US3798649A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Antenna control
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-08-28
•
Granted: 1974-03-19
•
Expires: 1992-08-28
Abstract
Abstract An automatic control for a motorized directional antenna of the type used for reception of a high frequency broadcast signals. The control includes electronic circuitry for monitoring the incoming signal input at a broadcast receiver and electronically comparing the received signal to a signal of maximum strength from the signal source received during movement of the antenna, together with a logic-controlled switching circuit that causes the antenna motor to reverse in a predetermined pattern to hunt and aim the antenna at an angular position at which the maximum signal strength is received.
Inventors
- 👤 S Houng
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/02; G01S3/14; G01S3/38; G01S3/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
289 words
In combination with a high frequency broadcast signal receiving antenna rotatably mounted on a support; a reversible motor operatively connected between the support and antenna for selectively rotating the antenna so as to index the antenna for reception of a broadcast signal of maximum strength; a motor control circuit operatively connected to the motor selectively operable to cause the motor to rotate the antenna in opposite directions; and a receiver connected to the antenna; the improvement in an automatic control for the motor control circuit comprising: memory means connected to the receiver for continuously monitoring the strength of the instantaneous signal received thereby from the antenna, storing the maximum signal received and producing a comparative signal proportional to the difference in strength between the stored maximum signal and the instantaneous signal received thereby; comparator means operatively connected to said memory means for producing a first digital output signal in response to reception of a comparative signal above a predetermined threshold level and a second digital output signal in response to reception of a comparative signal below the predetermined threshold level; binary counter means operatively connected to said comparator means for counting two reversals of the digital output signal from said comparator means for producing alternate control output signals dependent upon the number of digital output signals received thereby from saiD comparator means; and logic switching means operatively connected to the binary counter means and said motor control circuit for operating the motor in alternative directions of rotation in response to a predetermined logical sequence of control output signals to thereby reversibly rotate the antenna to hunt and aim the antenna at an angular position at which the maximum signal strength of a selected station is received at said receiver.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
289 words
In combination with a high frequency broadcast signal receiving antenna rotatably mounted on a support; a reversible motor operatively connected between the support and antenna for selectively rotating the antenna so as to index the antenna for reception of a broadcast signal of maximum strength; a motor control circuit operatively connected to the motor selectively operable to cause the motor to rotate the antenna in opposite directions; and a receiver connected to the antenna; the improvement in an automatic control for the motor control circuit comprising: memory means connected to the receiver for continuously monitoring the strength of the instantaneous signal received thereby from the antenna, storing the maximum signal received and producing a comparative signal proportional to the difference in strength between the stored maximum signal and the instantaneous signal received thereby; comparator means operatively connected to said memory means for producing a first digital output signal in response to reception of a comparative signal above a predetermined threshold level and a second digital output signal in response to reception of a comparative signal below the predetermined threshold level; binary counter means operatively connected to said comparator means for counting two reversals of the digital output signal from said comparator means for producing alternate control output signals dependent upon the number of digital output signals received thereby from saiD comparator means; and logic switching means operatively connected to the binary counter means and said motor control circuit for operating the motor in alternative directions of rotation in response to a predetermined logical sequence of control output signals to thereby reversibly rotate the antenna to hunt and aim the antenna at an angular position at which the maximum signal strength of a selected station is received at said receiver.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus set out in claim 1, further comprising: memory eraser means operatively connected to said memory means for erasing the maximum signal stored therein following aiming of the antenna at the angular position at which the maximum strength of a selected station is received and preventing production of a comparative signal while the instantaneous signal received by the receiver remains above a predetermined reference level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus set out in claim 2 wherein said logic switching means is programmed to first initiate and continue rotation of the antenna when the instantaneous signal received by the receiver falls below the predetermined reference level, thereby deactivating said memory eraser means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
124 words
The apparatus set out in claim 2 wherein said logic switching means is programmed to first initiate and continue rotation of the antenna when the instantaneous signal received by the receiver falls below the predetermined reference level, thereby deactivating said memory eraser means; to next reverse the direction of rotation of the antenna in response to reception of a comparative signal at the comparator means above the predetermined threshold level; to continue such reversed rotation when the comparative signal next falls below the predetermined threshold level; to then again reverse the direction of rotation when the comparative signal again rises above the predetermined threshold level; and finally to stop rotation of the antenna when the comparative signal next falls below the predetermined threshold level.
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) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |