Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
343763000 | Rotary or rotary oscillatory motion | 52 |
20090058745 | Roller Based Antenna Positioner - According to the invention, a system for positioning an antenna is disclosed. The system may include an antenna, a first substantially circular track, a base, and a first plurality of rollers. The first substantially circular track may be coupled with the antenna. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be coupled with the base. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be in contact with the first substantially circular track. Each of the first plurality of rollers may rotate when the first substantially circular track rotates. | 03-05-2009 |
20090315795 | SPHERICAL MOTOR POSITIONING - According to the invention, a system for rotating a parabolic antenna about a central point is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface and may also be coupled with the support member. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about the central point. The spherical structure may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure and may also include a second plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be coupled with the parabolic antenna, and at least a portion of the magnets in either one of, or both of, the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the arms about the central point. | 12-24-2009 |
20100127946 | Adjusting Apparatus for Satellite Antenna - An adjusting apparatus for a satellite antenna of accurate and superfine adjustment and simple structure, includes a dish support, a supporting base, a connecting base, an X-direction fine adjusting mechanism and a Y-direction fine adjusting mechanism. The dish support couples to a dish of the satellite antenna. The supporting base couples to the antenna support. The connecting base connects between the dish support and the supporting base. The X-direction fine adjusting mechanism couples between the supporting base and the connecting base. The Y-direction fine adjusting mechanism couples between the connecting base and the dish support. The X-direction and Y-direction fine adjusting mechanisms respectively by means of the meshing relation between the gear and the row teeth to fine adjust, inducing the satellite antenna, relative to the antenna support, generate tiny range of motions along X and Y directions, respectively. | 05-27-2010 |
20100127947 | ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR DISH ANTENNA SYSTEM - Antenna systems include adjustment mechanisms to adjust the position of dish antennas. The adjustment mechanism includes a clip, a bracket, and a cam mechanism. The clip is fixedly coupled to and projects outwardly from a mast. The bracket is pivotally coupled to the mast and is between the stationary clip and cam mechanism. The cam mechanism is pivotally coupled to the clip and positioned to rotate the bracket and the dish antenna as the cam mechanism rotates. The clip is made of a lightweight material to reduce the overall weight of the antenna system to enhance performance. | 05-27-2010 |
20100245196 | ANTENNA POSITIONING SYSTEM - A pointing apparatus for pointing an object at a target along a pointing axis, including a joint enabling at least yaw and pitch of the object with respect to a base, at least one actuator operative to effect the yaw and pitch of the object by effecting at least one of rotating the object about a first axis perpendicular to the pointing axis to form a first rotation angle, and rotating the object about a second axis perpendicular to both the pointing axis and the first axis, effecting a second rotation angle, where, while effecting at least one of a yaw angle and a pitch angle of the object, the object is concurrently rotated about the pointing axis at a roll angle corresponding to the yaw angle. | 09-30-2010 |
20110090127 | TORQUE ARM ASSEMBLY - A torque arm assembly for connecting first generally circular cylindrical and second rotatable concentric bodies, rotatable about a common axis of rotation and separated by a given radial distance defined between the inner surface of the first rotatable body and the outer surface of the second rotatable body. The assembly includes an axial assembly positioned along the radial axis between the rotatable bodies and having a first end coupled to the first rotatable body and a second end coupled to a transverse body. A transverse shaft is fixedly coupled to the second rotatable body via a pair of support members. The transverse body is adapted to translate along an axis, transverse to the radial axis and relative to the transverse shaft. The axial assembly has a length that is axially variable to compensate for variations in the given radial distance between the rotatable bodies during rotation of the rotatable bodies. | 04-21-2011 |
20110156974 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TILTING BEAMS IN A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - An antenna array for a mobile communications network is disclosed which comprise mechanical devices for altering a direction of a first beam and electronic beam forming apparatus for shaping a second beam. A method for tilting radio beams in a mobile communications network using the antenna array is also disclosed. The method comprises mechanical tilting a first protocol radio beam and electronic tilting a second protocol radio beam. | 06-30-2011 |
20110241954 | RF TILT SENSING USING MEMS ACCELEROMETERS - A physical angle of a portion of a variable element, such as a phase shifter, is used to determine a desired antenna beam attribute, such as beam downtilt. In one example, a variable element includes a stationary circuit board and a rotatable circuit board. The stationary circuit board has at least one transmission line having a first output and a second output. The rotatable circuit board includes an input and a coupling section, the coupling section located to capacitively couple an input signal to the at least one transmission line between the first output and the second output, and the accelerometer being oriented such that it provides a signal indicative of a physical angle of the rotatable circuit board with respect to vertical. | 10-06-2011 |
20120194398 | RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMITTING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a transmitting device, comprising an electromagnetic radiation source, an array-type antenna having an axis of transmission (T-T) and a guiding conduit for guiding the electromagnetic radiation from the source to the antenna. The antenna is able to rotate relative to the radiation source around an axis (X-X), the axis (X-X) being angularly offset from the axis of transmission (T-T) and the guiding conduit comprises a first waveguide extending along the axis of rotation (X-X) of the antenna and rigidly connected to the antenna. | 08-02-2012 |
20120268333 | ANTENNA SYSTEM WITH BALANCED MOUNT - An antenna system includes at least one antenna and one X-Y mount, said mount being composed of at least three mechanical elements, the first element being a base, the second element being a lower box, the third element being a upper box, the antenna of the system being fixed to the upper box. The components of the antenna downlead are distributed in the various elements composing the X-Y mount, an OMT type junction included in the upper box enabling separation of the components of the downlead into two separate paths, a first path called the ascending path comprising components for amplifying and processing signals to be transmitted by the antenna, a second path called the descending path comprising components for processing and amplifying signals received by the antenna, the components associated with these paths being placed on either side of the various elements of the X-Y mount. | 10-25-2012 |
20120268334 | OPTIMAL LOADING FOR INCREASED GAIN IN AN ARRAY ANTENNA - The present invention provides a high-performance helical antenna element and array thereof for use in an aircraft communication system or the like, where stringent spatial restrictions and gain requirements generally apply. The performance of the array is enhanced by connecting conductive plates to the windings of the antenna elements at the terminal ends thereof such that the conductive plates are offset from the axes of the antenna elements and toward the center of the array. | 10-25-2012 |
20120280874 | RECONFIGURABLE BASE STATION ANTENNA - The invention relates to a base station antenna, that includes two or more reflector plates, each provided with a radiating element. The base station antenna also includes a reflector plate connecting member connected to each reflector plate for enabling the rotation of the reflector plates. The base station antenna also includes a reflector plate controller providing control signals for controlling the rotation and stoppage of the reflector plates. | 11-08-2012 |
20150357707 | WIRELESS APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a wireless apparatus includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is positioned on a first imaginary plane orthogonal to a rotation axis and includes a first main radiating element. The second antenna is positioned on a second imaginary plane orthogonal to the rotation axis and opposite to the first imaginary plane at a first space from the first imaginary plane and includes a second main radiating element. The second antenna is rotatable around the rotation axis and performs at least one of transmission and reception of electromagnetic wave to and from the first antenna, and at least one of the first main radiating element and the second main radiating element is displaced from the rotation axis. | 12-10-2015 |
343764000 | Loop-type antenna | 1 |
20130113669 | ROTATING-POLARIZATION REFLECTOR-BACKED RFID LOOP ANTENNA APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present disclosure provides a rotating-polarization reflector-backed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) loop antenna apparatus and method. The loop antenna apparatus and method provides high gain (i.e., maximizing read distances at lowest power), directionality (i.e., ability to focus on specific areas), orientation insensitivity (i.e., ability to read RFID tags in any direction or orientation) while occupying minimal volume in overhead configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the loop antenna apparatus includes a reflector and a loop element with the reflector configured to reflect downward RF energy from the loop element. Antenna polarization is controlled by a feed location on the loop element and antenna pattern is controlled by the reflector. Thus, orientation insensitivity may be achieved without changing the antenna pattern by rotating the feed location and not the reflector. | 05-09-2013 |
343765000 | In different planes | 14 |
20080246676 | Mobile Antenna System For Satellite Communications - Antenna assembly for satellite tracking system that includes a plurality of antenna arrangements, each having one or more ports, and all ports connected through transmission lines in a combining/splitting circuit. The antenna arrangements form a spatial element array able to track a satellite in an elevation plane by mechanically dynamically rotating the antenna arrangements about transverse axes giving rise to generation of respective elevation angles and dynamically changing the respective distances between the axes whilst maintaining a predefined relationship between said distances and the respective elevation angles. The combining/splitting circuit provides phasing and signal delay in order to maintain pre configured radiating parameters. The arrangements can be mounted on a rotating platform to provide azimuth tracking. The system provides dynamic tracking of satellite signals and can be used for satellite communications on moving vehicles. | 10-09-2008 |
20080258988 | Pedestal Apparatus and Satellite Tracking Antenna Having the Same - Provided are a pedestal apparatus and a satellite-tracking antenna having the same. The pedestal apparatus includes: a fixing unit fixed at a moving object; a connecter for forming a first rotating axis vertically to the fixing unit; a first rotation supporter having a bottom fixed at the fixing unit and a Y-shaped top for rotating the tracking antenna around the first rotating axis; a second connecter connected to ends of the Y-shaped top for forming a second rotating axis; a second rotation supporter having both ends connected to the both ends of the second connecter for rotating the tracking antenna around the second rotating axis; a third connecter for forming a third rotating axis at a center of the second rotation supporter; and a supporter connected to the third connecter in a predetermined shape for supporting the tracking antenna, wherein the first, second and third rotating axes are not crossed one another. | 10-23-2008 |
20080297426 | Antenna System for Tracking Mobile Satellite and Carrier Having the Same - Provided is a antenna system for tracking a mobile satellite and a movable carrier having the same for mechanically adjusting the orientation of an antenna at the azimuth angle and the elevation angle and correcting the phase error of a receiving signal while adjusting the elevation angle of the antenna at the same time. The antenna system for tracking a mobile satellite includes: a substrate; a rotating plate rotatably disposed on the substrate; one or more antennas disposed at the rotating plate; an azimuth angle adjusting unit for mechanically adjusting an azimuth angle of the antenna; and an elevation angle adjusting unit for mechanically adjusting an elevation angle of the antenna. | 12-04-2008 |
20090195467 | COMPOUND TWO-WAY ANTENNA WITH INSTALLATION COMPENSATOR - A two-way terrestrial antenna, employing electrical down tilt and azimuth beam adjustment capability is disclosed. Such antenna configuration allows for a variable antenna coverage footprint within designated coverage sector. To compensate for installation support structure variations the two-way antenna employs a positional sensor that can provide feedback to BTS or automatically compensate azimuth and tilt beam angles so as to provide uniform sector coverage. In particular by monitoring tri-vector gravitational inclinometer and earth magnetic field sensors, and determining correction factors for antenna tilt and azimuth beam adjustments, uniform or compensated sector coverage is provided. | 08-06-2009 |
20100039341 | RADAR TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION DEVICE - The invention relates to a radar transmission and reception device comprising a movable antenna ( | 02-18-2010 |
20100149059 | PEDESTAL FOR TRACKING ANTENNA - A pedestal for tracking antenna includes a horizontal isolation assembly dimensioned and configured to isolate the support plate from horizontal vibration and shock of the base ring, a hub assembly including a support mounted on the horizontal isolation assembly rotatably supporting a rotating frame about a first azimuth axis, a vertical isolation assembly including an upright frame and a cross-level axis support slidably interconnected with a linear bearing assembly, the linear bearing assembly having a profiled rail slidably received within a complementary shaped bearing block, wherein the profiled rail can not twist axially relative to the bearing block, a cross-level frame pivotally mounted on the cross-level axis support about a second cross-level axis, and/or an elevation frame assembly supporting the tracking antenna and pivotally mounted on the cross-level frame about a third elevation axis. | 06-17-2010 |
20100238083 | LONG-DISTANCE WIRELESS-LAN DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA ALIGNMENT - A unitized device and method to optimize directional antenna alignment for long-distance communications using the low-cost IEEE 802.11 (and related) compatible RF-chipsets (originally designed for short range Wireless-LAN and Wireless-PAN networks). The device combines these chipsets, along with a microprocessor, software, electronics to drive a directional antenna, and the motors and gearing necessary to physically move a directional antenna, into a unitized low weight, and low cost assembly designed to enable reliable digital radio links of many miles or more to be established with minimal costs, time, and installer skill. In one embodiment, the software methods incorporated into the software of this unitized device can include methods necessary to automatically or semi-automatically configure and align the directional antenna to one or more distant target sources. Various mechanical designs, as well as various software and electronics methods, are also disclosed. | 09-23-2010 |
20110234464 | PIVOT RADAR - A radar antenna system comprises a base. A center support is coupled to the base on a first end. A radar array is pivotally coupled to a second end of the center support. At least two actuators are provided for pivoting the radar array about the center support, altering its azimuth position. | 09-29-2011 |
20120001816 | THREE-AXIS PEDESTAL HAVING MOTION PLATFORM AND PIGGY BACK ASSEMBLIES - A rotationally-stabilizing tracking antenna system suitable for mounting on a moving structure includes a three-axis pedestal for supporting an antenna about a first azimuth axis, a second cross-level axis, and a third elevation axis, a three-axis drive assembly for rotating a vertical support assembly relative to a base assembly about the first azimuth axis, a cross-level driver for pivoting a cross-level frame assembly relative to the vertical support assembly about the second cross-level axis, and an elevation driver for pivoting an elevation frame assembly relative to the cross-level frame assembly about the third elevation axis, a motion platform assembly affixed to and movable with the elevation frame assembly, three orthogonally mounted angular rate sensors disposed on the motion platform assembly for sensing motion about predetermined X, Y and Z axis of the elevation frame assembly, a three-axis gravity accelerometer mounted on the motion platform assembly and configured to determine a. true-gravity zero reference, and a control unit for determining the actual position of elevation frame assembly based upon the sensed motion about said predetermined X, Y, and Z axes and said true-gravity zero reference, and for controlling the azimuth, cross-level and elevation drivers to position the elevation frame assembly in a desired position. Instead of or in addition to the motion platform assembly, the antenna system may include primary and secondary antenna affixed relative to the cross-level frame assembly and a control unit for selecting operation of a selected on of the primary and secondary antennas, determining the actual position of elevation frame assembly based upon the sensed motion about said predetermined X, Y, and Z axes, and for controlling the azimuth, cross-level and elevation drivers to position the selected one of the primary and secondary antennas in a desired position for tracking a communications satellite. Methods of using the three-axis pedestal having motion platform assembly is also described. | 01-05-2012 |
20120280875 | SPHERICAL PERTURBATION OF AN ARRAY ANTENNA - The present invention provides a high-performance and small sized helical antenna element and array thereof for use in an aircraft communication system or the like, where stringent spatial restrictions and gain requirements generally apply. The performance of the array is enhanced by increasing the lateral distances between the antenna elements over a portion of the elements where the windings thereof have high current amplitude. The sweeping envelope of the array is maintained small by recovering the initial distancing over a portion of the elements where the windings thereof have low current amplitude. | 11-08-2012 |
20130321225 | AUTOMATIC ANTENNA POINTING AND STABILIZATION AND METHOD THEREOF - A wireless backhaul system including a terminal is disclosed. The system includes a network interface that is configured to send and receive data over a wide area network. A control module is coupled to the network interface and configured to generate electromagnetic energy. An antenna assembly is coupled to the control module and the network interface. The antenna assembly includes a high speed-high bandwidth (HSHB) antenna configured to wirelessly emit millimeter wave electromagnetic energy signals to a target terminal. A gimbal assembly is coupled to the antenna assembly and the control module. The gimbal assembly is configured to selectively position the antenna assembly to azimuth and elevation coordinates selected by the control module to establish and maintain a HSHB data communication link with the target terminal using the millimeter wave electromagnetic energy signals. | 12-05-2013 |
20140218249 | ANTENNA ALIGNMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method of adjusting at least one cellular communications antenna mounted on an antenna structure, wherein the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern of the antenna, is movable relative to the antenna structure, the method comprising the steps: determining or retrieving current position values of the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern of the antenna, in first, second and third dimensions; receiving a desired position value for the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern of the antenna, in the first dimension relating to a desired position of the antenna; determining a new position value for the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern, of the antenna in the second dimension based on required movement of the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern of the antenna, relative to the antenna structure to reach the desired position value in the first dimension; determining a new position value for the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern of the antenna, in the third dimension based on required movement of the antenna relative to the antenna structure to reach the desired position value in the first dimension; calculating the difference between the current and new position values in the second dimension; calculating the difference between the current and new position values in the third dimension; adjusting the position of the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern of the antenna, towards the desired position by moving the antenna, and/or direction of the radiation pattern of the antenna, relative to the antenna structure based at least in part on the calculated difference of first and second positions in at least the second dimension. | 08-07-2014 |
20140266943 | ANTENNA ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
20150333398 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING INTERFERENCE WITH ADJACENT SATELLITES USING A MECHANICALLY GIMBALED ASYMMETRICAL-APERTURE ANTENNA - Methods, apparatuses, and systems for two-way satellite communication and an asymmetric-aperture antenna for two-way satellite communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a beam pattern for an asymmetric-aperture antenna is offset in a narrow beamwidth direction, and the offset beam pattern is directed by a mechanical gimbal, with the beam pattern offset made to reduce interference with an adjacent satellite. In additional embodiments, operational areas near the equator are identified for a given offset beam pattern, or a beam pattern offset may be adjusted over time to compensate for movement of the asymmetric-aperture antenna when attached to an airplane, boat, or other mobile vehicle. | 11-19-2015 |
343766000 | Motor-driven | 24 |
20080246677 | Enclosed mobile/transportable satellite antenna system - An enclosed satellite antenna system can include a generally rigid enclosure defining a volume that is configured to enable both manual transportability of the satellite antenna system and automated operation of the satellite antenna system without a substantial change in the volume of the enclosure or manual repositioning of the satellite antenna system. The enclosure can have disposed therein a satellite dish, a feedhorn configured to collect incoming signals concentrated by the satellite dish, and a low noise block converter configured to receive incoming signals from the feedhorn, amplify and convert the incoming signals to received signals, and transmit the received signals to at least one receiver. A motorized elevation dravie system can be configured to selectively adjust an elevation of the satellite dish and a motorized azimuth drive system can be configured to selectively rotate the satellite dish. A control system can be connected to the elevation drive system and the azimuth drive system to control automated operation of the satellite antenna system. | 10-09-2008 |
20080297427 | Antenna System for Tracking Satellite - Provided is an antenna system for tracking a satellite which includes a fixed body and a rotating body. The antenna system includes a transmitting/receiving unit having a transmitting channel and a receiving channel for signal power, a driving unit for enabling mechanical motion of the rotating body for satellite tracking, and a control unit for monitoring and controlling the operation of the driving unit. Accordingly, the various kinds of the components of the antenna system mounted and operated on the movable body can be minimized and the output of the transmitted signal required in the antenna system can be simply replaced, thereby simplifying the configuration of the system and reducing the production cost of the system. In addition, the STR having the tracking signal processing function in the digital mode as well as the general analog mode is mounted on the antenna system, thereby improving accuracy of satellite tracking. Moreover, the posture of the antenna system can be stably maintained regardless of the motion of the movable body in the moving environment by using the driving unit and the control unit which are designed for stably controlling the elevation, azimuth and antenna rotating angle, thereby improving communication performance that is the intrinsic object of the antenna system. | 12-04-2008 |
20080303730 | ANTENNA - A self-stabilizing antenna is pivotable about an axis of elevation, a cross-level axis and an azimuth axis. The antenna comprises an antenna member ( | 12-11-2008 |
20080316133 | Remote Control Device for Controlling the Angle of Inclination of the Radiation Diagram on an Antenna - The device permits remote actuation on the slope angle of an antenna consisting of two units, one electric and one mechanical, physically separated and connected forming a single arrangement, in which each of the units is provided with its own casing. The mechanical unit supports an electromotor coil positioning sensors, a driving gear, and a gear wheel engaged with the pinion. The electronic unit is provided with supply and communication connection terminals, an electronic circuit, a sensor for reading initial reference positioning and a casing. Both are connected by means of a cable and connector. Due to the independent manner in which the mechanical and electrical units are arranged, it is possible to obtain a watertight electronic unit protected from damp, independent replacement in a simple manner of both units, and the visualisation of the indicator rod's position and movement. | 12-25-2008 |
20090021438 | PORTABLE ANTENNA POSITIONER APPARATUS AND METHOD - A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness. | 01-22-2009 |
20090027288 | ANTENNA DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - According to an antenna device of the invention, an antenna frame is formed in a tank having an opening and filled with a medium, and a plurality of antennas are mounted to the antenna frame and vertically extend such that they surround a target of diagnosis. One of the antennas includes a transmitting module that radiates microwave signals and the other antennas include receiving modules that receive the radiated microwave signals. | 01-29-2009 |
20090135074 | SINGLE DRIVE VARIABLE AZIMUTH AND BEAM TILT ANTENNA FOR WIRELESS NETWORK - An antenna array employing a combined azimuth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is disclosed. The system employs a dual purpose remotely controllable actuator. The actuator is used to adjust azimuth angle of the antenna array and radiation beam tilt of the same. An antenna array employing a combined azimuth, beamwidth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is also disclosed. | 05-28-2009 |
20090219218 | APPARATUS FOR ROTATION OF A LARGE BODY ABOUT AN AXIS - Apparatus for the rotation of a large body, such as the base frame of a solar energy collector having a large reflective dish, about an axis utilizes a ring member or arcuate member. An actuator clamp is movable along the ring or arcuate member when it is not clamped to it. The actuator clamp is connected to one end of an expansion and contraction device, such as a hydraulic ram. The other end of the hydraulic ram is connected to the body, to a projection from the body, or to a rigid arm that is securely connected to the body. With the actuator clamp firmly clamped to the ring or arcuate member, actuation of the hydraulic ram causes the body to rotate about the axis. | 09-03-2009 |
20090231224 | ROTATING ANTENNA STEERING MOUNT - An antenna steering mount includes two basic building blocks which are joined together to form any of the known steering-axis combinations. Each block includes a cylinder cut at an angle to form a cylindrical wedge. The wedges are joined together by bearings at their interface, and motors are used to counter rotate the two wedges relative to each other. One end of the complete assembly is attached to a mounting platform, and the other end includes mounting features for attaching an antenna dish thereto. Various two- and three-axis steering configurations are disclosed including combinations of azimuth, elevation, cross-elevation, and cross-level steering. | 09-17-2009 |
20100201590 | REMOTE ELECTRICAL TILT ANTENNA WITH MOTOR AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - RET antenna with motor and clutch assembly that is operative to mechanically disengage the DC motor and drive unit (also called the gear-motor unit) from the phase shifter adjustment shaft during a manual tilt operation. Disengaging the gear-motor unit removes the drag of the motor and the high gear ratio gear box from the phase shifter control rod making it easier to manually turn the phase shifter control knob. In addition, the clutch disengages the gear-motor without disengaging the position detector from the phase shifter control rod so that position calibration is not lost during manual tilt adjustment. When the manual tilt operation is completed, the mechanical tilt clutch enables the gear-motor unit to be reliably re-engaged with the phase shifter control rod for motorized electrical tilt operation without having to re-calibrate the position detector. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201591 | MULTI-BEAM ANTENNA WITH MULTI-DEVICE CONTROL UNIT - RET antenna with a modular switching unit and a multi-device control unit con figured to be inserted into and removed from a receptacle in the antenna. The multi-device control unit works together with motors and position sensors located inside the antenna to allow a single controller located in the multi-device control unit to control multiple embedded electro-mechanical actuators, such as phase shifter control motors. The multi-device control unit includes lightning protection circuits, communications circuits, a motor controller, power control circuits and a motor position sensing circuit inside a small housing. These components are shared between all motors inside the antenna through the modular switching unit, which allows a single set of components within the multi-device control unit to replace redundant components deployed in prior RET antennas. | 08-12-2010 |
20100259458 | DUAL-ANGLE ADJUSTMENT OF A SATELLITE-TRACKING ANTENNA WITH A SINGLE MOTOR - An apparatus includes an azimuth adjuster coupled between a motor and a directional antenna. Motor rotation causes the azimuth adjuster to rotate the antenna about an azimuthal axis. The motor rotation also causes an elevation adjuster to rotate, which causes a screw mechanism to modify an elevation angle by pivoting the antenna about an elevational axis. To aim the directional antenna, a body-direction vector of a movable body with the antenna attached thereto is determined. Based on an elevational relationship between the body-direction vector and a satellite-direction vector, the elevation adjuster modifies the elevation angle of the antenna by rotating the motor to achieve full-turn amounts to pivot the antenna. The azimuth adjuster modifies an azimuth angle of the antenna based on an azimuthal relationship between the body-direction vector and the satellite-direction vector by rotating the motor to achieve partial-turn amounts of the antenna. | 10-14-2010 |
20100265149 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING DIRECTIONAL ERROR OF ANTENNA WITH BIAXIAL GIMBAL STRUCTURE - An antenna pointing control apparatus and method that reduce a pointing error of an antenna having a two-axis gimbal structure. An antenna installed on a ship hull is controlled to point toward a satellite by an antenna pointing control apparatus having a two-axis mechanism. Movement of the ship hull are recognized every prescribed cycle time, a satellite bearing is measured, and a pointing error of a directional antenna with respect to a satellite is detected. If it is determined that the satellite will not pass within a prescribed region A about an extension line of an azimuth angle (AZ) axis of the ship's hull, then a two-axis control is executed. However, if the satellite will pass within the prescribed region A, then a virtual three-axis control is executed. | 10-21-2010 |
20100277384 | Antenna Positioning System - An apparatus for positioning and controlling a spherical, inflatable antenna includes a driven rotating table disposed in the horizontal plane which supports and drives a horizontal arm member to which is hingedly connected first and second upright support members at either end. The upright support members include journal bearings attachable to the surface of an inflatable antenna. | 11-04-2010 |
20110063179 | Mechanically Steered Reflector Antenna - A rotatable reflector antenna system that supports on-the-move communications to and from a mobile land, airborne, or maritime vehicle with a remote communication device, such as a geostationary satellite. The antenna system can include a pillbox antenna, a line feed antenna, or an array of horn antennas that convey electromagnetic waves between a transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver) and a reflector. The reflector may be embodied as a singly curved, parabolic cylinder reflector coupled to support members in a manner that enables the reflector to rotate with respect to the antenna. The reflector can rotate in a first direction, such as an elevation rotation, and the entire antenna system including the reflector can be mounted to a turntable or other rotatable platform that rotates in a second direction, such as an azimuth rotation. | 03-17-2011 |
20110134005 | APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING AN INCLINATION ANGLE IN AN ANTENNA - An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of an antenna using a rotatory power is disclosed, wherein a remote control unit is easily combined with the apparatus. The apparatus in an antenna having a phase shifter includes a power delivering member connected to the phase shifter, and a driving member combined with the power delivering member, and for providing a power to the power delivering member. Here, an inserting section is formed at a part of outside surfaces of the driving member, a remote control unit is inserted into the inserting section and rotates the driving member, and the power delivering member rotates in response to the power provided from the driving member. Accordingly, any given member is not removed when the remote control unit is combined with the apparatus. As a result, the remote control unit may be easily combined with the apparatus, and any member is not lost. | 06-09-2011 |
20110175780 | FLAT SCANNING ANTENNA - The present invention relates to a flat scanning antenna ( | 07-21-2011 |
20110175781 | MULTIPLE BAND ANTENNAS OPERATING WITH A SINGLE STABILIZED PLATFORM - An antenna system includes: a single steering platform automatically pointing the antenna system at a specified target; a first antenna coupled to the single steering platform and operable in a first band; a second antenna operable in a second band that is coupled with the first antenna; a controller operably coupled with the single steering platform for switching between the first band and the second band such that the first antenna operates when the first band is available and the second antenna operates when the second band is available. | 07-21-2011 |
20120013515 | ROTATION MECHANISM FOR A COMMUNICATION ANTENNA - A rotating antenna for radio frequency (RF) communication. The antenna comprises a pedestal and a rotating base supporting at least one antenna reflector and an RF transmission/reception unit, the pedestal and the rotating base being parallelly mounted, a rotary joint positioned to allow a transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between the rotating base and the pedestal during a rotational motion of one relative to the other around a rotation axis, an encoder set to follow the rotational motion, a plurality slip rings positioned to encircle a vertical profile of the rotary joint between the pedestal and the rotating base so that an electric contact is maintained therebetween during the rotational motion, and an annular bearing positioned to radially encompass the encoder and the plurality slip rings around the rotation axis and to constrain the rotational motion. The rotary joint, the plurality slip rings, and the annular bearing are concentric and the rotary joint, the encoder, and the annular bearing being on a common horizontal plane. | 01-19-2012 |
20120068899 | COMPACT PORTABLE ANTENNA POSITIONER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness. | 03-22-2012 |
20120169558 | ANTENNA RETAINING DEVICE - An antenna retaining device includes two spaced upright beams, two movable mechanisms, each movable mechanism slidably mounts on one of the upright beams, a retaining mechanism includes two connecting elements a connecting rod connecting rod rotatably and movably mounted on the connecting elements. A retaining board is located on the connecting rod, the retaining board holds the antenna. The first connecting element is rotatably mounted on one of the movable mechanisms, the second connecting element is rotatably mounted on the other movable mechanism. Two driving mechanism, each driving one of the movable mechanisms to move along the their respective bar. When the motors drive the movable mechanisms to move at different speeds, the first connecting element and the second connecting element rotate relative to the their respective loading boards and move along the connecting rod, to adjust a direction of the connecting rod and retaining board. | 07-05-2012 |
20130120202 | COMMON MULTI-PURPOSE ACTUATOR TO CONTROL ANTENNA REMOTE ELECTRICAL TILT, REMOTE AZIMUTH STEERING AND REMOTE AZIMUTH BEAM-WIDTH CONTROL - A common multi-purpose actuator to control antenna remote electrical tilt, remote azimuth steering, and remote azimuth beam-width control is disclosed. A single stepper motor uses a Hall-sensor for closed loop positioning feedback. Serial and parallel communications are employed through the same harness to the motor control circuit. The driven shaft of the motor turns a self-locking worm-gear which rotates a mating shaft which drives the necessary gearing. The actuator assembly can be arranged in multiple or single output configurations. DC line filtering improves the antenna signal to spurious noise ratio. | 05-16-2013 |
20140203983 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ANTENNA IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An apparatus and a method for controlling an antenna in a mobile communication system are provided. The apparatus includes constructing a Remote Electric Tilt (RET) antenna by a daisy chain separately from a daisy chain structure of a Radio frequency Unit (RU), a cable used for individually connecting the RU to the RET antenna can be reduced in length so as to reduce a consumption of materials, and the RET antenna can be installed without an installation of a power amplifier. | 07-24-2014 |
20150311587 | Antenna System - A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters. | 10-29-2015 |