Feed leg assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an antenna assembly and, more particularly, to a collapsible, steerable antenna assembly configured for rapid deployment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, to receive an adequate signal from a communication satellite, an antenna had to be securely fitted to a rigid mount which was adjustable in both azimuth and elevation. Later, antennas began being mounted on moving vehicles. These antenna systems were required to be adjustable in elevation sufficiently to suit the latitude of the vehicle. In addition, portable antenna systems also began to develop. These portable systems were also required to be adjustable in elevation sufficient to suit the latitude of the ground at which they were located.

The use of portable antenna systems and other electronic equipment in the field today often requires the positioning of an antenna of substantial size, in order to prevent terrestrial interference and interference from other satellites with signal beings radiated or received by the antenna. In addition, the antenna and its support should be sufficiently compact in the stowed position, so as to not interfere with mobility of the antenna in the field.

Portable antenna systems of the general type mentioned above have been built in the past, but suffer from several disadvantages. These include excessive assembly time, a large number of separate pieces, complex assembly procedures which lead to a loss of parts and unreliability, difficulty of assembly, and the requirement of multiple operators to assemble and disassemble the system.

In addition, these systems have been designed with the primary goal of breaking the unit down into multiple light-weight shipping containers that meet the maximum standards for lower lobe airline shipping. This increases the complexity and lengthens the assembly time of the antenna.

Further, past systems have proved inadequate in their ability to minimize distortion in the antenna dish of the system, due to either assembly technique or parametric distortion under the weight of the dish and other system components.

It is desirable for antenna system components to be as adjustable as possible for positioning and alignment efficiency. There is a continuing need for an antenna system that is highly accurate, yet has high modularity and portability, while remaining simple to assembly.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art have long recognized the need for a collapsible, steerable antenna assembly configured for rapid deployment. The present invention clearly fulfills these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention resolves the above and other problems by providing a main feed leg assembly for connecting and positioning a horn with respect to an antenna dish in an antenna system. The main feed leg includes an amplifier frame, a feed strut, a quick release latch, an uplink amplifier, a flexible wave guide, a signal cable, and a wave guide quick disconnect assembly. The feed strut is selectively attachable to the amplifier frame via the quick release latch. The uplink amplifier is secured to the amplifier frame where it amplifies the transmission signal. The flexible wave guide attaches to the uplink amplifier and directs the transmission signal to the horn. The signal cable attaches to the amplifier and carries the transmission signal to the amplifier. The wave guide quick disconnect assembly selectively separates the wave guide from the amplifier. In this manner, the quick release latch and wave guide quick disconnect assembly allow the main feed leg components to quickly and efficiently separate for increased modularity and transportability without the use of tools. In other embodiments of this invention the amplifier might reside at other locations on the invention other than on the amplifier frame but this would not affect the ability of the main feed leg components to quickly and efficiently separate.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier frame is configured in an encompassing structure that surrounds and protects the wave guide and uplink amplifier. The positioning of the flexible wave guide and uplink amplifier within the encompassing structure of the amplifier frame lowers the center of balance of the main feed leg assembly and overall antenna system. The quick release latch is attached to the head of the amplifier frame and the base of the feed strut. The base of the amplifier frame rotatably attaches to a back frame of the antenna system. The horn mount assembly attached to the head of the feed strut. The feed strut is hollow which allows the flexible wave guide to pass through the inside of the feed strut. Preferably, the feed strut attaches to at least one side feed leg for varying the elevation angle of the main feed leg assembly.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is also directed towards a feed leg assembly for facilitating connection between a horn and an antenna dish in an antenna system. The feed legs assembly preferably includes a main feed leg and two side feed legs. The base of the main feed leg attaches to the antenna system while the head of the main feed leg attaches to the horn. Further, the base of the side feed legs attach to the antenna system while the head of the side feed legs attach to main feed leg. The side feed legs include a turnbuckle adjustment for modifying the elevation angle of the main feed leg and associated position of the horn.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main feed leg rotatably attaches to the back frame assembly so that the back frame assembly supports the weight of the main feed leg. The side feed legs attach to the main feed leg and attach to the antenna system through Hein joints and act as long turnbuckles. The adjustment rotations of the entire side feed legs along the side feed leg axes are operatively associated with the turnbuckles. Rotation of the entire side feed leg modifies the effective length of the leg, thus acting like turnbuckles, which adjusts the elevation angle of the main feed leg and associated position of the horn. The side feed legs further include lock down nuts to secure the turnbuckle adjustment in place when the desired elevation angle of the main feed leg and associated position of the horn has been achieved. The side feed legs each include telescoping extensions housed within the side feed legs. The telescoping extensions each have a stored retracted position and an operational extended position. Preferably, the main feed leg assembly further includes a horn mount assembly that is attached to the head of the feed strut.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dish assembly, back frame assembly, rotary steering assembly, and collapsible mount assembly are deployable by a single person. Preferably, the steerable antenna assembly is collapsible, rapidly deployable, has very few parts, and is inexpensive compared to other types of known antenna systems.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment quad pod assembly of the present invention in a collapsed state for transportation with the central shaft in a folded horizontal position, the extendable telescopic column in a stored retracted position, and the plurality of ground-engaging support legs in a folded position;

FIG. 2

illustrates a perspective view of the quad pod assembly of

FIG. 1

in a deployed state for operation with the central shaft in an unfolded vertical position, the extendable telescopic column in an operational extended position, and the plurality of ground-engaging support legs in a deployed position;

FIG. 3

illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment quad pod assembly and a steering controller assembly of the present invention, where the quad pod assembly has its central shaft in a folded horizontal position, the extendable telescopic column in a stored retracted position, and the plurality of ground-engaging support legs in a deployed position, and wherein the steering controller assembly is positioned on the wheeled base of its shipping case so as to attach to the extendable telescopic column of the quad pod assembly without requiring manual lifting of the steering controller assembly;

FIG. 4

illustrates a perspective view of the quad pod assembly and steering controller assembly of

FIG. 3

in a deployed state for operation with the central shaft in an unfolded vertical position, the extendable telescopic column in an operational extended position, the plurality of ground-engaging support legs in a deployed position, and the steering controller assembly mounted on top of the telescopic column;

FIG. 5

illustrates a front isolation view of a preferred embodiment steering controller assembly of the present invention utilizing a triple tombstone controller configuration;

FIG. 6

illustrates a rear isolation view of the steering controller assembly of

FIG. 5

, in an embodiment where the pod mount attachment of the steering controller assembly includes rotatable clamps that mount onto protrusions that extend outward from the telescopic shaft of the quad pod assembly;

FIG. 7

illustrates a perspective view of a fully deployed antenna system with only a static controller head, wherein the antenna system utilizes a preferred embodiment back frame assembly of the present invention that includes a center frame, a collapsible template assembly, and a feed leg mount to support the weight of a horn assembly, main feed leg, and amplifier;

FIG. 8

illustrates a close-up view of a fully deployed antenna system, including a steering controller assembly supporting a back frame assembly which in turn supports an antenna dish, wherein the antenna system utilizes a preferred embodiment back frame assembly of the present invention which includes a center frame, a collapsible template assembly, and a feed leg mount to support the weight of a horn assembly, main feed leg, and amplifier;

FIG. 8A

illustrates a perspective view of a fully-deployed antenna system, including a quad pod mounting assembly in a deployed state for operation, a steering controller assembly, a back frame assembly, and an antenna dish, where the antenna system utilizes a preferred embodiment back frame assembly of the present invention that includes a center frame, a collapsible template assembly, and a feed leg mount to support the weight of a horn assembly, main feed leg, and amplifier;

FIG. 9

illustrates a reverse partial close-up view of a preferred embodiment back frame assembly of the present invention that includes a center frame, a collapsible template assembly, and a feed leg mount, where the template assembly includes a plurality of leaves that are hinged at an intersection point and collapsed into a folded transportation state;

FIG. 10

illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment main feed leg assembly of the present invention that includes a feed strut, an amplifier frame, quick release latch, an uplink amplifier, and a mating wave guide fitting;

FIG. 11

illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment feed leg assembly of the present invention that includes two side feed legs and a main feed leg assembly for supporting and positioning the horn assembly with respect to the antenna dish;

FIG. 12

illustrates a partial close-up view of the feed leg assembly of

FIG. 11

showing the side feed legs connecting to the main feed leg assembly through Hein joints, with the side feed legs acting as turnbuckles having lock down nuts;

FIG. 12A

illustrates partial close-up views of the feed leg assembly of

FIG. 11

showing the side feed legs connecting to the back frame template assembly through Hein joints, with the side feed legs acting as turnbuckles having lock down nuts;

FIG. 13

illustrates a perspective view of the horn mount assembly attached to the main feed leg assembly, horn assembly, flexible wave guide, and horn-mounted polarization drive assembly;

FIG. 14

illustrates a rear perspective view of the horn mount assembly attached to the main feed leg assembly, horn assembly, and flexible wave guide;

FIG. 15

illustrates an isolation view of a preferred embodiment horn mounted polarization drive assembly of the present invention that includes a worm drive, a flex drive torque cable, and an adjustment knob;

FIG. 16

illustrates a perspective view of the horn-mounted polarization drive assembly of

FIG. 15

that is attached to the horn mount assembly and associated antenna system;

FIG. 17

illustrates a partial close-up view of the horn-mounted polarization drive assembly of

FIG. 15

that is attached to the horn mount assembly and feed leg assembly;

FIG. 18

illustrates a front view of an uplink amplifier, attached amplifier wave guide fitting, and receiver of a wave guide quick disconnect assembly;

FIG. 19

illustrates a perspective view of a quick disconnect assembly of the present invention that includes a flexible wave guide and wave guide end fitting being inserted into a receiver and attached amplifier wave guide fitting for fastening by a fork and securement knob;

FIG. 20

illustrates a perspective view of a wave guide quick disconnect assembly of the present invention that includes a wave guide and end fitting fully inserted into a receiver and attached amplifier wave guide fitting and fastened by a fork and securement knob;

FIG. 21

illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment alignment jig of the present invention that includes multiple jig arms that clamp to the antenna dish, and a suspended calibrated reference ring for positioning the horn assembly (horn assembly not shown) with respect to the antenna dish;

FIG. 21A

illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment alignment jig of the present invention that includes multiple jig arms that clamp to the antenna dish, and a suspended calibrated reference ring for positioning the horn assembly with respect to the antenna dish;

FIG. 22

illustrates a reverse partial perspective view of the alignment jig of

FIG. 21

that shows a jig arm clamped to the antenna dish, as well as showing a side feed leg attached to the back frame assembly;

FIG. 23

illustrates a front view of the alignment jig of

FIG. 21

that shows the multiple jig arms and calibrated reference ring, positioning the horn assembly with respect to the antenna dish;

FIG. 24

illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment laser alignment device of the present invention exploded out from the horn mount assembly for positioning the feed leg assembly and horn mount assembly without the antenna system actively transmitting; and

FIG. 25

illustrates a perspective view of the laser alignment device of

FIG. 24

mounted within the horn mount assembly and emitting a laser towards the centerpoint of illumination of the antenna dish for aligning the horn mount assembly with respect to the antenna dish.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment steerable antenna system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, provides a rapidly deployable, collapsible antenna system that is inexpensive compared to equivalent antenna systems, and can be deployed by as few as a single person. The steerable antenna system is also easily aligned and calibrated, allowing for superior accuracy during mobile deployment of the system. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, and more particularly to

FIGS. 1-14

, where there is shown a preferred antenna system

10

.

Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a collapsible, steerable antenna system

10

that is configured for rapid deployment, and is highly accurate and sophisticated, yet easy to assemble. The antenna system

10

includes a pod mount assembly

20

(shown in FIGS.

1

-

4

); a steering head controller assembly

40

(shown in FIGS.

3

-

6

); a back frame

60

(shown in FIGS.

7

-

9

); a dish assembly

100

(shown in

FIGS. 7-8A

, and

11

); a feed leg assembly

120

(shown in

FIGS. 11

,

12

and

12

A); a horn mount assembly

160

(shown in FIGS.

13

and

14

); and a horn assembly

180

(shown in FIGS.

13

and

14

).

As shown in

FIGS. 1-4

, the pod mount assembly

20

includes a plurality of ground engaging pod legs

22

,

24

,

26

,

28

, a central column

30

, and a telescopic shaft

32

which lifts and supports the controller assembly

40

. The controller assembly

40

selectively engages with the back frame

60

and aligns the dish assembly

100

via the back frame. The back frame

60

engages and supports the dish assembly

100

to help minimize parametric distortion of the dish assembly. The dish assembly

100

includes a plurality of wedge-shaped pieces

102

,

104

,

106

, and

108

, which connect to form the dish assembly. The feed leg assembly

120

includes a main feed leg

122

and side feed legs

140

and

142

. The horn mount assembly

160

connects the horn assembly

180

to the main feed leg. The horn assembly

180

directs the transmission signal towards the dish assembly

100

when transmitting a signal.

Preferably, the antenna system

10

also includes a horn-mounted polarization drive assembly

190

(shown in FIGS.

15

-

17

), a wave-guide quick disconnect assembly

200

(shown in FIGS.

18

-

20

), an alignment jig

220

(shown in FIGS.

21

-

23

), a laser alignment device

250

(shown in FIGS.

24

-

25

), and a transmission field sighting device

260

(shown in FIG.

7

). The horn mounted polarization drive assembly

190

attaches to the horn mount assembly

160

and is used for polarization alignment of the horn mount assembly. The wave-guide quick disconnect assembly

200

is used to release the flexible wave guide

137

from the amplifier

132

. The alignment jig

220

includes a plurality of alignment arms

228

,

230

, and

232

and is used to facilitate proper positioning of the horn assembly

180

. The laser alignment device

250

selectively mounts on the horn mount assembly

160

for aligning the horn mount assembly with respect to the dish assembly

100

. The transmission field sighting device

260

selectively attaches to the back frame

60

and is used to ensure that the transmission field is free from obstructions.

Referring again to

FIGS. 1-4

, there is shown one preferred embodiment of the present invention which includes a pod mount assembly

20

. Preferably, the pod mount assembly

20

is configured in a folding quad pod design with four ground-engaging legs

22

,

24

,

26

,

28

, and a rotatable central column

30

. The four ground-engaging legs

22

,

24

,

26

, and

28

rotatably connect to the base of the central column

30

. The central column

30

is preferably cylindrical in shape and contains a telescoping central shaft

32

. A first connection link

34

connects the first and second ground-engaging legs

22

and

24

, while a second connection length

36

connects the third and fourth ground-engaging legs

26

and

28

. Wheels

38

are also connected to the base of the central column

30

.

The pod mount assembly

20

acts as the mounting base for the rest of the antenna assembly

10

. The unique folding and collapsible design of the pod mount assembly

20

creates a small form factor when in its folded state, emphasizing its high mobility and ease of deployment. When in the folded state, all four ground-engaging legs

22

,

24

,

26

, and

28

, and the central column

30

lie side-by-side, substantially in parallel to each other, and can be easily moved by a single person. Specifically, the pod mount assembly

20

is moved by lifting one end of the pod mount assembly and rolling the collapsed assembly on its wheels

38

like a wheelbarrow.

To deploy the pod mount assembly

20

, the ends of the first and fourth ground-engaging legs

22

and

28

are rotated outward and away from the central column

30

in symmetrical, semi-circular paths until the ends of the first and fourth legs

22

and

28

meet at the opposite side of the pod mount assembly. The second and third ground-engaging legs

24

and

26

are also rotated outward in an arcuate path to form a substantially tripod-shaped configuration. (The four legs produce a tripod shape because the first and fourth ground-engaging legs

22

and

28

are placed directly next to one another and pinned together with pin

27

, thereby resembling a single leg.) As previously mentioned, the first connection link

34

connects the first and second ground-engaging legs

22

and

24

, and the second connection link

36

connects the third and fourth ground engaging legs

26

and

28

, in order to add further stability to the deployed base structure of the mount assembly

20

. In other embodiments, in accordance with the present invention, the pod mount can be used as a quadrapod with the addition of two other connecting links. In still other embodiments, a different number of ground engaging legs may be utilized by the mount assembly

20

in accordance with the desired design parameters.

At this point, the central column

30

can then be rotated from a horizontal position into a vertical position. The telescopic shaft

32

can be extended upward from its retracted position within the central column

30

into its extended position thereabove. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pod mount assembly

20

further includes a hydraulic hand pump and cylinder (not shown) to assist with the rotation of the central column

30

and the extension of the telescopic shaft

32

. Preferably, the hydraulic fluid is housed within one or more of the ground engaging legs. Further, one embodiment the hydraulic system includes a switch that alternates the hydraulic forces between (1) rotating the central column

30

from a horizontal position into a vertical position; (2) extending the telescopic shaft

32

from its retracted position within the central column

30

into its extended position; and (3) retracting the telescopic shaft

32

from its extended position into its retracted position within the central column

30

.

Referring now to

FIG. 4

, the pod mount assembly

20

and the steering controller

40

are presumed to be fully assembled, and the end of the telescopic shaft

32

of the pod mount assembly

20

directly supports the controller assembly

40

. Since controller assemblies are typically quite heavy (weighing a few hundred pounds or more), previously-used antenna systems have had difficulty lifting and positioning a controller assembly onto the upright shaft of an antenna base. However, as shown in

FIG. 3

, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller assembly

40

is positioned in its shipping case

56

, so that it can be directly mounted on the end of the telescopic shaft

32

when the pod mount assembly

20

is still in a horizontal and collapsed folded state.

The pod mount assembly

20

then performs two lifting functions. First, the telescopic shaft

32

and central column

30

of the pod mount assembly

20

rotate the controller assembly

40

upward directly from its shipping case

56

into a vertical position atop the quad pod telescopic shaft

32

. Secondly, the telescopic shaft

32

extends from within the central column

30

raising the controller assembly

40

from its assembly position into its elevated operating position. Preferably, the hydraulic pump is strong enough so that the back frame assembly

60

and possibly even the antenna dish assembly

100

can be mounted to the controller assembly

40

during varying stages of the upward rotation of the central column

30

of the pod mount assembly

20

. This technique facilitates ease of assembling the antenna system by a single individual by reducing the amount of manual lifting required of the back frame assembly

60

and antenna dish assembly

100

.

This design allows a single individual to be able to quickly and easily assemble the pod mount assembly

20

and position the controller assembly

40

(which would otherwise be too difficult for a single person to maneuver) atop the pod mount assembly

20

. Sophisticated antenna systems typically require significant amounts of time and are difficult to assemble due to their complexity, as well as requiring numerous individuals to lift and manipulate such heavy components. As previously mentioned, in a preferred embodiment the pod mount assembly

20

is hydraulically powered; however, in other embodiments of the present invention electrical, pneumatic, or other known powering means may be utilized. Further, the pod mount assembly

20

of the present invention also allows for multiple antenna sizes to be utilized due to the flexibility of the extension mechanism. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pod mount assembly

20

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

described herein.

Referring now to

FIGS. 3-6

, the controller assembly

40

is shown in greater detail. When unassembled, the controller assembly

40

is packaged in a shipping case

56

that preferably includes a wheeled base

58

. Having wheels on the shipping case

56

allows the heavy controller assembly

40

to be more easily moved during the assembly of the antenna system

10

. As previously mentioned, the controller assembly

40

is positioned within the shipping case

56

such that it is at the proper height and orientation to roll directly up to the telescopic shaft

32

of the collapsed pod mount assembly

20

to be secured thereto. In this regard, the shipping case

56

preferably has an easily removable top and wall section

57

which allows the controller assembly

40

to be juxtapositioned against the end of the telescopic shaft

32

while still on the rolling base of the shipping case

56

.

The controller assembly

40

utilizes a triple tombstone controller configuration for the steering of the dish assembly

100

, with each tombstone controller allowing for independent rotation around a respective axis. Specifically, a preferred embodiment controller assembly

40

includes a pod mount attachment

42

for connecting to the telescopic shaft

32

of the pod mount assembly

20

; a first tombstone controller

44

that rotates in the horizontal plane; a second tombstone controller

46

that rotates in the vertical plane; a vertical support

48

; an axle bracket

50

; a third tombstone controller

52

that rotates about the transmission beam axis (Z-axis); and a back frame attachment for connecting to the back frame

60

. In one preferred embodiment shown in

FIG. 6

, the pod mount attachment

42

, which connects to the telescopic shaft

32

of the pod mount assembly

20

, includes a plurality of rotatable clamps

43

that are configured with apertures that are corresponding shaped to mount on horizontally, outwardly facing protrusions

45

extending from the top of the telescopic shaft

32

. By simply rotating the clamps

43

, the controller assembly

40

can be easily secured and unsecured to the pod mount assembly

20

. Preferably, each clamp

43

includes a screw for locking the clamps over the protrusions

45

.

The controller assembly

40

allows for maximum adjustability since the first tombstone controller

44

rotates about a first axis, the second tombstone controller

46

rotates about a second axis, and the third tombstone controller

52

rotates about a third axis. In this manner, the controller assembly

40

has the steering capability to control articulation in azimuth, elevation, and polarization. The ability of the controller assembly

40

to control the polarization of the entire dish, in addition to the azimuth and elevation, allows the controller assembly to effectively utilize different shaped dishes; that is, dishes with non-circular beam apertures (by way of example only, square, elliptical, parallel piped, and the like). The controller assembly

40

is driven by standard software for antenna control systems and feed signal searching techniques.

As shown in

FIGS. 5 and 6

, the first tombstone controller

44

is positioned horizontally to allow the second tombstone controller

46

to be positioned vertically on the base portion of the first tombstone. The vertical support

48

is positioned in an upright orientation at the other end of the tombstone controller

44

, opposite the second tombstone controller

46

. The axle bracket

50

is supported by and rotates about the second axis which runs between the second tombstone controller

46

and the vertical support

48

. The axle bracket

50

also attaches to the third tombstone controller

52

to facilitate rotation about the transmission beam axis, thereby connecting the major components of the steering head controller assembly

40

.

In a preferred embodiment controller assembly

40

, the direction of polarity is in the plane of the third tombstone

52

. The direction of polarity is also at right angles to the transmission angle. The controller assembly

40

employs existing, low-cost rotary motor controllers to facilitate the steering of the dish assembly

100

. The design of the controller assembly

40

allows 360 degree articulation in both azimuth and antenna polarization, and allows greater than 90 degree movement in elevation. The controller assembly

40

preferably uses a gas spring counterbalance

54

to offset the weight of the dish assembly

100

and feed leg assembly

120

of the fully-assembled antenna assembly

10

. This reduces the power requirement for positioning the dish assembly

100

and allows for a larger load capacity.

The coordinates required for steering the dish assembly

100

can be calculated from an inexpensive, commercial, off-the-shelf, GPS location finder, and from an inexpensive, commercial, off-the-shelf, flux gate compass. The controller assembly

40

is weatherproof, but cannot withstand full immersion in water. Preferably, the present invention includes a flux gate compass that has a level compensator in order to correct for compass inaccuracies that can be incurred while leveling the quad pod mount assembly

20

. This level compensator will typically work for tilting errors of up to 20 degrees. Preferably, the present invention includes an electronic level meter to adjust the elevation of the dish. The motion of the dish assembly

100

in azimuth is limited only by the twist incurred from the co-axial connections used by the satellite transceiver. The motion of the dish assembly

100

in polarization is limited only by the twist incurred in the polarization tombstone controller's own control cable and power cable. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller assembly

40

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

as described herein.

Referring now to

FIGS. 7-9

, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention which contains a back frame

60

for supporting the dish assembly

100

and feed leg assembly

120

through attachment to the controller assembly

40

. The back frame

60

is easy to assemble and allows for simplified manual adjustment of the dish assembly

100

, if desired. The back frame

60

advantageously helps to minimize distortion of the dish assembly

100

by supporting the shape of the dish assembly. Distortion of the dish assembly

100

is detrimental in that it decreases the accuracy and efficiency of the antenna's transmitting ability. In some embodiments of the present invention, the back frame

60

can also be utilized in conjunction with a fixed antenna system, without the controller assembly

40

and pod mount assembly

20

described above.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the back frame

60

includes a template assembly

61

, a center frame

70

, and a feed leg mount

90

. The back frame

60

is used as an enhancement to antenna dish assembly

100

, which in one preferred embodiment is a four-piece dish assembly. Previous back frame

60

designs have utilized a template assembly

61

that is constructed from two steel templates that intersect at the center of the dish and are sandwiched between the flanges of each dish quadrant. These prior stock templates were of a single piece design which made them long and flimsy, as well as vulnerable to damage during both shipping and installation.

As shown in

FIG. 9

, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the folding template assembly

61

is a single assembly that is double-hinged at the intersection point, halving the shipping length and making it easier to handle during installation. Specifically, the template assembly

61

includes four dish-engaging leaves

62

,

64

,

66

, and

68

which are rotatably joined at the intersection point. These dish-engaging leaves

62

,

64

,

66

, and

68

connect and provide support to the individual pieces of the dish assembly

100

, thereby helping to minimize distortion of the dish assembly

100

.

Referring again to

FIGS. 8 and 8A

, the template assembly

61

is shown connecting to the center frame

70

of the back frame

60

. The center frame

70

is substantially square in configuration and is oriented such that comers of the square point upward and downward, thereby giving the center frame

70

a diamond-shaped appearance. The diamond-shaped portion of the center frame

70

includes an upper right leg

72

, an upper left leg

74

, a lower right leg

76

, and a lower left leg

78

. At the comers (formed by these four legs

72

,

74

,

76

, and

78

) are the attachment points between the dish-engaging leaves

62

,

64

,

66

, and

68

of template assembly

61

and the center frame

70

. A cross-connect bar

80

connects between the lower right leg

76

and the lower left leg

78

of the center frame

70

to provide an attachment point to the controller assembly

40

(or a base of a non-steerable mount), as well as for carrying lateral stresses. In another preferred embodiment, the cross-connect bar

80

can also connect between the upper right leg

72

and the upper left leg

74

. From the midpoint of each of the frame legs

72

,

74

,

76

, and

78

extend connection arms which include an upper right arm

82

, an upper left arm

84

, a lower right arm

86

, and a lower left arm

88

. The ends of each of the connection arms

82

,

84

,

86

, and

88

connect directly to the dish assembly

100

itself.

Extending downward from the center frame

70

of the back frame

60

is the feed leg mount

90

. The feed leg mount

90

bears the weight of the main feed leg

122

of the feed leg assembly

120

(which is quite substantial) in order to help minimize any parametric distortions of the dish assembly

100

due to the weight of the main feed leg

122

. The feed leg mount

90

includes a downward right support leg

92

, a downward left support leg

94

, a downward center support leg

96

, a rotational mount

97

, and a cross strut

98

. Specifically, the right support leg

92

extends downward from the lower right connection

86

; the left support leg

94

extends downward from the lower left connection arm

88

; and the center support leg

96

extends downward from the intersecting comer of the lower right leg

76

and the lower left leg

78

of the diamond-shaped portion of the center frame

70

. The lower ends of the right support leg

92

, left support leg

94

, and center support leg

96

all connect into the rotational mount

97

. The rotational mount

97

provides a pivoting connection point for the main feed leg

122

. The cross strut

98

extends between the lower right connection arm

86

and lower left connection arm

88

to help bear the lateral stresses incurred from both the weight of the dish assembly

100

and the weight of the main feed leg

122

.

The preferred embodiment back frame

60

, constructed in accordance with the present invention, as described above, utilizes a configuration which is designed to help maximize the stress-bearing and load-carrying capabilities of the back frame

60

. In this manner, the weight of the back frame

60

can be reduced in comparison to that used in other antenna systems, because the back frame

60

of the present invention is capable of carrying larger loads due to the structural stress-bearing configuration of its components as opposed to the increased size of its components. The reduced weight of the back frame

60

also facilitates ease of assembly. Further, the back frame

60

and the steering controller assembly

40

can be scaled for use with an offset antenna dish from any manufacturer. Moreover, the back frame

60

of the antenna assembly

10

can be used without the controller assembly

40

to create a fixed antenna system which is easy to set up.

The back frame

60

also aids the assembly process through the use of a hanging assembly technique. Specifically, the back frame

60

is hung on an initial mounting point on the controller assembly

40

(or other base mount). This initial mounting point bears the weight of the back frame

60

and allows fine-tuning adjustments to be made, such that the back frame

60

can be secured into its final position without having to manipulate the weight of the entire back frame. As another example of this hanging assembly technique, the template assembly

61

is first hung on a mounting point on the back frame

60

to bear the weight of the template assembly. Then the dish-engaging leaves

62

,

64

,

66

, and

68

are unfolded and secured into their final positions.

When an offset antenna design is utilized (as in one preferred embodiment of the present invention), the reference angle of the transmission beam is not readily apparent from general observation. However, a preferred embodiment back frame

60

of the present invention is able to insure precise elevation pointing, using the beam angle reference from a protractor (not shown) and adjustment screw (not shown), which are incorporated into the back frame structure. In some embodiments of the present invention, the protractor and adjustment screw are detachable from a mount located on the back frame

60

, while in other embodiments of the present invention, the protractor and adjustment screw are fixedly attached to the back frame. An electronic compass (not shown) may also be attached to the back frame

60

in some preferred embodiments of the present invention. An electronic level meter (not shown) may also be attached to the back frame

60

in some preferred embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the back frame

60

, itself, is able to help accurately assure proper horn/dish alignment of the antenna system

10

. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the back frame

60

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

described herein.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a dish assembly

100

. As previously mentioned, the dish assembly

100

is of a multi-piece design for collapsibility and portability. In one preferred embodiment, the dish assembly

100

is constructed from four, wedge-shaped pieces, including an upper right wedge

102

, an upper left wedge

104

, a lower right wedge

106

, and a lower left wedge

108

. The wedges

102

,

104

,

106

, and

108

all contain stiffeners in order to help minimize distortion of the shape of the dish assembly

100

. The dish-engaging leaves

62

,

64

,

66

, and

68

of the template assembly

61

are used to secure the wedges

102

,

104

,

106

, and

108

together into the final assembled dish assembly

100

. At the center of the dish assembly

100

, where the wedges

102

,

104

,

106

, and

108

all meet, is located the centerpoint of illumination

110

. In other embodiments of the present invention, the dish assembly

100

may include either more or less pieces or wedges depending upon specific design considerations. In still other preferred embodiment dish assemblies

100

of the present invention, the dish-engaging leaves

62

,

64

,

66

, and

68

are integrally formed with the wedges

102

,

104

,

106

, and

108

of the dish assembly

100

.

Referring now to

FIGS. 10 and 11

, there is shown a preferred embodiment feed leg assembly

120

, constructed in accordance with the present invention, and including a main feed leg

122

, a right side feed leg

140

, and a left side feed leg

142

. The main feed leg

122

is a combination of an amp frame

124

, a feed strut

126

, a quick release latch

128

, an uplink amplifier

132

, a mating wave guide fitting

204

, a flexible wave guide

137

, and a wave guide end fitting

208

. The major structural members of the main feed leg

122

are the amp frame

124

and the feed strut

126

, which are selectively attachable and detachable from one another with the use of the quick release latch

128

. The quick release latch

128

is located at the head of the amp frame

124

where it attaches to the base of the feed strut

126

. The quick release latch

128

allows the amp frame

124

and the feed strut

126

to separate for transport without the need for tools, thus increasing the modularity and portability of the main feed leg

122

. Preferably, the amp frame

124

and the feed strut

126

are constructed from a tubular type structure which helps reduce the overall weight of the main feed leg

122

.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amp frame

124

is configured in an encompassing design. This helps to protect the uplink amplifier

132

and the mating wave guide fitting

204

, which are surrounded by the outer structure of the amp frame. The uplink amplifier

132

and the mating wave guide fitting

204

are sensitive components that benefit from the increased protection provided by the amp frame

124

. Additionally, this design of the amp frame

124

provides a protective structure around the uplink amplifier

132

and the mating wave guide fitting

204

, and is also beneficial in that it lowers the overall profile and center of balance of the main feed leg

122

. This results in easier manipulation and alignment of the dish assembly

100

.

The feed strut

126

is hollow which allows the flexible wave guide

137

to pass through the inside of the feed strut. The flexible wave guide

137

attaches to the uplink amplifier

132

(through the wave guide end fitting

208

and the mating wave guide fitting

204

) and carries the transmission signal to the horn assembly

180

. The main feed leg

122

also contains a frame mount at the base of the amp frame

124

(for connecting to the rotational mount

97

of the feed leg mount

90

), and a horn mount attachment

138

at the head of the feed strut

126

for connecting to the horn mount assembly

160

. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the main feed leg

122

described above can be used either in conjunction with, or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

as described herein.

As shown in

FIGS. 11

,

12

, and

12

A the left and right side feed legs

142

and

140

connect to the feed strut

126

of the main feed leg

122

and to the ends of two of the disengaging leaves

68

and

64

of the template assembly

61

. The right side feed leg

140

includes a right telescoping extension

144

, and the left side feed leg

142

includes a left telescoping extension

146

. These telescoping extensions

144

and

146

of the side feed legs

140

and

142

act to increase the modularity and portability of the feed leg assembly

120

.

The right and left side feed legs

140

and

142

attach to the feed strut

126

of the main feed leg

122

and act as turn buckles. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, each side feed leg has Hein joints at both ends. However, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, other end connectors may be utilized. Hein joints are utilized in one preferred embodiment because they provide the freest range of motion in a ball and socket joint while having the least amount of play, as compared to other connectors. Side feed leg Hein joints

148

and

150

attach to the main feed leg

122

and are connected to the side feed legs

140

and

142

with right-handed threads. Side feed leg Hein joints

156

and

158

attach to the template leaves

64

and

68

, and are connected to the side feed legs

140

and

142

with left-handed threads. Each Hein joint

148

,

150

,

156

, and

158

on each end of the side feed legs attaches to its connection point with a quick release knob

149

,

151

,

153

, and

155

to allow quick attachment and removal of the side feed legs.

By rotating the entire side feed legs

140

and

142

around their longitudinal axis, counterclockwise or clockwise as viewed from the perspective of the horn pointing toward the dish, the effective length of side feed legs

140

and

142

is either shortened or lengthened. Thus, both side feed legs act as long turnbuckles. Since the horn assembly

180

and horn mount assembly

160

are attached to the end of the main feed leg

122

, shortening the side feed legs effectively raises the main feed leg, the horn mount assembly, and most importantly the horn assembly upwards and inwards towards the dish assembly

100

for horn/dish alignment purposes. Similarly, lengthening the side feed legs effectively lowers the main feed leg, the horn mount assembly, and most importantly the horn assembly downwards and outwards from the dish assembly

100

for horn/dish alignment purposes. The main feed leg

122

is raised by pivoting around the rotational mount

97

of the back frame

60

.

When the desired dish/horn alignment has been achieved through the rotation of the side feed legs

140

and

142

, right and left lockdown nuts

152

,

154

,

157

, and

159

are then tightened to secure the side feed legs

140

and

142

into position and prevent any undesired movement of the side feed legs. The feed leg assembly

120

allows for maximum flexibility and compatibility with other antenna system components due to the telescoping extensions

144

and

146

, adjustable turn buckle action of the Hein joints

148

,

150

,

156

, and

158

of the side feed legs

140

and

142

; and in combination with the detachable (and thus, easily interchangeable) feed strut

126

of the main feed leg

122

. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the feed leg assembly

120

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

described herein.

Referring now to

FIGS. 13 and 14

, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention that also includes a horn mount assembly

160

for attaching the horn assembly

180

to the main feed leg

122

. Prior horn mounts have functioned solely as a static adjustment piece and, as such, have been fixed on most, if not all axes, thus making it difficult, if not impossible, to adjust the horn assembly

180

itself into an exact position. Advantageously, the horn mount assembly

160

of the present invention provides fine jack screw adjustments on the Y-Z tilt axis, as well as along the beam axis (z-axis). One preferred embodiment horn mount assembly

160

includes a wave guide mount circular clamp

162

, a flexible wave guide mount

163

, a horn circular clamp

164

, a feed strut attachment plate

166

, a Y-Z tilt jack screw

170

, and a Z-axis jack screw

172

. The feed strut attachment

166

of the horn mount assembly

160

attaches to the horn mount attachment

138

on the main feed leg

122

. The horn assembly

180

is secured by the horn circular clamp

164

, which preferably separates into two pieces in order to secure the horn assembly

180

therebetween. The flexible wave guide mount

163

is secured by the wave guide mount circular clamp

162

, which preferably separates into two pieces in order to secure the flexible wave guide mount

163

therebetween. The flexible wave guide

137

(which travels up the inside of the main feed leg

122

) connects to the flexible wave guide mount

163

.

The z-axis jack screw

172

allows the horn assembly

180

to be moved along the horn transmission beam axis towards and away from the centerpoint of illumination

110

of the dish assembly

100

, thereby decreasing or increasing the focal length, respectively. The Y-Z tilt jack screw

170

allows the horn assembly

180

to pivot in a vertical plane, thereby vertically adjusting the transmission beam's central point with respect to the centerpoint of illumination

110

. In conjunction with the adjustable main feed leg

122

and side feed legs

140

, and

142

, the horn mount assembly

160

can position the horn assembly

180

both easily and accurately. Additionally, the wave guide mount circular clamp

162

of the horn mount assembly

160

is configured to readily accept the horn mounted polarization drive assembly

190

, discussed in further detail below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the horn mount assembly

160

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

as described herein.

The horn assembly

180

itself is a standard component and is interchangeable depending upon the desired functionality of the antenna assembly

10

. The extreme adjustability and flexibility of the horn mount assembly

160

and feed leg assembly

120

allow this interchangeability of the horn assembly

180

to be achieved. An orthomode transducer

174

(OMT) and rejection filter

176

are also standard components in the antenna assembly

10

and are attached to the horn mount assembly

160

.

Referring now to

FIGS. 15-17

, there is shown one preferred embodiment of the present invention that includes a horn mounted polarization drive assembly

190

. Preferably, the horn mounted polarization drive assembly

190

includes a manual worm drive

192

and is used to remotely adjust the polarity of the horn assembly

180

while the system is actively transmitting and/or receiving a signal. In one preferred embodiment, the polarization drive assembly

190

includes a worm drive

192

, a torque plate

193

, a flex drive torque cable

194

, an adjustment knob

196

, and a cable disconnect

198

. The worm drive

192

of the drive assembly

190

connects to a stationary portion of the horn mount assembly

160

(e.g., the wave guide mount circular clamp

162

) in order to rotate (adjust the polarity of) the attached horn assembly

180

with respect to the horn mount assembly. The polarization drive assembly

190

rotates the horn assembly

180

by using the torque plate

193

to apply torque to the wave guide fitting of the flexible wave guide mount

163

and also to the end fitting of the flexible wave guide

137

. One end of the flex drive torque cable

194

connects to the worm drive

192

through the cable disconnect

198

, and the other end of the torque cable

194

(sometimes referred to as a speedometer cable) ends in the adjustment knob

196

.

The flex drive torque cable

194

of the manual polarization drive assembly

190

is long enough to reach from the horn mount assembly

160

to a position located behind the dish assembly

100

. The horn mounted polarization drive assembly

190

uses the flex drive torque cable

194

to allow an operator to stand behind the dish (i.e., away from the transmission field) but still allowing use of the adjustment knob

196

to manually adjust the polar orientation of the horn assembly

180

, using the polarization worm drive

192

while the antenna system

10

is operating and microwaves are being generated.

In operation, the antenna assembly

10

transmits microwaves that are highly dangerous and, thus, prohibits anyone from being in front of the dish assembly

100

when the antenna system

10

is transmitting. However, it is extremely difficult to align an antenna system

10

when the system is not transmitting. Accordingly, prior manual polarization drives have been relegated to the undesirable process of discontinuing the antenna transmissions, making an alignment adjustment (through guess-work since no transmission signal can be detected), once again generating antenna transmissions and taking a reading, discontinuing the antenna transmissions, making another guess-work alignment adjustment, and so on. In more expensive systems, motorized horn mounted polarization drives have been used which allow the antenna system

10

to be aligned while the system is transmitting, but these are more delicate and cost prohibitive. The polarization drive assembly

190

of the present invention provides the benefits of an expensive, motorized system, but with the simplicity, affordability, and reliability of a manual drive assembly.

In a preferred embodiment horn mounted polarization drive assembly

190

, constructed in accordance with the present invention, the flex drive torque cable

194

is easily detachable from the horn mounted polarization worm drive

192

, using the cable disconnect

198

when the adjustments are completed. In this manner, the worm drive

192

can be left attached to the horn mount assembly

160

when the antenna assembly

10

is operating, if desired. The polarization worm drive

192

of the drive assembly

190

attaches onto the back of the horn mount assembly

160

where it is quickly and simply installable and removable. Additionally, the horn mounted polarization worm drive assembly

190

can be utilized in conjunction with both rapidly-deployable mobile antenna systems

10

(as in a preferred embodiment of the present invention), as well as with rigidly-mounted dish antenna systems. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the polarization drive assembly

190

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

described herein.

As shown in

FIGS. 18-20

, a preferred embodiment quick disconnect assembly

200

, constructed in accordance with the present invention, simply and quickly connects two components to one another with the high degree of accuracy while eliminating small, losable parts. In one preferred embodiment, the quick disconnect assembly

200

is used to release the flexible wave guide

137

from the amplifier

132

. Normally, flexible wave guide

137

is attached to the amplifier

132

with four or more very small screws and the use of a screw driver. However, this type of connection is not practical or reliable for many situations, including field use, where fumbling with small parts is time-consuming and subject to part loss. The wave guide quick disconnect assembly

200

of the present invention virtually eliminates the use of losable parts as well as the need for additional tools.

A preferred embodiment wave guide quick disconnect assembly

200

includes a receiver

202

and a fork

206

. The receiver

202

is attached to a mating wave guide fitting

204

(on the amplifier

132

) and remains secured to the mating wave guide fitting

204

at all times. A fork end brace

205

extends out from the receiver

202

on the lower side of the receiver to provide an attachment flange for the fork

206

. The flexible wave guide

137

has an end fitting

208

that is correspondingly shaped to house within the receiver

202

. The fork

206

is preferably attached via a lanyard (not shown) to the end of the wave guide end fitting

208

so that the fork

206

can not be lost. The fork

206

also includes a securement knob

210

having threadings

207

that projects through the base of the fork. Rotation of the securement knob

210

advances or retracts the threadings

207

. Additionally, the left and right legs of the fork

206

contain protrusions

212

and

214

which are correspondingly shaped to mate with left and right depressions

216

and

218

in the receiver

202

.

In order to connect the flexible wave guide

137

to the uplink amplifier

132

, the end fitting

208

of the wave guide is inserted into the receiver

202

. The fork

206

is then lowered over the flexible wave guide

137

into position until the ends of the fork seat under the fork end brace

205

. The fork

206

is then rotated about the fork end brace

205

until the fork leg protrusions

212

and

214

seat within the receiver depressions

216

and

218

, and the fork is substantially flush against the receiver

202

. The securement knob

210

is then hand-tightened causing the threadings

207

to secure into a correspondingly threaded aperture

211

in the receiver

202

to complete the installation. The fork leg protrusions

212

and

214

place pressure on the wave guide end fitting

208

, thus causing evenly distributed pressure to be placed between the wave guide end fitting

208

and the mating wave guide fitting

204

. The flexible wave guide

137

can be simply and easily removed from the uplink amplifier

132

by reversing the above-described process.

The quick disconnect assembly

200

provides many advantages over previously used securement techniques, including by way of example only, simplification of assembly, reduction in parts, elimination of losable parts, and the elimination of additional tooling required to connect the component parts (e.g., a screw driver). Moreover, the wave guide quick disconnect assembly

200

also provides superior registration of the wave guide opening on the faces of the mating wave guide fitting

204

and the wave guide end fitting

208

. This is due to the fact that the configuration of the receiver

202

and the fork

206

force the wave guide end fitting

208

to seat with an optimal alignment with the mating wave guide fitting

204

. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the quick disconnect assembly

200

is utilized in many numerous other applications whenever it is desired to accurately connect two components together in a simple configuration that eliminates the need for losable parts and excess tools. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the quick disconnect assembly

200

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

described herein.

Referring now to

FIGS. 21-23

, a preferred embodiment alignment jig

220

, constructed in accordance with the present invention, is a tool that aids in the positioning of the horn assembly

180

. The alignment jig

220

is particularly useful for both first time assembly and repairs of the antenna assembly

10

. The alignment jig

220

includes an upper jig arm

222

, a right side jig arm

224

, and a left side jig arm

226

, which are positioned at the top, right side, and left side of the dish assembly

100

, respectively. The upper jig arm

222

, right jig arm

224

, and left side jig arm

226

each contain a telescoping jig arm

228

,

230

, and

232

. These telescoping jig arms

228

,

230

, and

232

of the alignment jig

220

dramatically decrease the unexpanded size of the alignment jig

220

, thereby dramatically increasing the portability and convenience of the alignment jig. The ends of the upper, right, and left telescoping jig arms

228

,

230

, and

232

attach to the dish assembly

100

through the use of simple screw clamps

234

,

236

, and

238

. Other preferred embodiments of the present invention can also use other securing techniques to attach the telescoping jig arms

228

,

230

, and

232

to the dish assembly

100

.

The final component of a preferred embodiment alignment jig

220

is a calibrated reference ring

240

which is suspended from the intersecting point of the upper jig arm

222

, right side jig arm

224

, and left side jig arm

226

. The calibrated reference ring

240

is positioned and oriented so that it correspondingly mates with the dish facing portion of the horn assembly

180

when the horn assembly has been properly positioned and oriented. Otherwise stated, the horn assembly

180

should be flush and aligned with the calibrated reference ring

240

of the alignment jig

220

when the horn assembly

180

has been placed in proper alignment with the dish assembly

100

.

Thus, the calibrated reference ring

240

of the alignment jig

220

designates the desired final position of the horn assembly

180

. The horn mount assembly

160

and the feed leg assembly

120

are adjusted until the horn mount assembly

180

is brought into proper alignment. This device greatly simplifies the procedure of aligning the horn assembly

180

with the dish assembly

100

, which is usually a complicated and time-consuming task. Additionally, the alignment jig

220

can be used to adjust the horn mount assembly

160

and feed leg assembly

120

during a first time installation, thereby increasing the speed of deployment of the antenna assembly

10

in the field, since the above described alignments and modifications have already been performed. While an alignment jig

220

, constructed in accordance with the present invention, provides numerous advantages in aligning a horn assembly

180

and dish assembly

100

, the alignment jig

220

is equally useful in other non-antenna systems whenever accurate alignment and orientation between two, spaced-apart components is required. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the alignment jig

220

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

described herein.

Referring now to

FIGS. 24-25

, there is shown one preferred embodiment of the present invention, having a laser alignment device

250

which is utilized to facilitate aligning the horn mount assembly

160

with the dish assembly

100

. Preferably, the laser alignment device

250

includes an alignment wave guide mount

252

, an alignment horn end mount

254

, and an elongated shaft

256

extending therebetween. In one preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the alignment wave guide mount

252

is designed to correspondingly mate with the inner diameter of the wave guide mount circular clamp

162

. Similarly, the outer diameter of the alignment horn end mount

254

of the laser alignment device

250

is configured to correspondingly mate with the inner diameter of the horn circular clamp

164

of the horn mount assembly

160

. In this manner, the laser alignment device

250

mounts within the horn mount assembly

160

through simple insertion, and without the need of any additional tooling, such as brackets, screws, or the like.

When the power switch

258

is activated, a laser beam is emitted from the end of the alignment device

250

and is projected towards the dish assembly

100

. The jack screw

170

on the horn mount assembly

160

can then be adjusted to bring the laser beam from the alignment device

250

in precise alignment with the centerpoint of illumination

110

of the dish assembly

100

. Thus, the laser alignment device

250

allows the horn assembly

180

to be aligned with the centerpoint of illumination

110

of the dish assembly

100

without the need for the antenna assembly

10

to be actively transmitting. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laser alignment device

250

further includes a mock horn disc. The mock horn disc is comprised of a circular plate that corresponds dimensionally to the end of the horn assembly in both size and position when the laser sighting device is mounted on the horn mount assembly. This allows the laser alignment device

250

to be used while the alignment jig

220

is being used, thereby allowing to separate alignment actions to be performed simultaneously.

In yet other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the laser alignment device

250

utilizes alternate attachment mechanisms for connecting to the horn mount assembly

160

. In still other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the laser alignment device

250

attaches directly to the horn assembly

180

, instead of to the horn mount assembly

160

. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the laser alignment device

250

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

as described herein.

As shown in

FIG. 7

, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transmission field sighting device

260

is used to assist in proper positioning of the dish assembly

100

. In antenna systems that utilize an offset dish configuration (such as in the preferred embodiment of the present invention as described above), the transmission angle and, hence, the boundaries of the transmission beam, are not readily apparent from a general visual inspection. As a result, it can be difficult to determine whether or not the dish assembly

100

of the antenna assembly

10

is positioned so as to avoid obstacles within the path of the transmission beam. The transmission field sighting device

260

of the present invention is used to confirm that the dish assembly's

100

orientation has been selected such that it maintains a clear path for the transmission field.

A preferred embodiment transmission field sighting device

260

, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a tube

262

, and an attachment bracket

266

. In another embodiment of the transmission's field sighting device, the device is a low power telescope with a crosshair reticule. The bracket

266

of the transmission field sighting device

260

preferably attaches to one of the side dish-engaging leaves

64

or

68

of the template assembly

61

. In this manner, the sighting device

260

is aligned with the transmission axis of the dish. Thus, by simply looking through the tube

262

of the sighting device

260

, a dish operator can easily spot trees, mountains, or other obstacles, and make a determination as to whether the antenna assembly

10

has sufficient clearance in its current location and orientation. While the transmission field sighting device

260

has been described herein as a detachable sighting assistance tool, in other embodiments of the present invention, the transmission field sighting device

260

may be incorporated into another component of the antenna assembly

10

, such as a side feed leg

140

or

142

, a side jig arm

224

or

226

, or the dish assembly

100

itself. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the transmission field sighting device

260

described above can be used either in conjunction with or independently of the other components of the antenna assembly

10

as described herein.

A preferred embodiment antenna assembly

10

has been described above in conjunction with many different component parts and related devices. A preferred embodiment of the present invention overcomes many of the drawbacks of antenna systems in the prior art. In this regard, the antenna assembly

10

of the present invention is rapidly deployable, easy to assemble, and highly modular. Further, a preferred embodiment antenna assembly

10

greatly reduces the number of parts which may be lost and eliminates the need for virtually all assembly tools. The antenna assembly

10

can be deployed and installed by a single individual and is extremely flexible in its adjustment capabilities. This is partially because the antenna assembly

10

contains parts that are easily interchangeable for specific functionality requirements. Moreover, the antenna assembly

10

of the present invention is highly accurate and extremely inexpensive in relation to the level of accuracy and amount of features that the antenna assembly

10

provides.

Throughout the above-described components, a simply implemented, yet sophisticated, assembly technique is utilized in which components are hung on initial mounting points so that the weight of the various components can be supported while fine tuning, aligning, and positioning of those components is performed. This all occurs before these components are actually locked into a secured position. This assembly technique greatly aids in assembly and allows a single individual to align and secure components that would otherwise be unwieldy due to their weight.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that although many components have been discussed above (including a pod mount assembly

20

, a controller assembly

40

, a back frame

60

, a dish assembly

100

, a feed leg assembly

120

, a horn mount assembly

160

, a horn assembly

180

, a polarization drive assembly

190

, a quick disconnect assembly

200

, an alignment jig

220

, a laser alignment device

250

, and a transmission field sighting device

260

) with respect to an overall antenna assembly

10

, each of the above-discussed components can be utilized independently of the remaining components, both in the field of antenna systems, as well as in other areas of technology. Further, smaller sub-groups of the above-described components can also be utilized in conjunction with one another to provide unique utility in a wide variety of applications both inside and outside the field of antenna systems.

Furthermore, the various methodologies described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Number	Name	Date	Kind
5448254	Schneeman et al.	Sep 1995	A
5714960	Choi	Feb 1998	A
6166700	Jenkin et al.	Dec 2000	A
6215453	Grenell	Apr 2001	B1

Feed leg assembly

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

Field of Search

US

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

US Referenced Citations (4)