Communications: radio wave antennas – Antennas – With vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-25
2001-09-25
Wimer, Michael C. (Department: 2821)
Communications: radio wave antennas
Antennas
With vehicle
C343S715000, C343S895000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295033
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an antenna apparatus, system and method for providing signals received from a satellite broadcast system to a radio receiver. More particularly, the invention relates to an antenna coupled to a transmission line integrated with a window clip mounted on a vehicle window, the interior portion of the transmission line being connectable to a radio receiver.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A number of methods exist for transferring radio frequency (RF) signals through a window in an automobile. For example, an antenna can be attached to a window using an adhesive, and RF signals can be transferred to an apparatus on the inside of the window using capacitive coupling, slot coupling or aperture coupling. Typically, as is known in the art, the antenna system consists of a transmission line, a coupling device such as a capacitive plate, a slot, or an aperture, a matching circuit between the transmission line and the coupling device, and the antenna itself.
Known coupling methods require matching to the transmission line, that is, the RF signals transferred through the glass must be adapted to the particular transmission line, adding cost to the apparatus. Additionally, there is inherent signal loss due to coupling of approximately 1 dB or more, as well as an insertion loss due to the matching circuit.
Examples of prior vehicle antennas are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,898,408 to Du, U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,592 to Studer, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,251 to Fisher, U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,098 to Blaese, U.S. Pat. No. 4,266,227 to Blaese, U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,251 to MacDougall, U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,199 to Wan et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,407 to Paulus et al.
Thus, there is a continuing need to provide an improved antenna system that reduces or eliminates signal loss caused by coupling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an antenna system for the reception of radio signals and transmission of the radio signals to a radio receiver where the radio signal is transmitted over a mission line without signal losses caused by coupling.
Another object of the invention is to provide an antenna system for the reception of radio signals and the transmission of the radio signals to a radio receiver where a transmission line electrically connects an externally mounted antenna to the radio receiver.
Another object of the invention is to provide a transmission line carried by a window clip where an outside end of the transmission line is electrically connectable to an externally mounted antenna and an interior end of the transmission line is connectable to a radio receiver.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an antenna assembly includes a clip having and inside portion and an outside portion and adapted for removably attaching to an edge surface; a transmission line carried by the clip and extending from the inside portion to the outside portion; an inside connector attached to an inside end of the transmission line; an outside connector attached to an outside end of the transmission line; and an antenna attached to the outside connector.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a mobile satellite radio receiver system includes a clip adapted to removably attach to an edge surface, the clip having an inside portion and an outside portion; a transmission line carried by the clip and extending from the inside portion to the outside portion; an antenna adapted to removably attach to an outside end of the transmission line; a mobile satellite radio receiver, and a coaxial cable adapted to be removably attached at one end to an inside end of the transmission line and at an opposite end to the mobile satellite radio receiver.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for coupling a satellite radio signal to a vehicle interior includes providing an antenna for receiving satellite radio signals; coupling the antenna to a transmission line; routing the transmission line over a window edge of the vehicle; and coupling a vehicle interior end of the transmission line to a satellite radio receiver.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 33743 (1991-11-01), Blaese
patent: 4109251 (1978-08-01), MacDougall
patent: 4266227 (1981-05-01), Blaese
patent: 4621243 (1986-11-01), Harada
patent: 4692770 (1987-09-01), Kadokura
patent: 4779098 (1988-10-01), Blaese
patent: 4882592 (1989-11-01), Studer, Jr. et al.
patent: 5099251 (1992-03-01), Fisher
patent: 5357262 (1994-10-01), Blaese
patent: 5850199 (1998-12-01), Wan et al.
patent: 5872549 (1999-02-01), Huynh et al.
patent: 5898407 (1999-04-01), Paulus et al.
patent: 5898408 (1999-04-01), Du
Chatzipetros Argyrios A.
Nguyen Anh
Patsiokas Stelios
Roylance Abrams Berdo & Goodman L.L.P.
Wimer Michael C.
XM Satellite Radio Inc.
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