With Support For Antenna, Reflector Or Director Patents (Class 343/878)
  • Patent number: 6906673
    Abstract: Methods for aligning a satellite reflector with an antenna. One method includes the use of an antenna-alignment device to orient the centerline of an antenna in a desired azimuth, elevation and skew orientation. Another method includes the use of an antenna alignment device that is attached to the antenna and can be used in conjunction with a set top box attached to the antenna without the installer having to make trips between the antenna and the television to which the set top box is also attached. Yet other methods include the alignment of an antenna with a satellite wherein the antenna is supported by an adjustable mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Matz, Timothy H. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6903870
    Abstract: A link-mechanism base is prepared within a yoke portion, and a link member is prepared in connection with the base within left and right supports. The link member connects the upper part of the supports or the upper part of the yoke portion, and the link-mechanism base. The displacement and angle of rotation of the upper part of the yoke portion are measured by using these link-mechanism base and link member, thereby measuring a change in the pointing direction of a reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junji Takaki, Noboru Kawaguchi, Yoshihiro Hasuyama, Masaki Tabata
  • Patent number: 6894659
    Abstract: The specification discloses a system for mounting a communications antenna and a solar panel on an explosion-proof housing that does not require the use of conduit ports of the explosion-proof housing. More particularly, a mast couples to the housing by way of a prescribed number of threads, the mast having a circular cross-section and an internal cavity extending along its axis. Wires extending from inside the explosion-proof housing through the mast couple to the radio antenna and the solar panel. The void within the internal diameter of the mast not occupied by the wires for the radio and solar panel is filled with a sealing compound rated for explosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Pepperling, Richard J. Vanderah, Dennis G. Sickels, David C. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 6888509
    Abstract: A tamper indicating label is provided. The label may include RFID components and a tamper track coupled to the RFID components. The tamper track should be constructed from a destructible conducting path. Additionally, the tamper track can be formed such that it is damaged when the label is tampered. In one embodiment, adhesion characteristics of the tamper track are adapted to break apart the tamper track when the label is tampered, for example, by removal from an object. The RFID components may retain their RF capability and detect when the tamper track has been damaged to indicate that the label has been tampered. Alternatively, the RFID capability of the RFID components may be disabled when the tamper track is damaged, indicating tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Mikoh Corporation
    Inventor: Peter S. Atherton
  • Patent number: 6888512
    Abstract: A mobile telescopic antenna mount consisting of a platform 10, a mast base 11, a mast 1, a mounting plate 26 and horizontal arms 9. The platform 10 has wheels 7 mounted to in for mobility. The platform 10 also has handles 16 for carrying the platform 10 and eye bolts 17 for attaching a power source(s) by use of rubber straps 21. The mast base 11 attaches vertically to the platform 10 and receives the mast 1. The mast 1 is telescopic. A universal mounting plate 26 and horizontal arms 9 attach to the top of the mast 1 via a PVC cross 5. In its assembled state, the antenna mount retains full mobility while the power source provides electrical power to the mounted devices. In its disassembled state, the antenna mount becomes compact and easily transportable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: David John Daigler
  • Patent number: 6879301
    Abstract: A waterproof automotive antenna mounting assembly gasket comprises a base having a plurality of apertures and a mounting hole disposed therein, a generally sloped outer casing extending upward from the base, an inner casing connected along a bottom portion of the outer casing and positioned interior to the outer casing, a gap positioned between the bottom portion of the inner casing and the base, a plurality of compressible tabs extending inwardly from the inner casing and aligned with the apertures in the base, a channel disposed in between the inner and outer casings, a plurality of gripping members disposed on an underside of the base, a sealing interface disposed on the base, and an anti-rotation hole disposed on the base. The upper portion of the inner casing extends beyond the upper portion of the outer casing. The anti-rotation hole aligns with a corresponding hole attached to a secondary surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Albert David Kozlovski
  • 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: 6850207
    Abstract: An antenna coupler includes a base part, a clamping part, a pick-up part, and at least one soldering part. The base part has a pair of first edge portions opposite to each other in a first direction, and a pair of second edge portions opposite to each other in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The clamping part includes first and second clamping arms that extend respectively from the first edge portions of the base portion in a third direction transverse to the first and second directions. The pick-up part extends from a distal end of the first clamping arm that is distal from the base part toward the second clamping arm in the first direction and defines a pick-up surface opposite to the base part. Each soldering part extends in the second direction from the respective second edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: EMI Stop Corp.
    Inventor: Wei-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6842152
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a detection axis of an object detection system, wherein a disk-shaped adjusting member is fixed to a reference plane on an outer face of a casing, wherein the rotational position of the adjusting member is adjusted. The adjusting member has first and second base surfaces, between which a wedge shape is formed. Rotating the adjusting member finely adjusts the angle of the second base surface relative to the reference plane of the casing thereby resulting in the direction of the second base surface coinciding with the direction of an object detection axis of a radar mechanism part fixed within the casing. The direction of the object detection axis can be adjusted in the horizontal direction by placing a level on the second base surface of the adjusting member and adjusting the mounting angle of the casing so the level indicates a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hayato Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6836675
    Abstract: The present invention disclosures a method for aiming antennas during the installation of microwave communication systems. By computerized link quality monitoring mechanism, the software of the computer system can monitor the link quality of the link during the aiming of the installation. The link quality comprises the performance of data communication status, and the signal strength and noise tests result. By aiming and installing the antenna at the best link quality direction, the microwave communication system will work at best performance status. The software system also will guide the installer to follow certain procedures and finally affix and aim the antenna to the best direction. There are no extra equipments, such as high cost spectrum analyzer needed. And also, no super high-skilled microwave experts are needed to install and setup the microwave communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Franklin Zhigang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040233120
    Abstract: A small-footprint portable modular cellular antenna site capable of being deployed on any substantially level, flat piece of ground, the cellular antenna site being easily assembled, disassembled, and moved without the aid of heavy equipment. The cellular antenna site does not require a permanent foundation, but instead is anchored by weighting with a non-damaging ballast material sufficient to support a small diameter 30 to 60 foot high antenna pole at wind speed ratings up to 100 miles per hour. The cellular antenna site includes a modular base configurable in different geometric arrangements that retains the ballast material and supports a segmented monopole antenna, an electrical cabinet, perimeter fencing with an access gate, and any auxiliary cabinets, enclosure, or shelters as may be required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph E. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6819245
    Abstract: Vehicle security systems comprise at least one addressable transponder for communication with at least one base station. Each transponder and base station comprises a steerable directional antenna having an antenna azimuth sensor. Transponder and base station antenna azimuths assist in locating a vehicle carrying a transponder and allow near real-time estimation of vehicle heading. Base station networks facilitate location, tracking and/or interception of vehicles within a network geographic area. Use of multiple effective transmission ranges for transponders and/or base stations improves the accuracy of vehicle location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Emery W. Dilling
  • Publication number: 20040222939
    Abstract: A plate (10) has an opening (14) therein which receives the vertical member (11) of an antenna. A flange (20) is formed on the plate (10), and the vertical member (11) can be attached directly to the flange (20) or can be attached to the flange (20) by a saddle clamp assembly (21). The radial wires (12) of the antenna are carried at the periphery of the polygonal plate (10) by connector assemblies (15). The flange (20) is provided with a coax connector assembly (30) to receive a coax feed line of the antenna so that the radial wires (12) conductively communicate with the feed line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Paul D. Sergi
  • Publication number: 20040217908
    Abstract: An adjustable reflector system for fixed dipole antenna comprising of reflector and several supporting devices is described. The beam direction of the antenna can be changed by rotating the reflector about the Y-axis and/or adjusting the reflector about X axis and Z-axis. Such adjustments allow the user to fine tune the antenna to meet new or unforeseen coverage issues. The plurality of the of the reflector's shapes is disclosed (flat, curved, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Zigler, For Sander Lam
  • Publication number: 20040207566
    Abstract: An modular, inflatable, multifunction, multipurpose, parabolic reflector apparatus having a plurality of manufactured parabolic mirrors made from a pressure-deformable reflective covering of an inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) and solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) electrical power generation, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5) projection of optical signals or images. The device also has non-electromagnetic uses, such as the collection of water. A first main embodiment utilizes two reflective membranes. A second main embodiment utilizes a reflective membrane and a transparent membrane. Portability is enhanced by complete collapsing of the inflatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: John Raymond Essig, James Michael Essig
  • Publication number: 20040196207
    Abstract: A collapsible antenna assembly for portable, outdoor satellite communication systems is provided. When connected to complementary electronics, the apparatus enables the transmission and reception of communications signals from any selected terrestrial location by means of a satellite link. The apparatus is implemented in a physical form that minimizes the overall physical dimensions such that portability is improved. The apparatus consists of an antenna reflector, transmit assembly, feed horn assembly, a boom, a tripod, and a mounting platform, which permits the antenna reflector to be oriented to operate with any selected satellite. The entire apparatus can be folded and disassembled to fit inside of a suitcase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Michael John Schefter, Lowell McAllan Orcutt, Christopher Michael Senger, Leonard Albert Russell
  • Publication number: 20040189538
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for generating reconfigurable beams is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a stationary feed array having a plurality of selectably activatable feed array elements, the feed array having a feed array sensitive axis; a reflector, illuminated by the selectably activatable feed array elements; a first mechanism, coupled to the reflector, for varying a position of the reflector along the feed array axis; wherein a desired beam size of the antenna system is selected by varying the reflector position along the feed array sensitive axis and by selectably activating the feed array elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sudhakar K. Rao, Guy Goyette, Cameron Massey, George Voulelikas, Joel A. Fink
  • Patent number: 6798387
    Abstract: A secure non-penetrating flat roof mount, for a satellite antenna and for use with a ballast, having a base portion that itself has two ballast encasing members. Each of the ballast encasing members defines two different open end faces while, at the same time, substantially enclosing a separate portion of the ballast. The base portion also includes two end caps, with each end cap respectively engaging one open end face on each ballast encasing member. The roof mount is also provided with two tie rods that hold the end caps in place, and in encasing relation, so as to encase the ballast in use. The roof mount also has an antenna supporting member that securely engages the base portion. The antenna supporting member has a sleeve portion that has sockets that in turn accept complementary fasteners in throughpassing relation, so as to secure an antenna mast within the sleeve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Robert Cockell, David John Mawle
  • Patent number: 6788256
    Abstract: A concealed antenna assembly includes a base aligned with and attached to a ceiling, a planar sign having a transparent front and back face and an interior surface, a planar antenna concealed within the planar sign, and a light source for illuminating the sign. The sign is disposed substantially perpendicular to and beneath the base. The interior surface of the sign defines a channel extending within the sign in which a planar microstrip antenna is concealed. The antenna has a front and back face and a radio frequency connection point. The front or back face of the antenna has lettering visible through the front or back face of the sign. A surface area of the front or back face of the antenna is equal to or less than a surface area of the front or back face of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cingular Wireless, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Hollister
  • Publication number: 20040160381
    Abstract: An antenna mount comprising a front cylindrical mount, the front cylindrical mount having a threaded interior for installing an antenna; a flanged central portion; a base mount consisting of a hollow cylinder cut away along a longitudinal axis, leaving a half-circular cross section. The antenna mount can be installed by inserting it into an opening in the casing of a device and rotating the antenna mount until it abuts a stop stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy H. Kyowski
  • Patent number: 6774860
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the rotational position of a dipole antenna (10) to compensate for roll and pitch movements of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The antenna (10) is connected to a dual-axis roll and pitch antenna mount (26), the rotational position is controlled by a pair of motor position control and feedback circuits (20 and 32). Roll error and pitch error signals (12 and 14) obtained from gyro systems in the UAV are subtractively combined with roll and pitch position signals, to generate control signals to be applied to rotate the antenna mount in a way that compensates for roll and pitch movements of the UAV, and effectively isolates the antenna mount from roll and pitch movements of the UAV. The dipole antenna (10), therefore, has its radiation pattern and polarization direction aligned with ground-based antennas, thus providing higher gain, increased range and more reliable performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Stuart G. Downs
  • Publication number: 20040150580
    Abstract: A method for improving the electric isolation of a wide coverage antenna mounted on a structure. The structure defines a peripheral wall and a first longitudinal end wall and the generally elongated antenna has a base. The antenna mounts on the structure in a spaced apart relationship relative to the peripheral wall in a direction pointing generally outwardly therefrom with the antenna base being in a step back relationship relative to the first end wall such that the antenna is at least partially electrically isolated by the structure while being substantially hidden from the first end wall. A second antenna similarly positioned relative to the peripheral wall and the first end wall can be generally opposed to the first antenna about the structure such that the two antennas are at least partially electrically isolated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Yves Gaudette, Yan Brand
  • Patent number: 6771228
    Abstract: An antenna (10) includes a boom (12) which through insulator blocks (15) carries a plurality of elements (13) consisting of element halves (13A, 13B) which extend in opposite directions from the boom (12). The insulator block (15) includes compartments (18) to receive the element halves (13A, 13B) and a pedestal (38) formed below each compartment (18) provides strength to that area of the block (15). The block (15) has opposed sidewalls (22) with surfaces (24) to receive the boom (12). The bands (33) of a clamp hold the boom (12) and are received in the space between the pedestals (29) and the sidewalls (22). A cross-shaped member (27) is also located between the sidewalls (22) to strengthen the block (15) while at the same time reducing the weight thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Paul D. Sergi
  • Patent number: 6768473
    Abstract: An antenna is provided that includes a mast, a first dipole, and a second dipole. The first dipole crosses with the second dipole, and the first dipole and the second dipole form a first antenna assembly that is coupled to the mast. A hybrid power divider is coupled to the first antenna assembly, and an internal feed system, positioned within the mast, is coupled to the hybrid power divider. The antenna may include a rigid coaxial internal and external feed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Harland, William A. Kerkhoff, Rex L. Niekamp, Eric L. Power, David W. Rees, Jeffrey H. Steinkamp
  • Publication number: 20040135735
    Abstract: A system for stabilizing two antennas on a mobile platform, the antennas including a first antenna associated with a first geo-stationary satellite and a second antenna associated with a second geo-stationary satellite, the system comprising an upper alignment system and a lower alignment system. The upper alignment system is configured for being a common support for the antennas. The upper alignment system has an intermediate element. The upper alignment system is configured for pointing the antennas relative to the intermediate element, such that the angular displacement between the antennas is matched with the angular displacement between the satellites. The lower alignment system is connected to the upper alignment system and the mobile platform. The lower alignment system is configured for maintaining the orientation of the intermediate element in order to compensate for rotation of the mobile platform, such that the antennas are maintained pointing toward their respective satellites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Orbit Communication Limited
    Inventors: Guy Naym, Nathan A. Levy
  • Publication number: 20040125043
    Abstract: A reception antenna system for electrical connection to the positive and negative sides of a transmission feedline employed in television and other telecommunications includes a reflector having a conductive surface. The system includes an even group of electrically open-ended radial pairs, having positive and negative ends, of hollow, substantially scalene triangular conductive loops, each loop of each pair being internally symmetric about a radius of the reflector, each pair of the group disposed at an uniform offset from the surface of the reflector, the offset defined by insulative mounting elements. Upon the reflector are elements for electrically connecting one negative end and one of the open-ended loop pairs to an adjacent negative end of another of the loop pairs to thereby define at least two loop pairs, each of which two pairs define a single conductive array which is electrically, but not radiationally, discreet from the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Louis Kocsi
  • Publication number: 20040119655
    Abstract: An antenna attachment device and method that can attach to a vertical or angled structural member such as, for example, a vertical or an angled antenna tower leg, and that can support a mounting pipe at a desired angle such as, for example, in a vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6753823
    Abstract: An antenna that has an alignment device for aligning an antenna with a satellite integrally attached thereto. In one embodiment, the device includes a compass for orienting the antenna at a desired azimuth setting. In another embodiment, the device includes a compass and a level for orienting the antenna at a desired elevation. Another embodiment includes a compass and first and second digital levels that cooperate to emit a skew signal that is indicative of the skew orientation of the antenna when the device is affixed to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Matz, Timothy H. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6734830
    Abstract: A portable adjustable stand for mounting and supporting a digital satellite dish antenna eliminates the need for drilling holes and physical attachment to the surfaces of a dwelling with screws, bolts, or other fasteners. The stand has a pair of parallel spaced laterally adjustable longitudinal bracket mounting members and a first and second transverse cross member. The longitudinal bracket mounting members are provided with apertures for receiving and securing an existing mounting foot or mounting bracket of a variety of different commercially available satellite dish antennas. When assembled, the bracket at the lower end of the dish mast arm is secured on the longitudinal bracket mounting members inwardly a short distance from one of the transverse cross members and the mast arm extends toward the other transverse cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Comazell Bickham
  • Publication number: 20040085255
    Abstract: A reflecting mirror support mechanism has at least one reflecting mirror panel (1), a support base (3) to finally support the reflecting mirror panel (1), and at least one reflecting mirror support member (2). The reflecting mirror support member (2) has a structure in which a base section (2A) is mounted on the support base (3) and plural branch sections (2B) are mounted to the reflecting mirror panel (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ryuichi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6731250
    Abstract: A bottom bracket is attached to a vertical wall below a window inside a room. A top bracket joins a longitudinal housing to the bottom bracket. The longitudinal housing encloses multiple telescoping side rails for extending a top support plate outwardly from the housing to a position outside an open window. An upper surface of the top support plate is attached to a satellite TV dish base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Elliot Berman
  • Patent number: 6727861
    Abstract: A mounting bracket includes a single mount for attaching to the soffit of a building for adjustably carrying a satellite dish antenna. The mount includes a base having holes for receiving screws to secure the mount to structural members such as studs or trusses to which the soffit is attached. A body portion of the mount includes a bore for receiving an arm of the mounting bracket. One end of the arm includes a plate adapted for attaching the arm to a satellite antenna dish assembly. Once the arm is positioned within the mount, setscrews lock the arm in its desired place within the bore, thus securing the satellite antenna to a desired location on the soffit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Satellite Accessories, LLC
    Inventor: Mark J. Antoine
  • Publication number: 20040066343
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novelty items, and more particularly to a clip used to mount a novelty item such as a pennant, figurine, or advertising shape on to a post such as an automobile antenna or a writing utensil. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a novel device to securely locate a novelty item such as a pennant or figure on a post such as an automobile antenna using a clip that secures the item rigidly to the antenna at a selected location, and provides a conical mount that cooperates with a corresponding conical aperture on the mounted item to provide a fitted attachment anywhere along the length of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph Thomas Puett, Ralph Thomas Puett
  • Publication number: 20040032375
    Abstract: A tower, an antenna platform and a mounting assembly for rotatably mounting the antenna platform to the tower. The mounting assembly includes tower mounting members for attaching the mounting assembly to the tower, platform mounting members for attaching the antenna platform to the mounting assembly, and rotational members to facilitate rotation of the antenna platform about a longitudinal axis of the tower. The mounting assembly enables the antenna platform to be set at any desired position about a 360-degree azimuth. The rotational members include a ring and the ring includes ring segments. If three ring segments are used, the mounting assembly enables rotation of the antenna platform along a 120-degree arc while the platform is connected to the tower. The platform mounting members are attached to the ring between the segments thereof. Centering clamps are provided to maintain centering of the platform about the longitudinal axis of the tower while the rotational members are being rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ianello, Thomas N. Strantz
  • Publication number: 20040017308
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a detection axis of an object detection system, wherein a disk-shaped adjusting member is fixed to a reference plane on an outer face of a casing, wherein the rotational position of the adjusting member is adjusted. The adjusting member has first and second base surfaces, between which a wedge shape is formed. Rotating the adjusting member finely adjusts the angle of the second base surface relative to the reference plane of the casing, thereby resulting in the direction of the second base surface coinciding with the direction of an object detection axis of a radar mechanism part fixed within the casing. The direction of the object detection axis can be adjusted in the horizontal direction by placing a level on the second base surface of the adjusting member and adjusting the mounting angle of the casing so the level indicates a horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hayato Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6683581
    Abstract: An alignment device for aligning an antenna with a satellite. In one embodiment, the device includes a digital compass to provide an azimuth reading of the antenna when the device is removably affixed to the rear surface of the antenna reflector. In another embodiment, the device includes a first digital level that provides an elevation reading of the antenna when the device is affixed to the rear surface of the antenna reflector. Another embodiment includes first and second digital levels that cooperate to emit a skew signal that is indicative of the skew orientation of the antenna when the device is affixed to the antenna. In yet another embodiment, a speaker is provided adjacent to the antenna to receive a series of tones transmitted by a transmitter that is placed adjacent to a television that is attached to a set top a box that is attached to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Matz, Timothy H. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20040012536
    Abstract: The furniture piece facilitating wireless Local Area Network (LAN) access has a work surface and at least one support supporting the work surface. An antenna is disposed in one of the work surface and the support, and an access point is disposed in one of the work surface and the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Alan David Berenbaum
  • Patent number: 6667722
    Abstract: A multibeam radar sensor is proposed in which a holder (of resilient construction) for polyrods, in connection with a spacing element, holds the polyrods fixedly at a predetermined spacing, preferably in the range between 0 mm and 0.2 mm. The stays of the holder are fashioned such that a spring force constantly presses the spacing element against the base plate. In this context, the spring force is chosen such that the maintenance of the predetermined spacing a is ensured even under disadvantageous operating conditions such as vibration, shock, and impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ewald Schmidt, Hermann Mayer, Bernhard Lucas, Thomas Beez, Joachim Hauk
  • Publication number: 20030231140
    Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna mounting device comprising mounting unit to supply compressive force between an antenna and a panel. The mounting unit includes a forcing cone and anchor and a member designed to supply compressive force such that the anchor and forcing cone are compressed into each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Bradley S. Haussler, Gary A. Cumro, Blaine R. Bateman
  • Patent number: 6650304
    Abstract: A space deployable antenna that includes an inflatable envelope, a cylindrical reflector formed on a wall of the envelope, a catenary support frame for maintaining the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical reflector, and a feed array support structure connected to the catenary support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jar J. Lee, William Derbes, Jonathan D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6639568
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a parabolic antenna with a reflector attached to a bracket, the reflector being designed as at least part of a paraboloid and with a receiving device located essentially at a focus of the reflector. The method includes the steps of adjusting the bracket with a measuring device installed in the bracket without need for the reflector to be attached to the bracket, and subsequently detachably fastening the reflector to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Rainer Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20030184471
    Abstract: A radar apparatus is provided in which an antenna axis and vehicle axis can agree with each other even when the antenna face is covered with a cover. In an assembling process of the radar apparatus composed of a chassis, an antenna incorporated in the chassis and a cover attached to the chassis to cover the antenna, a correlative positional relation between an antenna axis of the antenna incorporated into the chassis and one portion of the chassis or bracket is detected, and the thus detected data is inscribed on a seal and the seal is stuck to the chassis or the data is stored in an internal memory, and the chassis into which the antenna is incorporated is covered with the cover, so that the radar apparatus is manufactured. When this radar apparatus is attached to a vehicle, the antenna axis can be adjusted parallel to the vehicle axis by utilizing data of a correlative positional relation between the antenna and one portion of the chassis or bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Yukio Tohyama, Ritsu Katsuoka, Tsuguhisa Ishii
  • Publication number: 20030179093
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for avoiding code collisions from multiple SAW identification tags and a method of operating such system. In one embodiment the invention provides for (1) focusing an interrogation pulse to within a defined space; and (2) discriminating between coded responses returned from tags located within such defined space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: RF SAW Components, Incorporated
    Inventors: Clinton S. Hartmann, Lewis T. Claiborne
  • Publication number: 20030174094
    Abstract: An antenna system adapted to be mounted on an exterior surface of a mobile platform and having a reduced overall height to reduce aerodynamic drag caused by the antenna system. The antenna system includes a movable platform disposed concentrically within an annular stationary platform. The movable platform includes a slip ring assembly formed on its lower surface which is in physical contact with a brush assembly supported from a lower surface of the stationary platform. By locating the slip ring assembly and the brush assembly adjacent the lower surface of the movable platform, the overall height of the antenna is reduced. Reliability is also improved since contaminants are less likely to accumulate on the slip ring assembly due to its presence on the lower surface of the movable platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Albert Louis Blen, Glen J. Desargant
  • Patent number: 6621470
    Abstract: A phased array antenna consisting of like multi-element tiles whose elements are located so as to produce an irregular array when the tiles have mutually different orientations, e.g., random. The resulting irregular array reduces the effective translational period of the array elements, which in turn ameliorates grating lobes even for wide (one wavelength) effective element spacings. An antenna so designed can maintain low peak sidelobes at far higher frequencies than a conventional translational-periodic phased array antenna of the same element density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Wilharm Boeringer, Richard S. Konapelsky
  • Publication number: 20030160733
    Abstract: A space deployable antenna that includes an inflatable envelope, a cylindrical reflector formed on a wall of the envelope, a catenary support frame for maintaining the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical reflector, and a feed array support structure connected to the catenary support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Jar J. Lee, William Derbes, Jonathan D. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20030142033
    Abstract: The specification discloses a system for mounting a communications antenna and a solar panel on an explosion-proof housing that does not require the use of conduit ports of the explosion-proof housing. More particularly, a mast couples to the housing by way of a prescribed number of threads, the mast having a circular cross-section and an internal cavity extending along its axis. Wires extending from inside the explosion-proof housing through the mast couple to the radio antenna and the solar panel. The void within the internal diameter of the mast not occupied by the wires for the radio and solar panel is filled with a sealing compound rated for explosive environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Donald P. Pepperling, Richard J. Vanderah, Dennis G. Sickels, David C. Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20030142025
    Abstract: A support for a focusing component (1) is described, in which the component is attached via fasteners to an object and carries elements (2, 3, 4) which may be focused in a preset signal axis. A support plate (5), which has flexible clips (6, 7) via which the mechanical contact between the component (1) and the object is produced, and which produces the mechanical contact between the component (1) and the object and therefore allows high tolerance compensation of the component (1) during operation, is mounted between the component (1) and the object to which it is attachable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Bernhard Lucas, Andreas Reichert
  • Publication number: 20030137467
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna of the present invention generally comprises an electrical conductor and a unitary metallic surface mounting structure. The electrical conductor, which performs the radiator function, is secured to the surface mounting structure so that the electrical conductor may use the surface mounting structure not only as a surface mount but additionally as a ground plane. The surface mounting structure is presented in a cross-configuration having outward extending arms. The arms perform the ground plane function and are bent to a desired angle to produce a desired radiation pattern and/or impedance. A plastic radome with a metallic insert is preferably used to cover the electrical conductor and to secure the electrical conductor to the surface mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Robert K. Payne, Wayne A. Lien
  • Patent number: 6594582
    Abstract: The present invention is a GPS system for navigation and attitude determination, comprising a sensor array including a convex hemispherical mounting structure having a plurality of mounting surfaces, and a plurality of antennas mounted to the mounting surfaces for receiving signals from space vehicles of a GPS constellation. The present invention also includes a receiver for collecting the signals and making navigation and attitude determinations. In an alternate embodiment the present invention may include two opposing convex hemispherical mounting structures, each of the mounting structures having a plurality of mounting surfaces, and a plurality of antennas mounted to the mounting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: David A. Quinn