The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 08, 2000
Filed:
Feb. 26, 1999
James K Vinson, Austin, TX (US);
Armando DeJesus, Austin, TX (US);
Marconi Aerospace Defence Systems, Inc., Austin, TX (US);
Abstract
An antenna structure including a ground plane that provides a good front to back ratio while maintaing a small size and which can mechanically be made to fit into tight areas. The antenna structure may be a GPS patch antenna, or any other antenna adapted to receive broadcast signals. The ground plane is made from radar absorbing material (RAM) in electrical contract with conductive radials. The RAM inherently acts to suppress surface currents on the ground plane, which in turn reduces back signals. Although RAM has some resistance, it is low enough such that the electrical effect of the radials is extended through the RAM, essentially simulating a 'solid' conductive disk. Both the RAM and radials may be made from light and flexible material, and consequently may be adapted for use in a variety of applications.