Antenna array system

Claim 2

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; means for obtaining frequency multiples of said first and second signals; means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a set of signals differing in frequency by an amount equal to the frequency difference between said first and second signals; and means for varying the frequency of at least one of said first and second signals.

Claim 3

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; means for deriving signals proportional to multiples of the frequency of said first signal; means for deriving signals proportional to multiples of the frequency of said second signal; means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a set of signals differing in frequency an amount proportional to the frequency difference between the first and second signals; means for varying the frequency of at least one of said first and second signals; and a radiant element for receiving each of said frequency difference signals.

Claim 4

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; means for deriving signals proportional to multiples of the frequency of said first signal; means for deriving signals proportional to multiples of the frequency of said second signal; means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a set of signals differing in frequency an amount proportional to the frequency difference between the first and second signals; means for varying the frequency of at least one of said first and second signals; and a radiant element for receiving each of said frequency difference signals.

Claim 5

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; means for obtaining frequency multiples of said first and second signals; means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the said first and second signals; means for varying the frequency of at least one of said first and second signals; coupler means having an input terminal and an output terminal for receiving each of said frequency difference signals and for providing a power split and phase reversal of signals applied to said input terminal; and element meAns for radiating signals, said element means coupled to the output terminals of said coupler means.

Claim 6

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; means for obtaining frequency multiples of said first and second signals; means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the said first and second signals; means for varying the frequency of at least one of said first and second signals; coupler means having an input terminal and an output terminal for receiving each of said frequency difference signals and for providing a power split and phase reversal of signals applied to said input terminal; and element meAns for radiating signals, said element means coupled to the output terminals of said coupler means.

Claim 7

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportional to frequency multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to frequency multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; and means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of the frequency difference between said fixed frequency signal and said variable frequency signal.

Claim 8

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportional to frequency multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to frequency multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; and means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of the frequency difference between said fixed frequency signal and said variable frequency signal.

Claim 9

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a frequency difference signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of separate signals proportional to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of separate signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; and means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal.

Claim 10

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a frequency difference signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of separate signals proportional to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of separate signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; and means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal.

Claim 11

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a first frequency difference signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportioned to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportioned to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said first frequency difference signal; and means for varying said variable frequency signal so as to vary the value of said first frequency difference signal.

Claim 12

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a first frequency difference signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportioned to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportioned to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said first frequency difference signal; and means for varying said variable frequency signal so as to vary the value of said first frequency difference signal.

Claim 13

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a frequency difference signal; first multiplier means for generating a plurality of frequency signals each proportional to a multIple of said variable frequency signal; second multiplier means for generating a plurality of frequency signals each proportional to a multiple of said fixed frequency signal; mixer means for mixing selected ones of said first multiplier means signals with selected ones of said second multiplier means signals to derive sum and difference products of said selected signals; means for passing one of said mixer products of each of said selected and mixed signals to derive a set of discrete frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal; and means for varying said variable frequency signal so as to vary the value of said frequency difference signal.

Claim 14

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a frequency difference signal; first multiplier means for generating a plurality of frequency signals each proportional to a multIple of said variable frequency signal; second multiplier means for generating a plurality of frequency signals each proportional to a multiple of said fixed frequency signal; mixer means for mixing selected ones of said first multiplier means signals with selected ones of said second multiplier means signals to derive sum and difference products of said selected signals; means for passing one of said mixer products of each of said selected and mixed signals to derive a set of discrete frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal; and means for varying said variable frequency signal so as to vary the value of said frequency difference signal.

Claim 15

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a frequency difference signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportional to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of discrete frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal; element means for receiving individual ones of said discrete frequency signals for providing an antenna array device producing a sweeping radiant energy beam at a distance from such array which beam sweeps at a rate proportional to said frequency difference signal; and means for varying the sweep rate of said radiant energy beam comprising means for varying the frequency of said variable frequency signal;

Claim 16

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for mixing said fixed frequency signal with said variable frequency signal to produce sum and difference products of such signals; filter means for filtering out one of said products to derive a frequency difference signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportional to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of discrete frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal; element means for receiving individual ones of said discrete frequency signals for providing an antenna array device producing a sweeping radiant energy beam at a distance from such array which beam sweeps at a rate proportional to said frequency difference signal; and means for varying the sweep rate of said radiant energy beam comprising means for varying the frequency of said variable frequency signal;

Claim 17

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for deriving a frequency difference signal proportional to the frequency difference between said fixed frequency signal and said variable frequency signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportional to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of discrete frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal; means for coupling said set of discrete frequency signals to elements of an antenna array to produce a progressive phase shift across the antenna array; and means for varying said progressive phase shift comprising means for varying the frequency of said variable frequency signal.

Claim 18

In combination: means for generating a fixed frequency signal; means for generating a variable frequency signal; means for deriving a frequency difference signal proportional to the frequency difference between said fixed frequency signal and said variable frequency signal; means for multiplying said fixed frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a first set of signals proportional to multiples of said fixed frequency signal; means for multiplying said variable frequency signal in individual multiplier circuits to produce a second set of separate signals proportional to multiples of the variable frequency signal; means for mixing selected ones of said first set of separate signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to produce sum and difference frequency signals thereof; means for filtering out selected ones of said sum and difference frequency signals to derive a set of discrete frequency signals proportional to said fixed frequency signal and a progressive multiple of said frequency difference signal; means for coupling said set of discrete frequency signals to elements of an antenna array to produce a progressive phase shift across the antenna array; and means for varying said progressive phase shift comprising means for varying the frequency of said variable frequency signal.

Claim 19

Apparatus for generating a set of discrete frequency signals comprising: means for generating a control signal F 0 ; means for generating a frequency variable signal F 0 + Delta which is frequency offset a predetermined amount Delta from said control signal; multiplier means for deriving harmonics of said control signal and said frequency variable signal; and means for mixing selected harmonics of said multiplier means with one another to derive the set of discrete frequency signals.

Claim 20

Apparatus for generating a set of discrete frequency signals comprising: means for generating a control signal F 0 ; means for generating a frequency variable signal F 0 + Delta which is frequency offset a predetermined amount Delta from said control signal; multiplier means for deriving harmonics of said control signal and said frequency variable signal; and means for mixing selected harmonics of said multiplier means with one another to derive the set of discrete frequency signals.

Claim 21

Apparatus for generating a set of discrete frequency signals comprising: means for generating a control signal F0; means for generating a frequency variable signal F0+ Delta which is frequency offset a predetermined amount Delta from said control signal; mixer means for mixing the control signal with the frequency variable signal to derive the offset signal Delta ; multiplier means for deriving harmonics of said control signal and said frequency variable signal; means for mixing selected harmonics of said multiplier means with one another to derive the set of discrete frequency signals; and means for displaying the frequency and phase of said offset signal Delta .

Claim 22

Apparatus for generating a set of discrete frequency signals comprising: means for generating a control signal F0; means for generating a frequency variable signal F0+ Delta which is frequency offset a predetermined amount Delta from said control signal; mixer means for mixing the control signal with the frequency variable signal to derive the offset signal Delta ; multiplier means for deriving harmonics of said control signal and said frequency variable signal; means for mixing selected harmonics of said multiplier means with one another to derive the set of discrete frequency signals; and means for displaying the frequency and phase of said offset signal Delta .

Claim 23

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; a third oscillator means for generating a third signal; means for deriving frequency multiples of said first, second and third signals; first mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said second signal with predetermined multiples of said first signal to derive a first set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said first and second signals; second mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said third signal to derive a second set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the first and third signals; and matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first set of signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to derive a third set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said selected signals.

Claim 24

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; a third oscillator means for generating a third signal; means for deriving frequency multiples of said first, second and third signals; first mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said second signal with predetermined multiples of said first signal to derive a first set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said first and second signals; second mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said third signal to derive a second set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the first and third signals; and matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first set of signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to derive a third set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said selected signals.

Claim 25

In combination: means for generating a first signal; means for generating a second signal; means for generating a third signal; means for deriving frequency multiples of said first, second and third signals; first mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a first set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predetermined multiples mixed; second mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said third signal to derive a second set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predetermined multiples mixed; matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first set of signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to derive a third set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said selected signals; and radiant element means for receiving each signal of said third set of signals for providing a two-dimensional array having a beam pattern which continuously sweeps across the array in one dimension in proportion to the frequency difference between said first and second signals and in the remaining dimension in proportion to the frequency difference between said first and third signals.

Claim 26

In combination: means for generating a first signal; means for generating a second signal; means for generating a third signal; means for deriving frequency multiples of said first, second and third signals; first mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a first set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predetermined multiples mixed; second mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said third signal to derive a second set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predetermined multiples mixed; matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first set of signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to derive a third set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said selected signals; and radiant element means for receiving each signal of said third set of signals for providing a two-dimensional array having a beam pattern which continuously sweeps across the array in one dimension in proportion to the frequency difference between said first and second signals and in the remaining dimension in proportion to the frequency difference between said first and third signals.

Claim 27

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; third oscillator means for generating a third signal; means for deriving frequency multiples of said first, second and third signals; first mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a first set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predetermined multiples mixed; second mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said third signal with predetermined multiples of said first signal to derive a second set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predeteRmined multiples mixed; matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first set of signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to derive a third and fourth set of signals respectively proportional to the frequency difference between said first and second signals and said first and third signals; phase-shifter means coupled to said first oscillator for phase shifting said first signal a variable amount; and switching means for uncoupling one of said second and third signals from their respective mixer means and coupling in place thereof the phase shifted signal from said phase shifter means.

Claim 28

In combination: first oscillator means for generating a first signal; second oscillator means for generating a second signal; third oscillator means for generating a third signal; means for deriving frequency multiples of said first, second and third signals; first mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said first signal with predetermined multiples of said second signal to derive a first set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predetermined multiples mixed; second mixer means for mixing predetermined multiples of said third signal with predetermined multiples of said first signal to derive a second set of signals proportional to the frequency difference between the predeteRmined multiples mixed; matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first set of signals with selected ones of said second set of signals to derive a third and fourth set of signals respectively proportional to the frequency difference between said first and second signals and said first and third signals; phase-shifter means coupled to said first oscillator for phase shifting said first signal a variable amount; and switching means for uncoupling one of said second and third signals from their respective mixer means and coupling in place thereof the phase shifted signal from said phase shifter means.

Claim 29

In combination: means for deriving a plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive frequency differences; an initial plurality of coupling means each having a pair of input arms and a pair of output arms and responsive to signals applied to said input arms so as to produce an output at only one output arm when said applied signals are in-phase and an output only at the other output arm when said applied signals are out-of-phase; means for applying individual ones of said plurality of signals to individual ones of said input arms; and an additional plurality of coupling means each having a pair of input arms and output arms, said input arms being coupled to predetermined ones of said initial coupling means output arms.

Claim 30

In combination: means for deriving a plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive frequency differences; an initial plurality of coupling means each having a pair of input arms and a pair of output arms and responsive to signals applied to said input arms so as to produce an output at only one output arm when said applied signals are in-phase and an output only at the other output arm when said applied signals are out-of-phase; means for applying individual ones of said plurality of signals to individual ones of said input arms; and an additional plurality of coupling means each having a pair of input arms and output arms, said input arms being coupled to predetermined ones of said initial coupling means output arms.

Claim 31

In combination: means for deriving a plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive frequency differences; an initial plurality of hybrid means, each having a pair of input arms and a pair of output arms and responsive to signals applied to said input arms so as to produce an output at only one output arm when said applied signals are in phase and an output only at the other output arm when said applied signals are out-of-phase; means for coupling individual ones of said plurality of signals to individual ones of said input arms; an additional plurality of hybrid means each having a pair of input arms and output arms, said input arms being coupled to predetermined ones of said initial hybrid means output arms; and antenna element means coupled to predetermined output arms of said additional hybrid means.

Claim 32

In combination: means for deriving a plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive frequency differences; an initial plurality of hybrid means, each having a pair of input arms and a pair of output arms and responsive to signals applied to said input arms so as to produce an output at only one output arm when said applied signals are in phase and an output only at the other output arm when said applied signals are out-of-phase; means for coupling individual ones of said plurality of signals to individual ones of said input arms; an additional plurality of hybrid means each having a pair of input arms and output arms, said input arms being coupled to predetermined ones of said initial hybrid means output arms; and antenna element means coupled to predetermined output arms of said additional hybrid means.

Claim 33

In combination: means for generating a first frequency signal; means for generating a second frequency signal; means for generating a third frequency signal; means for deriving a first plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive multiples of the frequency difference between said first and second frequency signals; means for deriving a second plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive multiples of the frequency difference between said first and third frequency signals; matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first plurality of signals with selected ones of said second plurality of signals to derive a third plurality of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said selected signals; a plurality of radiant elements for receiving individual signals of said third plurality of signals to provide a beam pattern which sweeps across said radiant elements in two dimensions; and means for controlling the rate of sweep of said beam in at least one dimension comprising means for varying the frequency difference between said first signal and at least one of said second and third signals.

Claim 34

In combination: means for generating a first frequency signal; means for generating a second frequency signal; means for generating a third frequency signal; means for deriving a first plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive multiples of the frequency difference between said first and second frequency signals; means for deriving a second plurality of signals spaced apart in frequency by progressive multiples of the frequency difference between said first and third frequency signals; matrix means for mixing selected ones of said first plurality of signals with selected ones of said second plurality of signals to derive a third plurality of signals proportional to the frequency difference between said selected signals; a plurality of radiant elements for receiving individual signals of said third plurality of signals to provide a beam pattern which sweeps across said radiant elements in two dimensions; and means for controlling the rate of sweep of said beam in at least one dimension comprising means for varying the frequency difference between said first signal and at least one of said second and third signals.