US3725937A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Radar system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line
Assignee: Telefunken Patentverwertungs GmbH
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Filing: 1964-05-25
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Granted: 1973-04-03
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Expires: 1984-05-25
Abstract
Abstract A radar system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line. In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna arrangement is switched between at least two states which result in at least two respective radiation patterns having axes of symmetry at an angle to the optical axis of the antenna. The incoming signals are passed through a single receiving channel and are separated, in synchronism with the rate at which the antenna is switched to produce the different radiation patterns. The amplitude relation of successive separate signals is determined from which there is derived an error signal which is proportional to the angular deviation.
Inventors
- 👤 O Schreiber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:54
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/02; G01S13/06; G01S13/42; G01S13/422
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, the combination which comprises: an antenna arrangement which is switchable between at least two states in which said antenna arrangement produces at least two respective radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement; means connected to said antenna arrangement for switching the same between said states, said switching means maintaining said antenna arrangement in each of its states throughout equal time intervals; means forming a single receiving channel connected, at its input end, to said antenna arrangement; automatic gain control means responsive to the average value of the amplitudes of the non-separated signals for amplifying the same; separating means arranged at the output end of said channel and synchronized with said switching means for separating the amplified signals passing through said channel into separate signal trains each pertaining to a respective state of said antenna arrangement; and means connected to the output of said separatinG means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, the combination which comprises: an antenna arrangement which is switchable between at least two states in which said antenna arrangement produces at least two respective radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement; means connected to said antenna arrangement for switching the same between said states, said switching means maintaining said antenna arrangement in each of its states throughout equal time intervals; means forming a single receiving channel connected, at its input end, to said antenna arrangement; automatic gain control means responsive to the average value of the amplitudes of the non-separated signals for amplifying the same; separating means arranged at the output end of said channel and synchronized with said switching means for separating the amplified signals passing through said channel into separate signal trains each pertaining to a respective state of said antenna arrangement; and means connected to the output of said separatinG means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separate signals incorporate means for determining the amplitude difference.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
195 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, the combination which comprises: an antenna arrangement which is switchable between at least two states in which said antenna arrangement produces at least two respective radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement; means connected to said antenna arrangement for switching the same between said states, said switching means maintaining said antenna arrangement in each of its states throughout unequal intervals such that, over a plurality of change-overs, the average of the total time through which said antenna arrangement is in each state is the same; means forming a single receiving channel connected, at its input end, to said antenna arrangement; separating means arranged at the output end of said channel and synchronized with said switching means for separating the signals passing through said channel into separate signal trains each pertaining to a respective state of said antenna arrangement; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
195 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, the combination which comprises: an antenna arrangement which is switchable between at least two states in which said antenna arrangement produces at least two respective radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement; means connected to said antenna arrangement for switching the same between said states, said switching means maintaining said antenna arrangement in each of its states throughout unequal intervals such that, over a plurality of change-overs, the average of the total time through which said antenna arrangement is in each state is the same; means forming a single receiving channel connected, at its input end, to said antenna arrangement; separating means arranged at the output end of said channel and synchronized with said switching means for separating the signals passing through said channel into separate signal trains each pertaining to a respective state of said antenna arrangement; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination defined in claim 3, further comprising automatic gain control means responsive to the average value of the amplitude of the non-separated signals throughout a plurality of change-overs for amplifying said signals prior to their separation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination defined in claim 4 wherein said means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals incorporate means for determining the amplitude difference over a plurality of change-overs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, the combination which comprises: an antenna arrangement which is switchable between at least two states in which said antenna arrangement produces at least two respective radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement, said antenna arrangement comprising a main reflector, a primary feed, an auxiliary reflector positioned to reflect signals from said main reflector to said primary feed, and switching means for electrically changing the center of reflection of said auxiliary reflector and thereby for switching said antenna arrangement between said states; means forming a single receiving channel connected, at its input end, to said antenna arrangement; separating means arranged at the output end of said channel and synchronized with said switching means for separating the signals passing through said channel into separate signal trains each pertaining to a respective state of said antenna arrangement; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, the combination which comprises: an antenna arrangement which is switchable between at least two states in which said antenna arrangement produces at least two respective radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement, said antenna arrangement comprising a main reflector, a primary feed, an auxiliary reflector positioned to reflect signals from said main reflector to said primary feed, and switching means for electrically changing the center of reflection of said auxiliary reflector and thereby for switching said antenna arrangement between said states; means forming a single receiving channel connected, at its input end, to said antenna arrangement; separating means arranged at the output end of said channel and synchronized with said switching means for separating the signals passing through said channel into separate signal trains each pertaining to a respective state of said antenna arrangement; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
107 words
The combination defined in claim 6 wherein said means for changing the center of reflection comprise at least one wave guide opening at the surface of said auxiliary reflector, short-circuit means spaced lambda H/2 ( lambda H wave length of the wave guide) from the opening of the wave guide at said surface of said auxiliary reflector, and electrically activatable further short-circuit means spaced lambda H/4 from said opening of said wave guide, in consequence of which the effective electrical length of said wave guide may be changed, whenever desired, between lambda H/2 and lambda H/4, whereby the reflection characteristics of said auxiliary reflector may be changed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said electrically activatable short-circuit means comprise a PIN diode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said electrically activatable short-circuit means comprise a capacitance diode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
72 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said electrically activatable short-circuit means comprise a gas-tight diaphragm which itself has no effect on wave propagation, said diaphragm forming with said lambda H/2 short-circuit means a gas-tight chamber, and an inert gas in said chamber, whereby when the gas is ionized, the short-circuit plane of the wave guide is moved toward its opening and the effective length of the wave guide is lambda H/4.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said auxiliary reflector includes at least two wave guides located diametrically opposite each other with respect to the center of said auxiliary reflector.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said auxiliary reflector includes two pairs of wave guides, the wave guides of each pair being located diametrically opposite each other with respect to the center of said auxiliary reflector.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination defined in claim 12 wherein the two pairs of wave guides are arranged along lines which form right angles with each other.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said auxiliary reflector is a disc.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
133 words
An antenna arrangement comprising, in combination: a main reflector, a primary feed, an auxiliary reflector positioned to reflect signals from said main reflector to said primary feed, and means for electrically changing the center of reflection of said auxiliary reflector and comprising at least one wave guide opening at the surface of said auxiliary reflector, short-circuit means spaced lambda H12 ( lambda H wave length of the wave guide) from the opening of the wave guide at said surface of said auxiliary reflector, and electrically activatable further short-circuit means spaced lambda H/4 from said opening of said wave guide, in consequence of which the effective electrical length of said wave guide may be changed, whenever desired, between lambda H/2 and lambda H/4, whereby the reflection characteristics of said auxiliary reflector may be changed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
133 words
An antenna arrangement comprising, in combination: a main reflector, a primary feed, an auxiliary reflector positioned to reflect signals from said main reflector to said primary feed, and means for electrically changing the center of reflection of said auxiliary reflector and comprising at least one wave guide opening at the surface of said auxiliary reflector, short-circuit means spaced lambda H12 ( lambda H wave length of the wave guide) from the opening of the wave guide at said surface of said auxiliary reflector, and electrically activatable further short-circuit means spaced lambda H/4 from said opening of said wave guide, in consequence of which the effective electrical length of said wave guide may be changed, whenever desired, between lambda H/2 and lambda H/4, whereby the reflection characteristics of said auxiliary reflector may be changed.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
An antenna arrangement as defined in claim 15 wherein said electrically activatable short-circuit means comprise a PIN diode.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
An antenna arrangement as defined in claim 15 wherein said electrically activatable short-circuit means comprise a capacitance diode.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
74 words
An antenna arrangement as defined in claim 15 wherein said electrically activatable short-circuit means comprise a gas-tight diaphragm which itself has no effect on wave propagation, said diaphragm forming with said lambda H/2 short-circuit means a gas-tight chamber, and an inert gas in said chamber, whereby when the gas is ionized, the short-circuit plane of the wave guide is moved toward its opening and the effective length of the wave guide is lambda H/4.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
An antenna arrangement as defined in claim 15 wherein said auxiliary reflector includes at least two wave guides located diametrically opposite each other with respect to the center of said auxiliary reflector.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
An antenna arrangement as defined in claim 15 wherein said auxiliary reflector includes two pairs of wave guides, the wave guides of each pair being located diametrically opposite each other with respect to the center of said auxiliary reflector.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
An antenna arrangement as defined in claim 20 wherein the two pairs of wave guides are arranged along lines which form right angles with each other.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
An antenna arrangement as defined in claim 15 wherein said auxiliary reflector is a disc.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
107 words
In combination: a reflector and means for electrically changing the center of reflection of the reflector, said means cOmprising at least one wave guide opening at the surface of said reflector, short-circuit means spaced lambda H/2 ( lambda H wave length of the wave guide) from the opening of the wave guide at said surface of said reflector, and electrically activatable further short-circuit means spaced lambda H/4 from said opening of said wave guide, in consequence of which the effective electrical length of said wave guide may be changed, whenever desired, between lambda H/2 and lambda H/4, whereby the reflection characteristics of said reflector may be changed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
107 words
In combination: a reflector and means for electrically changing the center of reflection of the reflector, said means cOmprising at least one wave guide opening at the surface of said reflector, short-circuit means spaced lambda H/2 ( lambda H wave length of the wave guide) from the opening of the wave guide at said surface of said reflector, and electrically activatable further short-circuit means spaced lambda H/4 from said opening of said wave guide, in consequence of which the effective electrical length of said wave guide may be changed, whenever desired, between lambda H/2 and lambda H/4, whereby the reflection characteristics of said reflector may be changed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, which system incorporates an antenna arrangement having a reflector and two feeds that are arranged in a plane parallel to the reflector aperture and that are displaced from the focal point of the reflector for producing antenna radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement, such axis constituting the reference line, the improvement which comprises: means forming a single receiving channel; means for alternately connecting said feeds to said single receiving channel which is thus common to both of said feeds, said feeds being connected to said common feed channel throughout equal time intervals; automatic gain control means responsive to the average value of the amplitudes of the non-separated signals for amplifying the same; means arranged at the output end of said receiving channel for separating the received and amplified signals pertaining to said feeds; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, which system incorporates an antenna arrangement having a reflector and two feeds that are arranged in a plane parallel to the reflector aperture and that are displaced from the focal point of the reflector for producing antenna radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement, such axis constituting the reference line, the improvement which comprises: means forming a single receiving channel; means for alternately connecting said feeds to said single receiving channel which is thus common to both of said feeds, said feeds being connected to said common feed channel throughout equal time intervals; automatic gain control means responsive to the average value of the amplitudes of the non-separated signals for amplifying the same; means arranged at the output end of said receiving channel for separating the received and amplified signals pertaining to said feeds; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement defined in claim 24 wherein said means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separate signals incorporate means for determining the amplitude difference.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
195 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, which system incorporates an antenna arrangement having a reflector and two feeds that are arranged in a plane parallel to the reflector aperture and that are displaced from the focal point of the reflector for producing antenna radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement, such axis constituting the reference line, the improvement which comprises: means forming a single receiving channel; means for alternately connecting said feeds to said single receiving channel which is thus common to both of said feeds, said feeds being connected to said common feed channel throughout unequal time intervals such that, over a plurality of change-overs, the average of the total time throughout which each feed is connected to said common channel is the same; means arranged at the output end of said receiving channel for separating the received signals pertaining to said feeds; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
195 words
In a system for determining the angular deviation of a target from a reference line, which system incorporates an antenna arrangement having a reflector and two feeds that are arranged in a plane parallel to the reflector aperture and that are displaced from the focal point of the reflector for producing antenna radiation patterns having axes of symmetry that form angles with the optical axis of the antenna arrangement, such axis constituting the reference line, the improvement which comprises: means forming a single receiving channel; means for alternately connecting said feeds to said single receiving channel which is thus common to both of said feeds, said feeds being connected to said common feed channel throughout unequal time intervals such that, over a plurality of change-overs, the average of the total time throughout which each feed is connected to said common channel is the same; means arranged at the output end of said receiving channel for separating the received signals pertaining to said feeds; and means connected to the output of said separating means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals, thereby to derive an error signal which is proportional to said angular deviation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improvement defined in claim 26, further comprising automatic gain control means responsive to the average value of the amplitude of the non-separated signals throughout a plurality of change-overs for amplifying said signals prior to their separation.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement defined in claim 27 wherein said means for determining the amplitude relationship of successive separated signals incorporate means for determining the amplitude difference over a plurality of change-overs.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-02 | 1976-10-02 | 1977-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-02 | 1980-10-02 | 1981-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-02 | 1984-10-02 | 1985-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |