Abstract: A large aperture lightweight antenna uses an inflatable spherical surface deployed within a lighter than air platform. Beam steering is accomplished by moving the RF feedpoint(s) with respect to the reflector. The antenna can use an inflatable collapsible transreflector.

Abstract: A printed dipole antenna comprises bent dipole arms connected to respective feed lines formed on opposed surfaces of a substrate. In one particular embodiment, the dipole antenna is provided as a folded dipole, including two or more connector lines to provide an increased frequency range. Two of these dipole antennae may advantageously be combined to an antenna system having a superior radiation characteristic in that the two dipole antennae are arranged to have a different orientation. A corresponding circuitry may then select the antenna, which provides superior operation at a given time.

Abstract: A flat plate reflective assembly for receiving and focusing incident microwave signals having a wavelength (?), comprising a series of adjacent reflecting surfaces, each having a separate focal points offset from one another in focal length by one wavelength or a multiple of the wavelength. When an incident microwave signal strikes the reflective assembly, each reflected wave is directed to the focal point for the respective reflecting surface and is collected by the LNB. Each reflected wave arrives at the focal point for the reflecting surface in-phase with other reflected radiation. However, spatial resolution of the focal points reduces the deconstructive interferences between the reflected radiation. In another embodiment, the flat plate reflective assembly is configured is configured to reflect incident radiation in-phase such that microwave signals reflected by each reflective surface arrive at a common focal point in-phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displacing a moving plate (20) of a hexapod (100) whose legs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are provided with a length adjusting device from an orientation Vi which is defined by the azimuth-elevation coordinates thereof (?i, ?i) towards an orientation Vi+1 which is defined by the azimuth-elevation coordinates thereof (?i+1, ?i+1), characterized in that it comprises stages wherein: a law is defined which defines an offset distance d according to the orientation of the plate (20); the offset distance corresponding to the orientation Vi+1 is determined; the adjustment devices are controlled in order to modify the lengths L1–L6 of the legs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) in order to displace the moving plate (20) from orientation V1 to orientation Vi+1 and to offset it in relation to the normal on the fixed base (10) of the hexapode (100) via the centre OA of said base (10) on the azimuth plane of Vi+1 of the distance d.

Abstract: An antenna system of the phased array type, with a carrier of electrically insulating material and at least two antenna units, which each comprise a receiving device for electromagnetic radiation and of which the receiving device is connected with a time- or phase-shifting circuit. The receiving devices of the antenna units are connected with each other via the time- or phase-shifting circuit through a combining circuit. The antenna units comprise a recess in the surface of the carrier, having on a recess-defining recess surface of the carrier at least partly a layer of electrically conductive material and having at least one focus; wherein the at least one receiving device is located in or near the focus.

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) includes a reflector unit (191) having at least one cavity (192) disposed in the reflector unit, at least one fluidic dielectric (180) having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (101) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in at least one cavity for the purpose of dynamically altering the illumination taper of the reflector antenna. The antenna further comprises a controller (136) for controlling the composition processor in response to a control signal (137).

Abstract: A multi-beam-reflector dish antenna system. Signals from different satellites are simultaneously received using a single compound LNBF module. The antenna dish includes a reflector with N-th order projected aperture and a single compound LNBF module constituting multiple LNBF units. The reflector is formed by projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture in accordance with the method of analysis and synthesis. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focused waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane to be received by the compound LNBF modules.

Abstract: A stacked microstrip reflect array antenna includes a circular disk for reflecting a remote communication signal; an antenna for receiving the communication signal reflected by the circular disk and sending another communication signal to the circular disk to be reflected; and a fixing frame for fixing the antenna on a first plane of the circular disk; wherein the first plane has a plurality of array squares, every array square has a plurality of first array elements and a second array element, the plurality of first array elements are mounted on a top surface of the first plane and the second array element is mounted on a bottom surface of the first plane at a position corresponding to a center of the plurality of first array elements.

Abstract: An antenna reflector and an associated latch system are provided. The antenna reflector includes a plurality of reflector portions that are connected in a predetermined configuration to define a continuous surface, such as a parabolic surface. The latches connect the reflector portions. Each latch includes first and second latch members, which define reference surfaces that are structured to contact when the latch is closed. In particular, the reference surfaces are disposed at predetermined and dissimilar distances from connection features of the respective latch members. For example, the first and second reference surfaces of the respective latch members can be disposed at first and second distances from apertures through the respective latch members. The first distance can be greater than the second distance so that, when a fastener is disposed through both apertures, the reference surfaces are urged together and the reflector portions are connected in a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A radio-frequency device holder can include a base support member for the radio-frequency device holder to be positioned on a window sash and panels forming a box-like structure above the support member. The panels can be designed to replicate a window air conditioner. The side accordion members can be designed to replicate air conditioner side accordion members.

Abstract: An improved structure and method for building large-aperture lightweight deformable mirrors uses a hinged substrate. In addition to reduced weight, the approach provides rigidity to the mirror, which is necessary for the accurate response to actuator commands and tolerance to disturbances. No stresses are induced in the substrate due to the commanded deformation of the substrate, regardless of the magnitude of the deformation. Any stresses in the substrate structure are those induced due to forces in the face sheet, which are likely to be small using advanced nano-laminate and membrane face sheet technologies. The magnitude of the deformation (dynamic range) is limited only by the actuator stroke, and not by the stresses induced in the substrate. The design therefore accommodates small-force, large-stroke actuators, as opposed to the current designs that use large-force, small-stroke actuators.

Abstract: An antenna includes a reflector panel having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface, a circuit board having two antenna members directed toward different directions and having a terminal coupled to a cable device. The circuit board is received in the concave surface of the reflector panel, and the concave surface of the reflector panel may be used to reflect or to concentrate signals to and from the circuit board. It is preferable that the antenna members are disposed on two opposite surfaces of the circuit board, and directed toward opposite directions. A casing may support the circuit board, and has a channel to receive the circuit board.

Abstract: An integrated reflector and boom (1) for a deployable space based reflector antenna includes a facesheet (9) of stiff reflective material and a stiff lattice or grid structure bonded to the facesheet in a reflector portion of the assembly and defines a boom to the assembly. The grid structure is formed of ribs (13, 15, 17 & 19) that interlock through slots formed in the ribs, arranged in a symmetric pattern that defines an isogrid structure in the reflector portion and in at least a part of the boom assembly. At least some of the ribs extend in one piece from the reflector portion and into the boom. One of those ribs (13) is located along an axis of symmetry of the grid structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an antenna structure. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an antenna trace on a substrate proximate a ground plane of the substrate. In addition, the method includes creating an insulation region extending through the substrate and located between the antenna trace and the ground plane.

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) comprises a reflector unit (101) having a plurality of cavities (106), at least one fluidic dielectric having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (104) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in any of the plurality of cavities. The antenna further comprises a controller (102) for controlling the composition processor to selectively vary at least one among the permittivity and the permeability in at least one of the plurality of cavities in response to a control signal (105).

Abstract: A deployable antenna reflector comprising a central dish and a plurality of deployable sheet-like panels arranged around the central dish. The reflector further comprises a central supporting body, whereon the central dish is fixedly mounted and whereto the deployable sheet-like panels are hinged. The rotation axes of the individual deployable sheet-like panels are tilted with respect to the center point of the central dish. In the stowed configuration of the reflector, the deployable sheet-like panels are at least partially deflected in order to minimize the envelope of the reflector and that the panels relax upon deployment.

Abstract: An integral reflector-boom assembly (1) for a deployable antenna includes a facesheet (9) of stiff reflective material and a stiff lattice or grid structure bonded to the facesheet to form a reflector (3) portion of the assembly and a boom (5). Interlocked ribs (13, 15, 17 & 19) are arranged in a pattern that defines an isogrid structure in the reflector portion and at least a part of the boom assembly. Some of the ribs (13) extend in one piece from the reflector portion through the boom portion.

Abstract: A component that is reflective for broadcast-frequency energy includes a nonmetallic substrate having a substrate surface, and a layered coating overlying and contacting the substrate. The layered coating has an electrically conductive layer overlying and contacting the substrate surface, and a layer of a white paint overlying and contacting the electrically conductive layer. The white paint is formed of a plurality of particles including a plurality of pigment particles. Each pigment particle has a composition of A[xAl(1?x)Ga]2O4(?D), A is selected from the group consisting of zinc, cadmium, and magnesium, D is a dopant selected from the group consisting of a cationic dopant having an ionic valence greater than +2 and an anionic dopant, the value of x is from 0 to 1, and the value of ? is from 0 to about 0.2. The paint further includes an inorganic or an organic binder mixed with the particles to form a mixture.

Abstract: The back-up structure of a parabolic dish antenna, which supports its reflecting surface, is formed in this invention by preloading its radial and circumferentially placed straight structural members and hence it is termed as preloaded parabolic dish antenna. Such a preloading results in considerable reduction in its weight and also to the effort involved in its assembly. The back-up structure of the preloaded parabolic dish antenna is made of a central hub, an assembly of a suitable number of elastically bent radial structural members connected rigidly to the central hub and to the same number of straight structural members which are connected to the tips of the radial members at the outer rim of the dish and also to straight bracing members placed circumferentially at intermediate locations, which are all tensioned to specified prestress values in the absence of wind loading. The outermost rim members placed at the periphery of the dish form the aperture of the dish.

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) includes a reflector unit (191) having at least one cavity (192) disposed in the reflector unit, at least one fluidic dielectric (180) having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (101) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in at least one cavity for the purpose of dynamically altering the illumination taper of the reflector antenna. The antenna further comprises a controller (136) for controlling the composition processor in response to a control signal (137).

Abstract: An inflatable, multifunction, multipurpose, parabolic reflector apparatus 10 having a plurality of manufactured parabolic mirrors 14, 16 made from a pressure-deformable reflective covering of an inflatable ring 12 for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) and solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) electrical power generation, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5) projection of optical signals or images. The device also has non-electromagnetic uses, such as the collection of water. A first main embodiment utilizes two reflective membranes. A second main embodiment utilizes a reflective membrane and a transparent membrane. Portability is enhanced by complete collapsing of the inflatable device.

Abstract: An adaptive reflector antenna includes an adaptive reflector and a mechanism for simultaneously effecting feed rotation and shape change for the adaptive reflector so as to maintain antenna performance with large scan angles while simultaneously reducing weight, complexity, and cost.

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) includes a reflector unit (101) having at least one cavity (106) disposed on the reflector unit, at least one fluidic dielectric having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (104) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in at least one cavity. The antenna further comprises a controller (102) for controlling the composition processor to selectively vary at least one among the permittivity and the permeability in at least one of the cavities in response to a control signal.

Abstract: An optically transparent dielectric reflector (200) that reflects an incident millimeter-wave beam at a design frequency. The reflector (200) includes layers of different optically transparent dielectric materials. The thickness of the individual layers is chosen so that the transmitted waves cancel almost completely in the forward direction, yielding a high degree of transmission loss and substantial reflection. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is comprised of alternating layers of optical sapphire and air. In the best mode, there are seven sapphire layers, with outer sapphire layers (50) having a nominal thickness of 70.8 mils, inner sapphire layers (52) with a nominal thickness of 30.4 mils, and air layers have a nominal thickness of 32.0 mils Vented metal spacers (54) are used to maintain optimal thickness of air layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic reflector comprising a deployable support frame carrying at least one sheet element designed to form a reflective surface when in the deployed state, wherein the support frame comprises a band that is suitable for being packaged in a folded state and that is suitable for returning to a deployed state in the absence of external constraint, the band being in the form of three rings that are orthogonal in pairs, and the reflector further comprising eight generally triangular panels of sheet material.

Abstract: A deployable reflector includes a support structure having a plurality of support members. The support members are movable from a compact stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. Selected portions of the support members define a prescribed surface when in the deployed configuration. A continuous reflector material is provided restrained against the support members defining the prescribed surface. The reflector material comprises a flexible solid reflector surface.

Abstract: An antenna device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The antenna device can receive a plurality of radio waves, with a small number of parts and at low cost. The antenna device includes a micro lens array and a receiver facing a reflecting surface of the micro lens array. The reflecting surface of the micro lens array is provided with a plurality of different lenses selectively reflecting radio waves with particular frequency ranges to the receiver from among the radio waves transmitted toward the micro lens array.

Abstract: A flat plate reflective assembly for receiving and focusing incident microwave signals having a wavelength (&lgr;), comprising a series of adjacent reflecting surfaces, each having a separate focal points offset from one another in focal length by one wavelength or a multiple of the wavelength. When an incident microwave signal strikes the reflective assembly, each reflected wave is directed to the focal point for the respective reflecting surface and is collected by the LNB. Each reflected wave arrives at the focal point for the reflecting surface in-phase with other reflected radiation. However, spatial resolution of the focal points reduces the deconstructive interferences between the reflected radiation. In another embodiment, the flat plate reflective assembly is configured is configured to reflect incident radiation in-phase such that microwave signals reflected by each reflective surface arrive at a common focal point in-phase.

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) comprises a reflector unit (101) having a plurality of cavities (106), at least one fluidic dielectric having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (104) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in any of the plurality of cavities. The antenna further comprises a controller (102) for controlling the composition processor to selectively vary at least one among the permittivity and the permeability in at least one of the plurality of cavities in response to a control signal (105).

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) includes a reflector unit (101) having at least one cavity (106) disposed on the reflector unit, at least one fluidic dielectric having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (104) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in at least one cavity. The antenna further comprises a controller (102) for controlling the composition processor to selectively vary at least one among the permittivity and the permeability in at least one of the cavities in response to a control signal.

Abstract: An isolation shield improves the F/B ratio for a directional antenna radiating a electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of &lgr;XMT with a TE20 mode waveguide. The system includes a directional antenna and a waveguide adapted for attachment to one side of the directional antenna. The waveguide defines a channel spanning and positioned adjacent to the side of the directional antenna. The channel has a width and depth that are functions of &lgr;XMT. The waveguide excites a null in the E-field within the channel. The null being adjacent to the edge of the directional antenna and thereby improving the F/B ratio of the directional antenna.

Abstract: A multi-beam-reflector dish antenna system. Signals from different satellites are simultaneously received using a single compound LNBF module. The antenna dish includes a reflector with N-th order projected aperture and a single compound LNBF module constituting multiple LNBF units. The reflector is formed by projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture in accordance with the method of analysis and synthesis. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focused waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane to be received by the compound LNBF modules.

Abstract: An improved reflector for an antenna, in particular for a mobile radio antenna, is distinguished by the following features:

Abstract: An improved reflector for an antenna, in particular for a mobile radio antenna, is distinguished by the following features:

Abstract: An adaptive reflector antenna includes an adaptive reflector and a mechanism for simultaneously effecting feed rotation and shape change for the adaptive reflector so as to maintain antenna performance with large scan angles while simultaneously reducing weight, complexity, and cost.

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) includes a reflector unit (191) having at least one cavity (192) disposed in the reflector unit, at least one fluidic dielectric (180) having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (101) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in at least one cavity for the purpose of dynamically altering the illumination taper of the reflector antenna. The antenna further comprises a controller (136) for controlling the composition processor in response to a control signal (137).

Abstract: A component that is reflective for broadcast-frequency energy includes a nonmetallic substrate having a substrate surface, and a layered coating overlying and contacting the substrate. The layered coating has an electrically conductive layer overlying and contacting the substrate surface, and a layer of a white paint overlying and contacting the electrically conductive layer. The white paint is formed of a plurality of particles including a plurality of pigment particles. Each pigment particle has a composition of A[xAl(1−x)Ga]2O4(&dgr;D), A is selected from the group consisting of zinc, cadmium, and magnesium, D is a dopant selected from the group consisting of a cationic dopant having an ionic valence greater than +2 and an anionic dopant, the value of x is from 0 to 1, and the value of &dgr; is from 0 to about 0.2. The paint further includes an inorganic or an organic binder mixed with the particles to form a mixture.

Abstract: In an inflatable structure provided with an array antenna or the like, a membrane of a multi-layer inflatable structure is provided with an airtight layer for forming an airtight space inside and a rigidizing layer provided outside the airtight layer, and the rigidizing layer is composed of a triaxial woven fabrics of reinforcing fibers, to thereby achieve a light mass and a high level of precision, and enable adaptation to a demand for increased size.

Abstract: An inflatable antenna has a plurality of inflatable tori including a first toroidal member and a second toroidal member arranged one radially inward of the other. A front membrane having a reflective coating is attached to the plurality of tori to form a front reflective surface. A rear membrane is attached to the plurality of tori and provides a rear support surface. The inflatable reflector is lightweight and compact and can be easily inflated to a desired shape.

Abstract: A bilayer micros trip reflector antenna is disclosed to include a first dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer having antenna units and phase-delay circuit units overlapped on antenna units, and a second dielectric layer abutting against the first dielectric layer. A better gain-bandwidth is obtained by adjusting the overlapping distance of the antenna units and phase-delay circuit units, side length of antenna units and the dielectric constant and thickness of the two dielectric layers. Surface wave phenomenon is reduced by means of selecting a relatively lower dielectric constant. A satisfactory grounding effect is obtained to reduce radiation from phase-delay circuit units by lowering the second dielectric layer toward the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reflective antennas. With previous antennas, the beamwidth of a reflected signal decreases linearly as the frequency of a transmitted signal increases. This is because the beamwidth for a normal antenna is a function of several parameters, including the frequency of the signal and the diameter of the reflective antenna. A beamwidth that decreases with frequency is undesirable because a decreased beamwidth results in a smaller user area on the ground. The present invention provides an antenna that maintains a constant beamwidth by using a mesh whose spacing increases with the distance from a central point.

Abstract: A hybrid reflector antenna particularly suited for reflecting a frequency band in a satellite includes a central portion fully reflective to the frequency band. A first annular band is disposed directly adjacent to the central portion. The first annular band is partially reflective to the frequency band. The reflector may include several annular bands having various degrees of reflectivity and thus attenuation. The present invention may be implemented using two such reflectors, one for transmitting and one for receiving in a satellite, for either single or multiple beam applications. This invention offers more compact and lower mass/cost antenna configurations compared to conventional antennas from multiple beam satellite payloads.

Abstract: A reception antenna system for electrical connection to the positive and negative sides of a transmission feedline employed in television and other telecommunications includes a reflector having a conductive surface. The system includes an even group of electrically open-ended radial pairs, having positive and negative ends, of hollow, substantially scalene triangular conductive loops, each loop of each pair being internally symmetric about a radius of the reflector, each pair of the group disposed at an uniform offset from the surface of the reflector, the offset defined by insulative mounting elements. Upon the reflector are elements for electrically connecting one negative end and one of the open-ended loop pairs to an adjacent negative end of another of the loop pairs to thereby define at least two loop pairs, each of which two pairs define a single conductive array which is electrically, but not radiationally, discreet from the reflector.

Abstract: A deployable antenna reflector comprising a central dish and a plurality of deployable sheet-like panels arranged around the central dish. The reflector further comprises a central supporting body, whereon the central dish is fixedly mounted and whereto the deployable sheet-like panels are hinged. The rotation axes of the individual deployable sheet-like panels are tilted with respect to the center point of the central dish. In the stowed configuration of the reflector, the deployable sheet-like panels are at least partially deflected in order to minimize the envelope of the reflector and that the panels relax upon deployment.

Abstract: The portable telephone includes an antenna and a metallic cabinet operating as main radiation sources of electromagnetic waves, a feeding point for supplying said antenna and said metallic cabinet with electric power, an outer packaging formed of such a material as plastics or resin, and a reflecting plate for reflecting the electromagnetic waves radiated from said radiation sources, the reflecting plate being provided for increasing the amount of the electromagnetic waves radiated into a free space when the portable telephone is in use, being selectively arranged at a position where an electric field component or a magnetic field component of the electromagnetic waves radiated from said radiation sources is dominant, and having an electric constant which enables effective reflection of said magnetic field component or said electric field component and causes little electric power absorption.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reflector and a satellite antenna system comprising such a reflector. In the satellite antenna system, microwave radiation from one or more feed horns (5) is emitted at the reflector (1), which comprises first and second reflector elements (2, 3). Upon reflection of the radiation from the reflector elements (2, 3), a distinct beam shape for the reflected microwave energy is generated. The reflector elements (2, 3) are disposed at a fixed distance from one another so that radiation that passes the first reflector element (2) strikes the second element. The first reflector element (2) comprises a lattice structure aimed toward feed horn, which lattice structure consists of plates (8) of electrically conductive material, wherein the distance between the plates and the depth of said plates are adapted for reflection of polarization parallel to the plates.

Abstract: A multi-beam-reflector dish antenna system. Signals from different satellites are simultaneously received using a single compound LNBF module. The antenna dish includes a reflector with N-th order projected aperture and a single compound LNBF module constituting multiple LNBF units. The reflector is formed by projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture in accordance with the method of analysis and synthesis. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focused waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane to be received by the compound LNBF modules.

Abstract: A multiple-range omnidirectional reflector includes a plurality of bilayers. Each of the bilayers includes a first layer comprising of a low absorption and low refractive index material and a second layer comprising of a high refractive index and low absorption material. Varying the thickness of one or more of the bilayers produces multiple omnidirectional reflecting ranges.

Abstract: The back-up structure of a parabolic dish antenna, which supports its reflecting surface, is formed in this invention by preloading its radial and circumferentially placed straight structural members and hence it is termed as preloaded parabolic dish antenna. Such a preloading results in considerable reduction in its weight and also to the effort involved in its assembly. The back-up structure of the preloaded parabolic dish antenna is made of a central hub, an assembly of a suitable number of elastically bent radial structural members connected rigidly to the central hub and to the same number of straight structural members which are connected to the tips of the radial members at the outer rim of the dish and also to straight bracing members placed circumferentially at intermediate locations, which are all tensioned to specified prestress values in the absence of wind loading. The outermost rim members placed at the periphery of the dish form the aperture of the dish.

Abstract: A mounting (1) comprises a transparent spherical shell (2), which holds a reflective mirror (4) for collection and concentration of radiation flux. A second membrane (7) is affixed to maintain a pressure differential across the two approximate hemi-spheres separate by the mirror (4). A quantity of water (13) is contained within the shell (2) acting as ballast. The lower portion of the shell (2) rests on a toroid (9), which is affixed to a base (10). Both the toroid and the vessel created by the inside surface of the toroid (9) and base (10) is filled with water (11,12). The shell (2) is buoyantly supported within the vessel by the water (12,13) while being restrained within the boundaries of the toroid (9) and base (10) but free for rotational movement as required to track the sun.