Patent ID: 8593369
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: an antenna element having first and second opposed sides, the antenna element being configured to transmit or receive signals of a desired wavelength; a first conductive surface disposed proximate the first side of the antenna element and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the antenna element; a second conductive surface disposed proximate the second side of the antenna element and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first antenna element and substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the plane in which the first conductive surface lies; wherein the first and second conductive surfaces extend outwardly from the antenna element to a height of at least approximately 0.7 times the desired wavelength, and wherein collectively the first and second conductive surfaces are configured to excite wave propagation modes of a higher order than a fundamental propagation mode for reception or transmission of signals of the desired wavelength by the antenna element.