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:
Jun. 15, 2010
Filed:
Mar. 01, 2007
John H. Hanusa, Celeste, TX (US);
Claude W. Tignor, Iii, Greenville, TX (US);
Vincent A. May, Wylie, TX (US);
Wesley D. Redus, Greenville, TX (US);
Sueann Stuart, Greenville, TX (US);
Paul W. Hein, McKinney, TX (US);
John H. Hanusa, Celeste, TX (US);
Claude W. Tignor, III, Greenville, TX (US);
Vincent A. May, Wylie, TX (US);
Wesley D. Redus, Greenville, TX (US);
SueAnn Stuart, Greenville, TX (US);
Paul W. Hein, McKinney, TX (US);
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, L.P., Greenville, TX (US);
Abstract
A line of sight antenna supported in an upturned terminal winglet or similar vertical member of an aircraft is disclosed. An aperture is formed in the conductive winglet or vertical member, and the antenna is supported within the aperture by a support mechanism such that the antenna is exposed to the line of sight transmissions. A non-conductive covering may also be used for the aperture. Using the cover, the antenna within the winglet can be configured so that it does not alter the appearance or aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. Alternatively, the antenna can be coupled to the outside of the winglet or vertical member if cosmetics are not a concern. The frequency range of the antenna can be tuned to cover desired frequency ranges. The antenna position at the winglet maintains a large physical separation from fuselage-mounted antennas thereby reducing interference.