Waveguide-based wireless distribution system and method of operation

• US 8,489,015 B2
• Filed: 11/08/2011
• Issued: 07/16/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Wireless Expressways, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Wireless Expressways, Inc.
• Inventors: Becker, Charles D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Hai V
• Application Number:
  US13/291,647
• Publication Number:
  US 20120122390A1
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 455/3.01
• US Class Current: 455/3.01
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 35/60 wet, i.e. containing extinguishing material even when not in use
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 99/0018 using gases or vapours that do not support combustion, e.g. steam, carbon dioxide
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 3/23 for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other F16L3/237 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 3/26 specially adapted for supporting the pipes all along their length, e.g. pipe channels or ducts channels for electric cables formed by wire H02G3/0443
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 3/12 Hollow waveguides H01P3/20 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 3/127 with a circular, elliptic, or parabolic cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 5/103 Hollow-waveguide/coaxial-line transitions
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 5/12 Coupling devices having more than two ports H01P5/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 5/18 consisting of two coupled guides, e.g. directional couplers
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/007 specially adapted for indoor communication
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2291 used in bluetooth or WI-FI devices of Wireless Local Area Networks [WLAN] H01Q1/241 takes precedence; WLAN in general H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/44 using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna , e.g. means for giving an antenna an aesthetic aspectH01Q1/27 - H01Q1/34 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/0233 Horns fed by a slotted waveguide array biconical horns H01Q13/06
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/22 Longitudinal slot in boundary wall of waveguide or transmission line H01Q13/203 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/0043 Slotted waveguides combination with horns H01Q13/0233
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

The design and use of a simplified, highly efficient, waveguide-based wireless distribution system are provided. A low-loss waveguide is used to transport wireless signals from a signal source or sources to one or more receiver locations. One or more adjustable signal coupling devices partially insert into the waveguide at predetermined locations along the length of the system to provide variable, controlled extraction of one or more wireless signals. Low-loss impedance matching circuitry is provided between the waveguide coupling devices and output connectors to maintain high system efficiency and the capability of supplying signals of high strength and quality to a large number of receivers in a wide wireless coverage area via a plurality of signal radiators. Some embodiments of the system are adaptable for wireless distribution service in HVAC plenum spaces while others disclose the combined functions of fire extinguishing and waveguide wireless distribution.

Claims

1. A wireless distribution system adapted for installation with, or integrated into, a mechanical carrier tray assembly, comprising:

a carrier tray;

a first hollow waveguide of consistent cross section serving the dual purpose of a functioning wireless communications waveguide and a structural element of the mechanical carrier tray assembly, the mechanical carrier tray assembly supports cables, pipes, tubing, or ducts; and

a signal coupler coupled to the first hollow waveguide at a preselected location along the first hollow waveguide for interchanging energy with the first hollow waveguide.

2. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 further comprising a port on the signal coupler for connection to a wireless radiating device;

and a radiating device connected to the port of the signal coupler.

3. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 further comprising a pre-positioned aperture in the first hollow waveguide wherein the pre-positioned aperture is a direct radiator from the first hollow waveguide to free space.

4. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 further comprising a second hollow waveguide of consistent cross section serving the dual purpose of a functioning wireless communications waveguide and a structural element of the mechanical carrier tray assembly.

5. The wireless distribution system of claim 4 wherein the cross section of the first hollow waveguide and the cross section of the second hollow waveguide are of similar dimensions to propagate similar groups of frequencies.

6. The wireless distribution system of claim 4 wherein the cross section of the first hollow waveguide and the cross section of the second hollow waveguide are of different dimensions to propagate different groups of frequencies.

7. The wireless distribution system of claim 4 further comprising a signal coupler coupled to the second hollow waveguide at a preselected location along the second hollow waveguide, wherein the preselected location along the first hollow waveguide and the preselected location along the second hollow waveguide are at the same lineal position on each of the first and second hollow waveguides.

8. The wireless distribution system of claim 4 further comprising a signal coupler coupled to the second hollow waveguide at a preselected location along the second hollow waveguide, wherein the preselected location along the first hollow waveguide and the preselected location along the second hollow waveguide are at different lineal positions on each of the first and second hollow waveguides.

9. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 wherein a variable amount of signal energy is coupled from the first hollow waveguide by adjusting a mechanical variable on the signal coupler.

10. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 wherein the first hollow waveguide comprises a hollow material whose inner surface is a highly conductive metal configured to minimize radio frequency resistive losses due to skin effect at high frequencies.

11. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 wherein the shape of the first hollow waveguide is round, elliptical, rectangular, or any linear hollow shape of consistent cross section.

12. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 wherein the first hollow waveguide is coupled to a separate hollow waveguide for further transmission.

13. The wireless distribution system of claim 12 wherein an intermediate transmission line is coupled between the first hollow waveguide and the separate hollow waveguide.

14. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 wherein the wireless distribution system meets government and industry fire and smoke regulations for use in a HVAC return air plenum.