Patent Publication Number: US-11664573-B2

Title: Antenna assembly for a vehicle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The Present Application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/847,981, filed on Apr. 14, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/570,448, filed on Sep. 13, 2019, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/931,325, issued on Feb. 23, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/237,678, filed on Jan. 1, 2019, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/511,086, issued on Dec. 17, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to antenna assemblies for vehicles. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In wireless communication systems for vehicles, a modem for the vehicle is typically placed a great distance away from an antenna in order to prevent electro-magnetic signals from the modem from interfering with the antenna. This often requires a long coaxial cable wired throughout the vehicle. 
     General definitions for terms utilized in the pertinent art are set forth below. 
     BLUETOOTH technology is a standard short range radio link that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 gigahertz band. 
     Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) is a spread spectrum communication system used in second generation and third generation cellular networks, and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,307. 
     GSM, Global System for Mobile Communications is a second generation digital cellular network. 
     The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”) is a wireless standard. 
     Long Term Evolution (“LTE”) is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals and is based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA communication network technologies. 
     LTE Frequency Bands include 698-798 MHz (Band 12, 13, 14, 17); 791-960 MHz (Band 5, 6, 8, 18, 19, 20); 1710-2170 MHz (Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 23, 25, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39); 1427-1660.5 MH (Band 11, 21, 24); 2300-2700 MHz (Band 7, 38, 40, 41); 3400-3800 MHz (Band 22, 42, 43). 
     Antenna impedance and the quality of the impedance match are most commonly characterized by either return loss or Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. 
     Surface Mount Technology (“SMT”) is a process for manufacturing electronic circuits wherein the components are mounted or placed directly onto a surface of a printed circuit board (“PCB”). 
     The APPLE IPHONE® 5 LTE Bands include: LTE700/1700/2100 (698-806 MHz/1710-1785 MHz/1920-2170 MHz); LTE 850/1800/2100 (824-894 MHz/1710-1880 MHz/1920-2170 MHz); and LTE 700/850/1800/1900/2100 (698-806 MHz/824-894 MHz/1710-1880 MHz/1850-1990 MHz/1920/2170). 
     The SAMSUNG GALAXY® SIII LTE Bands include: LTE 800/1800/2600 (806-869 MHz/1710-1880 MHz/2496-2690 MHz. 
     The NOKIA LUMIA® 920 LTE Bands: LTE 700/1700/2100 (698-806 MHz/1710-1785 MHz/1920-2170 MHz); LTE 800/900/1800/2100/2600 (806-869 MHz/880-960 MHz/1710-1880 MHz/1920-2170 MHz/2496-2690 MHz). 
     The long coaxial cable that connects a modem to an antenna on a vehicle leads to signal losses due to the length of the coaxial cable. Thus, there is a need for placement of a modem in proximity of an antenna for a vehicle system. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is an antenna assembly comprising a base, a modem, a top lid and a housing. The base is composed of an aluminum material. The modem is disposed on the base. The top lid is attached to the base, and the top lid comprises at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface. The housing covers the top lid and base. The top lid acts as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication assembly for a vehicle comprising a base, a modem, a top lid, a housing, a router and an edge computing device. The base is composed of an aluminum material and attached to the vehicle. The modem is disposed on the base. The top lid is attached to the base, and the top lid comprises at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface. The housing covers the top lid and base. The top lid acts as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is an antenna assembly comprising a base, a modem, a top lid, a housing and a communication cable. The base is composed of an aluminum material, the base comprising a body, an interior surface, a sidewall and a plurality of heat dissipation elements extending from the interior surface. The modem is disposed within the base and on the plurality of heat dissipation elements. The modem comprises at least one of a communication chip, a GNSS reception component, a security access module or a mobile phone communication component. The top lid comprises at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface. The communication cable is connected to the modem at one end and extending to and connected to a vehicle internal router with a vehicle modem at the other end. The top lid and base act as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem. The connection from the vehicle internal router to the modem by the communication cable allows the vehicle internal modem to operate on a communication protocol of the modem. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication assembly for a vehicle comprising a base, a modem, a top lid, a housing, a vehicle internal router and a communication cable. The base is composed of an aluminum material, the base comprising a body, an interior surface, a sidewall and a plurality of heat dissipation elements extending from the interior surface. The modem is disposed within the base and on the plurality of heat dissipation elements. The modem comprises at least one of a communication chip, a GNSS reception component, a security access module or a mobile phone communication component. The top lid comprises at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface. The communication cable is connected to the modem at one end and extending to and connected to a vehicle internal router with a vehicle modem at the other end. The top lid and base act as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem. The connection from the vehicle internal router to the modem by the communication cable allows the vehicle internal modem to operate on a communication protocol of the modem. 
     The present invention eliminates the signal loss over the cables connecting the modem to the antenna since the modem and antenna are in relative proximity. 
     The present invention also replaces several coaxial cables with a single cable. 
     In another aspect, a heat dissipation system for an antenna assembly for a vehicle, the antenna assembly having an amplifier that generates heat during operation and a modem that generates heat during operation, the heat dissipation system comprising a base, which comprises a body and a heat sink, which further comprises a plurality of heat dissipation elements. The body may define a recess forming a component mounting surface. The heat dissipation system may also comprise a first heat transfer plate in thermal contact with the amplifier, and a second heat transfer plate in thermal contact with the modem. The modem and amplifier in such embodiments may be disposed within the recess and on the component mounting surface. Further, the first heat transfer plate may be in thermal contact with a first area of the heat sink and the second transfer plate may be in thermal contact with a second area of the heat sink separate from the first part of the heat sink. 
     Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  2    is a top plan view of a base portion of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  3    is a side elevation of the base portion of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a side elevation view of a housing for an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  5    is a side elevation view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle with a partial cut-away view. 
         FIG.  6    is a top plan view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  7    is a top plan view of a top lid for an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  8    is a top plan view of a modem for an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  9    is block diagram of an antenna assembly connect to an internal modem of a vehicle. 
         FIG.  10    is block diagram of an antenna assembly connect to an internal modem of a vehicle. 
         FIG.  11    is an illustration of a vehicle with an antenna assembly. 
         FIG.  12    is an illustration of a vehicle with an antenna assembly connected to an internal modem of a vehicle. 
         FIG.  13 A  is an exploded view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  13 B  is an exploded view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An antenna assembly  25  is shown in  FIG.  1   . The antenna assembly  25  preferably comprises a base  60 , a modem  50 , a top lid  40  and a housing  30 . Alternatively, the antenna assembly comprises a base  60 , a modem  50 , router (not shown), a top lid  40  and a housing  30 . The base  60  is preferably composed of an aluminum material. The modem  50  is disposed on the base  60 . The top lid  40  is to cover the base  60  and modem  50 , and the top lid  40  preferably comprises at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface. A radiofrequency cable  70  is attached to the modem  50  and secured to the base  60  by bolt  71 . The housing  30  covers the top lid  40  and the base  60 . The top lid  40  acts as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem  50  to maintain the electro-magnetic signals inside of the base  60  to prevent interference with the antenna signals. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the base  60  includes a body  61  with an interior surface  62 . A side wall  63  defines an interior compartment  65  in which a first plurality of heat dissipation elements  66   a - 66   e  and a second plurality of heat dissipation elements  67   a - 67   e . An aperture  64  extends through the body  61  for access by at least one cable. The base  60  is preferably composed of a die-cast aluminum material to prevent electro-magnetic signals from the modem  50  from interfering with the antennas on the top lid  40 . In this manner, the modem  50  is capable of being placed in proximity to the antennas on the top lid  50  without interference from electro-magnetic signals with the antennas on the top lid  40 . 
     The first plurality of heat dissipation elements  66   a - 66   e  and the second plurality of heat dissipation elements  67   a - 67   e  dissipate heat that is generated by the operation of the modem  50 . 
     The sidewall  63 , in addition to acting as electro-magnetic barrier, also provides a structure for placement of the top lid  40  thereon. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the base  60  preferably has a height H 2  ranging from 0.5 inch to 1.0 inch, a height, H 1 , ranging from 0.05 inch to 0.15 inch, and a height, H 3 , ranging from 0.15 inch to 0.30 inch The base preferably has a width ranging from 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches, and a length, L 1 , ranging from 6.0 inches to 8.0 inches. The aperture  64  is preferably from 1.0 inch to 1.25 inches across. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the top lid  40  comprises a first antenna element  42 , a second antenna element  43  and a third antenna element  41 . Preferably the first antenna element  42  is a multi-band antenna for cellular communications such as disclosed in Thill, U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/109,918 for a Multi Element Antenna For Multiple bands Of Operation And Method Therefor, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the first antenna element  42  is a multi-band antenna for cellular communications such as disclosed in He, U.S. Pat. No. 9,362,621 for a Multi Band LTE Antenna, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the first antenna element is a 5G Sub 6 GHz antenna or a mmWave antenna. 
     Preferably, the second antenna element  43  is selected from the group of antennas consisting of a WiFi 2G antenna, a WiFi 5G antenna, a DECT antenna, a ZigBee antenna, and a Zwave antenna. The WiFi 2G antennas are preferably 2400-2690 MegaHertz. The WiFi 5G antenna is preferably a 5.8 GigaHertz antenna. Alternatively, the second antenna element  43  operates at 5.15 GHz or at 5.85 GHz. Other possible frequencies for the second antenna element  43  include 5150 MHz, 5200 MHz, 5300 MHz, 5400 MHz, 5500 MHz, 5600 MHz, 5700 MHz, 5850 MHz, and 2.4 GHz. The second antenna element  43  preferably operates on an 802.11 communication protocol. Most preferably, the second antenna element  43  operates on an 802.11n communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element  43  operates on an 802.11b communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element  43  operates on an 802.11g communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element  43  operates on an 802.11a communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element  43  operates on an 802.11ac communication protocol. 
     The third antenna element  41  is preferably a GPS/GLONASS module. 
     Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other antenna types may be used for the first antenna element  42 , the second antenna element  43  and/or the third antenna element  41  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     The top lid  40  is preferably composed of an aluminum material, at least on a bottom surface. Alternatively, the top lid  40  is composed of materials that can act as a barrier to electro-magnetic signals. 
     The modem  50  preferably includes at least one of a computation component, a communication chip  55 , a switch, an antenna switch circuit, a GNSS reception component  56 , a security access module  53 , a mobile phone communication component  54 , and a power supply source. The computation component preferably includes a CPU  51 , a memory  52 , and an interface (I/F) component. The modem  50  preferably operates for cellular protocols including 3G, 4G, 4G HPUE and 5G technology. HPUE is High Power User Equipment, and is more specifically a special class of user equipment for a cellular network, such as a LTE cellular network. 
     Preferably, the housing  30  is composed of a polypropylene material. As shown in  FIGS.  4 ,  5  and  6   , the housing  30  preferably has a height, H 4 , ranging from 50 to 90 millimeters (mm), more preferably from 60 to 80 mm, and most preferably from 65 to 75 mm. The housing  30  preferably has a length, L 2 , ranging from 100 to 250 mm, more preferably from 150 to 200 mm, and most preferably from 160 to 190 mm. The housing  30  preferably has a width, W 1  ranging from 50 to 100 mm, more preferably from 60 to 90 mm, and most preferably from 65 to 85 mm. An internal width W 2  is preferably 70 to 80 mm. A width W 3  is preferably 10 to 15 mm. The housing  30  has a sidewall  32 , a crown  33  and a rear wall  31 . The walls of the housing  30  preferably have a thickness ranging from 2 to 7 mm, and most preferably are 5 mm. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is set forth in  FIGS.  9 - 12   . The antenna assembly system is used as a remote modem plus an antenna plus a serial communication system for upgrading existing installed routers to 5G sub 6 GHz, or adding a failover modem. To upgrade an existing router to 5G with a new internal modem, a technician must: remove the router from the vehicle; take the router apart to remove the modem; install a new modem; install the router in the vehicle; and test the router to verify the new modem is working properly. 
     To upgrade an existing router to 5G using an antenna assembly of the present invention, a technician must, leveraging the already-installed coax cables (as shown in  FIG.  9   ): loosen the existing antenna on a vehicle roof; cut the coax cables; add a coax connector to two of the cables; use one coax cable for powering the antenna assembly and for serial Ethernet communications; use the second coax cable for GPS/GNSS; connect a coax-to-Ethernet combiner and power injector to the router&#39;s spare Ethernet WAN port to 12V power (it combines Ethernet and power and conveys them over coax) and to an ignition sense; configure the router to use the Ethernet port as the WAN if it is not already configured; test the router to verify it is communicating over the new modem; remove the existing antenna and cables; disconnect the coax cables from the router; remove the antenna from the roof of the vehicle; install the new antenna and connect the coax cables to the router; connect the injector module to the router Ethernet, vehicle power and ignition sense; connect the combiner module Ethernet connector to the router; configure the router to use the Ethernet port as the WAN if it is not already configured; and test the router to verify it is communicating over the new modem. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates the removal of the existing antenna  900  of a vehicle, and the installation of an embodiment of antenna assembly  25  as described herein.  FIGS.  10 - 12    illustrate the connections between the antenna assembly and the existing router  125  of the vehicle  1100 . The antenna assembly  25  preferably comprises a base  60 , a modem  50 , a CPU  51 , a combiner  92 , a power regulator  94 , and a plurality of antenna elements  41 ,  42 ,  43  and  44  within a housing  30 . Four coaxial cables  131 ,  132 ,  133  and  135  are connected from the antenna assembly  25  to connectors on the vehicle. The coaxial cable  135  is connected to an injector  105 , the coaxial cables  132  and  133  are connected to WiFi connectors  161  and  162  of a router  125 . The coaxial cable  131  is connected to a GPS/GNSS connector  160  of the router  125 . The injector  105  comprises a reset button  95 , a SIM card  96 , a USB connection  97  and a power-conditioning unit. The router  125  preferably comprises a modem  130 , an Ethernet or USB WAN connector  170 , LTE connectors  163  and  164 , an ignition sense and 12 Volt connector  171  which an ignition sense cable  185  and 12 Volt cable  190  connect thereto. 
     Using certain embodiments described herein, there is no need to remove, open the existing router, remove and replace modem module, close the router, re-install the router, test the router and modem. 
     Using certain embodiments described herein, installation is quicker and a lower risk (no static discharge accidental damage to the router or modem due to opening the router). 
     Signal loss is typically higher at 5G mid-band frequencies than traditional cellular, and those losses are mitigated if not eliminated by the present invention. Using the modem that is embedded in the antenna housing avoids cable loss and thereby extends coverage range. 
     A user of certain embodiments of antenna assemblies described herein can continue to use the software they have been using with their existing router. 
     The combiner  92  preferably inputs a wide area network connection from the router for send and receive data to/from Internet, and an ignition sense to put the unit to sleep and draw minimal power when the ignition is off. The combiner  92  also inputs twelve volts to power the antenna assembly  25 , which allows the combiner  92  to perform power regulation and surge protection, and pass the power up to the modem  50  in the antenna housing  60 . The combiner  92  also inputs a SIM card for a carrier (AT&amp;T, Verizon, etc.) subscriber identity module remoted from the modem  50  so that it can be easily accessed in the trunk of the vehicle  1100 . All of the above are combined and sent up to the antenna assembly  25  over the existing coaxial cable, or over the Ethernet plus other wires. 
       FIGS.  13 A,  13 B and  14    illustrate thermal dissipation and isolation features that are utilized in certain embodiments of an antenna assembly  25  for a vehicle to optimize heat removal and to protect certain heat sensitive components. The antenna assembly  25  preferably comprises a housing  30 , a top lid  40  with antenna elements and a base  60 . The base  60  preferably has a body  61  and a heat sink  68 , but those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the base may take various other forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The body  61  preferably has a structure that forms a mounting surface  69  for some, or all, of the rest of the components of the antenna assembly  25 . In some embodiments, the body  61  has an internal compartment or recess  65  forming a mounting surface  69  for mounting certain components directly on the body  61  itself, while other components are mounted on other features that themselves are mounted to the body  61 . In certain embodiments having a recess  65  formed by a sidewall  63 , the recess  65  has a shape that allows components to be mounted in proximity to or in contact with the heat sink  68 . In yet other embodiments, the recess  65  is formed in a shape that allows components to contact the heat sink  68  in substantially different areas, thereby transmitting their respective generated heat to different parts of the heat sink  68 , and minimizing the crossflow of heat from one component to another through the heat sink  68 . For example, a first area of the heat sink  68  is located on one side of the base  60  and a second area of the heat sink  68  is located on an opposing side of the base  60 . Alternatively, a first area of the heat sink  68  is located on one side of the base  60 , a second area of the heat sink  68  is located on an opposing side of the base  60 , and a third area of the heat sink  68  is located at a rear section of the base  60 . Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the heat sink  68  may be partitioned into multiple areas without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The heat sink  68  preferably comprises a plurality of heat dissipation elements. The heat dissipation elements are preferably fins or pins. In some embodiments, the recess  65  is generally rectangular and has mounting surfaces such that one component is in contact with one side of the heat sink  68  formed by the recess  65  and heat from another component is directed to another side of the heat sink  68  formed by the recess. The component mounting surface  69  is preferably formed to mount multiple components that have different heat sensitivities and heat generating characteristics. For example, a first component, such as a modem  50 , has a high heat sensitivity and lower heat generation and a second component, such as a high-power amplifier  57 , has a lower heat sensitivity, but a much higher heat generation characteristic. Those of skill in the art will know that for different components, different heat sensitivities and different heat generating characteristics may apply and may require further heat dissipation features. In some embodiments, to increase the flow of heat from the components mounted on the base  60 , heat transfer plates  72 ,  73  are attached to the body  61  or heat sink  68  and in thermal contact with the components mounted on the body  61 . The heat transfer plates  72 ,  73  are preferably mounted directly on the components (e.g., modem  50  and high-power amplifier  57 ) or alternatively in thermal contact with the components via thermally conductive materials  1302  and  1303  (as shown in  FIG.  13 B ). The heat transfer plates  72 ,  73  of in these embodiments are mounted directly or via fasteners to the body  61  or the heat sink  68 . In a preferred embodiment, the first and second heat transfer plates are each made of material selected from the list consisting of copper, aluminum, graphite, carbon diamond, magnesium, gold, silver, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, and zinc. To provide additional thermal insulation between the components mounted to the body  61 , slots (not shown) are formed by molding, cutting or otherwise in the mounting surface  69 , to impede the flow of heat from one component to another and encourage the heat flow through the heat sink  68 . 
     In other embodiments, further thermal insulation of the antenna assembly  25  from the vehicle  1100  is desired to prevent heat from the vehicle  1100  from transferring to the antenna assembly  25 . In these embodiments, each interface between the antenna assembly  25  and the vehicle  1100  is evaluated for thermal insulation. In these embodiments, a thermally insulative pad is added between the base  61  to reduce heat transmitted from the vehicle  1100  to the antenna assembly  25 . In alternative embodiments, the thermally insulative pad is also water resistant to aid in the prevention of water intrusion around and under the antenna assembly  25 . In alternative embodiments, a thermally insulative washer is installed between the mounting nut  71  and the vehicle  1100 . In other embodiments, a thermally insulative bushing, or other thermally insulating part, is installed between the threaded tube  82 , through which the radiofrequency cable  70  is routed, that fastens with the mounting nut  71  and the vehicle  1100  to avoid heat transfer from the vehicle  1100 . 
     He, U.S. Pat. No. 9,362,621 for a Multi-Band LTE Antenna is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,215,296 for a Switch Multi-Beam Antenna Serial is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Salo et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,907,971 for an Optimized Directional Antenna System is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,570,215 for an Antenna device with a controlled directional pattern and a planar directional antenna is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,423,084 for a Method for radio communication in a wireless local area network and transceiving device is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Khitrik et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,336,959 for an Information transmission method for a wireless local network is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Khitrik et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,043,252 for an Information transmission method for a wireless local network is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,184,601 for a METHOD FOR RADIO COMMUNICATION INA WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK AND TRANSCEIVING DEVICE is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,300 for a Dynamically optimized smart antenna system is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,486,832 for a Direction-agile antenna system for wireless communications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Yang, U.S. Pat. No. 8,081,123 for a COMPACT MULTI-LEVEL ANTENNA WITH PHASE SHIFT is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Nagaev et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,201 for a Directional antenna system with multi-use elements is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,696,948 for a Configurable directional antenna is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,965,242 for a Dual-band antenna is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,729,662 for a Radio communication method in a wireless local network is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Abramov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,248,970 for an OPTIMIZED DIRECTIONAL MIMO ANTENNA SYSTEM is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Visuri et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,175,036 for a MULTIMEDIA WIRELESS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Yang, U.S. Patent Publication Number 20110235755 for an MIMO Radio System With Antenna Signal Combiner is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Yang et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,013,355 for an L SHAPED FEED AS PART OF A MATCHING NETWORK FOR A MICROSTRIP ANTENNA is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes modification and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.