Bi-directional antenna array

Claim 1

A bi-directional array for scanning a bi-directional pattern to better utilize a congested frequency spectrum comprising: a base axis; a first continuously curved loop antenna element vertically carried by said axis; a second continuously curved loop antenna element carried vertically by said base axis; said base axis lying in the plane of both said first and second loop elements; input terminal means connected to said first and second antenna elements adopted for connection to a radiation source; a first bi-directional pattern radiated by said first antenna elements adopted for connection to a radiation source; a first bi-directional pattern radiated by said first antenna element having a major signal load extending generally equally in opposite directions from said base axis and a minor signal load in a direction generally perpendicular to said major signal load direction; a second-bi-directional pattern radiated by said second antenna element having a major signal load extending generally equally in opposite directions from base axis, and a minor signal load in a direction generally perpendicular to said major signal load; said first and second antenna loop elements carried about said base axis with the vertical planes of said loop elements mutually perpendicular to one another and adapted so that either antenna element may be selectively operated to produce either of said bi-directional patterns to the exclusion of a significant position of the non-selected pattern affording a high degree of side rejection so that a congested frequency spectrum may be better utilized and said loop elements including a plurality of individual flexible generally straight sections, each section including a center conductive core encapsulated by an outer layer of dielectric materal affording structural rigidity and enabling said sections to bend and be joined end-to-end to form said curved loop configuration and to be resilient for disassembly thereafter.