Radiative focal area antenna transmission coupling arrangement

• US 20100178880A1
• Filed: 02/13/2009
• Published: 07/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1993
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Antennatech LLC
• Original Assignee: Chester Holdings LLC
• Inventors: Halgren, Donald N., Crowley, Robert J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,904,124 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/90.300
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0012 Seats or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/241 used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM H01Q1/247, H01Q1/248 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/243 with built-in antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3833 Hand-held transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3877 Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers

Abstract

The present invention comprises a docking system for connecting a portable communication device to a further signal transmission line. The docking system may be arranged within a workstation such as a desk or a tray. The system may also envelope a room in a building or be located in a vehicle, to control and restrict the radiative emission from the communication device and to direct such radiation to a further remote antenna and or signal distribution system connected to the transmission line.

Claims

1. A docking system for connecting a portable communication device to a further signal transmission line, said portable communication device having an externally radiative antenna, said system comprising:

a shield for restricting at least a portion of any radiation emanating from said externally radiative antenna of said portable communication device; and

a coupling probe mounted adjacent to said shield for radiatively coupling between said externally radiative antenna of said portable communication device and said further signal transmission line via radio frequency energy therebetween.

2. The docking system as recited in claim 1, wherein said shield is comprised of an electrically conductive material.

3. The docking system as recited in claim 1, wherein said shield defines a focal area station for receipt and transmission of a radio frequency signal, when a communication device is placed within said focal area.

4. The docking system as recited in claim 3, wherein said focal area stations may be selected from the group consisting of a desk, a room in a building, or a tray in a vehicle.

5. The docking system as recited in claim 1, wherein said further signal transmission line comprises a further antenna located at a location remote from said shield.

6. The docking system as recited in claim 1, wherein said further signal transmission line comprises a distribution network to permit communication of said communication device with other electrical communication devices.

7. The docking system as recited in claim 5, wherein said transmission line has a control unit therein, said control unit being arranged to permit monitoring and regulation of signals being transmitted through said transmission line.

8. The docking system as recited in claim 7, wherein said control unit comprises a computer arranged to monitor time or use of said docking system.

9. The docking system as recited in claim 3, wherein said shield and said probe are spaced apart from one another by a dielectric material.

10. The docking system as recited in claim 9, wherein said shield, said probe and said dielectric material are flexible.

11. The docking system as recited in claim 6, wherein a plurality of said communication devices are arranged in a simultaneous connection to said transmission line.

12. A method of coupling a portable communication device having an externally radiative antenna, to a signal transmission line having a further distribution system and/or remote antenna thereon, for the purpose of effecting radio signal communication therebetween, said method comprising the steps of:

arranging a radiation shield in juxtaposition with at least a portion of said radiative antenna of said portable communication device;

mounting a coupling probe adjacent said shield and in communication with said signal transmission line; and

placing said externally radiative antenna of said portable communication device communicatively adjacent said shield so as to permit radiative communication between said externally radiative antenna of said communication device and said signal transmission line via said coupling probe; and

arranging said shield in a generally planar work surface so as to restrict the propagation of at least a portion of the radiation emanating from said communication device.

13. The method of coupling said portable communication device to said signal transmission line, as recited in claim 12, including the step of:

attaching a control unit to said transmission line to permit regulation of electric signals therethrough.

14. The method of coupling said portable communication device to said signal transmission line, as recited in claim 13, including the step of:

adding a further communication device in juxtaposition with a further probe, so as to permit multiple simultaneous use of said transmission line and/or remote antenna therewith.

15. The method of coupling said portable communication device to said signal transmission line, as recited in claim 13, including the step of:

billing any users of said distribution system/remote antenna by monitoring and tabulating any signals received by and sent through said control unit.