US3747095A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Synchronous satellite tracking system
Assignee: AT&T Inc
•
Filing: 1970-10-19
•
Granted: 1973-07-17
•
Expires: 1990-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A synchronous earth satellite typically describes a figure ''''8'''' pattern because the plane of its orbit is generally inclined and/or elliptical. To satisfactorily track this satellite motion, the Fourier components of the same in azimuth and elevation are calculated from the orbit parameters and a partial Fourier series synthesizer is utilized to derive a pair of voltages proportional to desired elevation and azimuth correction signals. The latter are then used to correct the original or normal positioning of the tracking antenna so that the same follows the figure ''''8'''' pattern described by the satellite.
Inventors
- 👤 R Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:00
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/66; G01S13/68
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
In a communications system which includes a synchronous earth satellite whose orbit is inclined and/or elliptical so that the satellite''s motion takes the form of a figure ''''8'''' pattern and an antenna for tracking the same, means for deriving the orbit parameters of the satellite''s motion in azimuth and elevation, means for employing the derived azimuth and elevation orbit parameters to produce voltages that are indicative of partial Fourier series representations of the elevation and azimuth motions of the satellite, and means operative in response to said produced voltages to alter the pointing of the tracking antenna so that the same substantially follows the figure 8 pattern described by the satellite.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a communications system which includes a synchronous earth satellite whose orbit is inclined and/or elliptical so that the satellite''s motion takes the form of a figure ''''8'''' pattern and an antenna for tracking the same, means for deriving the orbit parameters of the satellite''s motion in azimuth and elevation, means for employing the derived azimuth and elevation orbit parameters to produce voltages that are indicative of partial Fourier series representations of the elevation and azimuth motions of the satellite, and means operative in response to said produced voltages to alter the pointing of the tracking antenna so that the same substantially follows the figure 8 pattern described by the satellite.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A communications system as defined in claim 1 wherein the partial Fourier series representations are comprised of a limited number of discrete terms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A communications system as defined in claim 2 wherein said limited number of terms is equal to three.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A communications system as defined in claim 3 including means for initially positioning the tracking antenna to the average position of the satellite.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A communications system as defined in claim 4 including means for compensating for any slow westerly drift experienced by the satellite.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
87 words
A communications system comprising a synchronous earth satellite having an orbit which is inclined and/or elliptical so that the satellite''s motion takes the form of a figure ''''8'''' pattern, an antenna for tracking the satellite, means for deriving the orbit parameters of the satellite''s motion in azimuth and elevation, means operative in response to the derived orbit parameters for positioning the tracking antenna to the average position of the satellite, synthesizer means utilized the derived orbit parameters to produce elevation and azimuth correction voltages respectively proportional to
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
87 words
A communications system comprising a synchronous earth satellite having an orbit which is inclined and/or elliptical so that the satellite''s motion takes the form of a figure ''''8'''' pattern, an antenna for tracking the satellite, means for deriving the orbit parameters of the satellite''s motion in azimuth and elevation, means operative in response to the derived orbit parameters for positioning the tracking antenna to the average position of the satellite, synthesizer means utilized the derived orbit parameters to produce elevation and azimuth correction voltages respectively proportional to
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
A communications system sa defined in claim 6 wherein m 3.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A communications system as defined in claim 7 including means for compensating for slow westerly drift experienced by the satellite.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
122 words
In a communications system which includes a synchronous earth satellite whose orbit is inclined and/or elliptical so that the sAtellite''s motion takes the form of a figure ''''8'''' pattern, an antenna for tracking the satellite and a computer for deriving the orbit parameters of the satellite''s motion in azimuth and elevation, which system is characterized by means operative in response to the derived azimuth and elevation orbit parameters for producing voltages that are indicative of partial Fourier series representations of the azimuth and elevation motions of the satellite, and means operative in response to the partial Fourier series representational voltages to alter the pointing of the tracking antenna so that the same substantially follows the figure 8 pattern described by the satellite.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
122 words
In a communications system which includes a synchronous earth satellite whose orbit is inclined and/or elliptical so that the sAtellite''s motion takes the form of a figure ''''8'''' pattern, an antenna for tracking the satellite and a computer for deriving the orbit parameters of the satellite''s motion in azimuth and elevation, which system is characterized by means operative in response to the derived azimuth and elevation orbit parameters for producing voltages that are indicative of partial Fourier series representations of the azimuth and elevation motions of the satellite, and means operative in response to the partial Fourier series representational voltages to alter the pointing of the tracking antenna so that the same substantially follows the figure 8 pattern described by the satellite.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-16 | 1977-01-15 | 1977-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-16 | 1981-01-15 | 1981-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-16 | 1985-01-15 | 1985-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |