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:
Mar. 13, 2007
Filed:
Jul. 31, 2003
Edward C. Giaimo, Iii, Bellevue, WA (US);
Chris A. Murzanski, Issaquah, WA (US);
Stephen M. Stegner, Bothell, WA (US);
Edward C. Giaimo, III, Bellevue, WA (US);
Chris A. Murzanski, Issaquah, WA (US);
Stephen M. Stegner, Bothell, WA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
Abstract
An accessory is provided for use with an existing antenna on a wireless device to improve directionality and/or signal strength. The accessory includes a conductive surface that is coupled to the existing antenna using a clip disposed on an arm that supports the reflector. The conductive surface is disposed at a quarter wavelength spacing from the existing antenna. Alternatively, the reflective surface may be made sufficiently large to reflect received wireless signals in regard to a plurality of existing antennas that are spaced apart, e.g., internal and external antennas. The reflector can optionally be curved to achieve a desired directional characteristic for the wireless signals reflected by the accessory. Also, a director can be included on the accessory to provide improved gain and directionality for the wireless signals, relative to the existing antenna system.