DIPOLE ANTENNA ARRAY

• US 3,750,185 A
• Filed: 01/18/1972
• Issued: 07/31/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gary E. Evans
• Original Assignee: Gary E. Evans
• Inventors: Evans, Gary E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieberman, Eli
• Application Number:
  US05/218,789
• Time in Patent Office: 560 Days
• Field of Search: 343/814,815,816,817,821
• US Class Current: 343/814
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/12 Parallel arrangements of substantially straight elongated conductive units travelling-wave antennas comprising transmission line loaded with transverse elements H01Q11/02; Yagi antennas H01Q19/30
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/065 Microstrip dipole antennas patch antenna H01Q9/0407

Abstract

An antenna array is disclosed for generating and directing a narrow beam or beacon of wave energy along a predetermined path. Illustratively, the antenna array includes a plurality of dipole elements disposed upon a substantially flat support member and connected by a distribution circuit through a single transition to an axial input cable. Significantly, the distribution circuit takes the form of an insulating member upon either side of which are disposed electrically conductive elements for establishing across the dielectric member a balanced conduit for the passage of high frequency signals (or waves) to each of the dipole elements. Further, the distribution circuit serves to divide and to appropriately distribute the input signal to each of the dipole elements of the array. A shell housing is disposed about the distribution circuit to provide in combination with the plurality of dipole elements an effective shielding therefore and also to provide a reflective surface to appropriately direct the discrete wave generated by each of the dipole elements.

Claims

1. An antenna array for generating and directing a composite wave composed of a plurality of discrete waves, along a selected orientation, said antenna array comprising:

a plurality of dipole elements for radiating RF energy, mounted on a first insulating member with each of said dipoles comprising at least first and second conductors;

distribution circuit means, said distribution circuit means comprising at least first and second substantially identical patterns of electrical conductors, said patterns of electrical conductors being mounted on opposite sides of a second insuluting member, with said first and second patterns of electrical conductors being respectively connected to said first and second conductors which comprise said dipole elements; and

multipurpose mounting and shielding means for mounting said first and second insulating members at substantially right angles with respect to each other and for enclosing in combination said plurality of dipole elements said distribution circuit means to thereby electrically shield said distribution circuit means and for providing a reflecting surface for directing the radiation produced by said dipole elements to form a composite radiated wave.

2. An antenna array as claimed in claim 1, wherein said distribution circuit means provides an impedance match with each said dipole element.

3. The antenna array as claimed in claim 1, wherein said distribution circuit means provides unbalanced to balanced conversion means.

4. The antenna array as claimed inclaim 3, wherein said distribution circuit means provides balanced conduit paths to each of said dipole elements, said conduit paths being so configured as to reduce the energy level of the balanced signals directed to selected ones of said dipole elements.

5. The antenna array as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first insulating member is secured to said shielding means to form a unitary structure.

6. The antenna array as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spaced enclosed by said multipurpose shielding means and said plurality of dipole elements is filled with a dielectric substance.