Viasat, Inc.

E Mitchell Blalock

Kevin Mark Skinner

Bradley H Smith

Jack C Newkirk

B Wayne Holt

Wayne Holt

Christopher E Griffin

A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.

System and apparatus for driving antenna

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.

Roller based antenna positioner

According to the invention, a system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon 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. The spherical structure may be coupled with the support member and the spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partially defines a void. And the support member may be at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.

Below horizon antenna aiming

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.

Spherical motor positioning

According to the invention, a system for adjusting the polarity of an antenna is disclosed. The system may include a spherical structure, at least one arm, and a coupling apparatus. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point and may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure, may include a second plurality of magnets, and may be coupled with the antenna. The coupling apparatus may be fixedly coupled with the antenna and rotatably coupled with the at least one arm. The coupling apparatus may include a third plurality of magnets, where at least a portion of the magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the coupling apparatus relative to the at least one arm.

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Dunwoody, GA, United States of America

E Mitchell Blalock