Patent ID: 7982680
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. An antenna, providing a near-spherical antenna pattern of right-hand circular polarization, comprising: a cylindrical first assembly having a center axis and including a top portion having a conductive surface normal to said axis, a bottom portion spaced below said top portion and having a conductive surface normal to said axis and a cylindrical portion extending around the space between said top and bottom portions and having a dielectric property; four exciter members spaced around said axis within said cylindrical portion, extending without conductive contact through said bottom portion and contacting the conductive surface of said top portion; a signal divider/combiner coupled to said four exciter members, positioned below said bottom portion, configured to provide excitation of respective 0, 90, 180 and 270 degree phase to successive ones of said exciter members and having a signal port; and a cylindrical base assembly including a cylindrical side wall portion having a signal absorbent property and a conductive surface at the bottom of said side wall and normal to said axis, said base assembly centered around said axis below said first assembly, enclosing said signal divider/combiner and having a transverse dimension larger than said first assembly; said antenna configured to provide a radiation pattern of right-hand circular polarization in all directions, except within a downward cone having an acute internal angle.