Multiaxis rotary joint for guided em waves

Claim 1

An electromagnetic wave guiding rotary joint comprising: a coaxial line section whose outer conductor at one end is rigid and spherically configured to form a spherical journal, and whose inner conductor at the same end extends beyond the outer conductor a predetermined length, a waveguide section having an aperture in one side, a bearing member having a spherical race complementary with said spherical journal of said coaxial section, said bearing member being connected to said waveguide section and having an aperture in appropriate alignment with said waveguide side aperture, said bearing receiving said spherical journal such that the inner conductor extension protrudes into said waveguide and provides electromagnetic wave communication between said waveguide section and said coaxial section, said bearing and journal cooperating to form a joint capable of rotation about two or more axes, said bearing member comprising a metal housing and a dielectric material, said dielectric material forming at least a part of said spherical race and further, to constitute an RF choke within a predetermined frequency range, being configured to act as substantially a half wavelength shorted transmission line wherein the actual point of sliding metal to metal contact is at or near a current minimum.