Pivoted Or Rotatable Patents (Class 343/882)
  • Patent number: 5646638
    Abstract: A portable satellite dish antenna system for carrying by a user to a remote location. The system includes a base mount having a peripheral edge with a handle formed thereon. A length of cable is stowed in a carrier in the mount. A pivoting mechanism is connected to the dish and to the mount to move the dish between a carrying position and a deployed position. In the carrying position, the dish is held parallel to the mount and the handle. The mount has a formed opening opposite the handle. This enables the feed horn, when in the carrying position, to locate in the formed opening, thereby reducing the space between the dish and the mount during carrying. The user of the system grips the handle and twists the mount in a direction to align the dish with a desired direction based on a compass reading located on the mount. The mount has a formed linear track located between the handle and the formed opening having a plurality of elevation marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventors: John Randall Winegard, Randy Lee Sperry
  • Patent number: 5646635
    Abstract: A PCMCIA antenna for wireless communications is provided which provides the performance of a 1/2 wave antenna used for wireless communication, both transmission and receiving, on PCMCIA and other platforms for wireless data communications. The antenna comprises a housing which is adapted to be secured and supported by the host device and comprises a housing including housing members which are ultrasonically welded together. A flexible circuit board is provided in the housing which serves as the lower radiating element. A coaxial cable extends into the housing and has its braid soldered to the lower radiating element so that the same serves as a counterpoise for the antenna. The center wire of the coaxial cable is connected by a flexible trace to a flexible printed circuit board which is encased in an insulated sheath which forms the upper radiating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Centurion International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark G. Cockson, Stephen L. Prochaska, Kenneth D. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5644320
    Abstract: An antenna system is disclosed that can be extended from the base section of a notebook computer to position the antenna at a predetermined remote distance from electromagnetic interference power produced by the notebook computer. The antenna is rotatable and pivotable for multiple positioning relative to the blocking end of the antenna system that remains in the computer. Advantageously, the antenna system maximizes space by having a hollow blocking end coaxially received about a sleeve retaining the batteries used by the computer. Additionally, the antenna system includes a directional helix antenna rotatable at least 360.degree. by a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Markku J. Rossi
  • Patent number: 5640950
    Abstract: A cradle and concentrator dish for solar powered high pressure steam generation is described. The cradle permits the dish to rotate around the declination axis to follow the sun through its seasonal motions. The cradle with the dish rotates around the polar axis to follow the sun through its daily motions. The cradle is formed from two tetrahedra. Both axes of rotation lie behind the reflective surface of the dish. The dish has declination axis bearings mounted well away from its rear surface on a separate structure designed to connect the dish to the bearings. The cradle and dish combination allow tubes carrying fluid to and from a receiver mounted over the dish to accommodate the rotation of the cradle and dish by elastic torsion of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Clifford B. Cordy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5633647
    Abstract: A base support for a moveable antenna. The base support is attached to an upstanding mounting member and the antenna is attached to a support structure connected to a base member. The support structure is operatively connected to a worm gear assembly which includes a motor driven worm and worm gear disposed between the base member and support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a predetermined axis. The motor driven worm is supported at an outboard end by a first bearing assembly and supported at its opposite end by a pair of spaced apart bearing assemblies to prevent backlash between the motor driven worm and worm gear. A second worm gear assembly including a similarly supported motor driven worn and worm gear can be interposed transversely between the first support structure and a second support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: John L. Tines
  • Patent number: 5619215
    Abstract: A compact, mechanically-steered antenna especially applicable for mobile terminals for receiving signals broadcast by satellites, is adjustable in azimuth and elevation. The antenna's active element can be rotated in azimuth through 360 degrees. Rotary couplings in the signal path are avoided by means of a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling conveniently comprises a torsion spring and the feedline, typically a highly-flexible coaxial cable, passes through it. The active element is mounted upon a first support member and rotatable relative to it about the boresight of the antenna. A second support member is mounted upon a base member and rotatable relative to it in azimuth. The first second support is mounted upon the second support by means of a hinge coupling which permits pivoting of one support member relative to the other to adjust the elevation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Communications
    Inventor: John T. Sydor
  • Patent number: 5614918
    Abstract: An improved Global Positioning em antenna adaptor allows fixed antenna height measurements by removably attaching an adaptor plate to a conventional surveyor's tripod. Antenna height is controlled by an antenna boom which is a fixed length rod. The antenna is attached to one end of the boom. The opposite end of the boom tapers to a point sized to fit into a depression at the center of survey markers. The boom passes through the hollow center of a universal ball joint which is mounted at the center of the adaptor plate so that the point of the rod can be fixed in the marker's central depression. The mountains of the ball joint allow the joint to be moved horizontally in any direction relative to the tripod. When the ball joint is moved horizontally, the angle between the boom and the vertical changes because the boom's position is fixed at its lower end. A spirit level attached to the rod allows an operator to determine when the boom is plumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Steven J. Dinardo, Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5613224
    Abstract: A portable mobile radio transceiver for direct communication with a radio relay on a satellite comprises a casing with a microphone and an earpiece and an antenna mounted on the casing. The main direction of radiation of the antenna is substantially vertical when the casing is in a position of use in which it is held in the hand near the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Alcatel Radiotelephone
    Inventor: Gerard Auvray
  • Patent number: 5606330
    Abstract: There is presented an antenna assembly comprising an elongated mast slida mounted in a support structure. A first electric motor is disposed at a proximal end of the mast for moving the mast along the axis of the mast, and a second electric motor is disposed at a distal end of the mast for moving the mast rotatively about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Edwin H. Wood, William E. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5590416
    Abstract: A cellular radiotelephone includes an antenna that is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the antenna is substantially parallel to the face of the radiotelephone thereby reducing the profile of the radiotelephone. Accordingly, the radiotelephone may be easier to store in a confined space such as a shirt pocket. In the second position, the antenna is canted away from the face of the radiotelephone thereby increasing the distance between the user's head and the antenna during use. Accordingly, the electromagnetic shielding caused by the user's head is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Nils R. Rydbeck
  • Patent number: 5579023
    Abstract: A rotatable antenna is disclosed in which a radiator and matching network comprise a contiguous electrically conductive spring wire. The matching network comprises a coil extending generally perpendicular to the radiator. A 50 ohm coaxial cable has its ground conductor electrically connected to an electrically conductive sleeve which overlies the coil while the main conductor of the coaxial cable is tapped to the coil so that the matching network substantially matches the radiator impedance to the transmission line impedance. The matching network is rotatable with respect to a mounting member so that the radiator becomes rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Herbert R. Blaese
  • Patent number: 5576722
    Abstract: A lightweight yet rugged satellite antenna base and alignment apparatus for se in mobile operations into remote locations having minimal support facilities available. The invention utilizes a base having a vertical mast with adjustable stabilizer legs which may be retracted during transportation. The alignment mechanism comprises an antenna support plate which is pivoted by a pivot screw to provide antenna elevation adjustment, and which is rotated by a worm gear to provide for antenna azimuth adjustment. A bubble level is provided for vertical alignment of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Manuel D. Bustillos
  • Patent number: 5573218
    Abstract: An apparatus for orienting an object mounted on a first plane, for example a radar antenna, with reference to a second plane, for example the deck of a ship. The apparatus includes a stack of three identical, substantially annular housings each of which is provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, these two surfaces not being parallel. Each housing is provided with a drive unit for rotating the upper surface with respect to the lower surface about the housing axis. The drive units are suitable for independently performing the rotations; furthermore control units are provided for controlling the drive units for orienting the object in three degrees of freedom with reference to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hollandse Signaalapparaten B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus M. H. Vaassen, Albert Groenenboom
  • Patent number: 5559522
    Abstract: A radiotelephone, used in a satellite radiotelephone system, has an antenna (12) with a hemispherical gain pattern (14). Since a satellite (18) can be anywhere in the sky the antenna gain pattern (14) needs to be aligned with the hemisphere above the user. This is accomplished with an antenna positioning apparatus, comprising the antenna (12) having a wedge shaped mating surface (42) affixed to an attaching surface (36) by a pin (38) and socket (44). The attaching surface (36) slopes downward from a plane (24) defined by a front face (26) of the radiotelephone (10). The combination of the wedge shaped mating surface (42) and the downward sloping attaching surface (36) positions the antenna (12) at an angle .phi. from the plane (24) when the antenna is in the active position. As a result the antenna (12) is vertically oriented when held by the user during normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin V. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5552796
    Abstract: An antenna for receiving UHF and VHF TV frequency signals provides a good impedance match and a wide frequency band of operation to the TV set. The antenna includes a telescoping cylindrical monopole antenna element rotatably mounted to a support structure and a multi-turn helical antenna element, each turn being rotatably mounted to the support structure. A first lead, at a first end of the transmission line, is coupled to the telescoping monopole antenna element and a second lead, of the twin-lead transmission line, is coupled to the helical antenna element. A second end of the twin-lead transmission can be coupled to a TV set for clear reception of the VHF and UHF TV signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Maurice Diamond
  • Patent number: 5539419
    Abstract: An antenna for mobile communication includes a sleeve antenna having a feed point; at least one linear parasitic element insulated electrically form the sleeve antenna; and a supporting means for supporting the sleeve antenna and the linear parasitic element. The supporting means supports the sleeve antenna and the linear parasitic element so that the feed point of the sleeve antenna is located at a different elevation from an elevation of a central point of the linear parasitic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Ogawa, Tomoki Uwano
  • Patent number: 5531419
    Abstract: A mast base comprises a body, formed partly by a generally rectangular container (12), provided with four upper corner fittings (13), located at the upper end thereof, and with four lower corner fittings (14), located at the lower end thereof, and partly by a stationary supporting frame (15), placed upon the container (12) and attached to the four upper corner fittings (13). In order to support the body (12, 15) in a stable position on the ground, four supporting legs (16) are provided, which may be placed in positions, in which they project laterally each from one corner of the body (12, 15). Each supporting leg (16) is composed of one lower arm (18), at its inner end connected to a lower corner fitting (14), and one upper arm (17), at its inner end connected to the stationary supporting frame (15) or to an upper corner fitting (13). Moreover, at its outer end, each supporting leg (16) is provided with a supporting foot (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignees: Cue Dee Produktor AB, Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson
    Inventors: Karl M. Gustafsson, Herman P. S. Sylvan
  • Patent number: 5528250
    Abstract: A deployable satellite antenna system permits an antenna with elevation and azimuth control to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle. The elevation control assembly for the antenna system has a base with two parallel tracks and a slider that moves along these tracks. The antenna reflector is connected to a support frame pivotably attached to the slider. Pivot arms are pivotally attached between the reflector and the base adjacent to the parallel tracks. The elevational position of the antenna is adjusted by a motor that controls the position of the slider along the parallel tracks between a stowed position in which the reflector is stowed facing the vehicle and a deployed position in which the reflector is rotated to a maximum elevational angle. In one embodiment, a feed arm supporting the feed horn extends outward from the antenna support frame adjacent to the lower edge of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventors: William J. Sherwood, Charles E. Rodeffer, Mark A. Rodeffer
  • Patent number: 5526010
    Abstract: A portable support stand for a small diameter satellite dish (10) supported by a mast (22), mounted for pivotal movement in a vertical plane about a lower support bracket (40). A lower support base comprises a pair of legs (54, 56) having parallel straight portions (58) and diverging extending portions (60) for supporting the stand on a horizontal surface in a free standing relation. A ballast such as a stepping stone (70) is positioned on the upper surface of legs (54, 56) generally at the junctures of straight portions (58) with diverging portions (60) to minimize any overturning of the stand. A vertical mounting bar (76) is provided alternatively for mounting the support stand on a vertical supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Richard L. Plunk
  • Patent number: 5523766
    Abstract: A pole antenna of a hand-held, portable communication device, such as a cellular telephone, is maintained in a substantially vertical orientation. An antenna mast provides a support structure for the antenna. A pivot pin couples a medial portion of the antenna mast to a housing of the communication device. The pivot pin allows movement of the antenna mast about an axis of rotation. A weight is fixedly attached to the lower end of the antenna mast. The action of gravity acting on the weight maintains the antenna mast in a substantially vertical orientation as the housing of the communication device is tilted at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Vinko Erceg
  • Patent number: 5515065
    Abstract: A deployable satellite antenna system permits an antenna with elevation control to be mounted. The elevation control assembly for the antenna system has a base with two parallel tracks and a slider that moves along these tracks. The antenna is connected to a support frame pivotally attached to the slider. Pivot arms are pivotally attached between the reflector and the base adjacent to the parallel tracks. The elevational position of the antenna is adjusted by a motor that controls the position of the slider along the parallel tracks between a stowed position in which the antenna is stowed facing the vehicle and a deployed position in which the antenna is rotated to a maximum elevational angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventors: William J. Sherwood, Charles E. Rodeffer
  • Patent number: 5512912
    Abstract: An antenna mount for a vehicle includes a two axis gimbaled mounting which allows the antenna to rotate in two axes. A pendular mass is provided to maintain the antenna in a particular orientation in the absence of any externally applied acceleration. A chamber is provided attached to the pendular mass for holding a viscous dampening fluid. The dampening fluid allows the antenna mount to rotate in response to an externally applied acceleration but serves to dampen any oscillations induced by an externally applied acceleration. The antenna mount maintains the antenna in substantially a predetermined position despite the influence of externally applied accelerations. Shock absorbers may be supplied to the gimbal mounting to aid in the dampening of large accelerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: AMSC Subsidiary Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Ross, Gary Churan, Charles Kittiver
  • Patent number: 5512913
    Abstract: An flat panel antenna for reflecting several microwave frequencies without adjusting to maximize frequency gain. Reflector surfaces propagate from a central axis and using declining inclined surfaces that focus reflected signals into a scaler collector set at a predetermined focal point from the surface of the panel. The shape of the antenna reflect signals with different frequencies by delay so that the scaler collector can process the signals separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Michael W. Staney
  • Patent number: 5508709
    Abstract: An antenna for an electronic apparatus is located in a flip element of the apparatus housing. A transformer, having a winding in the flip element and a winding in the housing couples electromagnetic energy across the hinge while impedance matching and performing a balun function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Krenz, James P. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5506593
    Abstract: An antenna protecting device for motor vehicles including a triangular base made of magnetic conducting material, a gourd-shaped container having a small spherical portion at an upper part, a large spherical portion at a lower part, and a neck portion between the small and large spherical portions, the neck portion being rotatably connected with the triangular base, a bracket extending upwardly from a top of the small spherical portion of the gourd-shaped container and having a platform at an upper end, a screw being threadedly engaged with the platform of the bracket and extending downwardly into the spherical portion of the gourd-shaped container, a ball disposed within the small spherical portion of the gourd-shaped container and connected with a lower end of the screw via a chain, a circular seat arranged with a bottom of the large spherical portion of the gourd-shaped container, a magnet fitted in the circular seat, a protective rod fixedly mounted on the platform of the bracket, and an antenna connected
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Jung-Ching Peng
  • Patent number: 5489911
    Abstract: Improved marine VHF radio antennas systems are provided that can be installed on sailboats to position a whip antenna or other radiation unit aloft from the boat deck, even while underway. The antenna system includes an elongated flexible plastic extrusion that internally carries the coaxial cable for the radiation unit and has a longitudinal channel accessed through a side slit. The radiation unit when slideably installed on the boat's backstay is then carried aloft on the backstay as the extrusion is threaded on it via the side slit until the extrusion channel is completely filled by the backstay. The system is completed by electrical connection of the lower end of the coaxial cable to a hand held, battery operated transceiver or other electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Theodore J. Gordon, Thomas A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5479181
    Abstract: A polar mounted antenna support mechanism utilizing a frame for holding the antenna. An azimuth adjusting element and an elevation adjusting element are included to appropriately move the frame and, thus, the antenna as desired. The present invention also provides the frame with a declination adjusting element having a track, which is linked to the frame. A bearing support guides the movement of the track and motivation mechanism is included for urging the track relative to the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: J. D. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5475395
    Abstract: A reflecting mirror-equipped GPS receiving antenna apparatus comprises a reflecting mirror and a microstrip type of antenna for receiving radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites. The reflecting mirror is supported by a base member so as to be swingable about a horizontal axis as well as rotatable about a first vertical axis. The antenna is supported above the reflecting mirror so as to be rotatable about a second vertical axis which is coaxial with the first vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Sokkisha Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Nakamura, Kazunori Miyahara
  • Patent number: 5473335
    Abstract: A base support for a moveable antenna employing a stepping motor and stepping motor controller to move the antenna in fine increments. The base support is attached to an upstanding mounting member. An antenna is attached to a first support structure connected to a base member. The support structure is operatively connected to a worm gear assembly and motor driven worm gear disposed between the base member and the support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a predetermined axis. The worm gear is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is controlled by a stepping motor controller to control incremental movement of the antenna. A second worm gear assembly can be interposed transversly between the first support structure and a second support structure to effect movements of the antenna about a horizontal axis. A second stepping motor and second stepping motor controller are used to drive the second worm gear and effect incremental movement of the antenna about the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: John L. Tines
  • Patent number: 5469182
    Abstract: A linear-actuator-type antenna drive assembly for use in an antenna base, which drive assembly facilitates horizon-to-horizon tracking of geosynchronous satellites, includes a linear actuator having an expandable and retractable end, a first link pivotably connected between the expansible and retractable end of the linear actuator and a means for mounting an antenna to the base, and a second link pivotably connected between the base and the first link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Orbitron Division of Greenbriar Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Chaffee
  • Patent number: 5459476
    Abstract: An antenna protecting device for motor vehicles including a triangular base having a cavity at an inner bottom thereof, a spherical container having a neck portion rotatably connected with the triangular base and provided at a bottom with a spring-loaded ball, a bracket extending upwardly from the spherical container and having a platform at an upper end, a hemispherical seat engaged with a lower portion of the spherical container and having an orifice which is smaller than the ball in diameter, a protective rod partly inserted in the spherical container through the bracket, and an antenna connected with the platform of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Wu-Hsiung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5453753
    Abstract: A planar patch array antenna for satellite communications. The antenna includes a planar patch array and a dual axis positioner for rotating the array about azimuth and elevation axes. The dual axis positioner is unique in that it consists of a plurality of individual modules which can be easily assembled and disassembled. The positioner consists of the following modules: a fixed pedestal, an azimuth drive module, an azimuth rotary module, an RF/slip ring module, an elevation drive module, an antenna support and an electronic module. According to the invention, the pedestal remains fixed and the azimuth drive module is received in a recess defined by the pedestal. The azimuth rotary module is rotatably supported on the pedestal and is driven by the azimuth drive module so that it rotates about the vertical or azimuth axis. The elevation drive module is fixed to the rotary drive module and rotatably supports the antenna support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Dorne & Margolin, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Cosenza, Samuel Goldfarb, Shaun G. Moore
  • Patent number: 5446472
    Abstract: A system is described for raising and lowering an antenna without using an electric motor or hand crank. A shaft is attached to an antenna mounted to the roof of a recreational vehicle. A first adapter engages the shaft. A second adapter couples with the first adapter. A portable self-powered activating device such as an electric screwdriver is secured by a chuck to the second adapter. The rotational force generated by the activating device is transferred via the first and second adapters to the shaft to raise or lower the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventor: Charles E. Rodeffer
  • Patent number: 5440319
    Abstract: An antenna/downconverter directed to the subscription television distribution industry. The antenna/downconverter (20) includes an integral multidisc director mounted to a housing (51) which defines a reflector cup (54), side lobe suppression ears (38) and a chamber (66) which provides environmental protection for downconverter electronics (184). Received microwave energy is coupled to the downconverter electronics from the perimeter of a receive disc (50) axially spaced from the reflector cup. The housing defines a plurality of jaws (36) which facilitate alignment to variously polarized microwave signals when an installer receives a mounting mast in a selected one of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: California Amplifier
    Inventors: Joel J. Raymond, Lawrence G. Crawford
  • Patent number: 5440315
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus for a hand-held symbology reader device having a housing and an elongated one-quarter wavelength antenna. A rotatable coupling member has an L-shaped conductor fixedly and electrically coupled to the antenna by a first end thereof. A second end of the L-shaped conductor is rotatably received by the housing. A ground plane of an electrically conductive material, having a plastic film coated thereon, is positioned within the housing. A washer of an electrically conductive material is electrically coupled to the second end of the L-shaped conductor, and is positioned in face-to-face juxtaposition with a portion of the ground plane. The washer and the portion of the ground plane form a parallel plate capacitor, with the plastic film forming a dielectric therebetween to capacitively couple the ground plane to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: George C. Wright, David W. Gilpin, Stanley W. Jones, desceased
  • Patent number: 5440318
    Abstract: A panel antenna suitable for use in cellular communication applications provided with means for mechanically and electrically adjusting the tilt of the antenna beam. Electrical down tilt being achieved by varying the length of a first feed line to a group of dipole pairs. Mechanical down tilting of the antenna beam being achieved by tilting the antenna ground plane and dipole driver assembly with respect to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventors: Roger J. Butland, William E. Heinz
  • Patent number: 5432524
    Abstract: A mechanically steerable antenna suitable for mobile earth stations of satellite communication systems comprises a support member mounted upon a base member and an active antenna element or array of elements mounted upon the support member. The antenna element or array of elements is rotatable about its boresight relative to the support member. The support member itself is rotatable in azimuth relative to the base member. The rotation axis of the antenna element or array of elements and the rotation axis of the support member are mutually inclined by a predetermined angle corresponding to the mean elevation angle of the satellite. The antenna includes drive means for rotating the support member relative to the base member, and a flexible coupling interconnects the base member and the antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Communications
    Inventor: John T. Sydor
  • Patent number: 5422651
    Abstract: An improved pivotal structure for cordless telephone antenna is provided primarily by connecting the swivel head for mounting the antenna rod to the upper end of a plastic insulation cover with an antiskid seat which is provided on its surface with straight circumferential indentations, the lower end of the plastic insulation cover being secured to a high frequency connector, in which the antiskid seat is secured in the plastic insulation cover and the swivel head is pivoted in riveting manner to the antiskid seat by a resilient washer so as to provide a certain holding force, a pair of planar washer being interposed therebetween to provide a better friction surface such that the pivotal connector can be effectively positioned to whatever place to which the pivotal connector is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Chin-Kang Chang
  • Patent number: 5419521
    Abstract: A three-axis stabilized platform is disclosed wherein the azimuth, or train axis, a cross-level axis and an elevation axis intersect each other at a substantially common pivot point. Each axis supports a pivotable member which includes sensing and drive means for correcting the position of that member to maintain the direction of an antenna toward an aiming point in space. Azimuth post rotates or pivots about the azimuth or train axis and is cantilevered from a support base so that the post extends vertically and radially inwardly from the base to provide pivot supports at its outer end and in planes perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the plane of the azimuth axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Robert J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5418542
    Abstract: A deployable satellite antenna system permits an antenna with elevation and azimuth control to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle. The elevation control assembly for the antenna system has a base with two parallel tracks and a slider that moves along these tracks. The antenna is connected to a support frame pivotally attached to the slider. Pivot arms are pivotally attached between the reflector and the base adjacent to the parallel tracks. The elevational position of the antenna is adjusted by a motor that controls the position of the slider along the parallel tracks between a stowed position in which the antenna is stowed facing the vehicle and a deployed position in which the antenna is rotated to a maximum elevational angle. The azimuth of the antenna is controlled by a rotating assembly mounted to the roof of the vehicle beneath the base of the elevation control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventors: William J. Sherwood, Charles E. Rodeffer
  • Patent number: 5410325
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an antenna assembly to an elevationally movable portion of a vehicle dump bed includes a mountable support member having first and second end portions. The first end portion is fixed to the vehicle bed. The antenna assembly has an active element connected to a first end of a mounting element and a counterweight element connected to a second end of a mounting element. An intermediate portion of the mounting element is connected to the second end portion of the mountable support member. The antenna assembly is therefore free to rotate about at least one axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the elevationally movable dump bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Friedrich, Carl A. Kemner, N. Keith Lay, Joel L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5402135
    Abstract: A mobile communication antenna adjustably mounted to a base at desired angular orientations. A decorative cover snap locks to the base to cover the antenna base structure. The cover includes a small opening through which a portion of an articulating arm extends to provide a wide range of angle adjustments of the antenna within the opening in the cover. The articulating arm provides an offset between the antenna axis and the axis of pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Allen Telecom Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen G. DeMarre, Clarence D. Zierhut
  • Patent number: 5402140
    Abstract: A mounting assembly including a casing having an outer surface attached to a TVRO antenna and having an inner surface and at least one first guide slot positioned on the inner surface of the casing. An inner tube is located inside the casing and has portions which extend out of the casing for attaching to the mounting pole. At least one second guide slot is formed through the inner tube. One of the first or second guide slots is non-linear. The casing is rotated by a spider-like mechanism having drive arm having a first end nested in the first guide slot, a body passing through the second guide slot. A leadscrew passes through the spider like mechanism and a motor coupled to one end of the leadscrew turns the leadscrew causing the spider like mechanism to move vertically along the leadscrew, which in turn causes the casing to rotate with respect to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventor: Charles E. Rodeffer
  • Patent number: 5393159
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device specially designed for fitting aerials to the roof of motor vehicles, comprising a U-shaped support (1), between the side branches of which is located and retained with the possibility of rotating about its own axis a moveable component (2) to which an aerial is secured and within which is located a helical spring (5) which expands between one of the side branches and an internal rim (6) provided adjacent one of the edges of the component (2), forcing the rim (6) against the other side branch of the support and generating a friction force opposing rotational movements of the aerial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Plasticos Dik, S.A.
    Inventor: Francisco J. Traspuesto Miguel
  • Patent number: 5392057
    Abstract: A dish type antenna includes a board fixed to the back surface of a dish, a frame having a lower portion fixed to a base and an upper portion pivotally coupled to the board at a pivot axle, and a cylinder pivotally coupled between the base and the board so as to rotate the dish about the pivot axle. The antenna includes a simplified configuration and can be easily disengaged and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Ming T. Lin
  • Patent number: 5364049
    Abstract: A system is provided for mounting directional antennas on vehicles. The mounting system employs a conventional roof rack as a support base for the antenna mount. In one embodiment, a straight tubular frame member is attachable to the roof rack. An upwardly-extending rotatable shaft extends from adjacent one end of the frame, for supporting the antenna mast, and a downwardly-extending rotatable shaft, supporting a control handle, extends from adjacent the other end of the frame. The rotational movements of the shafts are tied together by a toothed belt which engages sprockets coupled to the shafts. In its preferred form, the control handle includes tactile positioning indicators on its surface which allow the user to sense the direction of the antenna without having to view it. A second embodiment is disclosed which uses a portion of a tubular horizontal bar on a conventional roof rack as part of the support frame of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Radar Engineers
    Inventor: Scott B. Long
  • Patent number: 5363116
    Abstract: A portable foldable support assembly for a microwave dish antenna in which three or more legs are hinged to a vertical center post near its upper end to engage the ground plane beyond the center of gravity of the antenna, and a torsional stabilizer secured to the lower end of the post having three or more moment arms respectively disposed circumferentially between adjacent pairs of legs and in which a pair of tension members couple the lower end of each leg to two adjacent moment arms on opposite sides of the central axis to resist rotation of the post in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: LNR Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Carrol M. Allen
  • Patent number: 5355145
    Abstract: A satellite dish antenna mounting construction including a vertical support post having upper and lower ends, a pivotal polar mount member mounted on the upper end of the vertical support post, a satellite antenna dish frame pivotally mounted on the polar mount, a satellite antenna dish mounted on the dish frame, a power operated dish actuator having a motor and gear box housing with a motor and gear train mounted therein, an outer telescoping member extending downwardly from the gear box housing having an open outer and movable within and extending downwardly from the outer telescoping member, a clamp positioned on the vertical post at a position intermediate the upper and lower ends of the support post, a first universal pivot mount pivotally mounted to the clamp, and a second universal pivot mount pivotally mounted to the satellite dish frame at a position above the level of the location of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Donald E. Lucas
  • Patent number: 5337062
    Abstract: A deployable satellite antenna system permits an antenna with elevation and azimuth control to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle. The elevation control assembly for the antenna system has a base with two parallel tracks and a slider that moves along these tracks. The antenna is connected to a support frame pivotally attached to the slider. Pivot arms are pivotally attached between the reflector and the base adjacent to the parallel tracks. The elevational position of the antenna is adjusted by a motor that controls the position of the slider along the parallel tracks between a stowed position in which the antenna is stowed facing the vehicle and a deployed position in which the antenna is rotated to a maximum elevational angle. The azimuth of the antenna is controlled by a rotating assembly mounted to the roof of the vehicle beneath the base of the elevation control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventors: William J. Sherwood, Charles E. Rodeffer
  • Patent number: 5326049
    Abstract: A device, particularly a missile, includes a body having an appendage, e.g., a wing, normally folded in an inoperative position and to be unfolded to an operative position when the body is accelerated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the body. The appendage is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body, and also about a second pivot axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. The center of gravity of the appendage is outwardly of the first pivot axis in the folded condition of the appendage such that the acceleration of the body produces a moment pivotting the appendage about the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: State of Israel - Ministry of Defense Rafael-Armament Development Authority
    Inventors: Hanan Rom, Oded Yehezkeli