Pivoted Or Rotatable Patents (Class 343/882)
  • Patent number: 7164391
    Abstract: An orientation adjusting device includes a base unit, a bracket unit, and an angle-adjusting mechanism. The bracket unit is coupled pivotally to the base unit. The angle-adjusting mechanism includes first and second rotatable units and first and second pivot joints. The first pivot joint interconnects the bracket unit and the first rotatable unit so as to permit rotation of the first rotatable unit relative to the bracket unit about a first horizontal axis. The second pivot joint interconnects the base unit and the second rotatable unit so as to permit rotation of the second rotatable unit relative to the base unit about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first horizontal axis. The telescopic unit interconnects the first and second rotatable units, and is operable so as to vary the distance between the first and second horizontal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Wistron Neweb Corp.
    Inventors: Hung-Yuan Lin, San-Yi Kuo
  • Patent number: 7161545
    Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus with an embedded antenna module includes a main body, a flipper, and an axle having a hinge. The axle is used for connecting the main body and the flipper. The antenna module disposed in the axle is fixed to the main body. The antenna module is aligned to the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 7158088
    Abstract: A device concerning a magnetic source oscillators universal passive antenna to receive or transmit electromagnetic waves from low frequencies to hyper frequencies. The device is made with a special dipolar system that contains two identical parts (15) and (16) that are assembled by a metal support (7). This metal support (7) can have a variable and adaptable form. Each identical part (15) and (16) of the special dipolar system is made with a triangular magnet (3), a triangular special conductor or semiconductor (4) from which pointed edge is a conducting point (5) or (6). A wave-pick-up-system made with two cables (11), (12), and a cable entrance (14). The acting principle of the antenna formed with the special dipolar system and the wave-pick-up-system, is sealed in a filled insulating material box (17) and raised on a tripod support (18) and (19) that can be very variable and adaptable with the purpose to fix the antenna to function without disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Codjo Atchiriki
  • Patent number: 7145515
    Abstract: An antenna beam controlling system (ABCS) for use in cellular communication systems. The ABCS allows the antenna's horizontal beam direction and horizontal beam width to be remotely adjusted for optimum reception and transmission. The ABCS, in its basic design, is comprised of at least one antenna reflector that incorporates a reflecting disk for receiving and transmitting RF signals, an antenna rotating assembly, and an electronic controller. All the elements of the ABCS are housed within an antenna enclosure, such as a radome, which is maintained in an environmentally shielded condition by a top and bottom cover. The electronic controller is designed to remotely activate the ABCS and to control and optimize the position of the antenna reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Duk-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 7142168
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and adjusting a satellite antenna in the azimuth and elevational planes. The present invention provides a base having a longitudinal axis adaptable to adjustably receive a mounting pole. A rotational mount is rotatably connected to the base and has a longitudinal axis extending at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the base. A satellite antenna support is adaptable to receive a satellite antenna, and the satellite antenna support is adjustably coupled to the rotational mount for adjustment about a rotational axis wherein the rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rotational mount. A first adjustment mechanism is coupled to the base and the rotational mount for providing fine azimuth adjustment of the satellite antenna. A second adjustment mechanism is coupled to the rotational mount and the satellite antenna support for \providing fine elevational adjustment of the satellite antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Patriot Antenna Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin D. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7138959
    Abstract: A method for improving the electric isolation of a wide coverage antenna mounted on a structure. The structure defines a peripheral wall and a first end wall and the elongated antenna has a base. The antenna pivotally mounts on the structure about a mounting axis parallel to the structure axis, in a spaced apart relationship relative to the peripheral wall in a direction pointing generally outwardly therefrom with the antenna base and at least part of an antenna body being in a step back relationship relative to the first end wall such that the antenna is at least partially electrically isolated by the structure while being substantially hidden from the first end wall. A second antenna similarly pivotally positioned relative to the peripheral wall can be generally opposed to the first antenna about the structure such that the two antennas are at least partially electrically isolated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: EMS Technologies Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yves Gaudette, Yan Brand
  • Patent number: 7138960
    Abstract: A deployable electromagnetic concentrator comprises a facet stem hub assembly having at least one rotatable segment and a plurality of facets stems coupled thereto. At least one of the facet stems is coupled to at least one of the rotatable segments. The concentrator further comprises a plurality of facet stems, each being coupled to a different one of the rotatable segments for rotating the plurality of facets from a substantially overlapping configuration to a substantially non-overlapping configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Carroll, James A. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 7129901
    Abstract: An azimuth drive for a radar array comprises an electromagnetic track mounted to a wheel on which the radar array is mounted; and a magnetized carriage assembly operatively coupled to the electromagnetic track and capable of moving along the track in a tangential direction in response to electromagnetic force from select portions of the track to thereby relocate the center of mass of the wheel on which the radar array is mounted, wherein a moment produced from relocation of the center of mass is used to rotate the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Byron W. Tietjen
  • Patent number: 7126556
    Abstract: A digital indoor antenna device having a casing, a pivotal seat, a circular antenna having two ends and a PCB in the casing. The pivotal seat attached to the casing has two mounting holes respectively in which the two ends of circular antenna are mounted. The circular antenna rotates on the casing to adjust the horizontal receiving angle. Therefore, the circular antenna device can receive larger intensity of horizontal polarized signals. In addition, the pivotal seat can be pivotally connected to the casing, so the circular antenna can rotate horizontally on the casing to search for different channel signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Trans Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Si Wang
  • Patent number: 7123201
    Abstract: A remotely controllable, tiltable platform supports a radar transmitter/receiver for rotational movement of the radar relative to a mounting on a vessel, such as a mast of a sailboat or the superstructure of a power boat. A cowling extends upward from the foundation plate and a stationary hinge plate, parallel to the foundation plate, is secured to the top of the cowling. A top antenna mounting plate is hingedly secured to the stationary hinge plate. An actuator is positioned within the cowling to controlled movement of the top antenna mounting plate to maintain the radar level with the horizon. Alternatively, an A-frame structure mounts the leveling system to a mast of a sailboat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick Caudle
  • Patent number: 7113144
    Abstract: An orientation adjusting apparatus includes a support base plate set rotatable relative to a mast about a first vertical axis. An azimuth bracket is rotatable relative to the top plate of support base plate set about a second vertical axis. An elevation bracket is rotatable relative to an elevation fine tune bracket about a first horizontal axis. The elevation fine tune bracket is rotatable relative to the azimuth bracket about a second horizontal axis. An azimuth angle fine tuning unit is operable to rotate the azimuth bracket relative to the top plate of support base plate set about the second vertical axis. An elevation angle fine tuning unit is operable to rotate the elevation fine tune bracket relative to the azimuth bracket about the second horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Wistron Neweb Corp.
    Inventors: Hung-Yuan Lin, San-Yi Kuo
  • Patent number: 7102588
    Abstract: An antenna system may include a base having an opening therein, and a swing arm having a concave elongate shape and opposing ends pivotally connected to the base to permit a swinging motion of the swing arm within the opening in the base. A swing arm positioner may be connected between the swing arm and the base. The antenna system may also include an antenna carriage movable along the swing arm. An antenna carriage positioner may be connected between the antenna carriage and the swing arm. A positioning controller may be connected to the swing arm positioner and the antenna carriage positioner, and an antenna may be connected to the antenna carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Richard Phelan, Russell E. Price, Kurt Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7091922
    Abstract: A method for aligning a feed horn in an antenna system (100) is disclosed. The antenna system (100) includes at least one reflector surface and one or more feed horns (141, 142, . . . 145). The method includes the steps of determining a desired reflection point of the central ray from the feedhorn of the reflector surface, configuring a laser beam source to be mounted on the feed horn to enable a laser beam to travel substantially coincidently along the axis of transmission of the feed horn in a direction towards the reflector surface, and adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the feed horn to align the laser beam with the desired reflection point on the reflector surface. A laser aligning apparatus (200) for practising the above method and an antenna system aligned by means of the laser alignment apparatus (200) and/or method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Barry Frederick Parsons, Christophe Jean-Marc Granet
  • Patent number: 7085592
    Abstract: A signal testing system and method for evaluating wireless communication signals transmitted between a base station and a communication site is provided. The signal testing system comprises an antenna located at the communication site for communicating the wireless communication signals between the base station and the communication site, an adjustable mount associated with the antenna for orienting the antenna in a plurality of pan orientations and a plurality of tilt orientations, an adjustable boom associated with the adjustable mount for positioning the antenna at a plurality of heights and a communication unit to measure characteristics of the wireless communication signals. The adjustable mount is fixed in a set pan orientation and a set tilt orientation and the adjustable boom is fixed height when the communication unit measures the characteristics of the wireless communication signals. The method uses the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Alcatel Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Allan Davies
  • Patent number: 7081867
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes a bracket and a signal receiving box. The bracket has a base, a first connecting rod rotatably mounted on the base, and a second connecting rod pivotally mounted on the first connecting rod. The signal receiving box is rotatably mounted on the second connecting rod. Whereby, the signal receiving box can be adjusted at any angle for clearly and effectively receiving both the horizontal and the vertical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Trans Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Si Wang
  • Patent number: 7068232
    Abstract: An antenna mounting system including a base plate having a mounting surface, a substantantially circular opening through the mounting surface, and attachment means for attaching the base plate to a mounting surface. The housing and the base plate are each dimensioned such that the housing is substantially rotatable within the base plate when the base plate is loosely attached to the mounting surface and such that the housing is substantially fixed when the base plate is tightly attached to the mounting surface. A rotator portion of a rotatable connector is disposed within the housing and is rotatably and controllably attached thereto. A connector portion extends through a slot in the housing and includes a cable connector and a sealing surface dimensioned to mate with an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Metz Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Duncan, Michael B. Metz
  • Patent number: 7057575
    Abstract: A method of installing a satellite dish mast, comprises providing a mast member including a generally cylindrical wall and having an aperture therethrough, and providing a level mounted interior of the mast member but visible from outside the mast member through the aperture in the mast member; and adjusting the position of the mast member using the level and securing the position of the mast member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Deepak Malhotra
  • Patent number: 7053859
    Abstract: A support structure (10) for supporting a plurality of antennas (11) has a plurality of antenna supports (13) each for supporting at least one antenna (11). Each antenna support (13) is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation. At least one antenna support (13) is selectively rotatable with respect to the or each other antenna support (13) such that an antenna (11) supported by said at least one antenna support (13) rotates therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Radiant Networks PLC
    Inventors: Timothy Jackson, Esen Bayar, Stephen Field
  • Patent number: 7050012
    Abstract: An antenna carrier includes a mast, a mast clamp installed at one end of the mast and rotatable with respect to the mast, and a fixture. The mast clamp has an extension arm. The fixture has a holder, a U-bolt, and a fine tune module with one end fixed to the extension arm. One end of the holder is moveably connected to the fine tune module. The U-bolt is moveably disposed in the holder for fixing the holder on one side of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventor: Shih-Hong Chen
  • Patent number: 7046212
    Abstract: An external antenna (100) for a wireless communication device includes a dielectric base (1), a rotatable portion (2) received in the base, a connecting portion (3) connected with the rotatable portion and an antenna element (4) connected with the connecting portion. The dielectric base defines a bore (10) and a groove (12) therein. The rotatable portion includes an upper portion (21) and a block (23) extending from the rotatable portion and slidably engaging in the groove for limiting a rotational movement of the rotatable portion relative to the dielectric base. The connecting portion has an engaging portion (30) connected with the upper portion of the rotatable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lung-Sheng Tai, Zhen-Da Hung, Hsien-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 7046210
    Abstract: An antenna mount with a primary mount having a connecting surface(s) for an azimuth plate. The azimuth plate rotationally coupled to the connecting surface via an az-pivot fastener and rigidly connectable to the connecting surface via a pair of az-lockdown fasteners passing through az-lockdown slots in the azimuth plate. A pair of connection point(s) of the primary mount and the azimuth plate, respectively, movable towards and away from each other as an azimuth bolt coupling the connection points is threaded in or out of a threaded surface at one of the pair of connection points. The azimuth bolt carrying an az-bias spring compressed between the connection points biasing the connection points apart. Movement of the connection points towards and away from each other pivoting the azimuth plate with respect to the primary mount about the az-pivot fastener. Further pivot surfaces may also be added, providing an additional adjustment axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Brooker, Tommy Tulloch, Steve Buchan, Richard Dempster
  • Patent number: 7015871
    Abstract: A mobile radio antenna arrangement for a base station includes a pivoting device which runs in the longitudinal direction and/or in the vertical direction is provided within the radome. A reflector is at least indirectly held and mounted on the pivoting device. The interior of the radome has dimensions such that the reflector which is located within the radome, and the antenna elements which are provided can be pivoted in the azimuth direction relative to the radome via the pivoting device which is located within the radome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Maximilian Göttl, Roland Gabriel
  • Patent number: 7015872
    Abstract: An antenna installation having a tower including supporting a mast supported adjacent its upper end and in turn being supported adjacent its lower end by a first hinge mechanism for pivotal movement about a first horizontally disposed hinge axis between a generally horizontally disposed lowered and vertically upstanding use positions; an antenna including a boom mounted on said mast and a plurality of antenna elements mounted on said boom to lie within plane disposed generally normal to said mast when in upstanding use position; and a hinge mechanism for supporting the antenna for pivotal movement about a second generally horizontally disposed hinge axis adopted to be disposed parallel to the first hinge axis and including gravity responsive latch means for controlling against pivotal movement of the antenna relative to the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Carl H. Little
  • Patent number: 6999034
    Abstract: A wide receiving range antenna is disclosed to include a holder base, and a resonator unit connected to one end of the holder base for receiving signal, which the resonator unit having a barrel connected to the holder base, a metal block spaced from the barrel at a predetermined distance and connected to a coaxial cable being inserted through the holder base, and a plurality of resonators axially extended from one side of the metal block opposite to the coaxial cable for receiving signals of different frequencies and transmitting received signals to an electronic device through the coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignees: Antenniques Corp. Ltd., Runtop Inc.
    Inventors: Churng-Jou Tsai, Woody Huang
  • Patent number: 6989799
    Abstract: An antenna assembly including a first rotating pedestal including an antenna thereon, a second pedestal supporting the first pedestal, and a dual flow rotating union having a longitudinal axis. The dual flow rotating union includes a rotating housing portion coupled to the first rotating pedestal, a stationary housing portion coupled to the second stationary pedestal, and a conduit located in the housing portion. The conduit has opposing ports oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, a rotating section and a stationary section. One said conduit port is located on the rotating section, and the other conduit port is located on the stationary section. The housing also has opposing ports oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. One housing port is located on the stationary portion, and the other said housing port is located on the rotating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John Edward Pittman, II
  • Patent number: 6987492
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an antenna assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an antenna; and a positioner capable of assuming a tetrahedral shape connected to the antenna and mounted to an antenna mount pedestal. The positioner comprises a substantially flat base portion; and a triangular shaped antenna face bracket rotatably coupled to the base portion. The positioner further comprises an extendable, linear stiffening member connected between the base portion and the triangular shaped antenna face bracket; and an actuator to rotate the triangular shaped face bracket of the antenna assembly and form the positioner in combination with the linear stiffening member, triangular shaped antenna face bracket and base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Alan McLean Buchanan, Pamela Sue Silcox
  • Patent number: 6982678
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microwave source that produces a microwave feed beam, and a first pair of microwave sensors that each intercept and receive a portion of the microwave feed beam. The two microwave sensors are spaced apart from each other along a first-pair axis. A first phase-comparison device has as it inputs the output signals of the two microwave sensors, and as an output a first phase comparison of the first-sensor output signal and the second-sensor output signal. A first geometrical calculator has as an input the first phase comparison and as an output a geometrical relationship of the first-pair axis to an other feature. This geometrical relationship output may be used to generate a control signal that is used to alter the geometrical relationship. There may be additional microwave sensors operating in a similar manner but spaced to provide information for other geometrical axes or allow improvements in geometrical measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Obert, Kenneth W. Brown, Alan A. Rattray, John Gerstenberg, James R. Gallivan
  • Patent number: 6980162
    Abstract: An antenna is integrated inside a mobile terminal comprising a lid, a base, a hinge element, a keyboard and a screen. The antenna is located inside the hinge element of the mobile terminal. The hinge element containing the integrated antenna connects the base and the lid of the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Juha Laaksonen
  • Patent number: 6975275
    Abstract: An electric wave transmitting and receiving apparatus of a portable terminal comprising: a rotating member axially installed in a mounting groove formed at an upper portion of a body to be rotated with a certain angle; a vertical polarization antenna installed at an upper of the rotating member, for rotating the rotating member around the axis by a pressure of a folder at the time of opening the folder of the portable terminal; an elastic member installed at one side of the rotating member, for placing the rotated vertical polarization antenna and the rotating member to original positions; a vertical polarization antenna connecting means for connecting the vertical polarization antenna to a printing circuit board mounted in the body; a circular polarization antenna installed at a side surface of the rotating member; and a circular polarization antenna connecting means for connecting the circular polarization antenna to the printing circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tae-Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 6963316
    Abstract: A satellite antenna has an antenna, a stand assembly, an adjustable bracket, a mounting bracket, a dish-turning assembly, a dish-rotating assembly and a dish-pivoting assembly. The antenna is mounted on the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket rotates on the adjustable bracket. The adjustable bracket is mounted on the stand assembly and is positioned by the dish-turning assembly, dish-rotating assembly and dish-pivoting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Jonsa Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 6950633
    Abstract: A rotary non-contact connector and a non-rotary non-contact connector enable data transmission in a non-contact mode by radio transmitters-receivers by combining rotary transformers or stationary transformers and radio transmitters-receivers, and providing power systems with buffer functions by a storage means to receive supplied electric power. Each of the rotary non-contact connector and the non-rotary non-contact connector has first and second radio transmitters-receivers provided between a rotor and an annular stator of a rotary transformer and between first and second stationary members of a stationary transformer to permit two-way radio data communication in a non-contact mode. Furthermore, storage means are provided to implement a buffering function for a power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignees: Tamagawa Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Chubu Nihon Maruki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kojima, Akifumi Arai, Hiroyuki Koitabashi
  • Patent number: 6941117
    Abstract: A folding, portable radio device is provided, which optimizes the gain characteristic of an antenna optionally. This device comprises (a) a first package; (b) a second package connected pivotably to the first package around a specific axis with a joint; the second package being able to be held at a desired angle with respect to the first package; (c) an antenna attached to the second package; (d) a third package connected pivotably to the first package around the axis with the joint; the third package being adjacent to the first package; the third package being abcle to be held at a desired angle with respect to the first package; and (e) a radio section mounted on at least one of the first, second, and third packages. Preferably, the joint comprises a first pivot limiter for defining the maximum angle of the second package and a second pivot limiter for defining the maximum angle of the third package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ide
  • Patent number: 6932307
    Abstract: An adjustable satellite antenna holder has a first base member, a first coarsely adjustable support member pivotable about a first axis with respect to the first base member and a first finely adjustable support member pivotable about an axis parallel to said first axis with respect to the first coarsely adjustable support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Guennec, Sébastien Bonnet
  • Patent number: 6911950
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steerable antenna platform including two independently controllable motors for rotating a flat plate or a parabolic dish antenna about two perpendicular axes. The antenna platform includes a semicircular yoke rotatable about a fixed axes with bearings mounted on either end thereof for pivotally supporting the antenna. The antenna platform also includes a ball joint for supporting the center of the antenna, enabling a reduction in the requirements of the two motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, through the Communications of Research Centre
    Inventor: Brian A. Harron
  • Patent number: 6891509
    Abstract: An assembly of mechanically steerable directional radio antennas, comprising a primary antenna and at least one secondary antenna, arranged such that the or each secondary antenna is capable of being physically steered over a limited azimuthal arc relative to the primary antenna, and is at least partially within the swept volume of the primary antenna. By allowing the swept volumes of the antennas to overlap, a compact assembly can be provided, while by limiting the azimuthal movement of the secondary antennas relative to the primary, it can be arranged that the antennas do not foul each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: British Telecommunications plc
    Inventors: Ian G Rose, William H Dobbie
  • Patent number: 6889421
    Abstract: Methods for aligning a satellite reflector with an antenna that has a feed/LNBF assembly. The feed/LNBF assembly is electronically coupled to a set top box which is electronically coupled to a television that has a television speaker. A transmitter is placed adjacent the television speaker. The speaker transmits the audio tones emitted by the television speaker which are indicative to the alignment of the antenna with a satellite to a speaker located adjacent to or attached to the antenna or antenna support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Bell South Intellectual Property Corp.
    Inventors: William R. Matz, Timothy H. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6882321
    Abstract: A radar antenna system comprises a wheel, cone or frustum having an axis. The wheel, cone or frustum has a circumferential portion adapted to engage at least one path disposed on a platform for revolving the radar array about the platform. A radar array is mounted on the wheel, cone or frustum, with the axis normal to a face of the radar array. The wheel, cone or frustum rotates about the platform as the radar array revolves around the platform during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Byron W. Tietjen
  • Patent number: 6879295
    Abstract: Radio antennas are aligned with each other for the creation of a fixed radio link, by temporarily mounting a powered actuator on an antenna forming one end of the link, the actuator being arranged to adjust the alignment of the antenna, controlling the movement of the actuator over a range of alignments, measuring the variations in the properties of a signal transmitted over the link as the actuator is moved, identifying an optimum actuator position, and locking the actuator in the optimum position. By using a powered antenna, it is possible to control the alignment of several antennas from a single convenient location. Once the antenna has been secured in the selected position the powered actuator may be recovered for use elsewhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventor: Bryan W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6873304
    Abstract: A satellite dish assembly comprising a mast member having an open end and a level mounted interior of the mast member and visible through the open end of the mast member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Deepak Malhotra
  • Patent number: 6864855
    Abstract: A bracket (12) is fixed to the rear surface of a reflector (2). The bracket has a planar plate (14) which, when the bracket is fixed to the reflector, is perpendicular to a polarity axis (16). Plural, spaced-apart arcuate slots (20) arranged on an imaginary circle on the planar plate (14) about the polarity axis (16) are formed in the planar plate (14). An adapter plate (24) is disposed in contact with the surface of the planar plate (14) facing the reflector (2). The bracket (12) is rotatable about the polarity axis (16) relative to the adapter plate (24). The adapter plate (24) has screw holes (26) in alignment with the arcuate slots (20) in the planar plate (14). A bracket (28) is disposed on the side of the planar plate (14) opposite to the reflector (2). The bracket (28) has a pair of wings (30, 32). A connecting member (34) is formed integral with the wings (30, 32). The connecting member (34) is perpendicular to the wings (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: DX Antenna Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Fujita
  • Patent number: 6859188
    Abstract: An antenna system particularly suitable for use with a satellite in a terrestrial communication system includes first and second signal reflectors which are selectively positionable with respect to an RF signal feed whereby first and second target areas can be serviced. A support structure is provided for the reflectors whereby the first and second reflectors are rotated into operating positions with respect the RF signal feed. The support structure further includes a hinge for supporting the first reflector whereby the reflector can be rotated between an operating position and a stow position. The support structure further includes a second gimbal which allows the second reflector to independently rotate to a flipped position and then pivot to the stow position adjacent to the first reflector with the concave surfaces of the two reflectors in a stacked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Matthews, Edwin Thomas Park
  • Patent number: 6853353
    Abstract: An antenna assembly for a wireless communication equipment of the invention comprises a fastening base that is fixedly connected to one side of the wireless communication equipment. An arm, retractable and deployable, has a first end that is movably connected to the fastening base in a manner that the arm, retractable and deployable, is capable of retracting close to the side of the wireless communication equipment and deploying away from the side of the wireless communication equipment. An antenna stem is pivotally connected to a second end of the arm, retractable and deployable. The pivotal connection between the antenna stem and the arm is such that a directional orientation of the antenna stem relative to the axis of the arm is adjustable by rotation for obtaining optimal transmission and reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Accton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chieh Wang, Shih-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 6853349
    Abstract: A device for aiming a directional device, such as a beam transmitter, mounted on a platform having a platform roll axis, the device having a device roll axis and a device nod axis, wherein the device roll axis is substantially different from the platform roll axis. Also a method for aiming a directional device, such as a beam transmitter, mounted on a platform having a platform roll axis by providing a device of the present invention, aiming the directional device by changing the aim of the directional device about the device roll axis and about the device nod axis; and, if as a result the device roll axis approaches coincidence with the aimed direction, rotating the platform about the platform roll axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority LTD
    Inventor: Ehud Chishinski
  • Publication number: 20040257299
    Abstract: An external antenna (100) for a wireless communication device includes a dielectric base (1), a rotatable portion (2) received in the base, a connecting portion (3) connected with the rotatable portion and an antenna element (4) connected with the connecting portion. The dielectric base defines a bore (10) and a groove (12) therein. The rotatable portion includes an upper portion (21) and a block (23) extending from the rotatable portion and slidably engaging in the groove for limiting a rotational movement of the rotatable portion relative to the dielectric base. The connecting portion has an engaging portion (30) connected with the upper portion of the rotatable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Lung-Sheng Tai, Zhen-Da Hung, Hsien-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 6812904
    Abstract: A radar antenna system comprises a wheel, cone or frustum having an axis. The wheel, cone or frustum has a circumferential portion adapted to engage at least one path disposed on a platform for revolving the radar array about the platform. A radar array is mounted on the wheel, cone or frustum, with the axis normal to a face of the radar array. The wheel, cone or frustum rotates about the platform as the radar array revolves around the platform during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Byron W. Tietjen
  • Patent number: 6789307
    Abstract: Methods for aligning a satellite reflector with an antenna that has a feed/LNBF assembly. The feed/LNBF assembly is electronically coupled to a set top box which is electronically coupled to a television that has a television speaker. A transmitter is placed adjacent the television speaker. The speaker transmits the audio tones emitted by the television speaker which are indicative to the alignment of the antenna with a satellite to a speaker located adjacent to or attached to the antenna or antenna support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Matz, Timothy H. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20040150574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steerable antenna platform including two independently controllable motors for rotating a flat plate or a parabolic dish antenna about two perpendicular axes. The antenna platform includes a semicircular yoke rotatable about a fixed axes with bearings mounted on either end thereof for pivotally supporting the antenna. The antenna platform also includes a ball joint for supporting the center of the antenna, enabling a reduction in the requirements of the two motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Brian A. Harron
  • Publication number: 20040135735
    Abstract: A system for stabilizing two antennas on a mobile platform, the antennas including a first antenna associated with a first geo-stationary satellite and a second antenna associated with a second geo-stationary satellite, the system comprising an upper alignment system and a lower alignment system. The upper alignment system is configured for being a common support for the antennas. The upper alignment system has an intermediate element. The upper alignment system is configured for pointing the antennas relative to the intermediate element, such that the angular displacement between the antennas is matched with the angular displacement between the satellites. The lower alignment system is connected to the upper alignment system and the mobile platform. The lower alignment system is configured for maintaining the orientation of the intermediate element in order to compensate for rotation of the mobile platform, such that the antennas are maintained pointing toward their respective satellites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Orbit Communication Limited
    Inventors: Guy Naym, Nathan A. Levy
  • Patent number: 6762731
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotation apparatus of a dish antenna for adjusting a dish antenna to direct to a satellite. The rotation apparatus of the dish antenna includes an elevation bracket and a dish bracket. The elevation bracket includes two wings, a base and a cover, where the two wings are approximately parallel, the base connects the bottoms of the two wings and is approximately perpendicularly to them, and the cover is approximately perpendicularly connected to the front end of the base. The dish bracket includes a top plate and an arc plate, where the top plate includes at least one concentric groove, and the arc plate having at least one arc groove is approximately perpendicularly connected to top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Microelectronics Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Chou
  • Publication number: 20040113861
    Abstract: A support structure (10) for supporting a plurality of antennas (11) has a plurality of antenna supports (13) each for supporting at least one antenna (11). Each antenna support (13) is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation. At least one antenna support (13) is selectively rotatable with respect to the or each other antenna support (13) such that an antenna (11) supported by said at least one antenna support (13) rotates therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy Jackson, Esen Bayar, Stephen Field