L-3 Communications Corporation

Other

Alan McLean Buchanan

Rory Kim Sorensen

LaMar K Timothy

Patricia F Batzer

Jeffrey S Sato

Scott M Lyon

Neil Kenneth Harker

Richard Gerald Edwards

Douglas H Ulmer

Jeffrey J McGill

Trevis D Anderson

Pamela Sue Silcox

Stepped radio frequency (RF) reflector antennas are disclosed in which an inner RF reflector is disposed in a central opening of at one or more annular RF reflectors. The RF reflecting surface of the inner RF reflector and the RF reflecting surface(s) of the one or more annular RF reflectors can be shaped and positioned relative to each other to have different focal lengths but nevertheless reflect an RF signal to the same focal plane. The depth of the inventive reflector antenna system can be less than the depth of prior art reflector antennas with a comparable RF aperture.

Stepped radio frequency reflector antenna

A compact waveguide antenna array feed system provides antenna element ports spaced along an array face by less than one free-space wavelength in at least one dimension, while retaining a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the array face of less than one and one-half free-space wavelength.

Compact waveguide antenna array and feed

A method is disclosed for directing an antenna mounted in a restricted radome on an aircraft. The method can include the operation of determining whether the antenna is directed in a keyhole. A further operation can involve controlling the antenna using an elevation gimbal and an azimuth gimbal when it is determined the antenna is directed outside the keyhole. Another operation can include directing the antenna using an elevation, azimuth, and cross elevation gimbal when it is determined the antenna is pointing in the keyhole.

System and method for pointing and control of an antenna

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an antenna assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an antenna; and a positioner capable of assuming a tetrahedral shape connected to the antenna and mounted to an antenna mount pedestal. The positioner comprises a substantially flat base portion; and a triangular shaped antenna face bracket rotatably coupled to the base portion. The positioner further comprises an extendable, linear stiffening member connected between the base portion and the triangular shaped antenna face bracket; and an actuator to rotate the triangular shaped face bracket of the antenna assembly and form the positioner in combination with the linear stiffening member, triangular shaped antenna face bracket and base portion.

Tetrahedral positioner for an antenna

Growing community of inventors

Sandy, UT, United States of America

Alan McLean Buchanan