Multi-directional receiving antenna array

• US 8,669,912 B2
• Filed: 11/30/2012
• Issued: 03/11/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, Inc. (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Tischer, Steven N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancuso, Huedung
• Application Number:
  US13/691,516
• Publication Number:
  US 20130099997A1
• Time in Patent Office: 466 Days
• Field of Search: 343/810, 343/813, 343820-821, 455/456, 455/457
• US Class Current: 343/810
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/1235 Collapsible supports; Means for erecting a rigid antenna
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/125 Means for positioning
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/0087 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing antenna arrays manufacturing waveguides H01P11/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/28 Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems multiple beam H01Q25/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 5/40 Imbricated or interleaved structures; Combined or electromagnetically coupled arrangements, e.g. comprising two or more non-connected fed radiating elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/285 Planar dipole H01Q9/065 takes precedence; patch antenna H01Q9/0407
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49016 Antenna or wave energy "plumbing" making

Abstract

Techniques for providing multi-directional receiving antenna arrays are described herein. According to an embodiment, an apparatus includes an antenna array including multiple antennas and an orientation system. The orientation system includes multiple orientation marks and multiple alignment marks. At least one of the multiple antennas is configured to be positioned toward a respective station transmitter location based at least partially on an alignment of one of the multiple orientation marks relative to one of the multiple alignment marks.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an antenna array including multiple antennas and an orientation system,

a base coupled to multiple arms, each of the multiple arms supporting a respective one of the multiple antennas;

wherein the orientation system includes multiple orientation marks and multiple alignment marks,

wherein the orientation marks are located adjacent to points of rotation of respective ones of the antennas;

wherein the alignment marks are located a respective ones of the arms; and

wherein at least one of the multiple antennas is configured to be rotated toward a respective station transmitter location based at least partially on an alignment of one of the multiple orientation marks relative to one of the multiple alignment marks.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the base is configured to be fastened to a receiving location.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the base includes a rotary component and an adjustable angled portion, wherein the rotary component is configured to enable rotation of the base, and wherein the adjustable angled portion is configured to enable mounting of the base upon an inclined receiving location.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein each of the multiple arms includes a telescoping portion to adjust a respective arm length.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising shielding to electrically insulate one or more of the multiple antennas, the multiple arms, and the base.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock in place the at least one of the multiple antennas.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the multiple antennas include a very high frequency (VHF) antenna, an ultra high frequency (UHF) antenna, or a combination thereof.

8. An antenna array, comprising:

an antenna array base;

a plurality of antenna arms extending from the base, each of the plurality of antenna arms configured to receive respective directional antennas; and

a wiring grid in connection with each of the plurality of antenna arms;

wherein the directional antennas include respective orientation marks located adjacent to respective points of rotation of the directional antennas; and

wherein the antenna arms include respective alignment marks for orienting a corresponding one of the directional antennas by an alignment of one of the orientation marks relative to one of the alignment marks.

9. The antenna array as recited in claim 8 wherein the directional antenna includes at least one of a bow tie antenna or a dipole antenna.

10. The antenna array as recited in claim 8 wherein the wiring grid is integrated into the plurality of antenna arms.