Wave transmission lines and networks – Wave mode converters
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-02
2001-10-02
Pascal, Robert (Department: 2817)
Wave transmission lines and networks
Wave mode converters
C343S756000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06297710
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna system, and in particular to a slip joint polarizer integrated into an antenna reflector system.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) antenna systems are coming into widespread use in private communication systems. In such antenna systems a transmitter radio is fixedly connected via an ortho mode transducer (OMT) to a feed horn placed in front of a reflector. The antenna assembly including the transmitter radio, OMT, and feed horn is supported on the end of a boom. During installation the antenna assembly is rotated to adjust receive and/or transmit polarity of the side port and through port of the OMT based on the geographical site of the antenna relative to the satellite. Due to its relatively large size and weight, rotation of the antenna assembly is obtrusive and clumsy.
Instead of rotating the feed horn/OMT/transmitter radio assembly, some antenna systems rotate the entire reflector antenna system. In these antenna systems it is practical to rotate the entire antenna due to their relatively small size. Even so, such antenna systems require a relatively complex and expensive reflector back structure and a boom/feed support system that is able to withstand gravitational loads in many orientations.
Channel Master, the assignee of the present invention, has developed a probe polarizer in which a probe and its dielectric holder rotate while the feed horn, OMT and transmitter radio remain stationary. This construction, however, is very sensitive to manufacturing variations and requires a special fixture to set the proper angle of the probe. In addition, the probe is only used to adjust transmit polarity and has no effect on receive polarity.
It is therefore desirable to develop a relatively simple and inexpensive connection means for adjusting receive and/or transmit polarity of a linear polarity transmit/receive system that overcomes these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a slip joint polarizer and a method for installing the same. In accordance with the invention, the slip joint polarizer includes a stationary waveguide rotatably connected to a moveable waveguide by a mating interface, such as a pair of rotatable mating flanges. The moveable waveguide is rotated with respect to said stationary waveguide to adjust receive and/or transmit polarity. A probe extends axially in said moveable waveguide, passing through said mating interface and into said stationary waveguide. The probe may be attached to the moveable waveguide so that the two rotate simultaneously. Alternatively, the probe may be rotatable independent of the moveable waveguide to adjust for transmit polarity. During installation, the moveable waveguide is rotated with respect to the stationary waveguide in order to adjust receive and/or transmit polarity. Once properly adjusted, the rotatable mating flanges arc locked together to prevent movement.
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Cook Scott J.
Cronin Dennis L.
Gardner Peter L.
Vezmar John Michael
Channel Master LLC
Darby & Darby
Glenn Kimberly E.
Pascal Robert
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