Coaxial dual antenna connection arrangement for communications apparatus

Claim 1

An interconnection arrangement as for ultra high frequency communications apparatus containing radio circuitry, the arrangement comprising in combination: a housing formed of an insulating material and having at least first and second apertures in the walls thereof; a coaxial switch/connector retained within the insulating housing and including a conductive housing member having first and second apertures aligned with the first and second apertures respectively of the insulating housing, an insulating sleeve member retained within the conductive housing member and having first and second apertures aligned with the first and second apertures respectively of the conductive housing, a resilient conductive member retained by the insulating sleeve member with a first movable portion within the conductive housing and a second portion projecting from the conductive housing, the first portion having first and second positions, and in both positions being approximately axially aligned in the conductive housing member, a rigid conductive member movably supported within the sleeve member and having a first position in contact with the conductive housing member and a second position for moving the resilient conductive member from the first to the second position, and means for biasing the rigid conductive member into the first position; a coaxial antenna having a first centrally located conductive element positioned to enter the insulating housing through the first aperture therein for coupling to the resilient conductive member when in the first position, and a second conductive outer element spaced from the first element and coupled to the conductive housing member adjacent the first aperture therein; a first coaxial cable having a first centrally positioned conductive element for coupling the radio circuitry to the second portion of the resilient conductive member of the coaxial connector, and a second, outer conductive element spaced apart from the first element and coupled to the conductive housing member; and a second coaxial cable for coupling signals from a second antenna to the radio circuitry and having a first centrally located conductive element adapted to be aligned with the second aperture of the insulating housing for contacting and moving the rigid conductive member of the coaxial connector from the first to the second position, disconnecting the centrally located element of the coaxial antenna from the resilient conductive member, and a second, outer conductive element spaced apart from the first element and coupled to the conductive housing member of the coaxial connector.