Abstract: A rod-shaped vehicle antenna according to the present invention, includes a rod-shaped antenna element having small- and large-diameter portions arranged alternately at regular pitches along the longitudinal direction of a rod-shaped conductor. When the outside diameter of each of the small-diameter portions is D1, that of each of the large-diameter portions is D2, and the pitch (length of each of the small- and large-diameter portions) is P, P is set within the following range:(D2.times.6).ltoreq.P.ltoreq.(D2.times.7). The ratioof D1 to D2, that is, D1/D2 is set within the following range:0.7.ltoreq.(D1/D2).ltoreq.0.85.

Abstract: A microwave antenna has an elongated tubular radome made of a rigid nonconductive material, and an elongated unitary core made of a rigid dielectric material and telescoped within the radome in supporting engagement with the inner surface of said radome. A pair of conductive antenna elements are affixed to the surface of the core and extend along the length thereof. A microwave transmission line is connected to the antenna elements for transmitting electromagnetic energy to and from the elements.

Abstract: An automobile antenna of a rod shape comprises an antenna element and a hollow cylindrical member of a resin fitted on the circumference of the antenna element. The hollow cylindrical member includes a plurality of hollow cylindrical units that may be coupled together or may be spaced apart. The cylindrical member has a ridge or ridges in the form of a spiral or ring. The ridge functions to generate a turbulent flow of air when the automobile runs at a high speed, so that a whistling sound generated by the wind blow may be eliminated. The method of making an antenna uses two offset molds having a plurality of cavities by the provision of spaced apart partitions, which also support the antenna element. A molding material is supplied into the cavities so that the ridges-bearing cylindrical member and the antenna element may be fabricated as one unit.

Abstract: Manually extendable telescoping antenna for a vehicle or vessel having a continuous core provided in the interior of the antenna to reduce mechanical/wind generated vibration noises. With the antenna extended, the core loosely touches the insides of the hollow telescoping elements and thus dampens and prevents creating a propagation of eigen-vibrations into the vehicle or vessel interior. The preferred core configuration may be a plastic band, plastic coated wire, or hollow or foam-filled plastic tube formed in a helical spiral secured at its lower end to a guide tube and at its upper end to the solid rod upper antenna section.

Abstract: A pendulum for suspending a swinging article from a support structure includes an elongated core having longitudinal ends, enlarged tension heads disposed on each of the longitudinal ends and operable to be engaged and supported by the article and the support structure, a plurality of stiff toroidal elements strung on the elongated core, one of the toroidal elements being a first end toroidal element which is spaced from one of the tension heads, another of the toroidal elements being a second toroidal element which is spaced from the other of the tension heads.

Abstract: A vibration isolation and EMI/RFI shielded enclosure for a horn antenna comprises an elongate hollow housing of sufficient dimensions to receive the horn antenna therewithin. Respective front and rear vibration isolation mounting assemblies have inner mounting portions coupled with the horn antenna and outer mounting portions coupled with the housing and resilient vibration damping members coupled intermediate the inner and outer mounting portions. Preferably, an EMI/RFI shielded enclosure is also provided for enclosing electrical circuits associated with the horn antenna.

Abstract: A rod-like protrusion of a vehicle body such as an antenna is provided with a projection at an outer peripheral portion intermediate the opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A shunt arrangement for processing the output current of an inductive current transformer having a wide dynamic range in which, in order to provide high-precision conversion with smaller currents, a power shunt is connected in series with a precision shunt which is connected in parallel with an overvoltage protection circuit containing a switchable semiconductor rectifier and a control circuit. The rectifier changes to a conductive state if the voltage at the precision shunt reaches a limit value. The control circuit contains a symmetric voltage limiting element which is constructed as a pair of limiting diodes or as a fullwave rectifier, the output of which is connected to a reference diode.

Abstract: A mechanical vibration-tolerant whip antenna having, in combination, a multi-section conical metal tube having successive sections each joined by an internal rigid rod tightly fitting within a corresponding recess in the respective ends of each of the adjacent sections to be joined with the outer metal surfaces of the successive sections providing a continuous smooth external metal surface transition, and each rigid rod extending sufficiently above and below a node of mechanical vibration resonance to provide a rigid support to the node. Additional vibration-tolerance is achieved by vibration damper inserts disposed within the tube near each node of resonance to damp vibration of the tube.

Abstract: A plurality of plates are rigidly affixed normal to forward and rearward surfaces along a major axis of a maximal diameter of an asymmetrical rotating antenna. In the presence of a wind, any aerodynamic forces tending to produce aerodynamic rotational moments on the antenna are reduced by the interaction between the wind, which produces a boundary layer on the antenna, and the plates, which affect the boundary layer.The net effects of the plates are to reduce the aerodynamic pressure difference between the forward and rearward surfaces of the antenna and to move the center of aerodynamic pressure closer to the center of rotation of the antenna. Due to these effects, the overall aerodynamic rotational movement on the antenna is reduced.

Abstract: A parabolic, collapsible rooftop microwave antenna for direct satellite-to-consumer TV transmission pivots in the direction of the aperture axis about a horizontal pivot axis in response to excessive wind forces. The antenna has a cross-head theodolite-type mount adjustable for azimuth and elevation, with a horizontal pivot that provides axial displacement if the axial wind force exceeds a predetermined threshold force. This limits the torque transmitted to the roof on which the antenna is mounted to a reasonably low level. Various torque sensitive horizontal pivots are described including a torqued pivot bolt, torqued slide bolts disposed in arcuate slots for limit-stop action, shear pins for quick release action, and biased springs for collapse and self-restoration to the initial vertical position in response to transient wind force exceeding a threshold force set by the spring bias.

Abstract: A readily assembled self-supporting structure for carrying an antenna and associated electronics apparatus includes a tripod base having support means for pivotably supporting a top mast on which the antenna and associated apparatus are mounted. Pivotably joined with the support means, a mast engaging member is adapted to swing in a predetermined direction to either raise or lower the mast. A heavy battery pack used to power the apparatus is pendulously suspended from the member below the support means and stabilizes the structure against wind forces without requiring ground anchors. In addition, the battery pack acting about the pivot erects the top mast in a perpendicular attitude irrespective of the slope of the antenna site. The structure is held rigid by means of three guys between the top of the mast and the feet of the tripod.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a new and inexpensive apparatus for inhibiting vibrations of existing or to be installed antennas such as are provided for use with VHF, UHF, FM and the like. These antennas include a longitudinal metal rail or spine from which transverse tubular elements extend. Usually these elements are pivotally held on one end of this spine. In and with a snapping action these elements are swung into extending position and are secured in detents formed in the spine. When in the desired transverse orientation the tubular elements are secured on this spine member. High winds as they pass by or buffet the mounted antenna tend to vibrate these elements. When the duration of vibration is prolonged one or more of the elements often break off. The loss of one or more elements affects the efficiency and effectiveness of this antenna. Replacement of these missing or broken elements is often difficult and expensive.