Wiper-type phase shifter with cantilever shoe and dual-polarization antenna with commonly driven phase shifters
First Claim
1. A phase shifter, comprising:
- a backplane carrying a transmission media trace;
a wiper arm pivotally attached to the backplane and carrying a trace contact that is in electrical communication with the transmission media trace;
an actuator for pivoting the wiper arm with respect to the backplane to move the trace contact along the transmission media trace while maintaining electrical communication between the trace contact and the transmission media trace;
a signal conductor in electrical communication with the trace contact; and
a cantilever shoe including a trace contact biasing element configured to bias the trace contact toward the transmission media trace while the trace contact moves along the transmission media trace.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wiper-type phase shifter with a cantilever shoe that ensures that the electrical contact on the wiper arm remains in electrical communication with the transmission trace located on the antenna backplane without relying to an element, such as a spring-loaded set screw, that passes through the backplane. The cantilever shoe thus provides a wiper hold-down mechanism without requiring holes or slots through the backplane, which could allow rain or other elements to get inside the antenna enclosure. A dual-polarization antenna that includes a wiper-type phase shifter for each polarization. The wiper arms define gear portions that engage each other, which allows a single actuator, typically located on the rear of the backplane opposite the location of the wiper arms, to drive both wiper arms in a coordinated manner. The antenna is suitable for use as a wireless base station antenna.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A phase shifter, comprising:
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a backplane carrying a transmission media trace; a wiper arm pivotally attached to the backplane and carrying a trace contact that is in electrical communication with the transmission media trace; an actuator for pivoting the wiper arm with respect to the backplane to move the trace contact along the transmission media trace while maintaining electrical communication between the trace contact and the transmission media trace; a signal conductor in electrical communication with the trace contact; and a cantilever shoe including a trace contact biasing element configured to bias the trace contact toward the transmission media trace while the trace contact moves along the transmission media trace. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A phase shifter, comprising:
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a backplane carrying a transmission media trace; a wiper arm pivotally attached to the backplane and carrying a trace contact; an actuator for pivoting the wiper arm with respect to the backplane to move the trace contact along the backplane and in electrical communication with the transmission media trace; a signal conductor in electrical communication with the trace contact; and a cantilever shoe including a trace contact biasing element configured to bias the trace contact toward the backplane while the trace contact moves along the backplane.
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Specification