Parabolic-type Reflector With Active Antenna At Focus Patents (Class 343/840)
  • Patent number: 6441798
    Abstract: A feed legs assembly 120 connects a horn 180 and mount assembly 160 to a back frame 60 in an antenna assembly. The feed legs assembly 120 includes a main feed leg 122, a right side feed leg 140, and a left side feed leg 142. The main feed leg includes an amp frame 124, a feed strut 126, a quick release latch 128, an amplifier 132, a mating wave guide fitting 204, a flexible wave guide 137, wave guide end fitting 208, and a horn mount attachment 138. The amp frame 124 provides a protective structure around the amplifier 132, and wave guide end fitting 204, as well as lowering the overall profile and center of balance of the main feed leg 122. The wave guide end fitting of the flexible wave guide attaches to the mating wave guide fitting of the amplifier and carries the transmission signal to the horn. The side feed legs connect to the main feed leg 122 to the back frame. The side feed legs attach to the main feed leg 122 and back frame through Hein joints 148, 150, 156, and 158 and act as long turnbuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: NeTune Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Ehrenberg, Michael Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6441797
    Abstract: An Out Door Unit (ODU) provides the capability to aggregate signals received from more than one satellite before providing the signals to a multi-switch for selection 0by an integrated decoder-receiver (IRD). The signals from a first satellite are relocated by means of a local oscillator and multiplier to frequencies of unused channels in the signals from a second satellite. The relocated signals from the first satellite are then summed with the unused channels in the signals from the second satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 6437752
    Abstract: A dual-band electronic scanning antenna, with an active microwave reflector. The antenna includes at least two microwave sources transmitting in different frequency bands and having opposite circular polarizations. An active reflecting array including elementary cells illuminated by the sources is provided. A polarization rotator is inserted between the reflecting array and the sources, changing the circular polarizations into two crossed linear polarizations. An elementary cell includes a conducting plane and first and second transverse phase shifters, the first phase shifter is substantially parallel to a linear polarization and the second phase shifter is substantially parallel to the other linear polarization. The conducting plane is placed substantially parallel to the phase shifters. The antenna is applicable in particular for microwave applications requiring two transmission bands moreover subject to very low-cost production conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Thomson-CFS
    Inventor: Claude Chekroun
  • Patent number: 6433752
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for microwave imaging and sounding with large bandwidth radiometer reflector antennas in a compact form. The apparatus comprises a main reflector for reflecting a beam, a polarizer for polarizing the reflected beam into a first polarized beam and a second polarized beam, a first Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) reflecting a first selected frequency of the first polarized beam, a second FSS reflecting a second selected frequency of the second polarized beam, a first feed receiving the first selected frequency and a second feed receiving the second selected frequency. The method comprises reflecting a beam, polarizing the reflected beam into a first polarized beam and a second polarized beam, reflecting a first selected frequency of the first polarized beam, reflecting a second selected frequency of the second polarized beam, receiving the first selected frequency and receiving the second selected frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John J. Moncada, William D. Beightol, Andrew Jacob Stambaugh
  • Publication number: 20020101384
    Abstract: A self-pointing antenna has a reflector, a feed or a sub-reflector and a plurality of support struts coupled between the reflector and the boom arm and supporting the feed or sub-reflector. At least one actuator is operatively coupled with the support struts for adjusting the position of the feed or sub-reflector relative to the reflector so as to selectively adjust either/or both of the beam elevation and azimuth of a main beam axis of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Ralph L. Brooker, Scott H. Walker, Charles L. Lipkin, David H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6424312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radiating source for transmitting and receiving, intended to be installed on board a satellite to define a radiation pattern in a terrestrial zone, said source being intended to be disposed in or near the focal plane of a reflector associated with other sources corresponding to other terrestrial zones. The source includes a plurality of radiating apertures, each of which has an efficiency at least equal to 70%, and feed means for feeding said radiating apertures. The radiating apertures and their feed means are such that the energy radiated by all of the radiating apertures is practically limited to the corresponding reflector, at least for transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Cyril Mangenot, Yann Cailloce, Jacques Maurel
  • Publication number: 20020080085
    Abstract: A reflector antenna for use on a geosynchronous spacecraft or satellite for providing Earth coverage has a gain or directivity which is two or three dB greater at the edges than at the beam center, to provide coverage with more or less uniform field strength at the Earth's surface. The reflectors may be based on diverging prime focus or offset-feed parabolas, in which case the reflective surfaces of shaped reflectors have, in at least one plane, a central convex region and an “edge” convex region, separated by a concave region. The reflectors may be based on converging prime focus or offset-feed parabolas, in which case the reflective surfaces of the shaped reflectors have, in at least one plane, a concave central region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Edward Jay Kent, Mysore Srinvasa Iyengar Sheshadri
  • Publication number: 20020075197
    Abstract: For use upon a high-frequency communications antenna comprising a reflector and a feed waveguide, a tool is provided to facilitate adjustment of polarization alignment by rotating the feed waveguide within the antenna. The tool engages a feed hub coupled to the feed waveguide provides a readily accessible lever arm to facilitate rotating the feed hub. Use of the tool allows fine adjustment of polarization alignment and reduces the incidence of damage and impairments that occur when other feed system components are improperly used to apply torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur J. Shrader
  • Patent number: 6405058
    Abstract: An improvement in the design and deployment of collocated radio transceivers for high-speed wireless Internet access accomplished by increased isolation brought about by wrapping each transceiver in a shield of mild steel, enclosing collocated transceivers and associated equipment in non-reflective enclosures, use of low loss RF coaxial cables, and use of high isolation parabolic horn antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: iDigi Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Bobier
  • Patent number: 6400333
    Abstract: According to a case construction of the satellite-broadcast receiving converter of the present invention, air from the outside can enter and exit from a housing through a filter by way of a hole. Accordingly, a case and a sealing member can be prevented from being destroyed because of the expansion and contraction of air in the housing and, at the same time, water such as rain entering a cavity through the hole can be prevented from entering the housing deeper by the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6392611
    Abstract: Array fed multiple beam antenna systems and methods for use on an orbiting spacecraft carrying a communication system. The antenna systems include a reflector and a relatively small array feed compared to the reflector. The array feed has feeds (radiators) that illuminate the reflector and that are disposed in a focal plane of the reflector. A power division network excites the radiators of the feeds. The antenna system is capable of very wide scan angle operation and may be used to provide multiple spot beam coverage over the surface of the Earth viewed from a synchronous orbit spacecraft. Phase aberration normally associated with scanning is corrected by adjusting excitation coefficients of each array feed. The spot beams are scanned across a field of regard by controlling the position of each feed in the focal plane and using the appropriate amplitude and phase distribution associated with a particular spot beam (array feed). The amplitude and phase distributions may be fixed or varied during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry M. Smith, George Hardie, Douglas G. Burr
  • Patent number: 6388637
    Abstract: A plurality of paraboloidal reflector cells are mounted side by side in a concave spherical array in the interior of a toroidal support structure. Groups of adjoining reflector cells are selected for activation to point the antenna in a given direction. The activated elements of the group operate to roughly steer a beam in the desired direction, by switching feeds. Inter-element time delay steering is then used to precisely steer the beam to the desired direction. The groups of reflector cells are selected to provide a required number of pointing angles within a small cone, determined by the center of the group. Each reflector cell, moreover, includes a planar array of feed elements located at or forward of the focal point of its respective reflector element. A predetermined number of feed elements in each feed array of a beam group are selected for operation at any one time and comprises feed elements pointing closest to the desired beam position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Davis
  • Patent number: 6384796
    Abstract: An antenna intended for radiating and receiving electromagnetic waves and including a parabolic reflector and an exciter, which is designed as a sub-reflector and which is attached in the focal point of the reflector at the end of a waveguide, guided through the center of the reflector. On the backside of the reflector a radio box, containing electric and electronic components, is attached to the waveguide, which is connected to a transmitter-receiver. To increase the transmission capacity, a polarization diplexer is provided between the radio box and the waveguide for simultaneous transmission of two orthogonal, linearly polarized waves. The diplexer has first and second inputs with an essentially rectangular clear cross section and an output, which can be attached to the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Reimann, Michael Kammer
  • Patent number: 6380907
    Abstract: This invention relates to an antenna device boxed structure, in which the PC board fitted to a radiant plate, the intermediate plate is fixed between the upper and lower boxes, and the grooves of the upper and lower sheaths are closely fixed with the convex block in the base seat. This allows the structure to rotate freely and smoothly with appropriate elasticity of the plastic for adjusting angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Pro Broadband Inc.
    Inventors: Kao-Tong Ku, Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 6373449
    Abstract: An inflatable antenna system combining a fixed aperture with an inflatable aperture that greatly increases the reflector size of the antenna system. The fixed portion provides a “risk buffer” in that a moderate gain capability is retained in the event of an inflation failure. In a parabolic dish embodiment, an inflatable annulus is stowed compactly under a fixed dish to fit a variety of spacecraft and launch vehicle envelopes. Moderate gas pressure deploys the inflatable portion, which forms a larger reflector surface. After inflation, the materials that form the inflated reflector surface can be made rigid. A fixed feed system for the smaller fixed dish assures operation of the smaller fixed dish throughout the mission. Moreover, the smaller fixed antenna can receive signals that can be used to derive pointing information used to point the larger inflated antenna in a particular direction thus providing a dual-use capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Robert S. Bokulic, Cliff E. Willey, William E. Skullney, Ronald C. Schulze
  • Publication number: 20020039083
    Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna capable of dynamic reconfigurability of several antenna parameters. Specifically, the present invention is an antenna comprising a plurality of surface PIN devices arranged in a gridlike array. Each of the SPIN devices can be individually activated or deactivated. When a SPIN device is activated, the surface of the device is injected with carriers such that a plasma is produced within the intrinsic region of the device. The plasma can be sufficiently conductive to produce conductor or metal like characteristics at the surface of the device. Various ones of the SPIN devices can be activated to electronically paint a conductive pattern upon the substrate supporting the PIN devices. Through selective activation of the SPIN devices various surface antenna patterns can be produced upon the substrate including dipoles, cross dipoles, loop antennas, Yagi-Uda type antennas, log periodic antennas, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Gordon C. Taylor, Stewart M. Perlow, Arye Rosen, Aly E. Fathy, Sridhar Kanamaluru, Moniem Elsherbiny
  • Publication number: 20020027529
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, an antenna system comprises: an antenna panel (1) which has fine irregularities (4) on front and back surfaces thereof, the fine irregularities (4) being formed by blasting so as to regularly reflect service radio waves having longer wavelength than sunlight and scatter sunlight. Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an antenna system in which an antenna panel (1) is manufactured by combining a plurality of constituent parts, comprises the steps of: finishing front and back surface portions of each of the constituent parts so as to thin down the thickness of constituent parts; blasting the front and back surface portions of the constituent parts with abrasive grains; combining the plurality of constituent parts subjected to the blasting step so as to form the antenna panel (1) into a desired shape; and attaching an assistant reflecting mirror (3) to the antenna panel (1) acting as a main reflecting mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Takimoto, Mikio Yamashita, Masashi Ura, Noboru Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6344832
    Abstract: The invention concerns a frequency converter arrangement for parabolic antennae receiving vertical and horizontal linear polarization signals, transmitted by two geostationary satellites not far from each other. The arrangement comprises two positive converter devices (5, 6) designed to receive the signal derived from a satellite, each device bearing means ensuring that the receiving antennae elements are oriented in the received signal plane and means to adapt to the different elevations of the two satellites, by rotating the converter device support. The arrangement is characterized in that the output portions (10) of the two converter devices (5, 6) are made in the form of a single-piece part (12) whereas the input portions (9) are separated and mounted selectively adjustable on the single-piece part (12), the arrangement being mounted rotating about an axis parallel to the two input portions (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Organisation Europenne de Telecommunications par Satellite Eutelsat
    Inventor: Kamal Lotfy
  • Publication number: 20020008670
    Abstract: A dual-reflector microwave antenna includes a main reflector having a shape that is a portion of a paraboloid generated by revolution of a parabola around having a single, common axis of rotation and symmetry. A primary feed extends along the axis of the main reflector on the concave side of the main reflector, and a subreflector located beyond the end of said primary feed has an image-inverting surface configuration that has a ring focus located between the main reflector and the subreflector and extending around the axis of the main reflector. In either a single or dual-reflector antenna, the main reflector has a shield with a band of dielectric or conductive material extending around at least a portion of the inner surface of the shield for reducing the return loss of the antenna. Patterns may be improved by providing a shield of absorber material extending around the outer periphery of at least an end portion of the primary feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: David Seymour Sharman
  • Publication number: 20020008671
    Abstract: An integrated dual-directional feed horn, for receiving RF signals from two satellites in small angle, includes a LNBF (first low noise block with integrated feed) and a second LNBF. The antenna dish focus the received RF signals onto receipt points of the focus plane, and the two LNBFs receive focused RF signals. The first LNBF receives circular polarized waves from the BSS satellite. The second LNBF receives linear polarized waves from the FSS satellite. One characteristic of the invention relies on integrating two LNBFs and making the two LNBFs adjacent to each other in the direction of short axis. Accordingly, the two LNBFs receive RF signals from two satellites in small angle. Increasing the length of the long axis thereof increases the areas of the wave-guides. The signal gain and communication quality are obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: Acer NeWeb Corp.
    Inventors: Cheng-Geng Jan, Tzung-Fang Huang, Lai Chungmin
  • Publication number: 20020008669
    Abstract: A multiple beam antenna system including an offset parabolic reflector has an increased focal length (FL) and/or an increased FL/D (where D is a diameter of the reflector) in order to improve off-axis performance of the system. In certain embodiments, the system can simultaneously receive different signals from different satellites that are orbitally spaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: NICHOLAS L. MUHLHAUSER, KENNETH P. CANNIZZARO, BRIAN C. HEWETT
  • Patent number: 6340956
    Abstract: A broadband collapsible impulse radiating antenna having a reflector 36 and feed arms 24 made from a flexible conductive material. An umbrella-like support mechanism is used to collapse and deploy reflector 36. The umbrella-like mechanism consists of a plurality of support ribs 52, a center support rod 22, center push rods 28, feed arm support rods 26, and push sleeve 32. Support ribs 52 are attached to the reflector 36 and are pivotally connected to a central hub 66. Push sleeve 32 slides along center support rod 22 causing the radial center push rods 28 to provide a radial force to reflector 36 and thereby deploy and collapse the antenna. Center can 12 contains center support rod 22 and an RF splitter 86 that splits the input signal into two feed cables of equal length leading to the feed point 54. Optional expandable seams can be provided in the reflector and feed arms so that the surface curvature of the reflector can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventors: Leland H. Bowen, Everett G. Farr
  • Publication number: 20020005813
    Abstract: A single offset-fed reflector antenna includes a serpentine waveguide terminating with a corrugated horn feed directed at a reflector having a focal length of about half of the diameter of the reflector for providing a 90-degree azimuth and 6-degree elevation beam at 38 GHz. A semi-cylindrical radome, end caps and base plate form an enclosure for the waveguide, feed, and reflector. The reflector has a continuous compound concave/convex surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Comisky, Raymond R. Blasing
  • Publication number: 20020005812
    Abstract: An antenna assembly for transmitting electromagnetic signals to and receiving electromagnetic signals from a conductive member. The antenna assembly comprises a reflector member, a focus rod, a focus element, and an insulating member. The reflector member defines a reflecting surface having a substantially parabolic cross-section. The focus element has a first surface and is mounted on the focus rod. The insulating member mounts the focus rod on the reflector member such that the focus element is arranged substantially at the focal point of the reflecting surface with the first surface facing the reflecting surface. When the reflector member is arranged with the reflecting surface facing the conductive member, the antenna assembly operates in a transmit mode or a receive mode. In the transmit mode, electromagnetic signals travel along the focus rod, radiate from the focus element, and reflect off of the reflecting surface and are transmitted to the conductive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: John T. Kuo, Gale D. Burnett
  • Publication number: 20020000947
    Abstract: The invention involves a novel mechanical assembly incorporating, in a preferred embodiment, a technically advanced Cassegrain antenna design. The antenna achieves, in experiments, near theoretical performance with the minimum size. The Cassegrain antenna incorporates an intergrated DR array feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Hazim Basheer Al-Rawi, Andrew John Fox, Anthony Martin
  • Publication number: 20010054984
    Abstract: An antenna includes a reflector having a first axis, a second axis, a focal zone that is about parallel to the first axis, and a focal point located within the focal zone. A transmit feed is located at the focal point, and at least one receive feed is located within the focal zone. The transmit feed is part of a bidirectional feed that includes an integral receive feed. The bidirectional feed transmits and receives an RF signal carrying digital information signals to and from a first satellite, such as an FSS satellite, and each respective receive feed receives a signal from satellite, such as a DBS satellite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Danny Spirtus
  • Patent number: 6331839
    Abstract: An easily installable signal enhancement addition for a satellite dish, and method for using an installed dish as a reference that allows installation of the enhancement without re-acquiring the satellite signal or re-aiming the dish. In one variation, the enhancement includes a reflector addition fitted with fasteners that locate the reflector against the existing dish, and use of the original feed horn, which is relocated using a support extension. This variation avoids the “shadow” of the feed horn and its support arm, and minimizes the reflective surface area at the lower end of the dish, which reduces collection of such interfering material as snow, rain, and debris. In variations using increased reflector size, the enhancement reduces loss of signal during inclement weather or in other situations in which the satellite signal is partially blocked. In one variation, the added reflector is a standard parabolic reflector superimposed over the original reflector, or replacing it on its mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Burt Baskette Grenell
  • Publication number: 20010050652
    Abstract: A conductive-transmission-line waveguide converter comprising a waveguide for transmitting an electromagnetic wave, a wiring board brought into contact with a side of the waveguide opposite to a side of the waveguide for inputting an electromagnetic wave, being oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the waveguide, a first probe provided in an area on the wiring board inside the waveguide for taking in a first linearly polarized wave, and a second probe provided in an area on the wiring board inside the waveguide for taking in a second linearly polarized wave perpendicular to the first linearly polarized wave, wherein the first probe and the second probe are respectively created along mutually perpendicular first and second axis lines, which both pass through a cross point of the wiring board and the longitudinal axis of the waveguide, and a first center line passing through the middle of each transversal line segment of the first probe is shifted from the first axis line and a second center line p
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Yoshida, Katsunori Honma
  • Patent number: 6326930
    Abstract: A heated antenna system includes an antenna having a reflecting surface and a heater associated with the reflecting surface. A heater controller includes a temperature sensor and/or a moisture sensor. The heater controller applies a voltage to the heater dependent upon an output of the temperature sensor and/or moisture sensor. A monitoring unit overrides the heater controller upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: MSX, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20010045910
    Abstract: A multi-wave-reflector antenna dish simultaneously receives signals from different satellites. The antenna dish comprises a reflector with a superquadric projected aperture and a plurality of LNBF modules. The reflector is formed through process including, projecting the superquadric on the paraboloid, projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture based on the generalized diffraction synthesis technique. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focusing waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane, finally to be received by the LNBF modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Jiahn-Rong Gau, Tzung-Fang Huang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6317093
    Abstract: An antenna pointing system automatically aligns an antenna with a geo-synchronous satellite using a Ku band signal, which has a relatively broad bandwidth, with sufficient accuracy for Ka band signal transmission, which has a relatively narrow bandwidth. Initially, the antenna is pointed at the selected satellite so as to receive the Ku band signal. The system obtains a series of signal strength readings over a predetermined azimuth (or elevation) region, such as plus/minus two degrees, from which a new peak location is selected. Signal strength data is then obtained over a predetermined elevation (or azimuth) region. Another signal peak location is selected based on the elevation data. Azimuth and elevation data are alternately collected for refining the peak of the Ku signal so as to optimize Ka signal transmission capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Joel Harris
  • Patent number: 6317088
    Abstract: A satellite antenna deicing device for preventing accumulation of ice and snow upon the reception side of the satellite dish. The satellite antenna deicing device includes a mounting bracket member adapted to be securely fastened to an elongate satellite antenna support member; and also includes an arm member having a first end securely attached to the mounting bracket member and having a second end; and further includes a heating assembly for heating the satellite antenna for the deicing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Joyce Y. Lindsay, Gary A. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20010030629
    Abstract: The present invention provides various wave-guides and support structures that are used in conjunction with feed structures to form compact antennas. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a wave-guide design used for connecting the feed of an antenna to various electronics, such as a transmitter or receiver. The wave-guide of this embodiment includes a first end for connecting to the feed and a second end for connection to either a transmitter, receiver, or other electronic components. Importantly, the body of the wave-guide extends in a direction towards the reflector of the antenna so that the second end of the wave-guide is positioned closer to the reflector than the first end of the wave guide. As such, the transmitter or receiver that is connected to the second end of the wave-guide is located in close relationship with the reflector, thereby creating a compact, aesthetically pleasing antenna structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Prodelin Corporation
    Inventor: Hamid Moheb
  • Publication number: 20010024176
    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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: CHANNEL MASTER LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Cook, Bruce W. Barratt
  • Publication number: 20010017601
    Abstract: According to a case construction of the satellite-broadcast receiving converter of the present invention, air from the outside can enter and exit from a housing through a filter by way of a hole. Accordingly, a case and a sealing member can be prevented from being destroyed because of the expansion and contraction of air in the housing and, at the same time, water such as rain entering a cavity through the hole can be prevented from entering the housing deeper by the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6281852
    Abstract: An antenna that concurrently provides both satellite and local VHF-UHF radio and television reception. The satellite antenna is comprised of plastic or other radio wave transparent material having a radio wave reflective outfacing surface thereon shaped to reflect incoming satellite signals to a defined focal point. Channels formed in the radio wave reflective material define one or more leg elements for omni directional reception of local VHF/UHF signals eliminating the need and cost to install a separate antenna for local television and radio reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Sal Amarillas
  • Patent number: 6278416
    Abstract: An architecture deploying an energy-directing mesh so as to conform with a prescribed surface includes a plurality of radially extending support structures. Cords extend between the support structures in a generally circumferential fashion, and have attachment locations for the energy-directing material offset from the support structures. Each of a plurality of outermost intercostal cords is retained in tension between the support structures and is configured to substantially conform to the perimeter of the prescribed surface. Flexible intercostal compression reactor members are arranged to be placed in tension in a generally arcuate shape between adjacent support structures. Flexible radial compression members are placed in compression between the intercostal compression reactor members and the outermost intercostal cords, so that the outermost cords substantially conform with the perimeter of the prescribed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Richard I. Harless
  • Patent number: 6275196
    Abstract: A parabolic horn antenna designed for use as a high isolation antenna array in a wireless Internet access system where a high concentration of transceivers at one location is required. The rear, reflecting surface of the horn part of the antenna is a parabolic shape with the probe located at the focal point of the parabola. The sides of the antenna in the broad dimension are angled at an optimum degree increasing the opening aperture allowing the system to capture more RF energy. The length, therefore the aperture width is variable providing control over the gain of the system thus providing effective shielding and isolation for more dense antenna arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: iDigi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bobier
  • Patent number: 6268835
    Abstract: A deployable phased-array-of-reflectors antenna includes individual reflectors and feed arrays. Each feed array is disposed above a corresponding individual reflector. The individual reflector antennas are preferably disposed adjacent to one another (e.g., on a hexagonal lattice) to form a phased array antenna using the individual reflectors antennas as elements. Phase and amplitude control electronics are coupled to each reflector antenna to provide steering for the signal energy coupled between the reflectors and the feed arrays. Switching electronics are coupled to the feed arrays and selectively activate and deactivate beam forming clusters of feeds in the feed arrays. A method for generating a steerable antenna pattern couples signal energy through a beamforming section to form steered signal energy. Next, the method couples the steered signal energy between a phased array of reflector antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Brent T. Toland, L. Dwight Gilger, Ronald Y. Chan, Alon S. Barlevy, Shinobu J. Hamada
  • 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: 6219003
    Abstract: Providing a tapered surface reflectivity to the reflecting surface of the parabolic reflector in a parabolic antenna using resistive material reduces side lobes and produces steeper roll off in the principal lobe, permitting use in the antenna of a smaller diameter microwave feed than required by an antenna without that tapered surface resistivity and, effectively, emulates the latter antenna. As a consequence of the smaller feed diameter, multiple feeds may be positioned contiguously to form multi-beam antennas that produce contiguous beam patterns. A satellite cellular communications multi-beam antenna incorporating the invention achieves greater regional coverage of the Earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Chandler
  • Patent number: 6218999
    Abstract: The invention concerns an antenna system including at least two antennas (10, 11), each of said antennas (10, 11) being capable of pointing independently of the other(s) in any direction within a solid angle. According to the invention, the antennas (10, 11) are mounted on a common support (17) co-operating with rotation means (18) for rotating the common support (17), the rotation means (18) being activated to prevent masking of one of the antennas (10, 11) by another of the antennas (10, 11). The invention applies in particular to tracking non-geostationary satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Jacques Bousquet, Pierre Menard
  • Patent number: 6215453
    Abstract: An easily installable enhancement for replacing the reflective surface area for a satellite dish and method for using an installed dish as a reference, allowing the installation of a dish with added features without re-acquiring the satellite signal or reaiming the dish. In one variation, the enhancement includes a reflector addition, which is fitted with fasteners that locate the reflector against the existing dish. This variation includes use of the original feed horn, which is relocated using a feed horn support extension. This variation is also designed to avoid the “shadow” of the feed horn and its support arm, and to minimize the reflective surface area at the lower end of the dish, which reduces collection of such interfering material as snow, rain, and debris. In variations using increased reflector size, the enhancement reduces loss of signal during inclement weather or in other situations in which the satellite signal is partially blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Burt Baskette Grenell
  • Publication number: 20010000123
    Abstract: An antenna assembly for forming and directing a transmit beam, and for controlling receive and transmit beam tracking of a spacecraft in the presence of planetary aberration. The assembly includes a main reflector, a sub-reflector centered along an optical axis of the main reflector, and a moveable transmit feed for directing electromagnetic radiation along a longitudinal axis thereof. The assembly also includes an intermediate beam waveguide assembly arranged between the moveable transmit feed and the main reflector, wherein the intermediate beam waveguide assembly includes fixed and moveable optical components for guiding electromagnetic beam energy between the moveable transmit feed and the main reflector. A beam steering mechanism is coupled with the moveable transmit feed for angularly displacing the transmit beam from the optical axis by displacing the moveable transmit feed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the transmit feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: April 5, 2001
    Applicant: PRC Inc.
    Inventor: Boonsieng Benjauthrit
  • Patent number: 6211845
    Abstract: A bracket mount for precise antenna adjustment includes a lever or mechanical assist to permit slight movements to the antenna simply by manipulating the lever. The adjustable lever may be a built-in cam or yoke, or may be removably attached to the mount and antenna by an anchoring screw which acts to secure the antenna in place once the desired direction is achieved. The bracket mount may further include two adjusting levers, one for adjusting antenna direction in an up/down direction, and the other for adjusting the antenna in a left/right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Charles William Cook, Jason A. Kay, David Stevens Kerr, Ivan Pawlenko, Richard Franklin Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6211842
    Abstract: An antenna receives beams from telecommunication satellites in geostationary orbit close to the equator. The continuous concave reflecting surface of the reflector of the antenna has an equation deduced from a paraboloid by adding thereto the equation of a correction surface comprising a second order polynomial and a sum of N(2N−1) terms depending on distances between the projection of any point on the reflecting surface and N(2N−1) control points of a grid extending over a plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry. The angular separation of the primary sources on a circular support with an inclination different from the angle of offset is less than approximately 3° for an aperture of more than 50°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignees: France Telecom, TéléDiffusion de France
    Inventors: Pascal Cousin, Jean-Louis Desvilles, Jean-Pierre Blot, Jean-Jacques Delmas
  • Patent number: 6211844
    Abstract: A dual LNB/TV antenna multi-switch allowing DC voltage provided by a satellite receiver to travel through the terrestrial antenna input without causing interference, distortion or lowering the signal strength of the satellite and terrestrial antenna pictures. By including an external DC block adapter with the invention, the multi-switch can be used with both amplified and non-amplified antennas and not require an external power injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Recoton Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard A. Davi, Harvey Gilbert
  • Patent number: RE37218
    Abstract: A miniature dual-band two-way mobile satellite-tracking antenna system mounted on a movable vehicle includes a miniature parabolic reflector dish having an elliptical aperture with major and minor elliptical axes aligned horizontally and vertically, respectively, to maximize azimuthal directionality and minimize elevational directionality to an extent corresponding to expected pitch excursions of the movable ground vehicle. A feed-horn has a back end and an open front end facing the reflector dish and has vertical side walls opening out from the back end to the front end at a lesser horn angle and horizontal top and bottom walls opening out from the back end to the front end at a greater horn angle. An RF circuit couples two different signal bands between the feed-horn and the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Arthur C. Densmore, Vahraz Jamnejad, Kenneth E. Woo