Antenna With Partially Spherical Dielectric Lenses
First Claim
1. An antenna, comprising a first group of part-spherical dielectric lenses each supported on a first, substantially annular portion of a conducting ground plane surrounding a well-like portion of the antenna each of the lenses of the first group having a plurality of associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements disposed around the periphery of the lens for injecting signals into and/or receiving signals emerging from at least one sector of the lens, wherein lenses of the first group and their associated feed elements have different orientations and are operable to provide coverage in respect of a different regions, and a second group of one or more spherical or part-spherical dielectric lenses and associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements located within said well-like Portion of the antenna. oriented and operable to provide coverage to a region other than those covered by lenses of the first group.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An antenna is provided comprising a first group of part-spherical dielectric lenses supported on a first portion of a conducting ground place arranged to reflect signals emerging from the lens, each of the lenses having a number of associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements arranged around the periphery of at least one sector of the lens for injecting signals into and/or receiving signals propagated by the lens, wherein each lens and the associated feed elements of the first group has a different orientation and may be operated to provide coverage in respect of a different region. The antenna also comprises a second group of one or more spherical or part-spherical dielectric lenses and associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements, oriented and operable to provide coverage to a region other than that covered by lenses of the first group. The first portion of the ground plane may be substantially annular and arranged to surround a well-like region of the antenna in which the second group of one or more lenses may be accommodated.
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Citations
14 Claims
- 1. An antenna, comprising a first group of part-spherical dielectric lenses each supported on a first, substantially annular portion of a conducting ground plane surrounding a well-like portion of the antenna each of the lenses of the first group having a plurality of associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements disposed around the periphery of the lens for injecting signals into and/or receiving signals emerging from at least one sector of the lens, wherein lenses of the first group and their associated feed elements have different orientations and are operable to provide coverage in respect of a different regions, and a second group of one or more spherical or part-spherical dielectric lenses and associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements located within said well-like Portion of the antenna. oriented and operable to provide coverage to a region other than those covered by lenses of the first group.
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2. (canceled)
Specification