dish for supporting the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Yong U. Kim
  • Publication number: 20080120653
    Abstract: A satellite system 10 having a first satellite 14 at a first orbital slot B has a first transponder 32 and a second generating a first downlink signal 44B at a first frequency and a second downlink signal 44C at a second frequency. An outdoor unit is directed toward the first satellite 14 and includes a support structure, a reflector 64 coupled to the support structure and reflecting the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal. A first feed 66B is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A second feed 70A is coupled to the support structure and receives the second downlink signal. A secondary reflector 72 reflects the second downlink signal to the second feed 70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Gustave Stroes, Patrick J. Loner
  • Publication number: 20080117116
    Abstract: A satellite system 10 having a first satellite 14 at a first orbital slot B has a first transponder 32 and a second generating a first downlink signal 44B at a first frequency and a second downlink signal 44C at a second frequency. An outdoor unit is directed toward the first satellite 14 and includes a support structure, a reflector 64 coupled to the support structure and reflecting the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal. A first feed 66B is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A second feed 70C is concentric with the first feed 66B and is coupled to the support structure and receives the second downlink signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Gustave Stroes, Patrick J. Loner
  • Patent number: 7372428
    Abstract: A dish antenna having a multiple contact connector assembly for utilization with one or more viewing systems or other systems such as two-way data exchange systems including satellite receivers and/or television receivers. The single positionable dish can be positioned azimuthally and elevationally to access satellite signals which are then distributed to one or more viewing or other systems. The dish antenna receives and distributes satellite signals utilizing an LNB (low noise block) and a multiple contact connector assembly which features a multiple contact rotary male connector and a multiple contact rotary female connector which mutually engage each other in rotary and sliding contact for multiple circuit passthrough of satellite signals, control voltages and the like in order that one or more viewing or other systems can be used to view or otherwise employ multiple and different channels simultaneously and in order that no cable wrap-up will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: King Controls
    Inventor: Lael D. King
  • Publication number: 20080062056
    Abstract: A feed assembly (26) for an antenna system (38) includes a first feed element (30) that propagates a first beam (32) and a second feed element (34) that propagates a second beam (36). The second feed element (34) is collocated with, but displaced vertically from, the first feed element (30) to achieve angular diversity in elevation. Each of the feed elements (30, 34) has an elongated conical shape and is formed from a dielectric material. The feed assembly (26) operates within the Ku-band frequency range to yield high gain, collimated, independent first and second beams (32, 34). The feed assembly (26) can be implemented in a tropospheric scatter communication system (38) in conjunction with a reflector (22) to provide concurrent transmit and receive capability via the two independent, angularly separated first and second beams (32, 36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Hoferer
  • Patent number: 7342551
    Abstract: More reliable satellite television reception in moisture conditions is provided by recognizing the critical relationship between satellite signal transmissivity and the effects of superhydrophobocity. Instead of trying to use a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating or material to shed water from a satellite antenna, superhydrophobic materials and coatings are strategically utilized to minimize the impact of water on the transmissivity of the satellite signal through transmissive surfaces in the antenna system. In a preferred embodiment, an exterior surface of a feed horn cover is coated with a superhydrophobic material to maintain a more consistent satellite signal reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Electronic Controlled Systems
    Inventor: Lael D. King
  • Patent number: 7339547
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a satellite dish cover comprising a main body portion having a front side, a back side and an outer edge, and a securing element for securing said satellite dish cover to the concave face of a satellite dish. The securing element requires no manual adjustment in order to be secured to a satellite dish. The satellite dish cover may further comprise a design element, a color or a texture to increase the aesthetic appeal of the satellite dish cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Dish Rags, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Walter Reid, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080024368
    Abstract: A microstrip reflectarray antenna with a low cross polarization level is disclosed. The microstrip reflectarray antenna of the present invention comprises: a ground plate; a reflecting plate with an upper surface, and a plurality of microstrip antenna units locating on the upper surface; each of the microstrip antenna units consisting of an inner ring and an outer ring; a plurality of supporting units for supporting the reflecting plate above the ground plate; and a signal transmitting unit locating above the reflecting plate for transmitting and receiving the high frequency signal. Besides, the size of the outer ring corresponds to its location on the upper surface of the reflecting plate, and there is a predetermined ratio between the diameter of the outer ring and the diameter of the inner ring, and both of the outer ring and the inner ring respectively have at least one slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Tatung Company
    Inventors: The-Nan Chang, Chung-Sung Chu
  • Patent number: 7315283
    Abstract: A dual-band circularly polarized antenna is disclosed, more particularly a dual-band circularly polarized antenna being able to transmit and receive circularly polarized signals at two different frequency bands, simultaneously. The dual-band circularly polarized antenna of the present invention comprises a first polarized radiating element with at least one corner being chamfered, a plurality of second polarized radiating elements with each of the second polarized radiating elements having at least one corner being chamfered, a signal distributor for distributing an electrical signal, a signal coupling unit electrically connecting with the first polarized radiating unit and the signal distributor, and a ground plate. The dual-band circularly polarized antenna of the present invention not only can be manufactured with a low cost, but also has a simpler structure. As a result, the dual-band circularly polarized antenna of the present invention can be easily integrated into the antenna module of an RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tatung Company
    Inventor: The-Nan Chang
  • Publication number: 20070296642
    Abstract: The invention is a passive parabolic antenna system for use with conventional subscriber module radio antennas. The passive parabolic antenna system includes a microwave feed assembly that forms a resonant cavity coupling device for coupling to an internal patch antenna of a conventional subscriber module radio antenna. A method of boosting signal strength of a conventional subscriber module radio antenna and a wireless communication system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: James Charles McCown
  • Patent number: 7271778
    Abstract: An antenna device having a primary radiator that includes a transmission portion formed of a cylindrical waveguide extending in a direction parallel to the frontward direction of the antenna device, and a radiation portion of a rectangular horn shape, extending in a direction perpendicular to the above-described frontward direction. The radiation portion is rotatably connected, by a rotary joint, to a waveguide of which the center axis in the extending direction conforms to that of the transmission portion. A reflector is disposed about the rotation axis of the primary radiator along the rotation axis direction thereof, and has a reflection surface around the entire peripheral direction of the primary radiator. The reflector is disposed at a predetermined attitude with respect to the primary radiator so as to obtain a predetermined directivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nagai
  • Patent number: 7233299
    Abstract: A system includes a device for focusing electromagnetic waves, and a multiple-beam antenna. The antenna includes: a photonic bandgap material (20) having at least one band gap, at least one periodicity defect (36) of the photonic bandgap material so as to produce at least one narrow bandwidth within the bandgap material, and excitation elements (40 to 43) for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves within the at least one narrow bandwidth, the elements being arranged relative to one another so as to produce overlapping radiating spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.), Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
    Inventors: Marc Thevenot, Régis Chantalat, Bernard Jecko, Ludovic Leger, Thierry Monediere, Patrick Dumon, Hervé Legay
  • Patent number: 7215297
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus, which can increase capacity in a cellular communication system or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), such as an 802.11 network, operates in conjunction with a mobile subscriber unit or client station. At least one antenna element is active and located within multiple passive antenna elements. The passive antenna elements are coupled to selectable impedance components for phase control of re-radiated RF signals. Various techniques for determining the phase of each antenna element are supported to enable the antenna apparatus to direct an antenna beam pattern toward a base station or access point with maximum gain, and, consequently, maximum signal-to-noise ratio. By directionally receiving and transmitting signals, multipath fading is greatly reduced as well as intercell interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: IPR Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Griffin K. Gothard, Alton S. Keel, Jr., Christopher A. Snyder, Bing Chiang, Joe T. Richeson, Douglas H. Wood, James A. Proctor, Jr., Kenneth M. Gainey
  • Patent number: 7196675
    Abstract: A receptacle with an adjusting slot is adapted to receive a mounting lip of the feed assembly. A means for positioning which may include a threaded shaft threaded into a first side of the receptacle that projects into a first side of the mounting lip, is operative to move the mounting lip within the adjusting slot. A bias spring may be positioned between the mounting lip and a second side of the mounting lip, the bias spring biasing the mounting lip against the threaded shaft. Alternatively, the threaded shaft may extend threaded through the mounting lip, longitudinally retained with respect to the receptacle operative to move the mounting lip along the adjusting slot as the threaded shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Wolfenden, Andrew Baird
  • Patent number: 7187334
    Abstract: An improved transceiver assembly for a vehicle for detecting potentially hazardous objects is disclosed. The transceiver assembly preferably comprises a patch array feed antenna having an array of a plurality of patches for generating a beam and for detecting the beam as reflected from the potential hazards. The antenna is formed in or on a housing which also contains a parabolic dish that moves to sweeps the beam of radiation towards the potential hazards outside of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 77 GHz radiation is generated from and detected by the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Franson, Rudy M. Emrick
  • Patent number: 7148854
    Abstract: A precipitation removal apparatus includes a satellite dish that is positioned on a mounting. An arm is attached to the mounting. A signal receptor is mounted on a post attached to the arm and is directed toward the dish. A tube is fluidly coupled to a top wall of a housing assembly, and a fan is mounted on a bottom wall of the housing assembly for directing air through an opening in the bottom wall. A heating element is mounted in the housing assembly. A bracket removably attaches the housing assembly to the arm so that the second end of the tube is directed adjacent and parallel to an outer surface of the signal receptor. The fan and heating element are turned on and warm air ejected outwardly of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Joel A. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7142168
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and adjusting a satellite antenna in the azimuth and elevational planes. The present invention provides a base having a longitudinal axis adaptable to adjustably receive a mounting pole. A rotational mount is rotatably connected to the base and has a longitudinal axis extending at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the base. A satellite antenna support is adaptable to receive a satellite antenna, and the satellite antenna support is adjustably coupled to the rotational mount for adjustment about a rotational axis wherein the rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rotational mount. A first adjustment mechanism is coupled to the base and the rotational mount for providing fine azimuth adjustment of the satellite antenna. A second adjustment mechanism is coupled to the rotational mount and the satellite antenna support for \providing fine elevational adjustment of the satellite antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Patriot Antenna Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin D. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7138957
    Abstract: A dish antenna kit has at least one reflector, one feed horn, and an alignment tool. The alignment tool has a light source and a base. The base has at least one inner cylindrical surface having a diameter slightly exceeding the outer diameter of a rim of the feed horn. The alignment tool base positions the light source axis with respect to the feed horn axis. A method of aligning the feed horn with respect to the reflector includes: placing the alignment tool on the feed horn; activating the light source; rotating the alignment tool so that a light beam advances in an arcuate path on the surface of the reflector; determining from the arcuate path the offset of the feed horn with respect to a focus point on the reflector surface; and, if the offset is not within the predetermined tolerance, adjusting the feed horn attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Lyman Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris E. Bruchie
  • Patent number: 7109938
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an improved transceiver assembly for a vehicle capable of detecting potentially hazardous objects is disclosed. The transceiver assembly comprises a tapered slot feed antenna for generating a beam and for detecting the beam as reflected from the potential hazards. The antenna is formed in or on a housing which also contains a parabolic dish that oscillates to sweep the beam of radiation towards the potential hazards outside of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 77 GHz radiation is generated from and detected by the antenna. The antenna is preferably formed on a printed circuit board (PCB) (substrate), which can include additional circuitry necessary to operate the antenna, and which is preferably mounted at an acute angle with respect to the housing to direct the beam at the parabolic dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Franson, Bruce A. Bosco, Rudy M. Emrick, John E. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7102579
    Abstract: A satellite antenna station composed of: a dish for concentrating received electromagnetic energy; photovoltaic elements for supplying electric power to the station; and a positioning device controlled by a control unit. The positioning device is adjustable at least into a first position for optimizing reception of a signal from a satellite and into a second position for optimizing exposure of the photovoltaic elements to solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: ten Haaft GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas ten Haaft, Michael ten Haaft
  • Patent number: 7098867
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally relates to an apparatus for deploying a segmented reflector antenna. The apparatus includes a plurality of segments that can be rigid or flexible where each segment is hinged to an adjacent segment on either longitudinal side. The apparatus also includes a base, a plurality of inner deployment beams, and a plurality of outer deployment beams. Each inner deployment beam connects an inner side of a respective segment to the base and having a folded position and an extended position. Each outer deployment beam connects an outside side of a respective segment to the base and has a folded position and an extended position. The plurality of segments in a hinged folded position in response to the plurality of inner deployment beams being in the folded position and the outer deployment beams being in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sarma N. Gullapalli
  • Patent number: 7098851
    Abstract: A multi-layer substrate of the invention for a low noise block down converter includes an antenna pattern conveying electric wave signals that have been carried along a waveguide, and three ground conductive layers stacked on the antenna pattern with dielectric layers therebetween. In at least one ground conductive layer of the three ground conductive layers, conductor is absent in at least part of the region that is closer to the waveguide than the antenna pattern. This provides a multi-layer substrate for a low noise block down converter where deterioration in the passage property of electric wave signals can be restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Dohata
  • Patent number: 7084836
    Abstract: A flat plate reflective assembly for receiving and focusing incident microwave signals having a wavelength (?), comprising a series of adjacent reflecting surfaces, each having a separate focal points offset from one another in focal length by one wavelength or a multiple of the wavelength. When an incident microwave signal strikes the reflective assembly, each reflected wave is directed to the focal point for the respective reflecting surface and is collected by the LNB. Each reflected wave arrives at the focal point for the reflecting surface in-phase with other reflected radiation. However, spatial resolution of the focal points reduces the deconstructive interferences between the reflected radiation. In another embodiment, the flat plate reflective assembly is configured is configured to reflect incident radiation in-phase such that microwave signals reflected by each reflective surface arrive at a common focal point in-phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: Mark W. Espenscheid, Robert J. Gavrick
  • Patent number: 7075499
    Abstract: An antenna system of the phased array type, with a carrier of electrically insulating material and at least two antenna units, which each comprise a receiving device for electromagnetic radiation and of which the receiving device is connected with a time- or phase-shifting circuit. The receiving devices of the antenna units are connected with each other via the time- or phase-shifting circuit through a combining circuit. The antenna units comprise a recess in the surface of the carrier, having on a recess-defining recess surface of the carrier at least partly a layer of electrically conductive material and having at least one focus; wherein the at least one receiving device is located in or near the focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Stichting Astron
    Inventor: Arnold van Ardenne
  • Patent number: 7050015
    Abstract: A dish antenna kit has at least one reflector, one feed horn, and an alignment tool. The alignment tool has a light source and a base. The base has at least one inner cylindrical surface having a diameter slightly exceeding the outer diameter of a rim of the feed horn. The alignment tool base positions the light source axis with respect to the feed horn axis. A method of aligning the feed horn with respect to the reflector includes: placing the alignment tool on the feed horn; activating the light source; rotating the alignment tool so that a light beam advances in an arcuate path on the surface of the reflector; determining from the arcuate path the offset of the feed horn with respect to a focus point on the reflector surface; and, if the offset is not within the predetermined tolerance, adjusting the feed horn attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Chris E. Bruchie
  • Patent number: 7034771
    Abstract: An antenna system includes a reflector having a modified-paraboloid shape; and a multi-beam, multi-band feed array located at a focal point of the reflector so that the antenna system forms a multiple congruent beams that are contiguous. The system has a single reflector with non-frequency selective surface. The reflector is sized to produce a required beam size at K-band frequencies and is oversized at EHF-band frequencies. The synthesized reflector surface is moderately shaped and disproportionately broadens EHF-band and Ka-band beams compared to K-band beams. The synthesized reflector surface forms multiple beams each having a 0.5-degree diameter at K-band, Ka-band, and EHF band. The multi-beam, multi-band feed array includes a number of high-efficiency, multi-mode circular horns that operate in focused mode at K-band and defocused mode at Ka-band and EHF-band by employing “frequency-dependent” design for the horns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sudhakar K. Rao, David Bressler
  • Patent number: 7030832
    Abstract: A multi-beam-reflector dish antenna system. Signals from different satellites are simultaneously received using a single compound LNBF module. The antenna dish includes a reflector with N-th order projected aperture and a single compound LNBF module constituting multiple LNBF units. The reflector is formed by projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture in accordance with the method of analysis and synthesis. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focused waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane to be received by the compound LNBF modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Wistron Neweb Corporation
    Inventors: Jiahn-Rong Gau, Cheng-Geng Jan, Chung-Min Lai
  • Patent number: 7030831
    Abstract: A multi-polarized forward feed and dish configuration for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals is disclosed. The configuration comprises a conductive reflector dish, having a focal point and a vertex point, and a multi-polarized forward feed element positioned substantially at the focal point. The forward feed element comprises at least two radiative members each having a first end and a second end. The second ends of the radiative members are electrically connected at an apex point and are each disposed outwardly away from the apex point toward the vertex point at an acute angle relative to an imaginary plane intersecting the apex point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: WiFi-Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7031652
    Abstract: A wireless local loop system is provided that includes a wireless base station that communicates with a subscriber station via a wireless link. The wireless link can carry a voice service, such as telephone calls, or a data service, such as internet browsing. The subscriber station includes a steerable antenna. A presently preferred steerable antenna for use with the subscriber station includes a driven element mounted on a base plane that is surrounded by a plurality of parasitic elements also mounted to the base plane. The parasitic elements can be optionally grounded or floated in order to reflect the wireless link towards the driven element. The antenna can be oriented in a desired direction during the transception of a voice or data service. A method of transceiving between a wireless local loop subscriber station and a wireless local loop base station is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: SOMA Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Blodgett, Fred Judson Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 7019706
    Abstract: The present invention includes: a first main waveguide 1; a T-branch circuit 3 connected thereto; a first low-pass filter 5 connected thereto; a band-pass filter 7 connected to the first T-branch circuit 3; a first converter 8 connected to the first low-pass filter 5 for converting transmission lines between a waveguide and a microwave integrated circuit; an amplifier 10 connected to the first converter and structured by the microwave integrated circuit; a second converter 9 connected thereto for converting transmission lines between a waveguide and the microwave integrated circuit; a second low-pass filter 6 connected thereto; a second T-branch circuit 4 connected to the second low-pass filter and the band-pass filter 7; and a second main waveguide 2 connected to the second T-branch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naofumi Yoneda, Moriyasu Miyazaki, Tetsu Ohwada, Hideyuki Oh-Hashi, Koji Yamanaka, Kazutomi Mori, Yukio Ikeda, Toshiyuki Horie, Akio Iida, Yutaka Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6999035
    Abstract: An antenna device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The antenna device can receive a plurality of radio waves, with a small number of parts and at low cost. The antenna device includes a micro lens array and a receiver facing a reflecting surface of the micro lens array. The reflecting surface of the micro lens array is provided with a plurality of different lenses selectively reflecting radio waves with particular frequency ranges to the receiver from among the radio waves transmitted toward the micro lens array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Masaki Hoshina
  • Patent number: 6995727
    Abstract: An antenna feed comprises, aligned and centered on an axis OO?, a waveguide having an inside diameter, a first end and a second end, a dielectric body having a portion inside the waveguide and a portion outside the waveguide, the outside portion comprising a section of frustoconical shape having an outside lateral surface of frustoconical shape with two ends, namely a large diameter end and a small diameter end, and a subreflector at the large diameter end of the frustoconical shape. The outside portion comprises, in addition to the frustoconical portion, a cylindrical portion whose diameter is greater than the inside diameter of the waveguide. The cylindrical portion is connected to the frustoconical portion at its small diameter end and the frustoconical outside lateral surface of the dielectric body is smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Denis Tuau, Michael Greiff, Armel Le Bayon
  • Patent number: 6989797
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus, which can increase capacity in a cellular communication system or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), such as an 802.11 network, operates in conjunction with a mobile subscriber unit or client station. At least one antenna element is active and located within multiple passive antenna elements. The passive antenna elements are coupled to selectable impedance components for phase control of re-radiated RF signals. Various techniques for determining the phase of each antenna element are supported to enable the antenna apparatus to direct an antenna beam pattern toward a base station or access point with maximum gain, and, consequently, maximum signal-to-noise ratio. By directionally receiving and transmitting signals, multipath fading is greatly reduced as well as intercell interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: IPR Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Griffin K. Gothard, Alton S. Keel, Jr., Christopher A. Snyder, Bing Chiang, Joe T. Richeson, Douglas H. Wood, James A. Proctor, Jr., Kenneth M. Gainey
  • Patent number: 6985120
    Abstract: A reflector antenna with a self supported feed assembly that may be formed by injection molding. A waveguide portion of the feed assembly has a dielectric cone at a distal end that supports and retains a sub reflector, for example along a periphery of the sub reflector. A conductive surface coating on an internal surface of the waveguide and a bottom surface of the sub reflector creates surfaces with RF reflective and conductive properties. The return loss of the feed assembly is reduced due to a reduction of the thickness of the material forming the dielectric cone, compared to prior dielectric block designs and a soft boundary condition produced by dielectric coating of the waveguide which aids in reducing reflections to the vertex area of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lewry, Junaid Syed
  • Patent number: 6977625
    Abstract: An antenna includes a reflector panel having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface, a circuit board having two antenna members directed toward different directions and having a terminal coupled to a cable device. The circuit board is received in the concave surface of the reflector panel, and the concave surface of the reflector panel may be used to reflect or to concentrate signals to and from the circuit board. It is preferable that the antenna members are disposed on two opposite surfaces of the circuit board, and directed toward opposite directions. A casing may support the circuit board, and has a channel to receive the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Joymax Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Doung Sheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 6972730
    Abstract: A feed probe (1), a semicylindrical sub-reflector (2) forming a primary radiator together with the feed probe (1), and a main reflector (3) arranged such that mirror surfaces of said main reflector (3) and the sub-reflector face across the feed probe (1) are all disposed on a ground plate (a recfector face) (4). The main reflector (3) has a predetermined focal point or focal line on which the feed probe (1) is located, and is mounted on the ground plate (4) at a predetermined installation angle ?. A converter (500) for converting linearly and circularly polarized waves is provided on the mirror surface of the main reflector (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Ogawa, Kazuo Sato, Kunitoshi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6967619
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and a device that includes an output for providing at least a first signal at a first frequency and a distinct second signal at a distinct second frequency, a first signal channel connected between a first waveguide port and the output, the first waveguide port providing a harmonic of the first signal, and, a distinct second signal channel connected between a second waveguide port and the output, the second waveguide port providing a harmonic of the second signal, where the first signal channel includes a notch filter centered substantially at the distinct second frequency, and the second signal channel includes a notch filter centered substantially at the first frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: KVH Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tai Wee Khoo, Gregory C. Poe
  • Patent number: 6963726
    Abstract: First and second waveguides which have respective axes thereof arranged parallel to each other are respectively held by dielectric feeders. A projection wall or a thick wall is formed as a correction part on a front surface of a waterproof cover which covers radiation parts of the dielectric feeders. Due to such a constitution, when radio waves transmitted from neighboring first and second satellites are converged by a reflector and are incident on the inside of respective waveguides, it is possible to delay a phase of radio waves which pass the waterproof cover by the correction part (projection wall or thick wall) so that it is possible to adjust such that radiation patterns of radio waves which are incident on the respective waveguides are reflected on a common portion of the reflector whereby the required reflector can be miniaturized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Nakagawa, Kazutoyo Kajita
  • Patent number: 6940471
    Abstract: This invention relates to antennae and in particular to antennae of the multi-element helically wound type. An helical antenna according to the invention has at least one conductive helix having a vertically orientated central longitudinal axis wherein the helix is fixed at one end and rotatable at the opposite end; a non-conductive constant diameter support means located coaxial with said at least one conductive helix adapted to support said at least one conductive helix; and rotation means attached to said rotatable end of each of said at least one conductive helix arranged to change the pitch of said at least one conductive helix while maintaining the diameter of said at least one conductive helix to affect manipulation of the antenna pattern in gain and azimuth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Syntonic Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 6940457
    Abstract: A multifrequency antenna comprising a stack of nonconductive substantially planar substrates, with a conductive layer disposed on each substrate surface. A first substrate includes transmission lines disposed on a rear surface and a conducting layer on the other surface. A second substrate is stacked on the first substrate. A conducting layer is disposed on one side of the second substrate surface. Conducting layers disposed on first and second substrates include a plurality of slotted openings arrayed about an antenna axis. A third substrate stacked on the second substrate includes a conducting layer top. A lossy dielectric-magnetic material encloses sides and rear of the multifrequency antenna, to prevent electromagnetic energy penetration through the enclosure. An edge diffraction suppresser reflector is attached in the rear surface of the multifrequency antenna, and has two or more essentially circular, conducting plates and a multitude of conducting cylinders along the axis of the multifrequency antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Center for Remote Sensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoonjae Lee, Suman Ganguly, Raj Mittra
  • Patent number: 6919855
    Abstract: A sub-reflector for a dish reflector antenna with a waveguide supported sub-reflector. The sub-reflector formed from a dielectric block, concentric about a longitudinal axis. The dielectric block having a first diameter waveguide junction portion adapted for coupling to an end of the waveguide and a sub-reflector surface coated with an RF reflective material having a periphery with a second diameter larger than the first diameter. A leading cone surface extends from the waveguide junction portion to the second diameter at an angle. The sub-reflector surface and the leading cone surface having a plurality of non-periodic perturbations concentric about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Hills
  • Patent number: 6888515
    Abstract: An adaptive reflector antenna includes an adaptive reflector and a mechanism for simultaneously effecting feed rotation and shape change for the adaptive reflector so as to maintain antenna performance with large scan angles while simultaneously reducing weight, complexity, and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Ivan Bekey
  • Patent number: 6864846
    Abstract: A satellite locator system used with a motor home has a parabolic reflector antenna dish, feedhorn and signal converter mounted on a turntable supporting electronic controls and elevation and azimuth motors operable to rotate the turntable and change the elevation of the dish to locate and target a satellite. A plastic dome mounted on a base plate attached to the roof of the motor home encloses the dish, feedhorn, signal converter, turntable, electronic controls, and elevation and azimuth motors. The dome has an inner semi-hemispherical surface located close to the signal converter to improve the signal strength. A remote console wired to the electronic controls is operable to initiate the satellite search and monitor the status of the satellite search.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Lael D. King
  • Patent number: 6864855
    Abstract: A bracket (12) is fixed to the rear surface of a reflector (2). The bracket has a planar plate (14) which, when the bracket is fixed to the reflector, is perpendicular to a polarity axis (16). Plural, spaced-apart arcuate slots (20) arranged on an imaginary circle on the planar plate (14) about the polarity axis (16) are formed in the planar plate (14). An adapter plate (24) is disposed in contact with the surface of the planar plate (14) facing the reflector (2). The bracket (12) is rotatable about the polarity axis (16) relative to the adapter plate (24). The adapter plate (24) has screw holes (26) in alignment with the arcuate slots (20) in the planar plate (14). A bracket (28) is disposed on the side of the planar plate (14) opposite to the reflector (2). The bracket (28) has a pair of wings (30, 32). A connecting member (34) is formed integral with the wings (30, 32). The connecting member (34) is perpendicular to the wings (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: DX Antenna Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Fujita
  • Patent number: 6862000
    Abstract: An antenna exhibiting improved transmission and reception capabilities. The antenna does not make use of a solid support tube or solid support rods used by previous antennas to support a sub-reflector or other device above a main reflector of the antenna. Instead, the antenna employs the use of a low dielectric constant, perforated, support tube to support the sub-reflector, patch antenna, or other form of antenna element above the main reflector. The perforated support tube permits radio frequency signals to pass through the tube, thus decreasing signal degradation experienced due to reflection of the signal off the solid support tube or off the solid support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Glen J. Desargant, Albert L. Bien, Orville L. Reid
  • Patent number: 6853334
    Abstract: There can be provided an LNB converter including a multilayer substrate formed of more than two layers, capable of providing adequate transit characteristic for any frequency, and a multilayer substrate. A microstrip line is provided at one surface layer's pattern and a second layer's pattern cooperating with the surface layer's pattern to sandwich a dielectric layer underlying the surface layer's pattern. A probe is inserted from the surface layer's pattern in a direction intersecting a 4-layer substrate and in at least one pattern layer other than the first and second, pattern layers at least a region surrounding a hole having a probe passing therethrough is either a pattern-free region provided by removing a predetermined region surrounding the hole or an isolated region corresponding to a predetermined region surrounding the hole and electrically isolated from an outer region of the pattern layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Imai
  • Patent number: 6850785
    Abstract: A portable communication device has an antenna configuration that allows to form various different antenna directivity configurations. In particular, a control device discriminates between a transmitting state and a receiving state of the communication device. As based thereon, it effects various non-uniform selection patterns among the directivity configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Lukas Leyten, Peter J. Massey, David Duperray, Steven J. W. Van Lerberghe, Cyrille M. J. M. Amar
  • Patent number: 6836255
    Abstract: A hybrid parabolic reflector phased array antenna system which is stowable in a space vehicle and is deployable in space. The antenna includes a large torus which acts as a support structure for a plurality of small reflector cells called super elements, each including its own reflector and an array of feed elements. The torus supports a stretched reflector mesh and matching back-up catanary wires that provide a mechanism for pulling the reflector surface of the cells down to an exact paraboloid. A set of rigid corner posts for stretching the mesh fabric for forming multiple reflectors is also provided. The torus is also used to support individual super element feed arrays for each reflector. The super elements incrementally scan the beam by group selection of feed elements in each feed array with time delay phase control being used to steer the array factor so as to achieve fine steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Davis
  • Publication number: 20040239576
    Abstract: An antenna device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The antenna device can receive a plurality of radio waves, with a small number of parts and at low cost. The antenna device includes a micro lens array and a receiver facing a reflecting surface of the micro lens array. The reflecting surface of the micro lens array is provided with a plurality of different lenses selectively reflecting radio waves with particular frequency ranges to the receiver from among the radio waves transmitted toward the micro lens array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Masaki Hoshina