Universal microwave waveguide joint and mechanically steerable microwave transmitter
US8963790B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01P1/065
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A universal joint comprising a pair of circular waveguide ball-joints and a slip-joint allows for simultaneous 3-axis rotation and 3-dimensional translation between an antenna and a stationary source. As such, the universal joint does not have to be physically aligned with the azimuth, and elevation, rotation axis of the antenna and mounted on the gimbal support, greatly simplifying the antenna steering mechanism. The universal joint allows the antenna to be mass-balanced in relation to the azimuth and elevation axis without adding any additional counter weights, thus reducing the size and power requirements of the azimuth and elevation rotation drive systems. Additional ball-joints may be provided to increase the allowed range of motion of the antenna.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.