Abstract: A base support for supporting, positioning and securely maintaining a desired position of a communications dish antenna includes a non-rotatable worm gear having radially outwardly extending teeth and a motor driven worm having a continuous helical tooth intermeshed with adjacent ones of the worm gear teeth. In order to prevent backlash between the gears should any of the gear teeth become worn, damaged or otherwise deteriorated, the worm is pivotally mounted with respect to the worm gear and a force means such as a spring continuously urges the worm toward the worm gear to maintain tight intermeshing engagement. Thus, in the event of uneven or intermittent gear tooth deterioration, the communications dish antenna will be maintained securely in a desired position. Also, the support permits 360.degree. movement of the antenna around the base support and the pivotal mounting of the worm alleviates jamming of the gears.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of this disclosure is directed to an antenna connector for a cellular telephone, where such antenna may be rotated from a first position to a second position, such as "use" and "rest" positions, where the preferred rotation extent is about 90.degree.. The connector comprises a fixed support member and a circular housing member mounted therein for rotative movement between such first and second positions. The fixed support member is defined by first and second major faces having a circular opening extending therebetween for receiving the circular housing member, and at least one arcuate recess along the first major face adjacent said opening, where the length thereof extends between the first and second positions. The circular housing member includes a reduced diameter portion extending from one end thereof to an annular shoulder, where the reduced diameter portion is received within the circular opening up to the shoulder.

Abstract: The antenna is a rotating dipole antenna comprising a base, a rigid support rotatably mounted on the base, a plurality of wire dipoles fixed to the support, and means to feed each dipole with electrical energy from a first end of said dipole. In order to provide for the efficient fastening of the dipoles, the rigid support extends before at least the first end of each dipole, and this first end is fixed directly to the rigid support while the second ends of the dipoles are either fixed directly to the rigid support or connected to it by a catenary supported on the support. The antenna can be applied to the designing of power antennas in the decametric wave range.

Abstract: A whip-tilt adapter allows a whip antenna designed for use over the 2-30 MHz frequency band known as the high frequency (HF) radio band that is normally vertically polarized to be horizontally polarized for use in near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) communication. The adapter has a vertical shaft for connection to an antenna mount or a bottom section of the antenna, a near-horizontal member having a port to connect to the antenna, and optionally a vertical port for an antenna connection. The adapter can be made to mate with any whip and whip base.

Abstract: A universal swivel device is mounted between a vehicular mount assembly and an elevated feed assembly of an adjustable angle vehicular antenna in which the vehicular mount assembly is of the type having a housing, a threaded collar, a contact button, an insulator, a bracket with mounting screws to engage a vehicular structure of a motor vehicle, a grommet and a gasket, while the elevated feed assembly is of the type having an antenna extension and a mounting base with internal threads. The universal swivel device consists of a base assembly connectable onto the threaded collar of the vehicular mount assembly. A swivel assembly is carried within an upper portion of the base assembly and is connectable into the internal threads of the mounting base of the elevated feed assembly. A double acting contactor assembly is carried within a lower portion of the base assembly to always maintain a constant contact between the swivel assembly and the contact button in the vehicular mount assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable, easy-to-put-together, strong, durable mast support system for use in field operations where an antenna mast, or other similar mast, needs to be safely and quickly assembled, raised and supported. The mast support system is comprised of few pieces which stack in a compact longitudinal bundle for easy transportation to or from a site of use or for storage. When packed for shipment, the entire assembly may easily be placed on the top of a car or other vehicle. The mast support system is assembled through use of slideably interlocking pieces with hitch pins or clips. No special tools are required. The mast support system features a rotatable mast base alignment and support receptacle to enable one person to safely raise and lower a long mast after an antenna or other device has been safely affixed to the top of the mast when the mast is still at a safe horizontal ground-level position.

Abstract: A pointing system for reflector type antennas providing a high degree of accuracy with low loss over wide scan areas, including a fixed illuminator retained in fixed position at the focal point of the reflector of the antenna. Surrounding the illuminator is a Cardanic joint which acts as a spherical hinge capable of radial rotation around the illuminator. Attached to the Cardanic joint is a support arm which is connected to the reflector. The reflector is therefore freely movable in a spherical path defined around the illuminator with the illuminator coinciding with the center of the sphere. The illuminator is kept within the focal point of the reflector regardless of the position of the reflector as it spherically rotates around the illuminator. Tension springs in the Cardanic joint and guide wires controlled by motors are provided for finely positioning the support arm and reflector in any given position along the spherical rotative path through which the reflector is able to move.

Abstract: An auxiliary antenna assembly suitable for use on most vehicles includes a magnetic base unit that can be magnetically mounted upon any appropriate surface of the vehicle. An antenna support platform is connected to the base unit by a hinge. The support platform is made at least partially from a ferromagnetic material so that it will form a magnetic bond against the base unit. The amount of ferromagnetic material in the support platform is such that the bond between the base unit and the vehicle is significantly stronger than the bond between the base unit and the support platform. The support platform can rotate about the hinge when the bond between the base unit and the support platform is broken. The support platform also includes a means for connecting an antenna thereto and a coaxial cable connection from the attached antenna to an item of radio equipment carried by the vehicle.

Abstract: The antenna system for direct broadcasting satellite reception is formed by a parabolic reflector associated with source means, the reflector being positioned and held by means of a supporting foot formed by a hollow, tubular body fixed at its upper part to the rear central zone of the reflector and hinged at its lower part to a pedestal around a horizontal axis to define the elevation of the antenna. The pedestal includes a rotationally movable part to define the azimuth of the antenna. The tubular body of the pedestal supports a section sufficient to contain all the circuits associated with the antenna.

Abstract: A dish antenna including a dish, a base fixed to the outer surface of the dish and including a pair of lugs each including a curved slot, a coupler including a pair of flanges pivotally coupled to the lugs of the base at a pivot axle which is located at the center of curvature of the curved slots, a bolt slidably engaged in each of the curved slots and engaged on the flange for fixing the lugs to the flanges so that the angular position of the base relative to the coupler can be adjusted.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle antenna comprises an outer cover having a cross section elongated in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The cover, which includes an enlarged section covering a loading coil, strengthens the antenna against bending due to wind force and presents a low wind resistance profile. The antenna may be window mounted and is provided with a conductive base engaging a conductive pivot support. The antenna may be pivoted to a flattened position to avoid damage by objects such as may be encountered in an automatic carwash. The antenna may be adjusted to a precise upright position for optimum reception and is adapted to return to a previously adjusted position when it is returned to the upright position from a flattened position.

Abstract: The antenna has a support with a metallic structure and cables. In order to give the antenna good resistance to wind, it is made by means of rigid half-wave dipoles and these dipoles are mounted directly on the mechanical structure.

Abstract: Each antenna plane of a multi-layer radar membrane is secured at its edges to a hinge bar assembly. The purpose of the hinge bar assembly is to expand the layers, normally collapsed during a stowed condition, to parallel spaced layers when deployed. Each hinge assembly includes double bars pivotally mounted to a base section, the latter being snap-fastened to a ground plane. The ends of the hinge bars are snap-fastened to corresponding antenna plane strips and the central portion of each hinge bar has a spring extending outwardly therefrom for securement to a base abutment. Thus, when the membranes are freed from external restraint in preparation of deployment, the springs pivot the hinge bars to a generally perpendicular relationship with respect to the ground plane and antenna planes thus separating oppositely positioned antenna planes to the desired tensioned and parallel spaced relationship with respect to the ground plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided performing near-field measurements on dish antenna, in particular large dish antenna, and for utilizing these measurements to realign dish panels. The antenna is tiltable about a pivot point on a mounting pedestal to any desired elevation angle. A substantially circular track is provided which is centered at and spaced a predetermined distance from the pivot point, the track preferably being adjustably mounted to a stiff circular arch. The antenna is rotatable in the azimuth direction, preferably by rotating the pedestal, and a scanning probe is provided which is mounted for control traversal on the circular track. The probe is utilized to perform near-field measurements on the antenna at selected azimuthal positions of the antenna and selected positions of the probe on the track. The probe may also be rotatable to at least two different polarizations.

Abstract: An improved mount for parabolic or similar antennas which allows for easier and more precise positioning of the antennae while providing a secure mount. The antenna mount includes a strut support mount in a mount base which comprises a circular plate with two parallel flanges. The two parallel flanges each have a hole in approximately their center which line up with a pair of diametrically opposed holes in the strut support mount. A turnbuckle assembly further secures the mount base to the strut support mount. Also included is an antenna pivot which includes a worm wheel at its base and a structure for securing an antenna. The antenna pivot is rotatably mounted on the mount base. A worm bracket assembly is affixed to the mount base in a manner such that the worm within the worm bracket drivingly engages the worm wheel of the antenna pivot.

Abstract: A mobile telephone antenna mounting assembly has a base member which is adhered to an exterior surface of an automobile includes two opposing sidewalls. A channel is defined between the opposing sidewalls which receives an antenna body therein. An opening extends along an axis through the opposing sidewalls and the antenna body. A mounting screw extends through the opening and engages at one end thereof, a nut recessed in one sidewall which nut is prevented from rotation when threadedly engaged by the mounting screw while the screw engages at the opposite end, a washer having a generally frusto-conical configuration which washer engages both the mounting screw head and an inner engagement surface of one of the sidewalls.

Abstract: An articulated device to be used for pointing satellite antennas, especially of data relay or like telecommunication satellites. It comprises at least three articulations rotatable about their respective axes coupled in pairs by arms. These rotation axes intersect at a remote virtual rotation center coinciding with the antenna's focus. The device allows pointing of an antenna by moving its reflector, while maintaining the antenna feed at its focus, thus avoiding antenna radiation pattern distortion.

Abstract: A computerized antenna mount system for continuously tracking a satellite in geosynchronous orbit that has an inclined orbit with respect to the equator. An antenna mount that automatically adjusts the declination angle of a ground station satellite antenna as a function of time after iteratively compiling the declination angle history from one complete orbit of a satellite. Different satellite orbits may be so compiled with selection of each satellite and its corresponding orbit information from memory.

Abstract: A portable antenna satellite system which has a dish made of substantially identical segments which fold around a central hub and a handle and horn stem that fold along with a tripod into a compact bundle for transporting and which can be easily and readily opened, stacked to the ground and "aimed" at a satellite.

Abstract: A cordless antenna is provided for mounting on a motor vehicle's window. The cordless antenna has an outside radiator carried by an outer RF transfer member and an inside radiator carried by an inner RF transfer member. The inside radiator is pivotally connected by means of a movable clutch to the inner RF transfer member, enabling the inside antenna to extend downwardly and in the general direction of an antenna on a portable telephone used by a person within the vehicle.

Abstract: A base station antenna is disclosed having a ground plane in the form of a coarse screen. The coarse screen is connected to a support member. A pair of helical radiators is coupled, through the support member, to the coarse screen with one of the helical radiators being pivotable about its axis to vary the polarization.

Abstract: An antenna mounting for mobile and portable radios with an antenna element which can be quickly and easily removed, replaced, or secured in selectable positions manually without hand tools. The antenna is received and supported by a manually rotatable setscrew which engages a complementary threaded opening in a selectively positionable arm assembly. The arm assembly is pivotally attached to a fixed vertical support perpendicular to the antenna mounting base. The pivoted arm allows the antenna setscrew's bottom tip to be selectively positioned and secured relative to indentations along the arcuate surface of a semicircular shaped structure on the vertical support. The antenna may be physically removed for safekeeping by reversing the aforementioned procedure.

Abstract: A rotatable contactless RF signal coupler, which couples RF signals between an antenna and an RF signal processor in a portable radio, along with an antenna capable of operating in two modes is described herein. Specifically, the signal coupler includes a transformer that is primarily located within the hinge formed by the housing of the radio and a rotatable flip portion. Substantially constant inductive coupling is maintained in the coupler regardless of rotation. The antenna is capable of operating in a narrow band and a wide band mode to afford antenna operation through varied conditions.

Abstract: A manually rotatable antenna is set forth including an antenna with a bearing sleeve rotatably mounted with upper and lower spaced bearing plates securable to a dwelling. First and second cables are directed through a guide plate and through associated and respective guide bushings and rollers to a position interiorly of the control housing, including a chain member operative through a control gear manually manipulatable by an associated handle to rotate an antenna gear coaxially mounted about the bearing sleeve of the antenna mast.

Abstract: An azimuth-elevation type antenna support comprising a stock and a mounting plate on which the antenna is fixed, the support being mounted on a base relative to which the antenna takes up a cantilevered position, the support being characterized in that the stock (31) comprises: at least one top half-collar (41) disposed around the base (10) and having its arms (46) extending towards the antenna, with a top strap (42) fixed to the top half-collar (41) in order to lock it on the base; a bottom half-collar (43) disposed around the base and having its arms (47) extending away from the antenna, with a bottom strap (44) fixed to the bottom half-collar (43) in order to lock it on the base; and two side risers (45) extending over a certain distance parallel to the axis of the base and each interconnecting the end portion of one of the arms (46) of the top half-collar (41) to the end portion of the bottom half-collar (43) located therebelow.

Abstract: A portable parabolic antenna apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a leg assembly which includes at least three legs and a foldable support assembly. The support assembly includes a base rotatably and detachably mounted on the leg assembly and supporting a communication device, a foldable intermediate member having one end coupled to the top of the base, and a reflector holding member coupled to the other end of the intermediate member, for holding a parabolic antenna, the reflector holding member being located at such a distance from the base that it support the communication device when the support assembly is unfolded, and when the support assembly is folded, the reflector holding member is moved to contact the base.

Abstract: A portable antenna apparatus comprises a foldable leg unit. This leg unit is provided with at least three legs each having a first jack, and a mount whose angle of rotation is adjustable. A foldable support unit, which has a plurality of beam members combined to provide a substantially box-like shape, is coupled to the mount. A foldable arm unit is coupled to the support unit. The arm unit is provided with a reflector-mounting member having extension mechanism, an arm hinged to the reflector-mounting member, and a primary horn mount attached to the arm. A reflector made up of a plurality of divisions is attached to the reflector-mounting member of the arm unit, and a primary horn is attached to the primary horn mount of the arm unit.

Abstract: A suspended line feed type planar antenna has a substrate sandwiched between a top plate and a bottom plate, in which a number of protrusions are formed on the top plate and the bottom plate at a plurality of corresponding positions by deforming the top plate and the bottom plate by means of a press-process or press-treatment, so that the substrate is supported by the protrusions.

Abstract: Adjustable parabolic aerial support, which permits stable attachment and easy positioning of parabolic aerials. It includes a frame (2), which is pivotally fastened to an axle (6). This axle (6) is a polar axis and is positionable in relation to the vertical plane. The polar axle (6) is adjustably securable to, for example, a mast through a holder (8). Furthermore, the polar axle is adjustable as to elevation. Such an adjustment is preferably made by means of a couple of stretching or rigging screws.

Abstract: A compound angle limiting device is disclosed herein. The invention provides for control of the angular excursion of a pivotal mass within first and second angles about first and second axes without the necessity for external stops. The invention includes a first coupling mechanism for sensing movement of the mass about the first axis, a second coupling mechanism for sensing movement of the mass about the second axis; a first cam coupled to the mass via the first coupling mechanism and movable in response thereto; and a second cam coupled to the mass via the second coupling mechanism and movable in response thereto. The first and second cams are mounted for physical contact at at least one point to limit the compound angular excursion of the mass via the first and second coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: A portable antenna is provided for mounting on a motor vehicle's side window and enabling easy and rapid mounting and removal. The portable antenna includes an outer RF transfer member, a current-fed radiator connected to the outer RF transfer member, an inner RF transfer member, a field-cancelling member operative to cancel the electromagnetic field in the plane of the field-cancelling member, and a pair of generally parallel wire members pivotally connecting the outer transfer member to the inner transfer member and bridging the inner and outer transfer members so as to overlie the side window when the antenna is mounted thereon.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a satellite transmitting antenna on a truck or other mobile vehicle includes a base member having a lower mounting surface adapted to be fixed against a mobile vehicle surface, for example, an air fairing on top of the cab of the tractor portion of a trailer truck, a first pivot axis on the base member spaced upwardly from the mounting surface and extending parallel with the latter, an upper member having an upper surface to which the antenna is secured and a second pivot axis spaced downwardly from the upper surface and extending parallel therewith, and a strut connected, at its end portions, to the first and second pivot axes with the latter parallel to each other so that the upper surface and the lower mounting surface can be adjusted relative to each other both angularly and in respect to the distance therebetween for varying the height and orientation of the mounted antenna.

Abstract: The antenna mounting apparatus includes an equipment frame and a reflector mounting apparatus. The reflector mounting apparatus has both an elevation control and an azimuth control incorporated therein such that the apparatus has both strength and low weight.

Abstract: Power transmission and actuator apparatus especially advantageous in application to outdoor antennas, particularly TVRO parabolic antennas, to be operated by remote control, comprises a tub-shaped receptacle including a base having a peripherally encompassing relatively projected wall structure defining therewith a cavity, the major extent of the opening to the cavity being bridged by a releasably attached plate mounting a terminal strip adapted for connection thereto of a remote source of electrical energy, the base mounting a first integrated adapter for mounting a drive motor and a second for mounting an actuator assembly in a manner to provide for an inherent evacuation of water from each thereof during its use. The plate commonly mounts a perpendicularly related shaft and a multiplicity of control elements and the shaft has thereon a slip fit output gear in mesh with further gear means intermediate said plate and the base of the receptacle.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver for vehicles especially suited for receiving satellite broadcasting signals comprises a base plate rotatable horizontally, a main reflector tiltably attached to the base plate, a sub-reflector attached to the end portion of an arm of which the other end is attached to the base plate so as to be rotatable horizontally, and a signal detector fixed to the main reflector. The vertical angle between the main reflector and the arm are maintained at a predetermined angle, and the sub-reflector which is arranged to be rotatable around the end portion of the arm is caused to stand up when the main reflector is in a stand up position. All devices and parts arranged on the base plate including the arm and the sub-reflector are covered by the main reflector when the main reflector is turned down.

Abstract: An adjustable orientation apparatus which can be used, for example, to track a satellite. An antenna mounting plate is oriented in accordance with the latitude angle and the declination angle of the satellite to be tracked. Special angle adjustment and camming members permit the antenna mounting plate to be oriented in accordance with the latitude angle and the declination angle by way of a single adjustment.

Abstract: A portable reflector antenna assembly which is readily assemblable and disassemblable for use in the field has a triangular base frame employing three beam members which are joined together at their ends with hinge type knuckles which are slidably positioned on three legs. The legs have integral cup shaped pads near the bottom ends thereof and are driven into the ground until the cups abut against the ground to provide lateral and vertical support in the soil. The frame can be adjusted on the legs for both height and leveling by virtue of the slidable movement of each of the knuckles along the legs, and when in the desired position are clamped to the legs by means of lever-cam actuated draw bolts. The reflector member of the antenna is supported along its rim by means of pivotal supports and clamps, the bottom edge of the antenna being slidably adjustable in azimuth along the curved front beam member of the frame and clamped to the front beam member by means of clamping members.

Abstract: A parabolic antenna comprises a parabolic reflector having a flange at outer periphery of reflector contiguously and an antenna fitting integrally formed with upper and lower fitting arms to be secured to upper and lower portions of the flange, respectively. The back of the parabolic reflector is fixedly mounted to the antenna fitting through the upper and lower fitting arms and fixed on an antenna support post.

Abstract: A dish for receiving satellite signals mounted on a stand through a casing which has a shaft projecting through the casing, the shaft having ends connected to the dish through bracket structure. Within the casing is a worm wheel mounted on the shaft. Also within the casing is a pivoted rocker plate mounting a worm gear and motor. The worm gear engages the worm wheel, and biasing means urges the rocker plate in a direction causing snug engagement of the worm gear and worm wheel. Shaft rotations are determined by electronic means.

Abstract: A telecommunications antenna is provided with a reflector having a semi-offset geometry, a feed mounted on a feed source rigidly fixed to the reflector, an antenna pedestal for supporting the reflector and the feed. Positioning of the feed is such that, in respect of a reflector illumination half-angle .beta. as seen from the feed such that 45.degree.<.beta.<55.degree., the offset angle .alpha. (angle between the focal axis .DELTA..sub.Foc and the median ray of the total beam which is emitted by the feed and illuminates the reflector) is 25.degree.<.alpha.<35.degree., the antenna mount being of the azimuth-elevation type known as an az-el mount.

Abstract: A rotator comprises a gear housing which has a lower attachment for fitting the housing to the top of a mast, and which has extending therefrom a tube which can be rotated about its longitudinal axis relative to the gear housing by means of a gear therein, this tube being intended to carry a top sleeve, which in turn is intended to carry an aerial.

Abstract: Mounts for satellite tracking antennas or other devices. Mounts according to the invention aim antennas or other devices at various satellites along the geosynchronous satellite arc by creating a mechanical analog of that arc and forcing the axis of the antenna or device to rotate through the analogous arc. This is accomplished by fixing an Earth center analog point and mechanically constraining the axis of the antenna or device to rotate about a site-analog point which is located vertically a predetermined distance from the Earth center analog point. A rotating arm through which the axis of the antenna or device may pass swings the axis through an arc which is in a plane parallel to the Earth's equatorial plane and which has the Earth center analog point at its center and a radius of 6.611 times the predetermined distance between the Earth center analog point and the site-analog point. The arm may be rotated to aim the antenna or device at various satellites along the geosynchronous satellite arc.

Abstract: A reflector-type microwave antenna includes a paraboloidal reflector and a feed horn located at the focal point of the reflector for launching microwave signals onto the reflector and receiving microwave signals from the reflector. A supporting frame for the reflector and feed horn includes three arms extending along the rear side of the reflector to three spaced mounting locations on the rear side of the reflector. The arms are fastened to the spaced mounting locations on the rear side of the reflector by fastening means having a loose condition in which the arm is attached to the reflector but free to move relative to the reflector, and a tightened condition in which the respective arm is rigidly attached to the reflector.

Abstract: An orienting and angular positioning device for the rotational axis of a rotatable load such as a dish antenna for the dynamic tracking of a non-stationary satellite is described. The antenna is supported on a support member which is rotatably mounted on one mounting plane of a wedge-shaped intermediate member which has two mounting planes which are inclined relative to one another at a predetermined angle A. The other mounting plane of the wedge is rotatably mounted to an inclined upper mounting plane of a fixed member. Releasable mechanisms are provided for holding the fixed member solidly connected with the support member and for holding the intermediate member solidly connected with the support member. A drive unit is fixed to the intermediate member and has a drive pinion engaged with a gear on the support member.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling console mounting system for equipment in police vehicles. The ceiling console is secured at the front by a forwardly extending tongue wedged between the ceiling and the upholstery molding and at the rear by attachment to the light mount for the ceiling dome light. A plurality of units of police equipment are mounted in the ceiling console. The radio or radio control unit is disposed in the forward portion of the ceiling console with the front panel disposed vertically so as to be readily visible at just above the normal eye level. Other units of electronic equipment are disposed rearward of the radio or radio control unit with front panels disposed to be substantially parallel to the upraised hand. The ceiling console is preferably constructed of an upper spine and a plurality of lower shells whose attachment to the upper spine allows adjustment to the contour of the ceiling of the particular vehicle.

Abstract: A self-erecting antenna includes a base for pivotally mounting two oppositely extending pi-shaped dipole antennas that are symmetrically positioned with respect to a medial ground plane attached to the base. Two sheets of flexible KAPTON material are each connected at opposite edges thereof, between the base and a respective dipole antenna, enabling collapsed folding of the antenna for storage. When the dipole antenna is free to move, the KAPTON sheets act like springs to erect the dipole antenna to a deployed condition.

Abstract: An improved drive for a satellite dish assembly. A flat, steel arc is fixedly connected at its two ends to the pivotal frame of the dish assembly, which steel arc is provided with a series of rows of mini-gear teeth on its outer surface. The steel arc is sandwiched between a rotatable knurled hub and a roller bearing, which knurled hub is provided with a series of rows of mini-diamond-shaped recesses for meshing engagement and forming of the gear teeth of the steel arc, in order to pivot the steel arc, and, therefore, the frame and dish mounted thereto, through a desired arc for aiming the satellite dish. The knurled hub is driven by a motor assembly, the motor assembly, knurled hub, and bearing being mounted to a free end of a cantilevered support arm, the other end of which is fixedly connected to a housing for the pivot shaft of the dish assembly about which the frame and satellite dish rotate for aiming purposes.

Abstract: An enclosed terrestrial antenna system of monocoque construction for receiving television signals from satellites in geostationary orbit. The basic antenna comprises two dish-shaped members having substantially identical configurations, each of which is a surface of revolution. Each member (called a "dish" in the industry) has a central concave parabolic area surrounded by an upstanding frusto-conic rim. One, the antenna dish, has an electromagnetic radiation reflecting surface on the concave side. The other, the cover dish, is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation. The cover dish has an opening at the center, along the axis of revolution. The two dishes are secured together, concave face to concave face. A feed mount is secured to the cover dish over the opening and carries the feed assembly in a manner allowing the feed assembly to be moved toward and away from the reflective surface to focus the feed.

Abstract: An antenna support assembly (10) supports a disk-type antenna on a support post (14) which defines a vertical axis and has a horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical axis. The assembly (10) includes a housing (22) interconnecting the antenna and the support post (14) and has a slanted axis inclined relative to the vertical axis for adjusting and fixing the position of the antenna about the vertical axis for longitude and about the horizontal axis for latitude and angularly for and aft relative to the slanted axis.

Abstract: An alarm device for signaling the need to retract an exterior television antenna mounted to a recreational vehicle or motor home. The device includes a switch capable of signaling a projecting orientation of the TV antenna, as opposed to a retracted position of the antenna against the vehicle. The switch is coupled to the antenna by means of a bracket or brace which is used to control the specific orientation which triggers operation of the switch. An alarm is coupled to the switch and is responsive to the detected condition of an extended antenna to thereby generate a warning for a driver of the vehicle. The alarm is coupled in series with the switch, a power source and the ignition system of the vehicle. When the driver attempts to start the vehicle, the alarm device checks the condition of the antenna and alerts the driver if the antenna is not in the safe, retracted position.