Patent ID: 7224246

Claim:
Apparatus for adjusting the phase of signals supplied to a plurality of antenna elements of an antenna, the apparatus comprising: a) first supporting means; b) a plurality of first transmission line parts disposed on the first supporting means; c) second supporting means; d) a plurality of second transmission line parts disposed on the second supporting means, each second transmission line part providing a respective capacitive coupling link for coupling together a respective pair of first transmission line parts to form a respective transmission line, the transmission lines being associated with respective antenna elements and having variable lengths to enable phase adjustment of antenna element signals; e) means for moving the second supporting means relative to the first supporting means and providing a means for moving each coupling link along its respective pair of first transmission line parts to increase the length of a respective transmission line or to shorten the length of the respective transmission line to effect phase adjustment of antenna element signals, and f) a signal distribution network incorporating the transmission lines, the signal distribution network including splitting means and providing a means for connecting a single antenna port to each of the antenna elements.