Radar Antenna Leveling System

• US 20050195123A1
• Filed: 02/08/2005
• Published: 09/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Patrick Caudle
• Original Assignee: Patrick Caudle
• Inventors: Caudle, Patrick
• Granted Patent: US 7,123,201 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/878
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/185 by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/34 Adaptation for use in or on ships, submarines, buoys or torpedoes for subaqueous use H01Q1/04

Abstract

A remotely controllable, tiltable platform supports a radar transmitter/receiver for rotational movement of the radar relative to a mounting on a vessel, such as a mast of a sailboat or the superstructure of a power boat. A cowling extends upward from the foundation plate and a stationary hinge plate, parallel to the foundation plate, is secured to the top of the cowling. A top antenna mounting plate is hingedly secured to the stationary hinge plate. An actuator is positioned within the cowling to controlled movement of the top antenna mounting plate to maintain the radar level with the horizon. Alternatively, an A-frame structure mounts the leveling system to a mast of a sailboat.

Claims

1. A radar antenna leveling system for a vessel comprising:

a top antenna mounting plate secured to the vessel for rotational movement therewith;

an actuator secured to the vessel and to the top antenna for rotational movement of the top antenna mounting plate relative to the vessel; and

control remote from the actuator for operation of the actuator.

2. The radar antenna leveling system of claims 1, further comprising a cowling around the actuator.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a foundation plate affixed to the vessel and supporting the actuator.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the actuator is coupled to the foundation plate with a lower actuator mounting plate.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a flexible joint securing the actuator to the lower actuator mounting plate.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the control includes operator selectable controls to move the top antenna mounting plate up, down, and automatically control the leveling the system.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an inclinometer secured for movement with the top antenna mounting plate.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises a sailboat and further comprising a bracket adapted to mount the system to the mast of the sailboat.