Patent ID: 8743001

Claim:
An antenna system, comprising: a cylindrical reflector comprising a reflective surface and extending lengthwise along a first axis, the cylindrical reflector having a focal line; at least one antenna feed element directed at the reflective surface; a mechanical joint operable to rotate the cylindrical reflector about a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis to steer an electromagnetic beam output by the at least one antenna feed element in a direction perpendicular to the first or second axis; wherein the at least one antenna feed element remains fixed relative to the rotation of the cylindrical reflector, such that the rotation of the cylindrical reflector does not cause movement of the at least one antenna feed element; wherein the second axis is offset from the cylindrical reflector in front of the reflective surface; wherein the second axis does not intersect the at least one antenna feed element; wherein the position of the second axis relative to the focal line of the cylindrical reflector is configured such that the focal line moves relative to the at least one antenna feed element as the cylindrical reflector rotates; and wherein the position of the second axis is configured such that an effective focal length between the at least one antenna feed element and the reflective surface changes as the cylindrical reflector rotates.