US3573837A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vector transfer feed system for a circular array antenna
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1969-06-30
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Granted: 1971-04-06
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Expires: 1989-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A feed system for a circular array antenna which is steerable through 360* in a predetermined number of discrete steps is disclosed. A beam forming network consisting of diode phase and amplitude switches is used to select the phase and amplitude (vector) of the energy distribution which is applied to the active array radiating elements. The radiated beam is scanned by transferring the vectors to a new set of active array elements selected by multithrow switches. The scanning technique is called a vector transfer.
Inventors
- 👤 John Reindel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:51
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/24; H01Q3/242; H01Q3/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A microwave energy feed system for a circular array antenna having a plurality of radiating elements equispaced about the circumference of the array comprising: a. reciprocal microwave energy sending apparatus; b. a power divider network for dividing the energy of said sending means into a plurality of discrete signals having equal phase and amplitude characteristics; c. a reciprocal beam-forming network for adjusting in a selectively predetermined manner the phase and amplitude characteristics of each of said discrete signals whereby a beam-cophasal, tapered-amplitude energy distribution is provided at the output thereof; d. said beam-forming network consisting of a plurality of vector switch means, each of said vector switch means including a phase-shifter circuit and an amplitude-attenuation circuit; e. a reciprocal beam-transferring network for transferring said beam-cophasal, tapered-amplitude energy distribution in a selectively predetermined manner to said radiating elements; and f. said beam-transferring network consisting of a plurality of single-pole N-throw switch means where N 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ....., and where each of said switch means is operably connected by means of equal-length conductor means to N radiating elements spaced 360*/N apart with respect to each other about said circumference.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
A microwave energy feed system for a circular array antenna having a plurality of radiating elements equispaced about the circumference of the array comprising: a. reciprocal microwave energy sending apparatus; b. a power divider network for dividing the energy of said sending means into a plurality of discrete signals having equal phase and amplitude characteristics; c. a reciprocal beam-forming network for adjusting in a selectively predetermined manner the phase and amplitude characteristics of each of said discrete signals whereby a beam-cophasal, tapered-amplitude energy distribution is provided at the output thereof; d. said beam-forming network consisting of a plurality of vector switch means, each of said vector switch means including a phase-shifter circuit and an amplitude-attenuation circuit; e. a reciprocal beam-transferring network for transferring said beam-cophasal, tapered-amplitude energy distribution in a selectively predetermined manner to said radiating elements; and f. said beam-transferring network consisting of a plurality of single-pole N-throw switch means where N 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ....., and where each of said switch means is operably connected by means of equal-length conductor means to N radiating elements spaced 360*/N apart with respect to each other about said circumference.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
103 words
A microwave energy feed system for a circular array antenna having 128 radiating elements equispaced substantially about the circumference of the antenna comprising: a. reciprocal microwave energy sending apparatus; b. power-divider means connected to said sending apparatus, said power-divide means having 32 output ports; c. phasor switch means and attenuator switch means connected to each of said output ports; d. single-pole four-throw switch means connected to the output of each of said switch means; and e. equal-length electrical cables connected between the output of each of said single-pole four-throw switch means and four radiating elements spaced 90* apart with respect to each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
A microwave energy feed system for a circular array antenna having 128 radiating elements equispaced substantially about the circumference of the antenna comprising: a. reciprocal microwave energy sending apparatus; b. power-divider means connected to said sending apparatus, said power-divide means having 32 output ports; c. phasor switch means and attenuator switch means connected to each of said output ports; d. single-pole four-throw switch means connected to the output of each of said switch means; and e. equal-length electrical cables connected between the output of each of said single-pole four-throw switch means and four radiating elements spaced 90* apart with respect to each other.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3238527A
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US3495263A
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US3474447A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-05 | 1974-10-05 | 1975-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-05 | 1978-10-05 | 1979-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-05 | 1982-10-05 | 1983-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |