Ultra-high frequency, slot coupled, low-cost antenna system

Claim 1

An antenna apparatus for mounting on a window and adapted for operation in the ultra-high frequency range of greater than or equal to about 1.5 GHz in conjunction with a utilization device, comprising: an elongated radiating element having an electrical length of at least 1/2 wavelength; a first housing for engaging an outer surface of the window, the first housing having means for supporting the radiating element thereon; a second housing for engaging an inner surface of said window; a first coupler disposed in said first housing and electrically connected to said radiating element, the first coupler including a planar member having first and second opposing surfaces, the first surface having an electrically conductive material disposed thereon which defines a ground plane of said first coupler, said first surface further having a planar cavity disposed thereon, the cavity being substantially surrounded by said conductive material, the second surface having an electrically conductive exciter strip disposed thereon in registration with said first surface planar cavity; a second coupler electrically connected to said utilization device, the second coupler including a planar member having opposing first and second surfaces, the first surface also having an electrically conductive material disposed thereon to define a ground plane for said second coupler, said first surface also having a planar cavity disposed therein and being substantially surrounded by said conductive material, said planar member second surface having an exciter strip formed from a conductive material disposed thereon in alignment with said second coupler planar cavity and generally perpendicular thereto; impedance matching means disposed within said first housing and connected between said first coupler exciter strip and said radiating element; connection means comprising a coaxial cable extending into said second housing and having within said second housing a central conductor electrically connected to said second coupler exciter strip and a shielded conductor connected to said second coupler ground plane; and said first and second coupler first surfaces being generally disposed opposite each other on said outer and inner surfaces of said window.