Combination Omnidirectional Antenna and GPS Antenna for Rugged Applications

• US 20090051608A1
• Filed: 08/20/2007
• Published: 02/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Modular Mining Systems Incorporated (Komatsu)
• Original Assignee: Modular Mining Systems Incorporated (Komatsu)
• Inventors: Yiu, David, Carrasco, Christian H., Johnson, Romer D.
• Application Number:
  US11/841,544
• Publication Number:
  US 20090051608A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/713
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/1242 Rigid masts specially adapted for supporting an aerial
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3233 particular used as part of a sensor or in a security system, e.g. for automotive radar, navigation systems
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3275 mounted on a horizontal surface of the vehicle, e.g. on roof, hood, trunk
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/40 Radiating elements coated with or embedded in protective material
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/28 Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems multiple beam H01Q25/00

Abstract

A mast that includes an omnidirectional antenna disposed therein and a GPS antenna coupled with the mast. Both the omnidirectional antenna and the GPS antenna preferably are protected from the environment, with the omnidirectional antenna being located above the GPS antenna when the mast is positioned vertically.

Claims

1. A combination antenna, comprising:

a GPS antenna;

an omnidirectional antenna; and

a mast, wherein the omnidirectional antenna is at least partially encased by said mast, the GPS antenna is coupled with said mast and at least partially encased by a protective cover, and the omnidirectional antenna is located above the GPS antenna when said mast is vertically disposed.

2. The antenna of claim 1, wherein said mast and protective cover comprise a radome.

3. The antenna of claim 1, wherein said mast is flexible.

4. The antenna of claim 1, wherein said mast is adjustable in height.

5. The antenna of claim 1, wherein said mast further includes a mounting means at a lower end thereof.

6. The antenna of claim 1, wherein said GPS antenna and omnidirectional antenna are integrated into a single mast.

7. The antenna of claim 1, wherein cables connected to said omnidirectional antenna and said GPS antenna are housed within said mast.

8. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the mast is substantially non-electrically conductive.

9. A combination antenna, comprising a tubular mast containing an omnidirectional antenna and a GPS antenna coupled to the mast below said omnidirectional antenna when said mast is vertically disposed.

10. The antenna of claim 9, wherein said GPS antenna is at least partially encased by a protective cover.

11. The antenna of claim 10, wherein said mast and protective cover comprise a radome.

12. The antenna of claim 9, wherein said mast comprises a radome.

13. The antenna of claim 9, wherein said mast is flexible.

14. The antenna of claim 9, wherein said mast is adjustable in height.

15. The antenna of claim 9, wherein said mast further includes a mounting means at a lower end thereof.

16. The antenna of claim 9, wherein said GPS antenna and omnidirectional antenna are integrated inside a single mast.

17. The antenna of claim 9, wherein cables connected to said omnidirectional antenna and said GPS antenna are housed within said mast.

18. The antenna of claim 9, wherein the mast is substantially non-electrically conductive.

19. A vehicle having a tubular, non-conductive mast containing an omnidirectional antenna and a GPS antenna coupled to the mast below said omnidirectional antenna when said mast is vertically disposed.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising a dump bed, an overhang, a cab, a boarding platform and a rail, wherein said mast is secured to the rail of said vehicle such that both the GPS antenna and the omnidirectional antenna are higher than the vehicle at all times during normal vehicle operation with the exception of an elevated bed for dumping.