Telescoping Patents (Class 343/901)
  • Patent number: 5936589
    Abstract: A dielectric rod antenna has a dielectric rod and a waveguide which receives one end of the dielectric rod to excite the dielectric rod. The dielectric rod is divided along its length into at least two sections including a hollow tubular dielectric sleeve and a dielectric internal rod telescopically received and secured in the hollow of the dielectric sleeve. One end of the dielectric internal rod makes a releasable-fit engagement with the adjacent end of the dielectric sleeve so that the overall length of the antenna can be fixed against change during the use. The overall radius and the hollow radius of the dielectric sleeve and the overall radius of the dielectric internal rod are determined such that the propagation constant in the dielectric sleeve and the propagation constant in the dielectric internal rod are equalized to each other. The end of the dielectric internal rod adjacent to the dielectric sleeve is tapered so as to converge towards the end extremity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunari Kawahata
  • Patent number: 5923297
    Abstract: Antenna systems for radiotelephones and other electronic devices include a first impedance matching circuit that electrically connects to a retractable antenna via a feed terminal when the retractable antenna is in an extended position and a second impedance matching circuit that electrically connects to the retractable antenna via the same feed terminal when the retractable antenna is in a retracted position. A switch opens and closes in response to detected positions of a retractable antenna to allow the first and second impedance matching circuits to electrically connect with an antenna via the same feed terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Kil Kim, Gerard James Hayes
  • Patent number: 5909194
    Abstract: The antenna for a radio equipment includes a base portion boot made of a flexible material and secured to an edge of an opening of a support hole in a radio equipment body such that it partially extends outwardly over a predetermined length from the radio equipment body. A flexible pipe is integrally coated on an outer periphery of a portion of a linear antenna element which is positioned in a through-hole of the base portion boot when the linear antenna element is at its retracted position in the radio equipment body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, Anten Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Umeda, Takao Ono
  • Patent number: 5907306
    Abstract: A multi-piece retractable radiotelephone antenna and associated communication method is employed to provide improved signal quality. The multi-piece antenna includes conductive windings, such as helical quadrafillar windings, disposed separately on two slidably cooperating substrate members. The antenna is mechanically extended to a deploy position and the separate windings are electrically connected thereby doubling the effective electrical length of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Karabinis, Yawei Ma, Stanley L. Reinhold
  • Patent number: 5901367
    Abstract: An approach for connection of an antenna employs an antenna including at least one antenna contact; an antenna collar slidably coupleable with the antenna and including at least one antenna feedpoint; and an antenna coupler/connector insertable into the antenna collar. The approach may also be characterized as involving moving an antenna by sliding the antenna within an antenna collar, moving an antenna contact at an end of the antenna away from an antenna feedpoint in the antenna collar; and inserting an antenna coupler/connector into the antenna collar including contacting the antenna feedpoint with a contact pad on the antenna coupler/connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Alex Toh
  • Patent number: 5900846
    Abstract: A flexible telescoping antenna is constructed of plastic tubular sections telescoping between an end section and a compact antenna. Conducting inserts are provided within the tubular sections and enable electrical contact at any extraction interval of the antenna. The antenna utilizing plastic telescoping sections allows maximum mechanical deflection and thereby resists breakage while providing optimum electrical performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Phelps, Gerard Hayes
  • Patent number: 5900818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracking system for indicating the direction and behavior of an animal such as a hunting dog. The system generally comprises a radio frequency transmitter for mounting on the animal's collar and a hand-held receiver which is capable of detecting and indicating not only the location of the animal but its behavior. The transmitter has a detector connected to a CPU which generates pulse train signals depending on the barking characteristics of the animal. The receiver receives the signals and indicates the animal's barking characteristics by light or sound signals and/or pulses. These indications help the user determine the animal's behavior, such as when the animal travels beyond ordinary sight and hearing range, which can be useful in hunting applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Televilt International AC
    Inventor: Per Arne Lemnell
  • Patent number: 5856808
    Abstract: Single feed point matching systems for radiotelephones include a retractable antenna and a stationary ferrule contact which are configured to define a coaxial capacitor therebetween when the antenna is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Holshouser, Robert A. Sadler, Gerard Hayes, John W. Gammon
  • Patent number: 5856806
    Abstract: A radio device comprising a housing having an opening and an internal retaining surface; an antenna support sleeve inserted in the opening and a rod antenna mounted for movement in the antenna support sleeve between extended and retracted positions; the sleeve including a resilient, outwardly-projecting finger which engages the retaining surface to prevent removal of the sleeve from the housing and the housing including an aperture through which the finger can be inwardly displaced using a tool, including a shank, to disengage the finger from the retaining surface, thereby enabling removal of the sleeve from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventor: Eugeniusz Z Koleda
  • Patent number: 5852422
    Abstract: High gain antenna equipment is provided by improving gain with optimal impedance matching with an antenna element in a stored state as well as in an extended state. The antenna equipment is provided with a radio communication device housed in a case, a pullout type antenna element, a coil acting as a matching circuit element in an extended state of the antenna element and as a helical antenna in a stored state, and a switch connected to the coil at one end which is brought into contact at the other end with a ground terminal when the antenna element is in an extended state and which is brought into contact with an open terminal when the antenna element is in a stored state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhito Imanishi
  • Patent number: 5835070
    Abstract: A retractable antenna for a communications device includes a housing; an elongated, flexible antenna mast having an inner end and an outer free end; a take-up spool rotatably mounted in the housing, the inner end of the mast secured to the take-up spool; and a connector extending from the housing and adapted to be received in a communications device housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Scaraglino
  • Patent number: 5836005
    Abstract: A mobile telephone antenna including an alloy wire rod moved in a metal socket in a mobile telephone at the top, the alloy wire rod having a bottom end fixed with a first axial metal element, and a top end inserted through a second axial metal element, which is mounted in a stepped locating member inside an antenna cap, an insulative sleeve mounted around the top section of the stepped locating member and defining a space on the inside above the top section of the stepped locating member, a matching coil mounted around the stepped locating member and the insulative sleeve and stopped between the bottom section of the stepped antenna and the inside wall of the antenna cap, and a contact terminal fixedly fastened to the top end of the alloy wire rod and moved in the space between a first position in which the antenna terminal disposed in contact with the second axial metal element and the stepped locating member and the mobile telephone antenna is collapsed, and a second position in which the antenna terminal i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Auden Technology Mfg.Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Chang
  • Patent number: 5831579
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for a cellular phone includes a rotatable detent portion attached to the helix of the antenna. A fixed detent member permanently attached to the phone includes a passageway to allow the antenna and rotatable detent to pass therethrough. A biased teeth is mounted between a plurality of guide detents formed on the inner surface within the fixed detent member and the base of the phone. While the teeth ring is allowed to move axially, it is keyed to prevent rotation. Accordingly, the detents formed on the rotatable detent member cause the rotatable detent member to rotate as it passes between the guide detents and as it engages the teeth ring. The forced rotations cause the detents of the rotatable detent portion to become engaged and disengaged with a latching undercut portion formed on a bottom portion of the guide detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ericsson, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Albert Rudisill
  • Patent number: 5812093
    Abstract: A retractable antenna assembly provides a substantially matched antenna impedance to a matching circuit (712) of a radiotelephone (200) whether the retractable antenna assembly is in the extended position or the retracted position. In one embodiment parts (304, 312) of a capacitor (714) are integrally formed on an upper portion of the retractable antenna assembly (206) such that when in the retracted position the capacitor (714) contributes to the overall antenna impedance. In another embodiment a capacitor (1302) is integrally formed on the lower portion of the retractable antenna assembly (900).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Thompson, Jin D. Kim, Jon J. Powles
  • Patent number: 5793331
    Abstract: A user replaceable flexible retractable antenna for use with a cordless phone comprises a conductive base pipe assembly having a screw terminal to be threadably received on a bracket assembly of the cordless phone, and a flexible antenna assembly having a conductive contact secured to one end slidably received within the base pipe assembly. The contact is maintained in sliding communication with the inner wall of the base pipe assembly and is connected to a conductive helix extending through the flexible antenna to define a conductive path between the distal end of the flexible antenna and the screw terminal of the base pipe assembly. The antenna can be easily removed from the cordless phone by rotating the base pipe assembly to disengage the screw terminal from the bracket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Masahito Anzai, Dennis Chua, King Hoe Goh, Ai Choo Loh
  • Patent number: 5781867
    Abstract: A telescoping antenna assembly has a tubular base for securing to a wireless telephone handset and an extendible mast telescopically mounted on the tubular base for movement between an extended position extending out of the tubular base and a retracted position in which at least the majority of the mast is retracted within the tubular base. The tubular base and mast have mating inner and outer surfaces. One of the mating surfaces has a helical groove extending along at least part of its length, and the other cylindrical surface has at least one pin slidably engaged in the groove. The engagement of the pin in the helical groove causes the mast to rotate relative to the base in a first direction as the mast is moved from the retracted to the extended position, and in a second direction as the mast is moved from the extended to the retracted position, uncoiling and then recoiling the antenna feed line so as to reduce stretching and torque on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen B. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 5764194
    Abstract: An antenna orientation device which includes a base, an antenna structure with a first bearing surface, and a support for positioning the structure in relation to the base. The support includes a body coupled to the base and having a stem. The support also includes a resilient non-metallic bearing member carried on the stem which has a second bearing surface. The support also includes a fastener connected to the body for clamping the first and second bearing surfaces in rotary bearing relation. The bearing member is elastically deformed to provide retaining force sufficient to hold the structure against earth's gravitational pull in any one of a range of rotational positions about a substantially non-vertical axis. Each position within the range is selectable by rotating the structure by hand. This support can provide a rotational range of at least 45 degrees. The fastener may be configured as an adjustable screw to provide a way to vary retaining force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Lanier Brown
  • Patent number: 5757325
    Abstract: The antenna device of the present invention is intended for a portable equipment for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals. Said antenna device comprises a helical antenna substantially having the characteristics of a half-wave antenna, a half-wave antenna, and an impedance transformer. Said helical antenna, said half-wave antenna, and said impedance transformer are intercouplable so that either said helical antenna alone is coupled to said impedance transformer or said helical antenna and said half-wave antenna are coupled in parallel to said impedance transformer in order to form two different working functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Allgon AB
    Inventor: Ulf Saldell
  • Patent number: 5757337
    Abstract: The invention is related to a telescopic and flexible antenna, comprising a plurality of main bodies each being a hollow tube to the lower end of which a conductor plug is affixed, with two arched conductor plates embracing the peripheral surface thereof to form a telescopic antenna, and characterized in that each main body encloses a resilient metal plate with conductor rings at its ends and abutting against the arched conductor plates of another main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Chih Yuan Hsueh, Der Shine Chia
  • Patent number: 5739790
    Abstract: A docking adapter couples a PCS system to an external antenna via the PCS system's portable antenna. When the portable antenna is extended from the body of the PCS unit, it functions as a normal vertical dipole antenna. When it is retracted into the unit's body, a connector at the tip of the portable antenna makes electrical contact with the PCS transceiver. The tip connector may be connected to an external antenna, thereby providing a transmission path from the PCS transceiver to the external antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald R. Green, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5731791
    Abstract: An antenna configuration for a portable radio set provides a helical antenna, a rod antenna and an antenna connecting device that selectively connects the two antennas to a printed substrate to enable their operation. When the rod antenna is partially retracted within the interior of a body housing beyond a threshold point where the antenna connecting device becomes electrically disengaged from the rod antenna, the antenna connecting device elastically returns to an original position and becomes electrically connected to the helical antenna. Alternatively, when the rod antenna is fully extended from the body housing, the antenna connecting device is electrically connected to the rod antenna. The present invention provides advantages in that a large amount of radiating power may be distributed in accordance with the length of the rod antenna, thereby minimizing any radiating interference caused by a user's body and reducing the loss of radiating power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Weon Jang
  • Patent number: 5719587
    Abstract: A dual frequency vertical antenna for radiating a first and a second airwave signal in response to a first and a second conducted signal, the first airwave signal having a first frequency and the second airwave signal having a second frequency lower than one-half the first frequency. The antenna includes a horizontal base member and a vertical mast, including a coaxially disposed rod, projecting upward from the base member to a masthead. For feeding the conducted signals, a lower mast extension projecting downward from the base member and a tuning sleeve projecting either upward or downward from the base member are tuned to 1/4 wavelength at the first frequency and a single coaxial cable is connected between the base member and a feedpoint on the rod. The first airwave signal radiates from a dipole formed of an 1/4 wavelength upper rod extension extending upward from said masthead and a concentric 1/4 wavelength upper sleeve external to the mast projecting downward from said masthead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Eric B. Rodal
  • Patent number: 5717409
    Abstract: A dual frequency band antennas system where the two frequency bands are not harmonically related includes first and second antenna sections. The first antenna section comprises a straight rod, with the length of the rod being at least one quarter wavelength at the center frequency of the lower of the two frequency bands. The second antenna section includes a straight portion terminated by a helical wire portion, with the total electrical length of the second antenna section being substantially equal to the length of the straight rod. A conductive antenna base is connected to at least one of the first and second antenna sections. A matching circuit coupled to the base is arranged to substantially cancel the reactive portion of the impedance of the connected antenna section for both frequency bands and to substantially equalize the resistive portion of the impedance of the connected antenna section to the resistive portion of the output impedance of the radio transceiver to which the antenna system is coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Garner, Ilya A. Korisch
  • Patent number: 5710567
    Abstract: An antenna device for a piece of equipment for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals, wherein the antenna device comprises a first extendable antenna (2), which is movable between an extended position, where it is coupled to the circuitry of the piece of equipment and a retracted position where it is not coupled to the circuitry, the extendable antenna (2) on its lower portion having first holding device (10) cooperating with a second holding device (9) arranged on a guide (5) for the first antenna such that the first antenna is releasably locked in the extended position. According to the invention the first antenna (2) is releasably locked by the first and second holding devices comprising mutually magnetically attractive elements (9,10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Allgon AB
    Inventor: Magnus Funke
  • Patent number: 5708445
    Abstract: An antenna assembly, and associated method, for a radio, such as a portable radiotelephone, which is of minimal physical dimensions and which is operable over a wide range of frequencies. A length of wire is helically-shaped and includes at least a portion of a winding. A capacitive top-hat is positioned at an end portion of the wire. By increasing the number of windings of the wire, the height of the antenna assembly is reduced, but such reduction also reduces the size of the bandwidth of frequencies over which the antenna assembly is operable. Increase in the size of the surface area of the capacitive top-hat increases the size of the bandwidth over which the antenna assembly is operable. Selection of the top-hat size and the number of windings permits beth physical dimensions of the antenna assembly and the size of the bandwidth to be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Moller, Patrick A. Schwinghammer, Mark W. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5699070
    Abstract: An antenna assembly (200) for use in a portable radio (100). The antenna assembly (200) includes first and second housings (113 and 203), a helical antenna (301) and a terminal (205). The first housing (113) is telescopically moveable with respect to the second housing (203) between a retracted and an extended position. The helical antenna (301) has a first dimension when the first housing (113) is moved to the first position and a second dimension when the first housing (113) is moved to the second position. The terminal (205) is coupled to the helical antenna (301) for replaceably coupling to the portable radio (100) by a user. Additionally, a pin (303), covered with a thickened solution (304), is disposed within the helical antenna (301)to dampen mechanical vibrations of the helical antenna (301) and a detenting mechanism retains the first housing (113) in the first and the second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Mischenko, Steven C. Emmert
  • Patent number: 5691730
    Abstract: A retractable broad-band antenna for a portable telephone which includes a first antenna element which resonates in the lower region of the frequency band, a second antenna element which is coupled in series to the first antenna element via electrostatic capacitance and resonates in the higher region, and a call-receiving third antenna element mounted to the tip end of the second antenna element. The first and second antenna elements are shortened antenna elements in a form of helical coils. The first antenna element has an electrical length of .lambda.L/8 and is a non-grounded type having broad band characteristics by means of a matching device; and the second element has an electrical length of .lambda.H/2 wherein .lambda.H and .lambda.L are respectively the wave lengths at a center frequency of the higher and lower region of the frequency band used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimi Egashira, Minoru Taguchi
  • Patent number: 5670968
    Abstract: A retractable antenna device includes a flexible antenna composed of a coiled antenna conductor covered with an inner antenna cover, a tubular outer antenna case telescopically assembled with the inner antenna case for sliding movement of the flexible antenna relative the outer antenna case, a tension coil spring formed of an electrically conductive material and connected between the coiled antenna conductor and the outer antenna case, and holding means disposed on the base of the flexible antenna for holding the flexible antenna against displacement relative to the outer antenna case. With this construction, when the flexible antenna is pulled out from, or retracted into, the outer antenna case, the tension coil spring is extended or contracted. The coil spring, as it is contracted, serves as a short antenna coil so that the necessary antenna characteristics can be maintained even when the flexible antenna is received inside the antenna case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Inanaga, Shouichirou Okuda
  • Patent number: 5661496
    Abstract: An capacitive coupled extendable antenna for cordless telephones and for portable cellular telephones is disclosed. The antenna is operated, in its extended state, as the equivalent of a half-wave dipole antenna due to capacity capacitive coupling between the quarter-wave helical antenna element and the quarter-wave whip antenna element and compensates, in its retracted state, the deficient capacity component of the helical antenna element owing to capacity capacitive coupling between the metal sleeve and the helical antenna element. The antenna also improves the efficiency of the whip antenna element as well as the efficiency of the helical antenna element by coupling the metal sleeve to a tube under the condition that the whip antenna element is fully inserted into the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Ace Antenna Corporation
    Inventors: Rack June Baek, Jung Kun Oh, In Soo Hwang
  • 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: 5617105
    Abstract: A rod antenna element is connected at its lower end to one end of a coaxial impedance converter, the other end of which is connected to a feeder. A coil antenna element is capacitively coupled to the rod antenna element to provide a double resonance characteristic. When held at its retracted position, the rod antenna element, inserted in an outer conductor of the coaxial impedance converter, may preferably form an inner conductor larger in diameter than that when the rod antenna element is at its extended-out position, and the rod antenna element is connected to a coil antenna element with a low impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: NTT Mobile Communications Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Tsunekawa, Seiji Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 5615855
    Abstract: In an integrated telescoping mast-payload assembly, the payload forms the top telescoping section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Tri-Ex Tower Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Marue, Kenneth J. Pereira
  • Patent number: 5596334
    Abstract: An antenna assembly (120) includes a threaded casing (140) movably mounted on an antenna element (150). The antenna element (150) and threaded casing (140) have corresponding catches (155, 145) that engage when positioned with a particular orientation. The antenna element forms a torque driver that secures the threaded casing (140) to a support structure (125) when the catches engage and the antenna element (150) rotated, thereby installing the antenna element (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Boyce, Orville T. Moyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5594459
    Abstract: An antenna used for a portable telephone includes a cylindrical outer conductor, an inner conductor, first and second coils and a contact. The inner conductor is disposed inside the outer conductor and is movable between a position wherein it has been pulled out from one end of the outer conductor and a position wherein it has been received into the outer conductor. The first coil is connected between a feed point and a feed side end portion of the outer conductor. The second coil is mounted on an end portion of the inner conductor projecting from the outer conductor. The contact is mounted on the feed point. In the antenna, when the inner conductor has been received into the outer conductor, the inner conductor makes contact with the contact and the first coil is thereby shorted and the electrical length is supplemented by the second coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Hirota
  • Patent number: 5583518
    Abstract: A structure including a casing allows the user of a portable radio communication apparatus to extend and retract a retractable antenna into the casing of the apparatus with the hand holding the casing. The casing has thereinside a movable contact, a locking portion, an electrode, and a resilient member having a spring. An operating portion for operating the movable contact protrudes from the casing and is connected to the movable contact. To extend the antenna from the casing, the user tilts the casing such that the antenna is oriented downward and then presses the operating portion. As a result, the movable contact is moved away from the locking portion to allow the antenna to fall due to gravity. To retract the antenna into the casing, the user tilts the casing such that the antenna is oriented upward and then presses the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Nariyama
  • Patent number: 5541609
    Abstract: An antenna for a personal communication device designed for reducing RF emissions to a user's head and body comprises a single half-wave dipole antenna element mounted on the top of a telescoping rod such that the antenna element is raised above the user's head when the rod is extended. The rod is completely inactive and serves only to elevate the active antenna element above the user's head and away from the body. A built-in switch is provided which reduces the transmission RF power when the rod is retracted to further protect the user. In a second embodiment, a co-linear array of dipole antenna elements is used. The full array is active for reception. However, a proximity detector senses the proximity of a human body, and lowers the RF transmission power to those antenna elements in the array that are closest to the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignees: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc., Center for Innovative Technology
    Inventors: Warren L. Stutzman, J. Randall Nealy
  • Patent number: 5541615
    Abstract: A three band antenna unit for reception of radio waves in the AM and FM bands and for reception and transmission of radio waves in the UHF band as well as its connection with filters and a communication equipment are disclosed. The antenna unit includes an upper, first element for reception and transmission of a radio wave in the UHF band and a lower, second element for reception of radio waves in the FM band, both connected to a mobile telephone. An AM band signal from the first element is transmitted to the lower, second element through an AM band pass filter. A radio wave signal from the lower, second element is transmitted to an AM/FM tuner through an AM/FM band pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Koide, Yuichi Murakami, Akimasa Yoshida, Kiyokazu Ieda, Kazuo Sato
  • Patent number: 5534878
    Abstract: A portable radio, eg a radio telephone, includes a slim, flexible antenna (2) retractable within a compartment (1a) of the radio housing (1). A flexible insulating sleeve (9) is provided in the compartment (1a) around the antenna (2) such that the antenna is able to slide relatively freely therein when the antenna is moved between the extended and retracted position. The sleeve (9) prevents the flexible antenna (2) from rattling against the internal parts of the housing (1) and helps to provide a more positive feel when the antenna is extended or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventor: Terence Johnson
  • Patent number: 5528251
    Abstract: A double dipole tuned antenna is presented having the capability to enhance the television reception, particularly on VHF frequencies. The antenna has an outer, longer diverging dipole antenna connected near its midsection to an inner, shorter, parallel diverging dipole. Also connected to the inner dipole is a large helical coil and a smaller helical coil. A capacitor is placed in parallel across opposite ends of the smaller helical coil in order to tune the device. The device is particularly useful for tuning VHF frequencies although it is also useful in tuning UHF frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Harry S. Frein
  • Patent number: 5526005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna housing of a portable transceiver, more particularly to an antenna housing for a portable transceiver for improving a receiving level and protecting against fracture and damage to an antenna. The present invention provides an antenna housing of a portable transceiver comprising: an antenna cover having a pair of annular rims at its lower part and protecting an antenna; a tip fixed to an upper end of the antenna; a spring inserted between the annular rims; a pair of cover supporters having a guide groove to guide motion of the spring in the longitudinal direction, a number of locking grooves which are formed at a predetermined interval deeper than the guide groove, and a catching jut in an upper part of the cover supporters; and a connector connecting a lower part of the cover supporters and a transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Ace Antenna Corporation
    Inventor: Gwan Y. Koo
  • Patent number: 5504494
    Abstract: An antenna system (202) provides communication capabilities in both extended and retracted positions. Antenna system (202) includes a base helical (214) that capacitively couples to a half wavelength radiator (222) in the extended position. Base helical (214) capacitively couples to a top helical (228) in the retracted position, thereby reducing case currents on the surface of the housing (206).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Argyrios A. Chatzipetros, Karl R. Guppy, Sybren D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5483132
    Abstract: A control device for an electrically driven telescopic antenna including: a counting signal extracting circuit which detects the altered waveform of an rectified current generated during the forward or reverse rotation of a DC motor so as to extract counting signals; a command device which sends a control stop command to a motor drive control circuit when the counted value of the extracted counting signals reaches a certain preset value; a motor current monitoring circuit which monitors the current flow to the motor and outputs information on the completion of the antenna element extension/retraction action when the motor current value exceeds a prescribed value; and a correction device which corrects the counted value based upon the information outputted by the motor current monitoring circuit. The control device can include a large-capacitance capacitor for absorbing power supply fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Arata, Kazufumi Sato, Yuji Maeda
  • Patent number: 5467097
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the constitution of an antenna for portable wireless apparatus, and has an object to provide an antenna unit capable of operating satisfactorily when the antenna element is extended out of the case and stowed in the case as well. A portion of the antenna element not stowed in an antenna stowage pipe when the antenna is pushed into the plastic case, functions as a radiation element. A portion of the antenna element and an antenna stowage pipe produced of a metal for stowing this portion constitute an impedance stub circuit. Antenna impedances of the antenna element in the extended and stowage positions as well can be made approximately the same by properly setting the length of the antenna element which is stowed in the antenna stowage pipe and the length of the portion not stowed in the stowage pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshio Toko
  • Patent number: 5467096
    Abstract: A miniature and high performance antenna applicable to a radio communication apparatus and made up of a straight antenna rod and a loading coil. The tip of the straight antenna rod is received in the coil such that capacity coupling is set up between them. An antenna configuration is provided for setting up capacity coupling between the antenna rod and a feed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Takamoro, Koji Umeda, Takao Ono
  • Patent number: 5455595
    Abstract: An antenna mounted on and retractable into a casing of a portable radio communication apparatus. When the antenna is pulled out of the casing, it plays the role of a .lambda./2 whip antenna. Even when the antenna is retracted into the casing, it has substantially the same gain as when pulled out from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Yokoyama, Kazuo Sekiya, Kenji Takamoro
  • Patent number: 5446469
    Abstract: An extendible whip antenna suitable for a hand-held two-way radio apparatus having a wide frequency band and a high sensitivity is disclosed, in which when it is used for communication, a 1/2-wave length whip antenna is extended outside of a case and a stopper conductor thereof is engaged with a holder conductor so that it is connected with a radio circuit through a matching circuit together with a 1/2-wave length helical antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Nippon Antenna Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuya Makino
  • Patent number: 5414436
    Abstract: An electric extensible car antenna including an antenna element support cylinder detachably mounted to a cylindrical support member of an antenna attachment base from the outside of a car body; a single small-diameter rod antenna element inserted in an antenna element insertion hole of the support cylinder so as to be in contact with a conductive contact element; the proximal part of the antenna element led toward the proximal end of the support cylinder being guided in a direction by an antenna element guiding tube; and an antenna element extended and retracted by a rack-equipped flexible rope connected to the antenna element via an electric mechanism. It is desirable that the antenna element be made of an ultra-flexible material and that the support cylinder is made of a plurality of separate cylindrical units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Shinkawa, Misao Kimura
  • Patent number: 5412393
    Abstract: A retractable antenna assembly with a bottom connector (200) allows communication devices that require the use of more than one type of antenna element (114), to easily store the normally used antenna element (114) inside of a transmission line housing (144) which is part of the antenna assembly (200). Once inside of the housing (144), the antenna element (114) is hidden within the transmission line housing that has a 50 ohm impedance at the operating frequency of the communication device (302), thereby operatively decoupling the antenna element (114) from the radio frequency path. Once inside of the housing (144), the antenna element (114) is connected to part of a coaxial connector (112) with the bottom portion (120) of the antenna element (114) connected to the center conductor of the coaxial connector (112), thereby allowing for an external antenna element (308) to be attached to the communication device (302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Wiggenhorn
  • Patent number: 5412392
    Abstract: A dielectric plate 21 can be mounted on a housing 11 in such a manner that it is slidably retracted into the housing. A strip antenna element of an electrical length approximately equal to a quarter wavelength is formed on one side of the dielectric plate along one marginal edge thereof, and an antenna element 23 composed of a straight conductor portion 23a and a coil 23b connected at one end thereto is formed on the dielectric plate 21 just above the strip antenna element 22. The electrical length of the antenna element 23 is also equal to a quarter wavelength. A parallel twin-lead type feeder of a length nearly equal to the quarter wavelength is also formed on the dielectric plate 21 in parallel to the strip antenna element 22. The feeder 26 is connected at one end to inner ends of the antenna elements 22 and 23 and at the other end to a feeder 27 via contact pieces 29a and 29b. The feeder 27 is connected directly to a radio circuit 12 in the housing 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: NTT Mobile Communications Network, Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Tsunekawa