US3680123A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Luneberg lens ecm apparatus
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1970-10-09
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Granted: 1972-07-25
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Expires: 1990-10-09
Abstract
Abstract A Luneberg lens antenna system for ECM applications. A cylindrical Luneberg lens of suitable dimensions is rigidly mounted between a pair of juxtaposed, parallel conducting plates. A selectively predetermined number of feed-horns are mounted and disposed independently of the lens about the periphery of the lens and in close proximity thereto. The antenna system can be combined with an IFM (Instantaneous Frequency Measurement) receiver to provide instantaneous reception of signals and precise and accurate direction-finding of signals over 360* azimuth. The antenna system also features high-gain, narrow beamwidths, low sidelobes, and acceptance of multiple signal polarizations.
Inventors
- 👤 Marion B Bryant
- 👤 Barry R Hunt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 07:30
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03J; H03J7/00; H03J7/18; H03J7/32; G; G01; G01S; G01S1/00; G01S1/02; H01; H01Q; H01Q19/00; H01Q19/06; H01Q19/062; H01Q25/00; H01Q25/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
In ECM apparatus, a multi-beam, passive acquisition direction-finder system comprising: a selectively predetermined number of Luneberg lens antennas operable over a different frequency range for receiving microwave energy; instantaneous bearing measurement means coupled to the output of each of said antennas for providing a pulse-by-pulse determination of bearing by digitally processing each incident pulse of microwave energy and generating a digital voltage proportional to the bearing of said pulse; instantaneous frequency measurement means for providing a pulseby-pulse determination of frequency by digitally processing each incident pulse of microwave energy and generating a digital voltage proportional to the frequency of said pulse; and display means coupled to the outputs of said bearing and frequency measurement means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
In ECM apparatus, a multi-beam, passive acquisition direction-finder system comprising: a selectively predetermined number of Luneberg lens antennas operable over a different frequency range for receiving microwave energy; instantaneous bearing measurement means coupled to the output of each of said antennas for providing a pulse-by-pulse determination of bearing by digitally processing each incident pulse of microwave energy and generating a digital voltage proportional to the bearing of said pulse; instantaneous frequency measurement means for providing a pulseby-pulse determination of frequency by digitally processing each incident pulse of microwave energy and generating a digital voltage proportional to the frequency of said pulse; and display means coupled to the outputs of said bearing and frequency measurement means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 1 wherein each of said Luneberg lens antennas consists of a cylindrical Luneberg lens rigidly supported between and in contact with two juxtaposed, parallel conducting plates, said antenna further including a selectively predetermined number of microwave feed-horns disposed in a symmetrical manner about the periphery of said lens and in close proximity thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said microwave feed-horns comprise cavity-backed spirals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein three Luneberg lens antennas are stacked vertically with respect to each other to obtain unobstructed surveillance over 360* .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further including omni-channel means for selectively deriving a signal threshold level whereby only incident pulses exceeding said level are coupled to said display means and whereby sidelobe interference is suppressed by selecting a threshold level higher than the expected sidelobes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 5 further including means coupled to the output of said omni-channel means for selecting the center or boresight bearing of the incident pulses of microwave energy as the bearing of the source transmitting said microwave energy.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3060427A
Cited
US3392394A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-25 | 1976-01-24 | 1976-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-25 | 1980-01-24 | 1980-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-25 | 1984-01-24 | 1984-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |