US3921176A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Constant beamwidth antenna
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1974-02-15
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Granted: 1975-11-18
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Expires: 1994-02-15
Abstract
Abstract An antenna assembly for radio frequency energy is disclosed wherein individual antenna elements making up an array are fed in an improved manner so that the width of a directive beam formed by such elements is maintained substantially constant over a wide band of operating frequencies. The feed, here in a form equivalent to a horn, is made to have frequency dependent characteristics such that the amplitude taper across the aperture defined by the array is increased as operating frequency is increased.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Shanafelt
- 👤 Richard F Hilton
- 👤 Donald H Archer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 15:34
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q21/00; H01Q21/0006; H01Q21/0031; H01Q5/00; H01Q5/20; H01Q5/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
In an antenna assembly for simultaneously providing a plurality of overlapping beams of electromagnetic energy, such beams being formed by interference between electromagnetic energy passed through constrained electrical paths including printed circuit lens having an irregular geometrical shape and radiated from an array of antenna elements, the electromagnetic energy in each one of the plurality of overlapping beams having any frequency within a band of frequencies, the improvement comprising: a plurality, corresponding to the number of overlapping beams of electromagnetic energy to be radiated, of feedports for said lens, each one of such feedports being responsive to electromagnetic energy having a frequency within a desired band of frequencies, to form a like plurality of beams of electromagnetic energy within said lens and each one of such feedports having a width equal to the wavelength, at the center of the band of frequencies, of the electromagnetic energy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
In an antenna assembly for simultaneously providing a plurality of overlapping beams of electromagnetic energy, such beams being formed by interference between electromagnetic energy passed through constrained electrical paths including printed circuit lens having an irregular geometrical shape and radiated from an array of antenna elements, the electromagnetic energy in each one of the plurality of overlapping beams having any frequency within a band of frequencies, the improvement comprising: a plurality, corresponding to the number of overlapping beams of electromagnetic energy to be radiated, of feedports for said lens, each one of such feedports being responsive to electromagnetic energy having a frequency within a desired band of frequencies, to form a like plurality of beams of electromagnetic energy within said lens and each one of such feedports having a width equal to the wavelength, at the center of the band of frequencies, of the electromagnetic energy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an antenna assembly for providing a directive beam of electromagnetic energy, such beam being formed by interference between electromAgnetic energy radiated from an array of antenna elements energized, through constrained electrical paths including a printed circuit lens having an irregular geometrical shape, by electromagnetic energy from a source thereof, such source being adapted to produce electromagnetic energy at any frequency within a band of frequencies, the improvement comprising: Means coupling a source of electromagnetic energy to said lens, such means including a feedport having a width equal to the wavelength, at the center of a band of operating frequencies, of the electromagnetic energy out of such source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an antenna assembly for providing a directive beam of electromagnetic energy, such beam being formed by interference between electromAgnetic energy radiated from an array of antenna elements energized, through constrained electrical paths including a printed circuit lens having an irregular geometrical shape, by electromagnetic energy from a source thereof, such source being adapted to produce electromagnetic energy at any frequency within a band of frequencies, the improvement comprising: Means coupling a source of electromagnetic energy to said lens, such means including a feedport having a width equal to the wavelength, at the center of a band of operating frequencies, of the electromagnetic energy out of such source.
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) | 1978-11-17 | 1979-05-19 | 1979-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-17 | 1983-05-19 | 1983-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-17 | 1987-05-19 | 1987-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |