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:
Jan. 27, 2009
Filed:
Jun. 20, 2008
Tomoyasu Fujishima, Osaka, JP;
Kazuyuki Sakiyama, Osaka, JP;
Ushio Sangawa, Nara, JP;
Hiroshi Kanno, Osaka, JP;
Tomoyasu Fujishima, Osaka, JP;
Kazuyuki Sakiyama, Osaka, JP;
Ushio Sangawa, Nara, JP;
Hiroshi Kanno, Osaka, JP;
Panasonic Corporation, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A variable-directivity antenna according to the present invention includes at least three linear passive elements, which are arranged parallel to a Z-axis so as to surround a feed element. Each of those passive elements includes at least two element pieces, etc. that are arranged parallel to the Z-axis and switching elements, etc. of a first type. The passive element assembly further includes at least one switching element, etc. of a second type that makes two adjacent passive elements electrically continuous with each other when turned ON but electrically insulates them from each other when turned OFF. By turning ON and OFF the at least one switching element of the first type and the at least one switching element of the second type, the antenna can change its directivities. As a result, a linear variable-directivity antenna, which can change its radiation directivities within a vertical plane and of which the overall length in the longitudinal (or major-axis) direction does not increase excessively due to the presence of the passive elements, is realized.