Reflector Or Director Patents (Class 343/912)
  • Patent number: 8811511
    Abstract: A transmitter supporting multiple-input, multiple-output communications is provided. The transmitter includes a signal processor, a plurality of feed elements, and an aperture. The signal processor is configured to simultaneously receive a plurality of digital data streams and to transform the received plurality of digital data streams into a plurality of analog signals. The number of the plurality of digital data streams is selected for transmission to a single receive antenna based on a determined transmission environment. The plurality of feed elements are configured to receive the plurality of analog signals, and in response, to radiate a plurality of radio waves toward the aperture. The aperture is configured to receive the radiated plurality of radio waves, and in response, to radiate a second plurality of radio waves toward the single receive antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Akbar M. Sayeed, Nader Behdad
  • Publication number: 20140225807
    Abstract: A mountable antenna element is constructed as an object from a single piece of material and can be configured to transmit and receive RF signals, achieve optimized impedance values, and operate in a concurrent dual-band system. The mountable antenna element may have one or more legs, an RF signal feed, and one or impedance matching elements. The legs and RF signal feed can be coupled to a circuit board. The impedance matching elements can be utilized to create a capacitance with a portion of the circuit board and thereby optimize impedance of the antenna element at a desired operating frequency. The mountable antenna includes features that enable it for use in concurrent dual band operation with the wireless device. Because the mountable antenna element can be installed without needing additional circuitry for matching impedance and can be constructed from a single piece of material, the antenna element provides for more efficient manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Ruckus Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Shtrom, Bernard Baron
  • Patent number: 8803761
    Abstract: In the field of antenna reflectors with a deformable reflecting surface, an actuation system, with which such a reflector may be equipped wherein the reflector includes a chassis, a flexible membrane fixed to the chassis, comprises: a support fixed to the chassis, a set of deformation devices, each deformation device including a pusher element adapted to be driven in translation relative to the support along an axis, the pusher element including a part adapted to come into contact with the flexible membrane at a point to deform it, an actuation device adapted to drive the pusher element of one of the deformation devices in translation at the same time, and a selector device adapted to move the actuation device toward each of the deformation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Yannick Baudasse, Stéphane Vezain
  • Publication number: 20140203997
    Abstract: A reflection controller for modifying electromagnetic reflections from a surface includes a conducting patch being positioned proximate to an electromagnetically reflecting surface. The floating conducting patch includes an electrical conductor at a floating potential positioned on a dielectric substrate where at least one of a dielectric thickness, dielectric constant, or the dimensions of the electrical conductor are chosen to reduces retro-reflection of incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: PERRIQUEST DEFENSE RESEARCH ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Perricone, Charles Cox, Gary Betts, Harold Rousell
  • Publication number: 20140198015
    Abstract: There is provided a reflective line source for an antenna system. The reflective line source comprises at least one region adapted to receive an electromagnetic field and to expand the field in at least one dimension. The reflective line source further comprises a reflective phase compensator that is coupled to the region. The reflective phase compensator is adapted to correct a phase error resulting from propagation of the field through the region as well as to fold a direction of propagation of the field. For this purpose, the reflective phase compensator comprises at least two reflective phase compensating surfaces oriented at ninety degrees relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: CMC ELECTRONIQUE INC. / CMC ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: CMC ELECTRONIQUE INC. / CMC ELECTRONICS INC.
  • Patent number: 8780010
    Abstract: A metamaterial including at least one spiral conductor. Only a magnetic permeability selected from among an effective dielectric constant and the magnetic permeability of the metamaterial becomes negative, so that the metamaterial have a negative refractive index characteristic. The material includes a plurality of unit cells arrayed in one of one-dimensional direction, two-dimensional directions, and three-dimensional directions. Each of the unit cells includes a dielectric substrate having first and second surfaces disposed in a substantially parallel relationship, and first and second spiral conductors. The first spiral conductor is formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, and the second spiral conductor is formed in one of a same direction as and an opposite direction to the first spiral conductor, on the second surface of the dielectric substrate, to oppose the first spiral conductor and to be electromagnetically coupled with the first spiral conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Technology Academic Research Center
    Inventor: Atsushi Sanada
  • Publication number: 20140191925
    Abstract: A reflector support system is provided that includes a backing structure having a plurality of struts. The backing structure may have a plurality of hubs, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to two or more of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to another one of the plurality of hubs using one of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of struts is configured to couple to at least two of the plurality of hubs. The backing structure may have a plurality of feet, each of the plurality of feet configured to couple to a corresponding one of the plurality of hubs, the plurality of feet are configured to couple to a reflector. In addition, a synthesis for mechanical adjustment of the reflector support system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wilhelmus H. THEUNISSEN, Eric TALLEY, William D. BROKAW, James Howard STURGES, Nathaniel David CANTOR
  • Patent number: 8766865
    Abstract: An antenna device including: a reflector antenna including a primary radiator, a feed waveguide for feeding radio waves to the primary radiator, and a reflector; and a radome that covers the reflector antenna, in which the antenna device further includes a sidelobe reduction member attached to a vicinity of the primary radiator or the feed waveguide, the sidelobe reduction member reducing a sidelobe in a specific direction of an antenna by at least one of scattering and absorbing of radio waves reflected by the radome out of the radio waves radiated from the reflector antenna. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a sidelobe deterioration caused by reflection waves from the radome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Yamamoto, Shuji Nuimura, Izuru Naito, Toshiyuki Horie, Hiroyuki Sato, Makio Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8766875
    Abstract: An integrated stiffener and RF reflector (stiffener/reflector) (100) for a RF emitter which includes: a plurality of vertical ribs (102) constituting side walls of the stiffener/reflector; a plurality of horizontal ribs (104) formed in a width direction of the stiffener/reflector; a top cover (204) including metallization layer (308), the top cover being electrically coupled to a ground layer (312) of the RF emitter and configured in such a way to direct all of RF energy in an opposite direction to the top cover. Each of the vertical (102) and horizontal (104) ribs has a sandwich structure, which includes: a foam core layer (302) disposed on a layer of the RF emitter (314); a thin film layer (306) bonded to sides and top of the rib to form facesheets of the sandwich structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert Brett Williams, Kyle W. Maxhimer, Larry L. Lai, Thomas Brennan, Clifton Quan, Fangchou Yang
  • Patent number: 8760361
    Abstract: A polarization adjustment assembly for a reflector antenna is provided with a radio bracket with a mounting flange. The mounting flange is coupled to a hub provided with a stop portion. Fasteners couple the radio bracket to the hub via slots in the mounting flange, rotatable with respect to the hub within the extents of the slots. An adjustment bolt passes through a boss coupled to the mounting flange. The adjustment bolt abuts the stop portion, whereby longitudinal displacement of the adjustment bolt with respect to the boss rotates the radio bracket with respect to the hub. Alternatively, the positions of the boss and stop portion on the mounting flange and hub may be exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Lewry, Junaid Syed, Keith Tappin, Chris Hills
  • Patent number: 8760358
    Abstract: A device for transmitting radio waves comprises an item of transmitting equipment for a telecommunications antenna, a membrane for thermally protecting the reflector, and means for attaching the thermal protection membrane to the item of equipment. The thermal protection membrane is furnished with a plurality of elastic tensioners designed to keep the thermal protection membrane stretched between a first active face of the item of transmitting equipment and space, irrespective of the thermal expansions of the membrane. The item of transmitting equipment occurs in a predetermined temperature range when the attachment means attach the membrane to the item of transmitting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Bouguereau, Fabien Calmettes-Carensac
  • Patent number: 8729440
    Abstract: A radio frequency heater is disclosed including a vessel for containing material to be heated and a radio frequency radiating surface. The vessel has a wall defining a reservoir. The radio frequency radiating surface at least partially surrounds the reservoir. The radiating surface includes two or more circumferentially spaced petals that are electrically isolated from other petals. The petals are positioned to irradiate at least a portion of the reservoir, and are adapted for connection to a source of radio frequency alternating current. A generally conical tank or tank segment having a conically wound radio frequency applicator is also contemplated. Also, a method of heating an oil-water process stream is disclosed. In this method a radio frequency heater and an oil-water process stream are provided. The process stream is irradiated with the heater, thus heating the water phase of the process stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Publication number: 20140118220
    Abstract: A reflector arrangement is configured for attachment to a wireless communications terminal having a patch antenna. The patch antenna includes a patch radiator in a substantially parallel relationship with a ground plane, and the patch antenna produces a radiation beam of a predetermined beamwidth. The reflector arrangement is configured, when attached to the terminal, to produce a radiation beam of reduced beamwidth relative to the predetermined beamwidth. The reflector arrangement comprises a main reflector and a sub-reflector for reflecting radiation towards the main reflector, and the reflector arrangement is configured such that, when attached to the terminal, the patch antenna acts as a feed antenna for the sub-reflector. The sub-reflector is arranged to collect the radiation from the patch antenna and to reflect the beam towards the main reflector such that the main reflector produces the radiated beam of reduced beamwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CAMBIUM NETWORKS, LTD
    Inventor: John F. Ley
  • Patent number: 8693599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless receiving apparatus, whereby inter-antenna interference can be reduced without inducing an increase of a mounting area due to an increase of the number of antennas, and the number of RFIC input terminals, circuit scale and power consumption can be reduced. In the wireless receiving apparatus (100), when a receiving antenna (110-1) and a down-converter (130) are connected with a multiplexer (120) therebetween, a capacity control unit (190-2) controls the capacity value of the capacity-variable parasitic element (180-2) connected to the receiving antenna (110-2) such that the communication capacity of the receiving antenna (110-1) is maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyomichi Araki, Noriaki Saito, Tadashi Morita
  • Patent number: 8654033
    Abstract: The invention concerns a reflector (8) of radio frequency (RF) energy. The reflector includes a first web layer (9a) formed from a knit of at least a first conductive filament (11a), and a second web layer (9b) formed of a knit of at least a second conductive filament (11b). The first and second web layers can be formed as an open mesh 10. The second web layer is positioned on the first web layer to form a stack. Fastening members (14, 16) are disposed at intervals across a surface of each of the first and second web layers. The fastening members are advantageously configured to secure the first web layer to the second web layer. The invention also concerns a reflector antenna formed using the reflector of radio frequency energy. The reflector antenna includes antenna support elements (18), and the first and second web layers are secured to the antenna support structure to define a curved three dimensional surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney Sorrell, Frederick P. Turba, Mark Vanstrum
  • Patent number: 8654035
    Abstract: There is provided an antenna reflector including at least first and second reflector segments, each having first and second sides. The first and second reflector segments being configured to be connected together wherein the first sides of the first and second reflector segments define a substantially continuous surface of an antenna reflector. A first latch member is attached to the second side of the first reflector segment and a second latch member is attached to the second side of the second reflector segment. Each latch member includes an abutting surface which contacts one another when the first and second reflector segments are connected together. At least one protrusion extends from the abutting surface of the first latch member. There is at least one recess in the abutting surface of the second latch member. The protrusion is received in the recess when the respective abutting surfaces contact one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AvL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Proffitt, John W. Gurney
  • Publication number: 20140028532
    Abstract: An inflatable structure usable as a satellite terminal. An inflatable structure may include an inflatable membrane for forming the structure and two integral RF reflective portions. When the membrane is inflated, the two RF reflective portions oppose each other to form an antenna. One RF reflective portion may be a main reflector and the other RF reflective portion may be a subreflector, both reflectors curvatures that face each other to form a Gregorian antenna or a Cassegrain antenna. In another embodiment, an inflatable antenna may include an inflatable dish including a RF reflective main reflector and an opposing RF transparent dish wall. An inflatable RF transparent support member and an RF reflective subreflector extend from the dish wall. Again, when the antenna is inflated, the main reflector and the subreflector oppose each other to reflect RF energy toward each other to form an antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert G. EHRENBERG, Sujal SAMPAT
  • Publication number: 20140028533
    Abstract: A antenna reflector compatible with high-frequency applications, i.e. applications using frequencies between 50 and 75 GHz, and suitable for use in a geostationary space environment, comprises a paraboloidal membrane comprising an active face allowing electromagnetic radiation to be reflected and a face opposite the active face. The opposite face of the reflector comprises ribs allowing the stiffness of the reflector to be increased, the ribs being placed on the opposite face in a way that forms a grid pattern between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Florent LEBRUN, Eric ARNAUD
  • Patent number: 8638267
    Abstract: Provided is a parabolic antenna that suppresses leakage of radio waves with a simpler configuration. The parabolic antenna includes a horn that transmits and receives signals; a feed that supports the horn and relays the signals the horn transmits and receives; a reflector that reflects the received signals to focus the received signals on the horn and reflects the signals from the horn to transmit the signals; a reflecting mirror supporting member that supports the reflector; and a feed fitting adapter that enables the feed to be fitted into the reflecting mirror supporting member. A choke groove is formed in at least one of a joint area between the reflecting mirror supporting member and the reflector and a joint area between the reflecting mirror supporting member and the feed fitting adapter, which suppresses propagation of radio waves traveling through the gap of the joint area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiko Omuro, Nobuhiko Oguma
  • Publication number: 20140015735
    Abstract: An antenna reflector compatible with applications at high frequencies between 12 and 75 GHz and suitable for a paraboloidal or ellipsoidal geostationary space environment comprising a reflective face to focus electromagnetic radiation, comprises a superposition of at least one layer comprising a fibre composite material, the at least one layer of fibre composite material comprising angular sectors arranged around a center, each defined by a first central angle and oriented in a radial direction the median of the central angle, each of the angular sectors comprising the fibre composite material comprising first and second fibres oriented different first and second respective directions, the first direction forming a second angle with the radial direction of the angular sector. The angular sectors comprise three concentric areas: a central area, a peripheral area and an intermediate area situated between the central area and the peripheral area, the intermediate area forming a rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Florent LEBRUN, Patrick Martineau
  • Patent number: 8616328
    Abstract: A tensegrity apparatus having multiple tensegrity units for the transmission of solitary waves with adjustable profiles into a material or structure, and the detection of such waves from a material or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Chiara Daraio, Fernando Fraternali
  • Patent number: 8599081
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to solar energy collection and use in communications systems and to enhancements thereof. In an aspect, dual function antennas are disclosed that can simultaneously function as an antenna and as a solar energy collection system. In further aspects, disclosed embodiments can focus incident solar radiation to increase output voltage of conventional solar cells. Measured and simulated results demonstrate various aspects of the subject disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok Wa Leung, Eng Hock Lim
  • Publication number: 20130307754
    Abstract: An integrated stiffener and RF reflector (stiffener/reflector) (100) for a RF emitter which includes: a plurality of vertical ribs (102) constituting side walls of the stiffener/reflector; a plurality of horizontal ribs (104) formed in a width direction of the stiffener/reflector; a top cover (204) including metallization layer (308), the top cover being electrically coupled to a ground layer (312) of the RF emitter and configured in such a way to direct all of RF energy in an opposite direction to the top cover. Each of the vertical (102) and horizontal (104) ribs has a sandwich structure, which includes: a foam core layer (302) disposed on a layer of the RF emitter (314); a thin film layer (306) bonded to sides and top of the rib to form facesheets of the sandwich structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Brett Williams, Kyle W. Maxhimer, Larry L. Lai, Thomas Brennan, Clifton Quan, Fangchou Yang
  • Publication number: 20130285880
    Abstract: An electromagnetic structure for reflecting electromagnetic waves comprising a first surface having spaced patches of conductive material thereon; a second surface separated from the first surface, having spaced patches of conductive material, the first and second surfaces having high impedance and thrilling substantially optimal magnetic conductors; adapted to be used in conjunction with an associated antenna that radiates electromagnetic radiation originating therefrom, the radiation is reflected by the electromagnetic structure such that the phase of the electromagnetic waves reflected from first and second surfaces results in the constructive addition of the originating and reflected waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Amir Ibrahim Zaghloul, William O'Keefe Coburn
  • Publication number: 20130271349
    Abstract: A dielectric cone radiator sub-reflector assembly for a reflector antenna with a waveguide supported sub-reflector is provided as a unitary dielectric block with a sub-reflector at a distal end. A waveguide transition portion of the dielectric block is dimensioned for insertion coupling into an end of the waveguide. A sub-reflector support portion of the dielectric block and the waveguide transition portion provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs and grooves coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the assembly; the longitudinal grooves open to a proximal end of the dielectric block. The unitary dielectric block may be manufactured as a single contiguous monolithic portion of dielectric material via injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ANDREW LLC
    Inventors: Alastair Wright, John Curran
  • Patent number: 8558753
    Abstract: A method for assembly of a segmented reflector antenna, including coupling a central segment upon an antenna mount. Attaching a peripheral segment to a bottom portion of the central segment. Rotating the central segment to present a bottom portion of the central segment without a peripheral segment, and attaching a peripheral segment to the bottom portion. In additional steps, a secondary ring of peripheral segments may be applied, each connected to an outer edge of a peripheral segment connected to the bottom portion of the central segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ASC Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Haight
  • Patent number: 8558734
    Abstract: A ground based avian radar receive antenna is implemented using a vertically oriented offset parabolic cylindrical antenna. The desired azimuth beamwidth is determined by the width of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface and the desired elevation beamwidth by the height of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface. A vertical array of antenna elements is mounted along the vertical focal line to provide electronic scanning in elevation. Low sidelobe levels are obtained using tapered antenna element illumination. Low cost modular construction with high reflector accuracy is obtained by attaching a thin metal reflector to thin ribs machined or stamped in the shape of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface. The antenna is enclosed in a radome and mechanically rotated 360 degrees in azimuth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Hubert Piesinger
  • Publication number: 20130249762
    Abstract: In the field of circular-polarized planar wire antennas for very wide band telecommunications systems, and an antenna reflector for such an antenna, an antenna device comprises an antenna reflector and an antenna, and a method for implementing the antenna reflector. The antenna reflector comprises, on the one hand, a first reflection region exhibiting electromagnetic properties of an electrical conductor in a first sub-band of frequencies and, on the other hand, a second reflection region exhibiting electromagnetic properties akin to a magnetic conductor in a second sub-band of frequencies. Each reflection region is designed to face a region of the antenna able to emit electromagnetic radiation in the corresponding sub-band of frequencies in order to reflect the electric field of the backward radiation in phase with the electric field of the forward radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Michaël Grelier, Michel Jousset, Stéphane Mallegol, Xavier Begaud
  • Patent number: 8519906
    Abstract: The invention provides an antenna capable of performance similar to a Yagi-Uda antenna. However, unlike a conventional Yagi Uda antenna, the antenna of the invention is implementable on a substrate and thereby provides a directional antenna capable of disposition within a slender housing such as a cellular communications device. One embodiment of the invention provides an antenna comprising a substrate including a ground plane. The ground plane comprises a base portion and a spine portion extending from the base portion along a central axis of the substrate. A driven antenna element is disposed on a portion of the substrate and coupled to the spine portion to form a first antenna dipole. At least one antenna director element is disposed on a portion of the substrate and coupled to the spine portion to form a second antenna dipole. A reflector element comprises a portion of the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Loc8tor Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony Richards, Andrew Ackland, Stephen Braithwaite
  • Publication number: 20130214984
    Abstract: An electromagnetic bandgap structure comprising a progressive cascade of a plurality of patterns of cells. The cells of each pattern are dimensioned so that each pattern has a reflection phase response centered at a different, but closely-spaced, frequency compared with the reflection phase response of an adjacently positioned pattern, so that the combined reflection phase response of the plurality of patterns provides a continuous wideband operational range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-LOC-I
    Inventor: U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-LOC-I
  • Patent number: 8508430
    Abstract: An antenna reflector (100, 700) comprising a centrally located hub (120), inner ribs (108) rotatably secured at a proximal end to the hub, outer ribs (110) extendible from the inner ribs, and a guideline truss structure (132, 160) configured to support a flexible antenna reflector surface (122). The inner ribs are rotatable from a stowed position in which they are generally aligned with a central axis of the hub, to a rotated position in which they extend in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The guideline truss structure is secured to each outer rib using standoff cords attached at intermediate locations along a length of the outer rib between opposing ends (116, 118) thereof. The outer ribs are configured to be linearly displaced respectively along an elongated length of the inner ribs from a proximal position adjacent to the hub, to an extended position distal from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Palmer, Bibb B. Allen, Sr., Angelo Bersani
  • Patent number: 8472121
    Abstract: An EM energy projector incorporates a final stage radiator including a shaped reflecting spike having a forward radiant axis. The shaped spike defines a set of equivalent, discrete input locations, there being a plurality of such locations. The emitters are arranged in a closed line array, and disposed with all of the emitters oriented inwardly toward the forward radiant axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Curtis E. Graber
  • Patent number: 8471757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dielectric lens useable in both the radio wave band and the light wave band, and a device using this dielectric lens. The device comprises a dielectric lens formed of a transparent dielectric member small in dielectric loss and having an omnidirectional feature with regard to an electromagnetic wave, a transparent dielectric shell that is hollow inside and having the radius that is equal to the focal distance of the dielectric lens, and a holding mechanism for positioning and holding the dielectric shell and the dielectric lens so as to locate the dielectric shell at a position along the focal distance with the dielectric lens included at the inner center of this dielectric shell. The device is provided, at the focal point of the dielectric lens, with a reflector for reflecting an electromagnetic wave or a generator for generating an electromagnetic wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Electronic Navigation Research Institute, An Independent Administrative Institution, Lenstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naruto Yonemoto, Motoharu Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20130141307
    Abstract: A passive intermodulation modulation reducing structure for a multicarrier reflector system, including a plurality of flexible reflector gores, each gore having a thin layer of conductive metal, a first layer of dielectric material laminated to one face of the conductive metal, and a second layer of dielectric material laminated to an opposite face of the conductive metal. Capacitive coupling joins the reflector's RF components. The structure can be a deployable parabolic reflector for a satellite antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Michael W. Nurnberger, Christopher P. Amend
  • Publication number: 20130088409
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reflector assembly for satellite antenna according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including: a reflector having a parabola shape and made of a first material; and a reinforcing member disposed at an edge of the reflector in a circumferential direction of the reflector and made of a second material, wherein the reflector includes a bend part formed by bending an edge of the reflector so as to enclose the reinforcing member to couple the reinforcing member to the reflector. According to the present invention, it is to provide a reflector assembly for a satellite antenna capable of increasing rigidity of the reflector maintaining lightness and improving efficiency of manufacturing process and productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: INTELLIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Min Son Son
  • Patent number: 8405570
    Abstract: An antenna reflector includes a central segment with a peripheral coupling portion and a plurality of peripheral segments, each provided with a reflector portion and a shield portion. A proximal portion of each shield portion is dimensioned to couple with the peripheral coupling portion, a reflector portion edge of each peripheral segment is dimensioned to couple with adjacent reflector portion edges and a shield portion edge of each peripheral segment is dimensioned to couple with adjacent shield portion edges. The central segment and the reflector portion of the peripheral segments together form a reflector dish. The shield portions together provide a circumferential shield extending from a periphery of the reflector dish along an antenna boresight of the reflector dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Lewry, Stephen Simms, Steven Bell
  • Publication number: 20130063322
    Abstract: The invention concerns a reflector (8) of radio frequency (RF) energy. The reflector includes a first web layer (9a) formed from a knit of at least a first conductive filament (11a), and a second web layer (9b) formed of a knit of at least a second conductive filament (11b). The first and second web layers can be formed as an open mesh 10. The second web layer is positioned on the first web layer to form a stack. Fastening members (14, 16) are disposed at intervals across a surface of each of the first and second web layers. The fastening members are advantageously configured to secure the first web layer to the second web layer. The invention also concerns a reflector antenna formed using the reflector of radio frequency energy. The reflector antenna includes antenna support elements (18), and the first and second web layers are secured to the antenna support structure to define a curved three dimensional surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rodney Sorrell, Frederick P. Turba, Mark Vanstrum
  • Patent number: 8390531
    Abstract: A reflect array (1) according to the present invention includes a plurality of array elements (10) forming an array configured to control a direction of a reflected wave (scattered wave) by controlling a phase of the reflected wave; and a ground plane (30). The ground plane (30) has a structure with a frequency selective function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamami Maruyama, Shinji Uebayashi, Tatsuo Furuno, Long Li, Qiang Chen, Qiaowei Yuan, Kunio Sawaya
  • Publication number: 20130050043
    Abstract: A device includes a ground plane, a substrate coupled to the ground plane, and a patterned layer on a surface of the substrate. The patterned layer includes multiple conductive regions, where adjacent conductive regions of the multiple conductive regions are coupled to one another. The patterned layer also includes multiple non-conductive regions interspersed with the multiple conductive regions. The multiple non-conductive regions are complementary to the multiple conductive regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Frank Blackburn Gross, III
  • Patent number: 8378484
    Abstract: In order to connect a semiconductor device including an integrated circuit to an external circuit typified by an antenna, the shape of the contact electrode to be formed in the semiconductor device is devised, so that bad connection between the external circuit and the contact electrode is not easily caused and the contact electrode with high reliability is provided. The contact electrode is formed by a screen printing method using a squeegee having a chamfered corner or having a wedge shape. The contact electrode has a peripheral portion and a central portion. The peripheral portion has a tapered portion with its film thickness gradually decreasing from the central portion toward the end portion, and the central portion has a projection portion that continues from the tapered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daiki Yamada, Tomoyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 8378915
    Abstract: An antenna assembly and a method of mounting such an assembly are disclosed. A first and a second assembly portion are joined together, wherein the assembly portions each comprise a elongated reflector body serving as a reflector for electromagnetic power radiated by the antenna assembly portion, and a set of antenna element receiving means located in a linear row along a longitudinal direction of the reflector body for respectively receiving an antenna element, and side portions along the long sides of the said reflector body. The assembly method comprises the step of fastening the first and second assembly portions to each other along a respective side portion of the said assembly portions so as to form a dual array antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Powerwave Technologies Sweden AB
    Inventors: Per-Anders Arvidsson, Mario Arias, Michael Beausang, Jesper Uddin, Annika Hu
  • Patent number: 8374558
    Abstract: An antenna array can be mounted on a flexible substrate and connected by a flexible interconnect to an integrated circuit such as a radio frequency front end. The antenna array can be mounted in a device housing that includes radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding. The antenna array is aligned with and next to an area of the housing that is not shielded against RFI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Lambrecht, Luiz M. Franca-Neto
  • Patent number: 8368606
    Abstract: An improved mobile satellite communication system comprises an antenna configured to transmit and receive signals from a satellite and a modem connected to a mast to generate a wireless WiFi zone around the system to allow persons within the zone to access the Internet and communicate via wireless telephones and fax machines. The system comprises a lightweight, relatively small sized trailer having electronic cases containing the necessary electronics and storage cabinets containing other equipment and materials. Front and rear stabilizing mechanisms extend outward from the trailer to stabilize the system when in use. A collapsible or foldable tow bar is provided for transporting the system with a vehicle. The antenna is mounted on a support structure above the electronic cases and supported by the cabinets. Preferably, the satellite system is sized and configured to be transported by conventional, smaller sized helicopters and to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jon Haugan
  • Publication number: 20130016025
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a novel fabrication method and structure for reducing structural weight in radio frequency cavity filters and radio subsystems such as antennas and filters. The novel structures are fabricated by electroplating the required structure over a mold, housing, or substrate. The electrodeposited composite layer may be formed by several layers of metal or metal alloys with compensating thermal expansion coefficients. The first or the top layer is a high conductivity material or compound such as silver having a thickness of several times the skin-depth at the intended frequency of operation. The top layer provides the vital low loss performance and high Q-factor required for such filter structures while the subsequent compound layers provide the mechanical strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: IAN BURKE, JASON COOK, AHMAD KHANIFAR
  • Patent number: 8339330
    Abstract: There is provided a frequency Selective Surface (FSS) structure for multi frequency bands configured with unit cells, each including a loop unit, arranged at regular intervals, wherein each unit cell includes: a dielectric layer; and the loop unit having a fixed width and formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the loop unit includes a first loop and a second loop formed inside the first loop with a predetermined space away from the first loop, each of the first loop and the second loop being formed sinuously in at least one portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Kumoh National Institute of Technology
    Inventors: So-Hyeun Yun, In-Bok Yom, Ho-Jin Lee, Ji-Whan Ko
  • Publication number: 20120280881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflector for an antenna comprising a first reflector assembly and at least one second reflector assembly, the first reflector assembly having a first reflector structure adapted for a first antenna frequency band f1 and at least one second antenna frequency band f2; the at least one second reflector assembly having a second reflector structure adapted for the first antenna frequency band f1 and at least one third antenna frequency band f3; and wherein the first reflector assembly and the at least one second reflector assembly are electrically coupled so that the first reflector assembly and the at least one second reflector assembly together form a common reflector structure adapted for the first f1, at least one second f2 and at least one third f3 antenna frequency bands. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a multi band antenna comprising at least one such reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: MICHAEL BEAUSANG
  • Publication number: 20120268340
    Abstract: The application discloses a one or two dimensional array of electromagnetic scatterers n scatterers (ED), whereby the aforementioned scatterers (ED) are arranged aperiodically on a curved line or surface (S). Further, the application describes a reflectarray antenna comprising at least one such array of electromagnetic scatters (ED) and at least one receiving and/or transmitting feed (F), cooperating with said array to generate an antenna beam A method for designing and manufacturing said array and said antenna is explained. The method optimizes in a several stages all degrees of freedom in order improve the performance of reflectarrays, increase the flexibility thereof and/or the conformity thereof with design specifications (radio pattern) and/or allowing said specifications to be satisfied with a smaller number of scatters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: AGENCE SPATIALE EUROPEENNE
    Inventors: Amedeo Capozzoli, Claudio Curcio, Angelo Liseno, Giuseppe D'Elia, Pietro Vinetti, Giovanni Toso
  • Patent number: 8279137
    Abstract: An antenna described herein includes a driven patch that is configured to emit radiation in a broadside direction in response to receiving excitation current, wherein the driven patch has a first radiating edge and a second radiating edge that are approximately parallel to one another. The antenna also includes a reflector element that is configured to reflect radiation emitted from the first radiating edge in a quasi-endfire direction. The antenna can also include two director elements that are configured to direct radiation emitted from the second radiating edge of the driven patch in a quasi-endfire direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Reuben DeJean, II
  • Publication number: 20120212396
    Abstract: A mobile-beam antenna mounting comprises a supporting base, at least one reflector and a transmission and/or reception feed. The feed is mounted in the mounting so as to be immobile relative to the supporting base and the mounting also comprises a mobile support bearing the reflector, the mobile support being mounted on the supporting base with link means suitable for displacing it about at least one fixed displacement axis passing through the phase center of the feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Gilles Navarre, Philippe Lepeltier, Pierre Bosshard
  • Publication number: 20120212395
    Abstract: A metamaterial includes at least one spiral conductor. Only a magnetic permeability selected from among an effective dielectric constant and the magnetic permeability of the metamaterial becomes negative, so that the metamaterial have a negative refractive index characteristic. The material includes a plurality of unit cells arrayed in one of one-dimensional direction, two-dimensional directions, and three-dimensional directions. Each of the unit cells includes a dielectric substrate having first and second surfaces in substantial parallel, and first and second spiral conductors. The first spiral conductor formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, and the second spiral conductor formed in one of a same direction as and an opposite direction to the first spiral conductor, on the second surface of the dielectric substrate, to oppose the first spiral conductor and to be electromagnetically coupled with the first spiral conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Atsushi SANADA