Thomson Consumer Electronics S.a.

Thomson Multimedia S.a.

Masahiro Fujimoto

David Harrison

Ali Louzir

Gerhard Maier

Patrice Fremanteau

Christopher Howson

A feeder for a microwave antenna system which can be integrated together with electronic circuitry on a common circuit board. A slot antenna, preferably shaped as an annular slot, is provided on the circuit board, and can be etched on the backside of the circuit board, which is normally a ground plate. The antenna system can be used for reception of DBS signals.

Antenna system

A lens having a variable index of refraction and a point of symmetry is fabricated from a plurality of substantially identically shaped parts. Each of the parts is pyramidal in configuration and has a base and a plurality of sides extending from the base to an apex. Each of the parts has a coefficient of refraction which varies from the base to the apex.

Lenses with a variable refraction index

An antenna system for receiving radiowaves includes a Lundeburg-type lens which reflects radiowaves to a focal point of the lens. A helical primary feed is located in the proximity of the focal point. Electronic circuitry for processing the radiowaves in a desired manner and the primary feed are supported in a hollow support structure in the proximity of the focal point.

Radiowave antenna system

An antenna system capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation having either right or left helical polarization, and either vertical or horizontal linear polarization includes an energy concentrator which concentrates energy at a focal point. A helical antenna is arranged in the proximity of the focal point. A first switch switches the helical antenna to a backfire mode of operation and a second switch switches the helical antenna to an end fire mode of operation. A control mechanism controls the switches to select the nature of the polarization.

Growing community of inventors

Kawasaki, Japan

Masahiro Fujimoto