METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING AN ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE ONTO A TRANSMISSION MEDIUM

• US 20190115642A1
• Filed: 10/17/2017
• Published: 04/18/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Henry, Paul Shala, Wolniansky, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 10,454,151 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 3/10 Wire waveguides, i.e. with a single solid longitudinal conductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 3/16 Dielectric waveguides, i.e. without a longitudinal conductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 5/02 with invariable factor of coupling H01P5/12 takes precedence choke joints H01P1/04, H01P1/06
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 5/08 for linking dissimilar lines or devices H01P1/16, H01P5/04 take precedence; linking lines of the same kind but with different dimensions H01P5/02
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/12 Supports; Mounting means
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/02 Waveguide horns
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/24 constituted by a dielectric or ferromagnetic rod or pipe H01Q13/28 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 19/08 for modifying the radiation pattern of a radiating horn in which it is located corrugated horns H01Q13/0208; producing a circular polarisation H01Q13/0241
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/064 using horn or slot aerials slotted waveguides arrays H01Q21/005
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/08 the units being spaced along or adjacent to a rectilinear path waveguide fed H01Q21/0037
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/205 providing an omnidirectional coverage turnstile aerials H01Q21/26
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/08 for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5425 improving S/N by matching impedance, noise reduction, gain control
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5441 Wireless systems or telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5479 using repeaters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5483 using coupling circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5491 using filtering and bypassing
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/32 Reducing cross-talk, e.g. by compensating
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/36 Repeater circuits H04B3/58 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/48 Testing attenuation H04B3/466 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/56 : Circuits for coupling, blocking, or by-passing of signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/58 : Repeater circuits

Abstract

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a coupler having a base for coupling to a transmission medium, and a plurality of members extending from the base. A distal end of each member of the plurality of members can be separated from an outer surface of the transmission medium. A transmitter coupled to the base can facilitate transmission of signals via the plurality of members. The transmission of signals can induce electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Claims

1. A coupler, comprising:

a metallic base for coupling to a transmission medium, wherein the metallic base is coaxially aligned with the transmission medium; and

a plurality of metallic members extending from the metallic base,

wherein a distal end of each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members is separated from an outer surface of the transmission medium,

wherein a transmitter coupled to the metallic base facilitates transmission of signals via the plurality of metallic members, and

wherein the transmission of signals induces electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.

2. The coupler of claim 1, wherein each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members is non-linear.

3. The coupler of claim 1, wherein portions, other than the distal end, of each metallic member is separated from the outer surface of the transmission medium.

4. The coupler of claim 3, wherein the plurality of metallic members is separated uniformly from the outer surface of the transmission medium.

5. The coupler of claim 3, wherein the plurality of metallic members is separated non-uniformly from the outer surface of the transmission medium.

6. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of metallic members is separated from each other uniformly.

7. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of metallic members is separated from each other non-uniformly.

8. The coupler of claim 1, wherein each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members has a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface that is flat.

9. The coupler of claim 1, wherein each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members has a uniform width.

10. The coupler of claim 1, wherein each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members has a non-uniform width.

11. The coupler of claim 1, wherein each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members has a uniform length.

12. The coupler of claim 1, wherein each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members has a non-uniform length.

13. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of metallic members has a uniform thickness.

14. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of metallic members has a non-uniform thickness.

15. The coupler of claim 1, wherein a proximal end of each metallic member of the plurality of metallic members is at least in proximity to the outer surface of the transmission medium.

16. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the transmission medium comprises an insulated conductor, an uninsulated conductor, or a dielectric core.

17. A coupler, comprising:

a base for coupling to a transmission medium, wherein the base is coaxially aligned with the transmission medium; and

a plurality of members extending from the base,

wherein a distal end of each member of the plurality of members is separated from an outer surface of the transmission medium,

wherein a transmitter coupled to the base facilitates transmission of signals via the plurality of members, and

wherein the transmission of signals induces electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.

18. The coupler of claim 17, wherein at least one member the plurality of members comprises a metallic member, and wherein the base comprises a metallic base.

19. A coupler, comprising:

a base for coupling to a transmission medium, wherein the base is coaxially aligned with the transmission medium; and

a plurality of members extending from the base,

wherein a distal end of each member of the plurality of members is separated from an outer surface of the transmission medium,

wherein a receiver coupled to the base facilitates receiving signals from the plurality of members,

wherein the signals are generated from electromagnetic waves received by the plurality of members, and

wherein the electromagnetic waves propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.

20. The coupler of claim 19, wherein at least one member of the plurality of members has a non-flat surface.