Adjustable Or Collapsible Support Patents (Class 343/880)
  • Patent number: 11885372
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reduced friction torsion component system that makes use of a first frame portion adapted to be coupled to, or integrally formed with, a first object, and forming a first bore, and a second frame portion adapted to be coupled to, or integrally formed with, a second object, and forming a second bore. The two bores are axially aligned and receive at least one elongated hinge component. The elongated hinge component operates to both couple the first and second frame portions together for pivoting movement relative to one another, and also provides a torsional biasing force to enable pivotal deployment from a first position to a second position of one of the first or second frame portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Riot, Darrell Carter, Todd Alan Decker
  • Patent number: 11858663
    Abstract: A method for producing a satellite to facilitate the inclusion of one or more reflector antennas on a surface of the satellite is disclosed. A reusable generic configuration is determined in advance separately from the satellite mission. The generic configuration generally features the following parameters for each reflector: diameter, focal distance, offset distance of the reflector in the deployed position, position of the deployment device, position of the radiofrequency source. The generic configuration is determined such that an antenna points by default towards the centre of the earth when its reflector is in a deployed position. A specific configuration step then consists of defining a limited number of specific parameters depending on the satellite mission. The specific configuration is rendered possible in particular by controlling the deployment device, i.e., by changing the direction in which the antenna points, once the reflector has been deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SAS
    Inventors: Jérôme Strzelecki, Yann Bappel
  • Patent number: 11322820
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of television receiving antennas, and discloses an outdoor antenna, comprising a main body and a pair of reflective nets, wherein the reflective net comprises an assembly body, the main body comprises a fixing base, the assembly body and the fixing base are plugged into each other, and the assembly body and the fixing base are connected by a snap-connection, which allows the assembly body and the fixing base to be tightly combined with each other after being plugged in. The reflective nets can be detached from the main body, so that the entire outdoor antenna can be disassembled, which avoids packaging of the entire outdoor antenna and reduces the packaging volume. Furthermore, through the snap-connection, the assembly body and the fixing seat will not be loosened after being plugged in, and can be tightly combined with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Ruixiong Yang
  • Patent number: 11303033
    Abstract: An adjustable antenna is provided with a linear central support defining a helical axis, and first and second support disks extending radially outward from the central support. The support disks are rotatable around the central support and the second support disk is translatable along the linear central support. An antenna element is coupled to the first and second support disks to define a helical path around the central support between the first and second support disks. An adjustment component is capable of translating one of the first and second support disks along the linear central support and of rotating at least one of the support disks around the central support to change the helical pitch of the antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventors: David J Bamford, Paul Medeiros, Douglas A Sasko
  • Patent number: 11258181
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving an efficiency and a gain of a helical antenna. The methods comprise: configuring a conductive helix element of the helical antenna to comprise a proximal segment having a helical winding that extends along an axis of the conductive helix element and has a plurality of turns with linearly progressing pitch angles; configuring the conductive helix element to comprise a distal segment having a helical winding that extends along the axis of the conductive helix element and has a constant pitch angle; and coupling the distal segment to the proximal segment in a series arrangement so that a radio wave reaches a terminal velocity at a point of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Francis Parsche
  • Patent number: 10862197
    Abstract: Monopole rectenna arrays distributed over a curved surface for multi-directional, multi-polarization, and multi-band ambient RF energy harvesting in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rectenna array includes a curved grounding surface, a plurality of multi-band antennas distributed across the surface of the curved grounding surface and configured to harvest RF energy in multiple spectral bands, from multiple directions, and with multiple polarizations, a multi-band rectifier connected to an output of each of the plurality of multi-band antennas, and a direct current (DC) combiner including a plurality of inputs connected to outputs of the multi-band rectifiers and an output configured to provide DC power to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yahya Rahmat-Samii, Bohan Zhang, Joshua M. Kovitz
  • Patent number: 10686243
    Abstract: An antenna mounting apparatus (10) in which an antenna bracket (32) can be rotated relative to a mount (20) in an azimuth direction and is selectively, automatically locked in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Fasmetrics S.A.
    Inventor: Dimitris Kolokotronis
  • Patent number: 10184610
    Abstract: A rotation range-limiting device 10 is provided with a rotation body 20 provided with a first surface and a carrying surface, and a stationary body 30 supporting the rotation body such that the rotation body is rotatable about a center point thereof. The stationary body has a second surface opposed to the first surface. One 212 of the first surface and the second surface is provided with an arc-shaped slide-guiding portion 24 whose center corresponds to the center point of the rotation body, and a slider 26 movable along the slide-guiding portion. The other 301 of the first surface and the second surface is provided with a locking portion 36, which projects toward the slide-guiding portion at a location on a circle having the same diameter as the slide-guiding portion such that it can abut against the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: MINEBEA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroya Hoshi, Shinichi Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 10181634
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for angularly aligning an antenna disposed at a geographical location is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus comprises a plurality of reticle members, each reticle member having a reticle, and a plurality of reference members, each adjustably engaged with an associated one of the plurality of reticle members, wherein each of the plurality of reference members comprises an associated template having a reference mark positioned thereon according to the geographical location of the antenna and the antenna is angularly aligned when each reference mark of each template is aligned with the reticle associated with the reference mark. A corresponding method comprises the steps of affixing an associated template having a reference mark positioned thereon according to the geographic location of the antenna to each of the plurality of reference members and angularly aligning each of the plurality of reticle members with each reference mark of each associated template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Philip J. Goswitz, Joseph Santoru, Michael A. Thorburn, Jeff Bentzler, Robert C. Tennant
  • Patent number: 9853353
    Abstract: A space vehicle electromechanical system may employ an architecture that enables convenient and practical testing, reset, and retesting of solar panel and antenna deployment on the ground. A helical antenna winding fixture may facilitate winding and binding of the helical antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, David Guenther, Donald Enemark, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms
  • Patent number: 9823454
    Abstract: A scalable parabolic or disc shaped mirror, that is formed and maintained by inflating, with air or inert gas, a rigid polymer membrane envelope, that is pre-formed, and such that when inflated, forms this parabolic or disc shape, governed by a center supporting pole, and ring around circumference of the mirror. The top half of the ballooned envelope is made of a clear transparent membrane through which the sun's rays pass through and on to the lower inner lower surface, which is coated with reflective surface. The balloon is skewered through the middle of each membrane, and clamped with flanges to hermetically seal the envelope. The pole or center structure is anchored and hinged at the base so the Pneumatic Mirror can be articulated to face towards the sun, thus focussing the energy to whatever device is at the focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Arthur Ira Rosen
  • Patent number: 9812767
    Abstract: A wireless base station, relates to the field of communications technologies, and is designed to implement more precise adjustment and control of a device, and to enable the device to have a compact form and high integrity. The wireless base station includes a supporting module and a base station module. The wireless base station further includes a first connecting part. The base station module is slidably disposed on the supporting module in a first sliding direction using the first connecting part, where a first sliding slot matching the first connecting part is disposed on the supporting module, so as to limit a sliding track and a sliding range of the base station module, and the first sliding slot is in an arc shape. The present disclosure may be used for manufacturing a communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chunbo Zhao, Chang Shi, Minghui Zheng
  • Patent number: 9742058
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing deployable and collapsible Quadrifilar Helical Antennas (QHA) on small satellites to improve communications in low earth orbit satellites. Monopole antennas are very popular for use on small satellites, generally because they are relatively easy to attach. By using circularly polarized antennas for the spacecraft and the ground station, polarization losses are virtually eliminated. The QHA can be designed to have a wide range of circularly polarized antenna patterns. Low power transmitters are employed on the small satellite to be consistent with the available energy. The communication link budgets are dependent on good radiation pattern characteristics for the small satellite downlink where higher data rates are required. Quadrifilar Helical Antennas can be collapsed and stowed inside a module to mount inside typical cubes known as 1U through 27U size small satellites. After launch from the rocket, the QHA can be deployed to its stored memory shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory A. O'Neill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9711859
    Abstract: Embodiments of a wide band multi-polarization antenna system are described, which can be attached to the back or front of a soldier's vest or backpack. The antenna system can allow for release of pre-shaped integral radiating elements that spring into a geometric configuration suitable for circular polarization radiation or linear polarization over a desired band of frequencies. The antenna system can provide, when collapsed, linear polarized line-of sight capability over a wide band of frequencies. In a collapsed low-profile state, the antenna system can remain on the soldier, but out of the way for maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Trivec-Avant Corporation
    Inventors: Allen R. Muesse, Steven R. Mills, John E. Fenick, Fernando J. Navarro, David F. Macy
  • Patent number: 9660351
    Abstract: A multi-faceted deployable antenna frame including a six-bar linkage structure in a lateral facet of the antenna frame, the six-bar linkage structure being convertible from a folded state into a deployed state and having two first bars and four second bars, each bar being coupled to two others by a hinge to form a closed loop, where in the deployed state, the six-bar linkage structure has a quadrilateral shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: European Space Agency
    Inventors: Elguja Medzmariashvili, Nodar Tsignadze, Nikoloz Medzmariashvili, Leri Datashvili, Alexander Ihle, Julian B. Santiago Prowald, Cornelis Van't Klooster
  • Patent number: 9653950
    Abstract: There is provided a wireless power transmitting device including a transmission coil configured to transmit a wireless power signal to a wireless power receiving device; a driving driver configured to generate a wireless power driving signal which is a driving signal for the wireless power signal; an alternating current sensor configured to detect an alternating current signal of the transmission coil which is generated by a wireless power receiving signal including wireless power receiving information of a wireless power receiving device; an alternating voltage sensor configured to detect an alternating voltage signal of the transmission coil, the alternating current signal being generated by the wireless power receiving signal from the wireless power receiving device; a signal processing unit configured to process the alternating current signal and the alternating voltage signal from the alternating current sensor and the alternating voltage sensor; and a wireless power transmitting controller that, when th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: HANRIM POSTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Kil Jung
  • Patent number: 9509035
    Abstract: An indoor antenna having a cover body with a panel cover, a coax cable panel, and a coax cable. The panel cover has an edge and at least one first coax cable channel formed in a side of the coax cable panel and is formed through the edge of the panel cover. The coax cable panel is mounted in the cover body. The coax cable is electrically connected with the coax cable panel, inserted through the panel cover, mounted in one of the at least one first coax cable channel, and extending out of the edge of the panel cover. Therefore, when the indoor antenna is assembled, the coax cable can be arranged firmly without over-bending, such that the indoor antenna sustains good performance and be assembled easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TRANS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheng-Si Wang
  • Patent number: 9406995
    Abstract: The present concept a helical antenna boom assembly includes a boom assembly, including a boom, and a plurality of rods and stays, each rod operably attached at an upper end of the boom and connected to one end of the stay. The boom assembly includes dish arms operably attached at a lower end of the boom, each dish arm connected to the other end of the stay, wherein the boom assembly moveable between an extended position, and a boom assembly collapsed position, such that in the extended position the stays are held under tension between the dish arms and the rods. The stays are also attached to a helical coil such that the tensioned stays support the helical coil in its correct helical geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Patric Murphy
  • Patent number: 9013362
    Abstract: The outdoor antenna includes multiple directors located respectively on a main rod and two assistant rods, and an inner-swing arm and an outer-swing arm fixed on the main rod and coupled with two ends of the assistant rods. When the inner-swing arm and the outer-swing arm are expanded, the assistant rods are fixed on two sides of the main rod; when the inner-swing arm and the outer-swing arm are folded, the assistant rods are positioned in parallel with the main rod. In use, the inner-swing arm and the outer-swing arm are expanded to allow the assistant rods to move toward the two sides of the main rod and maintain in a certain spatial distance to receive as many radio signals as possible. During transportation and storage, the assistant rods can lean against two sides of the main rod, so that occupied space is reduced to achieve usability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Kendy Yang
  • Patent number: 8988307
    Abstract: A remote antenna deployment latch is disclosed. The remote antenna deployment latch includes a latch assembly having a latch pin movable to alternately secure an antenna in, and release the antenna from, a deployed position. The remote antenna deployment latch also includes an azimuth pin movable to alternately lock and unlock rotation of the antenna about an azimuth axis. In addition, the remote antenna deployment latch includes a remote control assembly operably coupled to the latch pin and the azimuth pin to simultaneously secure the antenna in the deployed position and unlock rotation of the antenna about the azimuth axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ryan Carley, Timothy R. Hebert, Michael Mcfeeters, Joseph R. Frassa
  • Patent number: 8970447
    Abstract: A helical antenna operable to be stowed on and deployed from a cubesat. The antenna includes two helical elements wound in opposite directions and defining an antenna column, where one of the helical elements is a conductive antenna element. The antenna also includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed vertical stiffeners extending along a length of the column and being coupled to the helical elements at each location where the vertical stiffeners and the helical elements cross. The helical elements and the vertical stiffeners are formed of a flexible material, such as a fiber glass, so that the antenna can be collapsed and stowed into a relatively small space. To position the antenna in the stowed configuration, the vertical stiffeners are folded on each other in a radial direction, and then the folded antenna is rolled in an axial direction from one end of the column to the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ochoa, Geoffrey W. Marks, David J. Rohweller
  • Patent number: 8952863
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an actuating substrate and an antenna in contact with the actuating substrate, the actuating substrate configured to undergo strain during actuation, wherein the strain in the actuating substrate varies the dimensions of the in-contact antenna and causes a change in the operational characteristics of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Samiul Haque, Richard White
  • Patent number: 8922456
    Abstract: A deployable antenna which has a larger aperture diameter by four-side links provided in at least three stages and which includes: six deployment link mechanisms (20) arranged radially from a central shaft so as to support an outer edge portion of a flexible reflector mirror surface; and one deployment driving mechanism (30) arranged at a lower portion of a center of arrangement of the six deployment link mechanisms, for unfolding the six deployment link mechanisms. Each of the six deployment link mechanisms includes a first four-side link (5), a second four-side link (6), and a third four-side link (7) arranged in an order from a position of the central shaft, around which the six deployment link mechanisms are arranged, toward an outer side of the each of the six deployment link mechanisms so that the each of the six deployment link mechanisms is structured to be foldable in three stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Minoru Tabata, Kiyoshi Fujii, Kyoji Shintate, Satoru Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8902121
    Abstract: A portable field antenna platform supports an L-band antenna and communicating via a cable. The platform includes several tubes, a shock cord, and an antenna mount. Each tube has a sleeve and a ferrule inserted therein at a first end of that sleeve. The ferrule of a first tube detachably inserts into a second end of the sleeve of a second adjacent tube. The shock cord passes through each tube to connect all the tubes together by elastic tension. The antenna mount attaches to the antenna and connects a cable to the terminal. The mount includes an antenna connector for connecting the cable to the antenna. The tubes either collapse into a zig-zag bundle in a stow configuration or deploy as a mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Sean C. Locker
  • Patent number: 8860627
    Abstract: A reconfigurable reflector for electromagnetic waves, comprising: a rigid support element (10) having a front surface (13); an elastically deformable reflective membrane (30) lying over the front surface of said rigid support element; and a plurality of linear actuators (20) for deforming said reflective membrane by operating on predetermined points thereof; wherein said linear actuators are embedded within said rigid support element, and have shafts (22) protruding by the front surface thereof for operating on predetermined points of said elastically deformable reflective membrane. Preferably, the rigid support element comprises a reflector dish having a sandwich structure having a honeycomb core (11) made of CFRP or aluminum, in which the linear actuators are embedded by conventional potting techniques. Antenna system comprising such a reconfigurable reflector, possibly operating as a subreflector (SR), and spacecraft telecommunication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventors: Lucio Gerardo Scolamiero, Marco Sabbadini
  • Publication number: 20140266943
    Abstract: A polarization adjustment assembly for a reflector antenna is provided with a radio bracket with a mounting flange. The mounting flange is coupled to a hub provided with a stop portion. Fasteners couple the radio bracket to the hub via slots in the mounting flange, rotatable with respect to the hub within the extents of the slots. An adjustment bolt passes through a boss coupled to the mounting flange. The adjustment bolt abuts the stop portion, whereby longitudinal displacement of the adjustment bolt with respect to the boss rotates the radio bracket with respect to the hub. Alternatively, the positions of the boss and stop portion on the mounting flange and hub may be exchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ANDREW LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Peter Thomson, Christopher D. Hills, Claudio Biancotto
  • Patent number: 8823601
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a base, an adjusting pole perpendicularly extending up from the base, a slide apparatus slidably mounted to the adjusting pole, a supporting pole forming a rack and slidably installed in the slide apparatus along a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise of the adjusting pole, and an antenna mounted to one end of the supporting pole. The slide apparatus includes a casing and a motor installed in the casing. The casing defines two opposite guiding holes for the supporting pole extending through. The motor includes a driving roller meshing with the rack. The motor drives the driving roller to rotate and mesh with the rack to allow the antenna to move along the direction perpendicular to the slide direction of the slide apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8794578
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for adjusting rotary angle is disclosed in the present invention. The adjusting mechanism includes a bracket. The bracket includes a base, a first supporting portion disposed on a first lateral side of the base, and a second supporting portion disposed on a second lateral side of the base. A pivot hole is formed on the first supporting portion. The adjusting mechanism further includes a clamp disposed by a side of the base and located in a position corresponding to the first and the second supporting portion. The adjusting mechanism further includes at least one bridging component connecting to a lateral surface of the clamp, and a pivoting component. A pivot hole is formed on the bridging component. The pivoting component passes through the pivot holes on the first supporting portion and the bridging component, so as to pivot the first supporting portion relative to the bridging component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Yuan Lin, San-Yi Kuo, Lan-Chun Yang, Ming-Chan Lee, Wei-Te Chien
  • Patent number: 8761663
    Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd
    Inventors: Ilan Kaplan, David Gross, Daniel Francis DiFonzo, Kevin Arthur Bruestle, Victor Boyanov, Stanimir Dimitrov Kamenopolski
  • Patent number: 8749450
    Abstract: An antenna bracket includes two substrates having a bottom surface and a supporting surface; a plurality of movable rollers installed on the bottom; two columns, respectively set up on the supporting surface of the substrates; a beam with two ends movably connected with the two columns; two first driving members, fixed on each supporting surface and connected with the beam to drive the beam to slide upward and downward relative to the two columns; an antenna base, movably connected with the beam to install an antenna; a second driving member, fixed on the beam and connected with the antenna base, to drive the antenna base to slide horizontally; two first electromagnetic shield covers and a second electromagnetic shield cover respectively covering the two first driving members and the one second driving member, to attenuate electromagnetic interference (EMI) emanation from openings in the first driving members and the second driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Lian He
  • Patent number: 8698694
    Abstract: A screw mechanism for adjusting an angle of an antenna module is disclosed in the present invention. The screw mechanism includes a screw rod. The screw rod includes a rod portion. A thread is formed on a first area of the rod portion. An annular protrusion is formed on a second area of the rod portion, and an outer diameter of the annular protrusion is greater than an outer diameter of the rod portion. The screw rod further includes a handle disposed on an end of the rod portion adjacent to the second area. The screw mechanism further includes an accommodating component whereon a sunken part is formed. The sunken part is for accommodating the annular protrusion of the screw rod. The screw mechanism further includes a screw having a side hole. The screw is installed on the first area of the screw rod and moves along the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Chan Lee, Lan-Chun Yang, Hung-Yuan Lin, San-Yi Kuo, Wei-Te Chien, Yu-Fu Ku
  • Patent number: 8698693
    Abstract: A collapsible antenna (10) comprises an elongate boom (12) having a main axis (14) and a plurality of elongate radiating elements (16) having respective first ends (18.1) and respective second ends (18.2). At least some of the elongate radiating elements are flexible and are mounted at the respective first ends to the boom in longitudinally spaced relation. Regions towards the respective second ends of the at least some of the elongate radiating elements engage a flexible rope (20). The flexible rope forms part of a frame (22) which is manipulatable relative to the boom between a first collapsed configuration and a second operative configuration wherein the at least some radiating elements are in an operative configuration relative to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Poynting Antennas (PTY) Limited
    Inventors: Jürgen Dresel, Thomas David Abbott
  • Patent number: 8698692
    Abstract: Apparatus are described for mounting an object to a structure having a railing. The apparatus includes a base attachable to the object and configured for placement on the structure proximate the railing. The apparatus further includes an adjustable compression mechanism positioned between the base and the railing configured to secure the base to the structure with a selected force. The mechanism includes a first plate on the base, a second plate movable relative to the first plate for producing a selected height of the mechanism and a threaded member attached to the first plate and the second plate. The threaded member is configured to move the second plate relative to the first plate to achieve the selected height and apply the selected force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dish Network L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Lettkeman
  • Patent number: 8675715
    Abstract: A high-bandwidth communication modem such as an ultra wideband (UWB) communication modem or a high-giga wideband (HGWB) modem includes an interface configured to transceive data in connection with a host device, a baseband processor configured to process, in a parallel manner, a baseband signal being transceived between the interface and a parallel/serial converter, the parallel/serial converter configured to combine a parallel signal into a serial signal and output the serial signal, and separate a serial signal into a parallel signal and output the parallel signal, a radio frequency (RF) processor configured to reduce a frequency of a received UWB or HGWB signal and transmit the frequency-reduced signal to the parallel/serial converter, and increase a frequency of the serial signal received from the parallel/serial converter and transmit the frequency-increased signal to a directional antenna, and the directional antenna configured to transceive a wireless signal by forming a directional beam and control a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Mun Geon Kyeong, Yun Ho Choi, Woo Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20140062832
    Abstract: An antenna support, an antenna device and an antenna support assembly including the same are provided. The antenna support includes a tube-shaped support and at least one antenna fixing unit. The antenna fixing unit is disposed on the outer wall of the tube-shaped support for fixing an antenna unit. The antenna device includes the antenna unit and the antenna support. The antenna support assembly includes a plurality of antenna supports connected to each other at their ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron NeWeb Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Ming PENG, Yan-Da CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140049444
    Abstract: A representative device includes: a housing; and an antenna assembly mounted to the housing, the antenna assembly having a first antenna and a second antenna, the first antenna and the second antenna being movable between respective stowed and extended positions; in the stowed positions, the first antenna and the second antenna being positioned substantially within an outer periphery defined by the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rodney Owen Williams
  • Patent number: 8648769
    Abstract: An antenna base provided of a hollow support body having a fixed lower portion and an upper portion aligned along a longitudinal axis, the upper portion being adapted to support an antenna and being rotationally mounted on the lower portion to rotate, in use, together with the antenna itself, about the longitudinal axis; the antenna base being further provided with an electric motor, which is adapted to rotate the upper portion and is provided for this purpose with a stator integral with the lower integral and of a rotor integral with the upper portion and coaxial with the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Selex Sistemi Integrati S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Pacetti, Lorenzo Piferi, Gianluca Costanesi
  • Patent number: 8643559
    Abstract: A variably controlled stagger antenna array architecture is disclosed. The array employs a plurality of driven radiating elements that are spatially arranged having each radiating element or element groups orthogonally movable relative to a main vertical axis. This provides a controlled variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern without excessive side lobe radiation over full range of settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: P-Wave Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gang Yi Deng, Alexander Rabinovich, Nando Hunt, John J. Dickson, John Stewart Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140028523
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a base, four adjusting apparatuses, two connecting poles each connected between two the adjusting apparatuses, a first slide apparatus with a first motor fitted around each connecting pole, a supporting pole, and an antenna. Each adjusting apparatus includes a pole perpendicularly extending up from the base, a second slide apparatus fitted around the pole, and a second motor installed in the base and connecting the second slide apparatus. Two ends of each connecting pole are respectively mounted to the corresponding second slide apparatuses. The supporting pole is installed to the first slide apparatus, and the antenna is attached to an end of the supporting pole. Each first motor drives the first slide apparatus to move along a lengthwise direction of the connecting pole. Each second motor drives the second slide apparatus to move along a lengthwise direction of the corresponding pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO.,LTD.
    Inventor: XIAO-LIAN HE
  • Publication number: 20130335294
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a base, a first pole, a second pole, a supporting apparatus, and an antenna. A first slide apparatus is slidably fitted about the first pole. A second slide apparatus is slidably fitted about the second pole. The supporting pole includes a supporting pole, a first connecting block rotataly connected to the first slide apparatus, and a second connecting block slidably fitted about the supporting pole and rotatably connected to the second slide apparatus. Two motors respectively drive the first and second slide apparatus to move along the lengthwise direction of the first and second poles to adjust the height and the obliquity of the supporting pole. A cylinder with a telescopic rod is installed in the first connecting block, to horizontally adjust the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY ( ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: XIAO-LIAN HE
  • Patent number: 8599099
    Abstract: An antenna system is provided. The antenna system includes an antenna connected to a signal transmitting/receiving circuit to transmit and receive a radio signal, an antenna pole coupled to the antenna, a central weight unit coupled to the antenna pole to keep a beam pattern of the antenna in a certain direction with respect to a gravity direction and formed in a curved figure, and an antenna coupling unit formed in a recess to support the central weight unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20130300630
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a base, an adjusting pole perpendicularly extending up from the base, a slide apparatus slidably mounted to the adjusting pole, a supporting pole forming a rack and slidably installed in the slide apparatus along a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise of the adjusting pole, and an antenna mounted to one end of the supporting pole. The slide apparatus includes a casing and a motor installed in the casing. The casing defines two opposite guiding holes for the supporting pole extending through. The motor includes a driving roller meshing with the rack. The motor drives the driving roller to rotate and mesh with the rack to allow the antenna to move along the direction perpendicular to the slide direction of the slide apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YONG-SHENG YANG
  • Patent number: 8564499
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for a double gimbal stabilization platform. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a base and a first pivot joint connected to the base. The apparatus also includes a bent gimbal structure connected to the first pivot joint. The first pivot joint may rotate the bent gimbal structure about a first axis of rotation. The apparatus includes a second pivot joint connected to the bent gimbal structure. The apparatus includes a platform connected to the second pivot joint. The second pivot joint may rotate the platform around a second axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation may be orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. Furthermore, a center of mass for a combination of the bent gimbal structure and the platform may be between the base and the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Linear Signal, Inc.
    Inventors: Terri Bateman, Shane Curtis, Katherine Reinke Deason, Erik Hulme, Andrew Orme, Brock Peterson
  • Patent number: 8505867
    Abstract: A mount for mobile electronic devices such as a satellite dish antenna system. The mount includes a tripod and an elongated post member supported on it by a universal joint or pivot mechanism. The post member extends along a longitudinal axis and the pivot mechanism allows the post member to be moved about two, substantially perpendicular pivotal axes relative to the tripod to align the longitudinal axis of the post member with the vertical. Once the axis of the post member is aligned vertically, the alignment system of the attachable satellite dish will then have a proper reference from which to aim or direct the dish (e.g., azimuth and elevation) for best reception and transmission. The mount includes an arrangement of cables extending between the tripod legs and adjustable straps extending between each tripod leg and the post member to provide a very strong and stable support for the satellite dish antenna system that is attachable to the upper end of the vertically aligned post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventor: Timothy John Conrad
  • Patent number: 8462076
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for an antenna includes a mounting foot, an antenna mast, and two mast positioning components. The foot includes a base that can be attached to a mounting structure, and two opposing sidewall flanges extending from the base. Each sidewall flange has a respective slot formed therein. The antenna mast has a proximal end pivotally coupled to the foot between the sidewall flanges. The first mast positioning component is coupled between the sidewall flanges, it is movable within the slots, and it provides a first adjustable support structure for the antenna mast. The second mast positioning component is coupled between the sidewall flanges, it is movable within the slots, and it provides a second adjustable support structure for the antenna mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jason Fruh
  • Patent number: 8456376
    Abstract: A position adjustment device for a satellite antenna includes a holder fixed on a supporting arm of the satellite antenna, and an axis rotation bracket disposed to the holder. The holder has a first connecting part. The axis rotation bracket rotates around a focal axis of the satellite antenna and comprises a bracket body where a low noise block down-converter with integrated feed (LNBF) of the satellite antenna is fixed, an arc slot disposed to the bracket body wherein a circular center thereof is on the focal axis, and a first positioning element passing through the first connecting part and the arc slot, for connecting the axis rotation bracket to the holder, and positioning the holder and the axis rotation bracket along the arc slot relatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Lan-Chun Yang, Shun-Chung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8436779
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus operable to align an antenna and to retain the antenna in a reference position during alignment of the antenna. The apparatus may include a bracket having an arm attached thereto, and the arm conforms to the back wall of an antenna. An engagement means and/or securing means may be incorporated in the apparatus to retain the position of the antenna in a fixed or removeable connection with the apparatus. An alignment device being operable to align the antenna may be attached to the bracket. The apparatus of the present invention may be arranged or otherwise positioned in accordance with a reference position. Said reference position may be defined as a position that is selected in reference to a reference point, line, or plane of the antenna. The apparatus may retain the antenna in a reference position during alignment of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Bruce Kenneth Clifford, Mark Frischman
  • Patent number: 8390527
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable satellite dish antenna system having base and lid portions which can be configured relative to each other in carrying and deployed positions. The base and lid portions are substantially the same size and shape and have respective interior and exterior sides with the satellite dish antenna of the system pivotally mounted to the interior side of the lid portion. In the carrying position, the satellite dish antenna is retracted to align with the interior side of the lid portion and the lid and base portions are secured together with the interior sides thereof facing and abutting each other. In the deployed or operating position, the lid portion is inverted and placed atop the base portion with the exterior side of the lid portion and the interior side of the base portion facing and abutting one another on mating bearing surfaces extending about a central, vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventor: Timothy John Conrad
  • Patent number: 8384613
    Abstract: A non-planar surface support structure that is compatible with deployable thin shell reflector segments. The structure is composed of multiple four strut closed loops connected to compliant hinges at the nodes to create an effective surface. The deployed surface shape is determined by the strut lengths (L) and the node locations and the packaged compatibility constraint in which L1+L3?L2?L4 approximately equals zero. Each of the compliant hinges have degrees of freedom such that the compact configuration of the support structure is obtained by the translation of two opposite nodes of each loop upwards and the remaining two nodes downwards in a continuous process until all struts are approximately parallel and tightly bundled and the hinges lock out all degrees of freedom in the deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Thomas W. Murphey, Joseph N. Footdale
  • Patent number: 8368606
    Abstract: An improved mobile satellite communication system comprises an antenna configured to transmit and receive signals from a satellite and a modem connected to a mast to generate a wireless WiFi zone around the system to allow persons within the zone to access the Internet and communicate via wireless telephones and fax machines. The system comprises a lightweight, relatively small sized trailer having electronic cases containing the necessary electronics and storage cabinets containing other equipment and materials. Front and rear stabilizing mechanisms extend outward from the trailer to stabilize the system when in use. A collapsible or foldable tow bar is provided for transporting the system with a vehicle. The antenna is mounted on a support structure above the electronic cases and supported by the cabinets. Preferably, the satellite system is sized and configured to be transported by conventional, smaller sized helicopters and to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jon Haugan