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GPS antenna systems

  • US 5,534,882 A
  • Filed: 02/03/1994
  • Issued: 07/09/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/03/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An antenna system, having a first circular polarization characteristic horizontally and upward from a plane, comprising:

  • a plurality of element arrays spaced along an axis normal to said plane and configured to operate with circular polarization, each said element array including a plurality of radiating elements positioned around said axis, with said radiating elements of each array in vertical alignment with corresponding radiating elements in other arrays;

    distribution means, coupled to said element arrays, including;

    transmission line means for distributing signals;

    first coupling means, coupled to said transmission line means, for coupling to the respective radiating elements of a first element array of said plurality of element arrays, first signals of relative phase effective to produce a first radiation pattern having a 360 degree progressive phase characteristic around said axis, said first signals having a first average amplitude;

    a plurality of additional coupling means, coupled to said transmission line means, for coupling to the respective radiating elements of the remaining element arrays of said plurality of element arrays additional signals of relative phase effective to produce respective additional radiation patterns each having a 360 degree progressive phase characteristic around said axis with at least one of said additional radiation patterns rotated in azimuth phase by a predetermined angle relative to said first radiation pattern, said additional signals coupled to at least one of said remaining element arrays having an average amplitude differing from said first average amplitude; and

    means for supporting said antenna system above said plane.

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