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US4590481A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Focal finder for parabolic reflector antenna
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1983-08-15
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Granted: 1986-05-20
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Expires: 2003-08-15
Abstract
Abstract A compact, easily manipulable measuring device is provided, particularly useful for properly positioning the feed horn of a parabolic reflector antenna, or the like, relative to the satellite reflecting dish of the antenna. When installing or maintaining an antenna, it is important for optimum signal reception to position the feed horn at or near the focal point of the satellite dish. Such feed horns typically present a central axis, which if aligned with the center point of the satellite dish approximately positions the feed horn at the focal point of the satellite dish. The device of the present invention presents a telescopic rod structure coupled to a support head. The support head presents structure for attachment to the feed horn such that the rod structure preferably lies along the feed horn central axis. With the rod structure extended to a position adjacent the satellite dish, it is readily apparent whether the feed horn central axis is aligned with the satellite dish center point or if adjustment of the feed horn is necessary.
Inventors
- 👤 Vernon K. Burditt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:32
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q15/00; H01Q15/14; H01Q15/16; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/12; H01Q1/125; H01Q1/1264
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A device particularly useful for positioning the feed horn or the like of an antenna, relative the reflecting dish of the antenna, said device comprising: a support head including means for temporarily coupling said head to the feed horn of an antenna in a predetermined orientation; and rod means operatively coupled to said support head for determining the relative orientation of the feed horn to a reference point on the reflecting dish of an antenna, said rod means including an elongated first member secured to said support head at a predetermined angular relationship, an elongated second member having one end disposed adjacent said first member, and means for operatively coupling said one end of the second member to said first member at a certain angular relationship and operable for positioning the other end of said second member adjacent said satellite dish whereby the relative position of said other end to said reference point on said satellite dish indicates the relative orientation of said feed horn to said reference point.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
169 words
A device particularly useful for positioning the feed horn or the like of an antenna, relative the reflecting dish of the antenna, said device comprising: a support head including means for temporarily coupling said head to the feed horn of an antenna in a predetermined orientation; and rod means operatively coupled to said support head for determining the relative orientation of the feed horn to a reference point on the reflecting dish of an antenna, said rod means including an elongated first member secured to said support head at a predetermined angular relationship, an elongated second member having one end disposed adjacent said first member, and means for operatively coupling said one end of the second member to said first member at a certain angular relationship and operable for positioning the other end of said second member adjacent said satellite dish whereby the relative position of said other end to said reference point on said satellite dish indicates the relative orientation of said feed horn to said reference point.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device as set forth in claim 1, said second member being slidably coupled to said first member in a parallel relation whereby said second member is oriented relative said support head at the same predetermined angular relationship as said first member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as set forth in claim 1, said first member having structure defining an elongated bore therein and said second member being telescopically received within said bore.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as set forth in claim 1, said rod means including scale means for determining the linear distance between said reference point and said feed horn.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device as set forth in claim 3, said second member having a graduated scale marked on the surface thereof for determining the linear distance of said feed horn from said reference point.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
189 words
A device particularly useful for positioning the feed horn or the like of an antenna, relative the reflecting dish of the antenna, said device comprising: a support head including means for attaching said head to the feed horn of an antenna in a predetermined orientation, said feed horn having structure defining a socket therein and said support head being complementally dimensioned for operative reception within said socket; and rod means operatively coupled to said support head for determining the relative orientation of the feed horn to a reference point on the reflecting dish of an antenna, said rod means including-an elongated first member secured to said support head at a predetermined angular relationship, an elongated second member having one end disposed adjacent said first member, and means for operatively coupling said one end of the second member to said first member at a certain angular relationship and operable for positioning the other end of said second member adjacent said satellite dish whereby the relative position of said other end to said reference point on said satellite dish indicates the relative orientation of said feed horn to said reference point.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
189 words
A device particularly useful for positioning the feed horn or the like of an antenna, relative the reflecting dish of the antenna, said device comprising: a support head including means for attaching said head to the feed horn of an antenna in a predetermined orientation, said feed horn having structure defining a socket therein and said support head being complementally dimensioned for operative reception within said socket; and rod means operatively coupled to said support head for determining the relative orientation of the feed horn to a reference point on the reflecting dish of an antenna, said rod means including-an elongated first member secured to said support head at a predetermined angular relationship, an elongated second member having one end disposed adjacent said first member, and means for operatively coupling said one end of the second member to said first member at a certain angular relationship and operable for positioning the other end of said second member adjacent said satellite dish whereby the relative position of said other end to said reference point on said satellite dish indicates the relative orientation of said feed horn to said reference point.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A device as set forth in claim 6, said socket and said support head being circular in cross-section with said support head presenting an O-ring circumscribing the perimeter of said support head, said O-ring operatively centering and operatively retaining said head in said socket.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device as set forth in claim 7, said first member being fixedly secured to said head in such a manner that with said device attached to said feed horn, the central axes of said socket, support head, and first member are coaxial.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device as set forth in claim 6, said socket-defining structure presenting an inwardly-extending shoulder and said head presenting an outwardly-extending engagement surface whereby said engagement surface contacts said shoulder when said head is properly positioned in said socket.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device as set forth in claim 8, said first member having structure defining an elongated bore therein and said second member being telescopically received in said bore coaxial with the center of said socket.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device as set forth in claim 10, said feed horn having structure defining a cylindrically-shaped socket about the central axis and said support head presenting a circular in cross-section body for the sliding reception of said head within the socket in a coaxial orientation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device as set forth in claim 10, said body being tapered.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as set forth in claim 10, said second rod having a distance measuring scale affixed to the outer surface thereof.
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) | 1989-05-19 | 1989-11-18 | 1990-05-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-05-19 | 1993-11-18 | 1994-05-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-05-19 | 1997-11-18 | 1998-05-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |