US4476576A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
VLF Communication system
Assignee: Summit Bank
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Filing: 1982-09-30
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Granted: 1984-10-09
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Expires: 2002-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A VLF communication system which utilizes the electrically conducting portions of an electromechanical cable connected to a deployed aerostat and acting as its tether so as to additionally serve as the VLF antenna.
Inventors
- 👤 Myron S. Wheeler
- 👤 Glenn R. Beach
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 02:41
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/12; H01Q1/1292
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A VLF communication system comprising: (A) a VLF transmitter; (B) an aerostat; (C) winch means; (D) an electromechanical cable connected between said winch means and said aerostat, when deployed; (E) said electromechanical cable including a plurality of electrically conducting members; (F) a slip ring arrangement including a plurality of slip rings in electrical contact with a respective one of said electrically conducting members; (G) a transformer having primary and secondary windings with said secondary being in electrical contact with said slip rings; (H) means for supplying said primary of said transformer with electrical energy; (I) means connecting said transmitter to said slip rings so as to be in electrical contact with said electrically conducting members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A VLF communication system comprising: (A) a VLF transmitter; (B) an aerostat; (C) winch means; (D) an electromechanical cable connected between said winch means and said aerostat, when deployed; (E) said electromechanical cable including a plurality of electrically conducting members; (F) a slip ring arrangement including a plurality of slip rings in electrical contact with a respective one of said electrically conducting members; (G) a transformer having primary and secondary windings with said secondary being in electrical contact with said slip rings; (H) means for supplying said primary of said transformer with electrical energy; (I) means connecting said transmitter to said slip rings so as to be in electrical contact with said electrically conducting members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (A) said transmitter is electrically connected to said secondary of said transformer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein: (A) said electromechanical cable includes three electrical conductors and a conducting shield; (B) said slip rings are respectively connected to said conductors and shield; (C) said transformer includes three primary windings and three secondary windings; (D) said transformer includes a transformer ground connection; (E) said three secondary windings being in respective electrical contact with said slip rings which are in contact with said three conductors; (F) said ground connection being in electrical contact with the slip ring which is in contact with said shield; and wherein (G) said transmitter is electrically connected to said secondary windings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (A) switch means connected to both said transmitter and transformer and operable to selectively connect one or the other to said slip rings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (A) a counterpoise having a plurality of wires radially extending on the ground at the location of said transmitter; (B) a plurality of grounding rods positioned in the conducting earth in a generally circular array at the distant ends of said radially extending wires; (C) means electrically joining said grounding rods with said radially extending wires.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein: (A) there are eight wires in said plurality of radially extending wires.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (A) said electromechanical cable includes an outer protective jacket which is electrically conductive so as to minimize inductive effects when wound upon said winch means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-09 | 1988-04-09 | 1988-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-09 | 1992-04-09 | 1992-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-09 | 1996-04-09 | 1996-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |