Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8994600
Timestamp: 2018-03-24 00:53:20
Document Index: 227244878

Matched Legal Cases: ['application No. 29', 'application No. 29', 'Application No. 29', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 29', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 61', 'art 2012', 'application No. 14153878']

US8994600B2 - Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements - Google Patents
Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements Download PDF
US8994600B2
US8994600B2 US13759750 US201313759750A US8994600B2 US 8994600 B2 US8994600 B2 US 8994600B2 US 13759750 US13759750 US 13759750 US 201313759750 A US201313759750 A US 201313759750A US 8994600 B2 US8994600 B2 US 8994600B2
US13759750
US20130162487A1 (en )
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of antenna assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly generally includes one or more tapered loop antenna elements.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Design application No. 29/430,632 filed Aug. 28, 2012, which, in turn, was a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/376,791 filed Oct. 12, 2010 (now U.S. Design Pat. No. D666,178 issued Aug. 28, 2012).
This application is also continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/606,636 filed Oct. 27, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,368,607 on Feb. 5, 2013.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/606,636 was a continuation-in-part of the following four applications:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/050,133 filed Mar. 17, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,609,222 issued Oct. 29, 2009), which, in turn, was a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. Design Pat. Application No. 29/304,423 filed Feb. 29, 2008 (now U.S. Design Pat. No. D598,433 issued Aug. 18, 2009) and also claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/992,331 filed Dec. 5, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/034,431 filed Mar. 6, 2008; and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/040,464 filed Feb. 29, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,839,347 issued Nov. 23, 2010), which, in turn, claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/992,331 filed Dec. 5, 2007; and
U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/305,294 filed Mar. 17, 2008 (now U.S. Design Pat. No. D598,434 issued Aug. 18, 2009), which, in turn, was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/040,464 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,839,347 issued Nov. 23, 2010) and also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/050,133 filed Mar. 17, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,609,222 issued Oct. 29, 2009); and
PCT International Application No. PCT/US08/061908 filed Apr. 29, 2008, which, in turn, claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/992,331 filed Dec. 5, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/034,431 filed Mar. 6, 2008, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/040,464 filed Feb. 29, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,839,347 issued Nov. 23, 2010), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/050,133 filed Mar. 17, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,609,222 issued Oct. 29, 2009).
FIG. 41 is a top view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 27;
FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 27;
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly having a tapered loop antenna element and a support that is rotatably convertible between a first configuration for supporting the antenna assembly on a horizontal surface and a second configuration for supporting the antenna assembly from a vertical surface, where the rotatably convertible support is shown in the first configuration with a reflector mounted within a slot or groove of the rotatably convertible support;
FIG. 44 is a left side view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 43;
FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 43 with the tapered loop antenna element removed from the support and illustrating the reflector mounted within the slot of the support;
FIG. 46 is a top view of the support of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 43 with the threaded stem portion removed;
FIG. 47 is a bottom view of the support of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 43;
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly having two tapered loop antenna elements and a reflector, where the antenna assembly further includes a VHF dipole and an integrated UHF balun diplexer internal to the UHF antenna;
FIG. 49 is a back perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48;
FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48 shown mounted to a mast and a mast base for free-standing indoor use according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 51 is an exemplary line graph showing UHF computer-simulated gain (in decibels referenced to isotropic gain (dBi)) versus azimuth angle at various frequencies (in megahertz (MHz)) for the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48;
FIG. 52 is an exemplary line graph showing UHF computer-simulated gain (dBi) versus elevation angle at various frequencies (MHz) for the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48;
FIG. 53 is an exemplary line graph showing UHF boresight gain (dBi) versus frequency (MHz) for the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48;
FIG. 54 is an exemplary line graph showing UHF computer-simulated voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) versus frequency (MHz) for the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48;
FIG. 55 is an exemplary line graph showing VHF element computer-simulated gain (dBi) versus azimuth angle at various frequencies (MHz) for the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48;
FIG. 56 is an exemplary line graph showing VHF element computer-simulated gain (dBi) versus elevation angle at various frequencies (MHz) for the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48; and
FIG. 57 is an exemplary line graph showing VHF element boresight gain (dBi) versus frequency (MHz) for the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 48.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7-10, the illustrated tapered loop antenna element 104 is substantially planar with a generally constant or uniform thickness. In one exemplary embodiment, the tapered loop antenna element 104 has a thickness of about 3 millimeters. Other embodiments may include a thicker or thinner antenna element. For example, some embodiments may include an antenna element with a thickness of about 35 micrometers (e.g., 1 oz. copper, etc.), where the antenna element is mounted, supported, or installed on a printed circuit board. Further embodiments may include a free-standing, self-supporting antenna element made from aluminum, anodized aluminum, copper, etc. having a thickness between about 0.5 millimeters to about 5 millimeters, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the antenna element comprises a relatively thin aluminum foil that is encased in a supporting plastic enclosure, which has been used to reduce material costs associated with the aluminum.
A wide range of materials may be used for the antenna element 104. By way of example only, the tapered loop antenna element 104 may be formed from a metallic electrical conductor, such as aluminum (e.g., anodized aluminum, etc.), copper, stainless steel or other alloys, etc. In another embodiment, the tapered loop antenna element 104 may be stamped from sheet metal, or created by selective etching of a copper layer on a printed circuit board substrate.
FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of an antenna assembly 200 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, the antenna assembly 200 includes two generally side-by-side tapered loop antenna elements 204A and 204B in a generally figure eight configuration (as shown in FIG. 13). In this exemplary embodiment, the two loops 204A and 204B are arranged one opposite to the other such that a gap is maintained between each pair of opposite spaced apart end portions of each loop 204A, 204B. The gap or open slot may be used to provide a gap feed for use with a balanced transmission line. In operation, this gap feed configuration allows the vertical going electrical current components to effectively cancel each other out such that antenna assembly 200 has relatively pure H polarization at the passband frequencies and exhibits very low levels of cross polarized signals.
The antenna assembly 200 also includes a reflector 208 and a printed circuit board balun 212. The antenna assembly 200 may be provided with a housing similar to or different than housing 116. Other than having two tapered loop antenna elements 204A, 204B (and improved antenna range that may be achieved thereby), the antenna assembly 200 may be operable and configured similar to the antenna assembly 100 in at least some embodiments thereof. FIG. 20 is an exemplary line graph showing computer-simulated directivity and S11 versus frequency (in megahertz) for the antenna assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.
The antenna assemblies 300 (FIGS. 14 and 15), 400 (FIG. 16), and 800 (FIGS. 26 through 42) do not include any reflector. In some embodiments, the antenna assemblies 300, 400, 800 are configured to provide good VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) without a reflector. In other embodiments, however, the antenna assemblies 300, 400, 800 may include a reflector, such as reflector identical or similar to a reflector disclosed herein (e.g., 108 (FIG. 1), 208 (FIG. 13), 508 (FIG. 17), 608 (FIG. 19), 708 (FIG. 21), 908 (FIG. 43), 1008 (FIG. 48) or other suitably configured reflector.
The antenna assemblies 300, 400, 800 may be operable and configured similar to the antenna assemblies 100 and 200 in at least some embodiments thereof. The illustrated circular shapes of the supports 388, 488, 888 are only exemplary embodiments. The support 388, 488, 888 may have many shapes (e.g. square, hexagonal, etc.). Removing a reflector may result in an antenna with less gain but wider bi-directional pattern, which may be advantageous for some situations where the signal strength level is high and from various directions.
Other exemplary embodiments of antenna assemblies for mounting outdoors are illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 19. FIGS. 17 and 18 show an antenna assembly 500 having a tapered loop antenna element 504, a printed circuit board balun 512, and a support 588, where the antenna assembly 500 is mounted outdoors to a vertical mast or pole 592. FIG. 19 shows an antenna assembly 600 having two tapered loop antenna elements 604A and 604B and a support 688, where the antenna assembly 600 is mounted outdoors to a vertical mast or pole 692. In various embodiments, the supports 588 and/or 688 may be nonconvertible or rotatably convertible in a manner substantially similar to the support 888.
The antenna assemblies 500 and 600 include reflectors 508 and 608. Unlike the generally solid planar surface of reflectors 108 and 208, the reflectors 508 and 608 have a grill or mesh surface 560 and 660. The reflector 508 also includes two perimeter flanges 564. The reflector 608 includes two perimeter flanges 664. A mesh reflector is generally preferred for outdoor applications to reduce wind loading. With outdoor uses, size is generally less important such that the mesh reflector may be made somewhat larger than the equivalent indoor models to compensate for the inefficiency of the mesh. The increased size of the mesh reflector also removes or reduces the need for a baffle, which is generally more important on indoor models that tend to be at about the limit of the size versus performance curves.
Any of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., FIGS. 14 through 19, FIGS. 26 through 42, FIGS. 43 through 47, FIGS. 48 through 50, etc.) may include one or more components (e.g., balun, reflector, etc.) similar to components of antenna assembly 100. In addition, any of the various disclosed herein may be operable and configured similar to the antenna assembly 100 in at least some embodiments thereof.
FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 900 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the antenna assembly 900 includes a tapered loop antenna element 904 and a rotatably convertible support, mount, or stand 988.
The support 988 is rotatably convertible between a first configuration (shown in FIGS. 43 and 44) for supporting the antenna assembly 900 on a horizontal surface and a second configuration for supporting the antenna assembly 900 from a vertical surface. In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 900 may be attached, fastened, or coupled to a surface by using mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.) inserted within fastener holes 998 and 999 on the bottom (FIG. 47) of the support 988. The antenna assembly 900 may be attached to a surface using other methods, such as double-sided adhesive tape, etc. Or, the antenna assembly 900 need not be attached to the horizontal surface at all.
The support 988 may be similar in structure and operation as the support 888 of antenna assembly 800 described above. For example, the support 988 includes a threaded stem portion 989 (FIG. 45) extending upwardly from the base of the support 988. The support 988 also includes a threaded opening defined by the upper portion of the support 988. In other embodiments, this may be reversed such that the base includes threaded opening, and the threaded stem portion extends downwardly from the upper portion of the mount.
The support 988 includes stops for retaining the rotatably convertible support 988 in the first or second configuration as described above for support 888. In this example embodiment, the support 988 include a first stop (e.g., projection, nub, protrusion, protuberance, etc.) configured to be engagingly received within an opening 991 (FIG. 45) for retaining the support 988 in the first configuration (FIG. 44). The support 988 includes a second stop 993 (FIG. 44) (e.g., projection, nub, protrusion, protuberance, etc.) configured to be engagingly received within an opening for retaining the support 988 in the second configuration. In addition to helping retain the support 988 in either the first or second configuration, the stops may also help provide a tactile and/or audible indication to the user to stop rotating the upper or lower portion of the support 988 relative to the other portion.
The support 988 further includes a connector 997 for connecting a coaxial cable (e.g., a 75-ohm RG6 coaxial cable fitted with an F-Type connector, etc.) to the antenna assembly 900. Alternative embodiments may include different types of connectors.
In this exemplary embodiment, the rotatably convertible support 988 also includes a slot or groove 909 as shown in FIG. 46. The slot or groove 909 is configured for receiving a lower portion of a reflector 908 therein for mounting the reflector 908 to the support 988 without requiring any mechanical fastener or other mounting means. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, a reflector 908 may be mounted in the slot 909 when the support 988 is in the first configuration for supporting the antenna assembly 900 on a horizontal surface. When mounted in the slot 909, the reflector 908 is spaced apart from the tapered loop antenna element 904 as shown in FIG. 44.
The reflector 908 comprises a grill or mesh surface 960 having two perimeter flanges or sidewalls 964 extending outwardly (e.g., at oblique angles, etc.) from the mesh surface 960. In use, the reflector 908 is operable for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the tapered loop antenna element 904 and generally affecting impedance bandwidth and directionality. In alternative embodiments, reflectors having other configurations may be used, such as a reflector with a solid planar surface (e.g., reflector 108, 208, etc.). In other exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly 900 may not include any reflector 908.
With the exception of the reflector 908 and the base 988 having the slot 909, the antenna assembly 900 may include one or more components similar to components described above for antenna assembly 800. In addition, the antenna assembly 900 may be operable and configured similar to the antenna assembly 100 in at least some embodiments thereof.
In exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly 900 may be configured to have, provide and/or operate with one or more of (but not necessarily any or all of) the following features. For example, the antenna assembly 900 may be configured to operate with a range of 30+ miles with a peak gain (UHF) of 8.25 dBi, and consistent gain throughout the entire UHF DTV channel spectrum. The antenna assembly 900 may provide great performance regardless of whether it is indoors, outdoors, or in an attic. The antenna assembly 900 may be dimensionally small with a length of 12 inches, width of 12 inches, and depth of 5 inches. The antenna assembly 900 may have an efficient, compact design that offers excellent gain and impedance matching across the entire post 2009 UHF DTV spectrum and with good directivity at all UHF DTV frequencies with a peak gain of 8.25 dBi.
FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 1000 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the antenna assembly 1000 includes two tapered loop antenna elements 1004 (e.g., in a figure eight configuration, etc.) and a support 1088.
In this exemplary embodiment, the two loops 1004 are arranged one opposite to the other such that a gap is maintained between each pair of opposite spaced apart end portions of each loop 1004. The gap or open slot may be used to provide a gap feed for use with a balanced transmission line. In operation, this gap feed configuration allows the vertical going electrical current components to effectively cancel each other out such that antenna assembly 1000 has relatively pure H polarization at the passband frequencies and exhibits very low levels of cross polarized signals.
The antenna assembly 1000 also includes a reflector 1008 having a grill or mesh surface 1060. Two perimeter flanges or sidewalls 1064 extend outwardly (e.g., at an oblique angle, etc.) from the mesh surface 1060. In use, the reflector 1008 is operable for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the tapered loop antenna element 1004 and generally affecting impedance bandwidth and directionality. In alternative embodiments, reflectors having other configurations may be used, such as a reflector with a solid planar surface (e.g., reflector 108, 208, etc.). In still other exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly 1000 may not include any reflector 1008.
In this exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly 1000 also includes a dipole 1006. The dipole 1006 may be fed from the center and include two conductors or dipole antenna elements 1007 (e.g., rods, etc.). The dipole antenna elements 1007 extend outwardly relative to the tapered loop antenna elements 1004. In this illustrated embodiment, the dipole antenna elements 1007 extend laterally outward from respective left and right sides of the antenna assembly 1000. The dipole 1006 is configured so as to allow the antenna assembly 1000 to operate across a VHF frequency range from about 174 megahertz to about 216 megahertz. The double tapered loop antenna elements 1004 allows the antenna assembly 1000 to also operate across a UHF frequency range from about 470 megahertz to about 806. Accordingly, the antenna assembly 1000 is specifically configured for reception (e.g., tuned and/or targeted, etc.) across the UHF/VHF DTV channel spectrum of frequencies. With the exception of the dipole 1006, the antenna assembly 1000 may include one or more components similar to components described above for double tapered loop antenna assembly 600. In addition, the antenna assembly 1000 may include an impedance 75 Ohm output F connection.
In exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly 1000 may be configured to have, provide and/or operate with one or more of (but not necessarily any or all of) the following features. For example, the antenna assembly 1000 may be configured to operate within both a VHF frequency range from 174 MHz to 216 MHz (Channels 7-13) and a UHF 470 MHz to 806 MHz (Channels 14-69). The antenna assembly 1000 may have a range of 50+ miles with a generous beam width of 70 degrees, a peak gain (UHF) of 10.4 dBi at 670 MHz, a peak gain (VHF) of 3.1 dBi at 216 MHz, VSWR 3.0 max for UHF and VHF, and consistent gain throughout the entire UHF/VHF DTV channel spectrum. The antenna assembly 1000 may provide great performance regardless of whether it is indoors, outdoors, or in an attic. The antenna assembly 1000 may be dimensionally small with a length of 20 inches, width of 35.5 inches, and depth of 6.5 inches. The antenna assembly 1000 may be configured to have improved performance for weak VHF stations and be operable as a broadband antenna without performance compromises.
In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly 1000 includes an integrated diplexer that allows the specially tuned HDTV elements to be combined without performance degradation. The diplex in this example comprises an integrated UHF balun diplexer internal to the UHF antenna, e.g., within the support 1088. Traditional multiband antennas are inherently compromised in that up to 90% of the television signal can be lost through impedance mismatches and phase cancellation when signals from their disparate elements are combined. After recognizing this failing of traditional multiband antennas, the inventors hereof developed and included a unique network feed in their antenna assembly 1000, which network feed is able to combine the UHF and VHF signals without the losses mentioned above. For example, the antenna assembly 1000 may deliver 98% of signal reception to a digital tuner rather than being lost through impedance mismatches and phase cancellation.
In FIG. 50, the antenna assembly 1000 is shown mounted to a mast or mounting pole 1092 for free-standing indoor use according to an exemplary embodiment. By way of example, the mounting pole 1092 may be generally J-shaped and have a length of about 20 inches. The mounting pole 1092 is shown secured to a mounting bracket via bolts. In alternative embodiments, the antenna assembly 1000 may be mounted differently indoors, outdoors, in an attic, etc.
FIGS. 51 through 57 illustrate performance technical data for the antenna assembly 1000 shown in FIG. 48. The computer-simulated performance data was obtained using a state-of-the-art simulator with the following assumptions of a perfect electrical conductor (PEC), free space, no balun included, and 300 ohm line transmission line reference. The data and results shown in FIGS. 51 through 57 are provided only for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, an antenna assembly may be configured to have operational parameters substantially as shown in any one or more of FIGS. 51 through 57, or it may be configured to have different operational parameters depending, for example, on the particular application and signals to be received by the antenna assembly.
As shown by the test data, the antenna assembly 1000 had a peak gain (UHF) of 10.4 dBi at 670 MHz, a peak gain (VHF) of 3.1 dBi at 216 MHz, and a maximum VSWR of 3.0 for both UHF and VHF. Notably, the antenna assembly had consistent gain throughout the entire UHF/VHF DTV channel spectrum.
Other embodiments relate to methods of making and/or using antenna assemblies. Various embodiments relate to methods of receiving digital television signals, such as high definition television signals within a frequency range of about 174 megahertz to about 216 megahertz and/or a frequency range of about 470 megahertz to about 690 megahertz. In one example embodiment, a method generally includes connecting at least one communication link from an antenna assembly to a television for communicating signals to the television that are received by the antenna assembly. In this method embodiment, the antenna assembly (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, etc.) may include at least one antenna element (e.g., 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904, etc.). The antenna assembly may include at least one reflector element (e.g., 108, 208, 508, 608, 708, 908, 1008, etc.). In some embodiments, there may be a free-standing antenna element without any reflector element, where the free-standing antenna element may provide good impedance bandwidth, but low directivity for very compact solutions that work in high signal areas. In another example, a method may include rotating a portion of a support (e.g., support 888, 988, etc.) to a first or a second configuration, where the support in the first configuration allows an antenna assembly to be supported on a horizontal surface and the support in the second configuration allows the antenna assembly to be supported on a vertical surface.
The antenna assembly may be operable for receiving high definition television signals having a frequency range of about 470 megahertz and about 690 megahertz. The antenna element may have a generally annular shape with an opening (e.g., 148, etc.). The antenna element (along with reflector size, baffle, and spacing) may be tuned to at least one electrical resonant frequency for operating within a bandwidth ranging from about 470 megahertz to about 690 megahertz. The reflector element may be spaced-apart from the antenna element for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the antenna element and generally affecting impedance bandwidth and directionality. The antenna element may include spaced-apart first and second end portions (e.g., 128, etc.), a middle portion (e.g., 126, etc.), first and second curved portions (e.g., 150, 152, etc.) extending from the respective first and second end portions to the middle portion such that the antenna element's annular shape and opening are generally circular. The first and second curved portions may gradually increase in width from the respective first and second end portions to the middle portion such that the middle portion is wider than the first and second end portions and such that an outer diameter of the antenna element is offset from a diameter of the generally circular opening. The first curved portion may be a mirror image of the second curved portion. A center of the generally circular opening may be offset from a center of the generally circular annular shape of the antenna element. The reflector element may include a baffle (e.g., 164, etc.) for deflecting electromagnetic waves. The baffle may be located at least partially along at least one perimeter edge portion of the reflector element. The reflector element may include a substantially planar surface (e.g., 160, etc.) that is substantially parallel with the antenna element, and at least one sidewall portion (e.g., 164, etc.) extending outwardly relative to the substantially planar surface generally towards the tapered loop antenna element. In some embodiments, the reflector element includes sidewall portions along perimeter edge portions of the reflector element, which are substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar surface of the reflector element, whereby the sidewall portions are operable as a baffle for deflecting electromagnetic wave energy.
Exemplary embodiments of antenna assemblies (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, etc.) have been disclosed herein as being used for reception of digital television signals, such as HDTV signals. Alternative embodiments, however, may include antenna elements tuned for receiving non-television signals and/or signals having frequencies not associated with HDTV. Other embodiments may be used for receiving AM/FM radio signals, UHF signals, VHF signals, etc. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to receiving only television signals having a frequency or within a frequency range associated with digital television or HDTV. Antenna assemblies disclosed herein may alternatively be used in conjunction with any of a wide range of electronic devices, such as radios, computers, etc. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with only televisions and signals associated with television.
1. An antenna assembly operable for receiving high definition television signals, the antenna assembly comprising:
at least one tapered loop antenna element configured to be operable for receiving UHF high definition television signals;
at least one reflector element spaced-apart from the tapered loop antenna element for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the tapered loop antenna element, the reflector element including a grill or mesh surface and at least one perimeter flange extending outwardly relative to the grill or mesh surface; and
a printed circuit board having fastener holes,
wherein the tapered loop antenna element includes spaced-apart end portions having fastener holes; and
wherein the printed circuit board is attached to the tapered loop antenna element by mechanical fasteners inserted through the fastener holes of the printed circuit board that are aligned with the fastener holes of the spaced-apart end portions.
the at least one tapered loop antenna element comprises two tapered loop antenna elements positioned generally side-by-side in a generally figure eight configuration;
each said tapered loop antenna element includes spaced-apart end portions defining an gap that is maintained between the spaced-apart end portions of each said tapered loop antenna element.
3. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one perimeter flange comprises at least two perimeter flanges extending outwardly relative to the grill or mesh surface.
4. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the grill or mesh surface of the reflector element is a grill surface that defines a substantially planar surface that is substantially parallel with the tapered loop antenna element.
5. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the grill or mesh surface of the reflector element is a mesh surface that defines a substantially planar surface that is substantially parallel with the tapered loop antenna element.
6. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the tapered loop antenna element includes:
a generally annular shape with an opening;
spaced-apart end portions defining an open slot extending at least partially between the spaced-apart end portions; and
the tapered loop antenna element increases in width from the spaced-apart end portions to a wider portion.
7. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the tapered loop antenna element is flat with a generally constant or uniform thickness and/or stamped from sheet metal.
8. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener holes of the spaced-apart end portions are in a pattern corresponding to the fastener holes of the printed circuit board.
9. An antenna assembly operable for receiving high definition television signals, the antenna assembly comprising:
at least two antenna elements positioned generally side-by-side in a generally figure eight configuration and configured to be operable for receiving UHF high definition television signals;
at least one reflector element spaced-apart from the antenna elements for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the antenna elements, the reflector element including a grill or mesh surface and at least one perimeter flange extending outwardly relative to the grill or mesh surface; and
a printed circuit board having fastener holes;
wherein each said antenna element includes spaced-apart end portions having fastener holes; and
wherein the printed circuit board is attached to the antenna elements by mechanical fasteners inserted through the fastener holes of the printed circuit board that are aligned with the fastener holes of the spaced-apart end portions of the antenna elements.
the grill or mesh surface of the reflector element is a grill surface that defines a substantially planar surface that is substantially parallel with the antenna elements; and
the at least one perimeter flange comprises at least two perimeter flanges extending outwardly relative to the substantially planar surface defined by the grill surface.
11. The antenna assembly of claim 9, wherein:
the grill or mesh surface of the reflector element is a mesh surface that defines a substantially planar surface that is substantially parallel with the antenna elements; and
the at least one perimeter flange comprises at least two perimeter flanges extending outwardly relative to the substantially planar surface defined by the mesh surface.
12. The antenna assembly of claim 9, wherein:
each said antenna element includes spaced-apart end portions defining an gap that is maintained between the spaced-apart end portions of each said antenna element; and
each said antenna element increases in width from the spaced-apart end portions to a wider portion.
13. The antenna assembly of claim 9, wherein each said antenna elements is flat with a generally constant or uniform thickness and/or stamped from sheet metal.
14. The antenna assembly of claim 9, wherein the fastener holes of the spaced-apart end portions of each said antenna element are in a pattern corresponding to the fastener holes of the printed circuit board.
15. An antenna assembly operable for receiving high definition television signals, the antenna assembly comprising:
at least one antenna element configured to be operable for receiving UHF high definition television signals;
at least one reflector element spaced-apart from the antenna element for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the antenna element, the reflector element including a grill or mesh surface and at least one perimeter flange extending outwardly relative to the grill or mesh surface; and
the grill or mesh surface of the reflector element defines a substantially planar surface that is substantially parallel with the antenna element; and
17. The antenna assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one antenna element comprises at least two antenna elements positioned generally side-by-side in a generally figure eight configuration.
18. The antenna assembly of claim 17, wherein each said antenna element increases in width from narrower spaced-apart end portions to a wider portion.
19. The antenna assembly of claim 18, wherein each said antenna element is flat with a generally constant or uniform thickness and/or stamped from sheet metal.
20. The antenna assembly of claim 19, wherein the fastener holes of the spaced-apart end portions of each said antenna element are in a pattern corresponding to the fastener holes of the printed circuit board.
US13759750 2007-12-05 2013-02-05 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements Active 2028-05-27 US8994600B2 (en)
US99233107 true 2007-12-05 2007-12-05
US12040464 US7839347B2 (en) 2007-12-05 2008-02-29 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements and reflectors
US29304423 USD598433S1 (en) 2008-02-29 2008-02-29 Tapered loop antenna element
US3443108 true 2008-03-06 2008-03-06
US12050133 US7609222B2 (en) 2007-12-05 2008-03-17 Antenna assemblies with antenna elements and reflectors
US29305294 USD604276S1 (en) 2008-02-29 2008-03-17 Antenna element
US12606636 US8368607B2 (en) 2007-12-05 2009-10-27 Antenna assemblies with antenna elements and reflectors
US29376791 USD666178S1 (en) 2008-02-29 2010-10-12 Antenna
US13759750 US8994600B2 (en) 2007-12-05 2013-02-05 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements
EP20140153878 EP2763235A1 (en) 2013-02-05 2014-02-04 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements
CN 201420137153 CN203707328U (en) 2013-02-05 2014-02-07 Antenna module with tapered loop antenna elements
CN 201410111350 CN103972657A (en) 2013-02-05 2014-02-07 Antenna assembly with tapered loop antenna elements
US14308422 US20140292597A1 (en) 2007-12-05 2014-06-18 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements
US29580049 USD809490S1 (en) 2008-02-29 2016-10-05 Antenna
US29587280 USD804459S1 (en) 2008-02-29 2016-12-12 Antennas
US15685749 US20170352956A1 (en) 2007-12-05 2017-08-24 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements
US12606636 Continuation-In-Part US8368607B2 (en) 2007-12-05 2009-10-27 Antenna assemblies with antenna elements and reflectors
US29430632 Continuation-In-Part 2012-08-28
US29376791 Continuation-In-Part USD666178S1 (en) 2007-12-05 2010-10-12 Antenna
US14308422 Continuation-In-Part US20140292597A1 (en) 2007-12-05 2014-06-18 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements
US20130162487A1 true US20130162487A1 (en) 2013-06-27
US8994600B2 true US8994600B2 (en) 2015-03-31
ID=46690157
US29376791 Active USD666178S1 (en) 2007-12-05 2010-10-12 Antenna
US13759750 Active 2028-05-27 US8994600B2 (en) 2007-12-05 2013-02-05 Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements
US (2) USD666178S1 (en)
US20140043109A1 (en) * 2011-04-21 2014-02-13 Tandy Radio Shack Limited Efficient loop antenna system and method
EP2763235A1 (en) * 2013-02-05 2014-08-06 Antennas Direct, Inc. Antenna assemblies with tapered loop antenna elements
USD763851S1 (en) 2014-04-25 2016-08-16 Antennas Direct, Inc. Over-the-air streaming box
USD310671S (en) 1988-05-26 1990-09-18 Indoor FM antenna
GB2263360B (en) 1992-01-06 1996-02-07 C & K Systems Inc Improvements in or relating to antennas
A Broadband Eccentric Annular Slot Antenna, Young Hoon Suh and Ikmo Park, Department of Electrical Engineering, Ajou University, pp. 94-97, IEEE copyright notice 2001.
Antennas Direct, PF7 Picture Frame Antenna, Oct. 1, 2005, Antennas Direct, http://web.archive.org/web/2005100102653/http://antennasdirect.com/PF7-antenna.html, 1 page.
Antennas Direct, PF7 Picture Frame Antenna, Oct. 1, 2005, Antennas Direct, http://web.archive.org/web/2005100102653/http://antennasdirect.com/PF7—antenna.html, 1 page.
Clearstream(TM) 2V; http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss-files/attachmentlibrary/pdf/C2-V-QS-FINAL-20120702.pdf; Jul. 2, 2012; 2 pgs.
Clearstream™ 2V; http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss—files/attachmentlibrary/pdf/C2-V—QS—FINAL—20120702.pdf; Jul. 2, 2012; 2 pgs.
Design of Compact Components for Ultra Wideband Communication Front Ends, Marek Bialkowski, Amin Abbosh, and Hing Kan, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, four pages.
European Search Report dated Apr. 24, 2014 for EP application No. 14153878.5 which claims priority to the instant application; 9 pages.
Mao S-G et al., "Time-domain characteristics of ultra-wideband tapered loop antennas", Electronics Letters, IEE Stevenage, GB, vol. 42, No. 22, Oct. 26, 2006; 1262-1264; 2 pages.
Planar Miniature Tapered-Slot-Fed Annular Slot Antennas for Ultrawide-Band Radios, Tzyh-Ghuang Ma, Student Member, and Shyh-Kang, Jeng, Senior Member, IEEE, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 53, No. 3, Mar. 2005, pp. 1194-1202.
Self-Mutual Admittances of Two Identical Circular Loop Antennas in a Conducting Medium and in Air, K. Iizuka, Senior Member, IEEE, R. W. P. King, Fellow, IEEE, and C. W. Harrison, Jr., Senior Member, IEEE, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. AP014, No. 4, Jul. 1966, pp. 440-450.
US9531068B2 (en) * 2011-04-21 2016-12-27 General Wireless IP Holdings, LLC Efficient loop antenna system and method
US20130162487A1 (en) 2013-06-27 application
USD666178S1 (en) 2012-08-28 grant
US20010052877A1 (en) 2001-12-20 Orthogonal slot antenna assembly
US6054963A (en) 2000-04-25 Folded bow-tie antenna
Owner name: ANTENNAS DIRECT, INC., MISSOURI
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCHNEIDER, RICHARD E.;ROSS, JOHN EDWIN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130205 TO 20130207;REEL/FRAME:029775/0905