Patent Document

BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to antenna alignment systems and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a device for aligning an antenna by the combination of initial adjustment and selectively staged, controlled movement thereof preparatory to a secondary adjustment.  
           [0003]    2. History of Related Art  
           [0004]    The importance of accurately aligning a communication antenna relative to the associated signal source with which the antenna is positioned to communicate is well known. Such alignment is necessary for both land based and satellite based signal transmission systems. In either installation, it is important that the antenna be aligned along at least two axes. The first axis is that of the horizontal orientation of the antenna, or azimuth, and the second axis is that of the vertical orientation or elevation. Other antenna alignment aspects include the hour angle axis and the like, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,320 assigned to assignee of the present invention. As set forth in the &#39;320 Patent, it is well established that the ability to assemble, mount and align an antenna with the fewest manual adjustments and the most efficiency is of great advantage. The requisite mounting assembly necessary for such alignment is, however, a matter of constant design emphasis.  
           [0005]    As set forth above, the precise alignment of antennas is a critical function. In order to facilitate alignment, electronic devices such as those that measure the strength of the signal to the antenna have been designed for use during the antenna installation. It is, however, necessary that the antenna be generally aligned with its designated signal source, such as a satellite, before such electronic devices that measure the strength of the signal to the antenna can be utilized. A coarse alignment of the antenna is thus necessary in order to first obtain a signal for subsequent dual axis tuning of the antenna&#39;s azimuthal and elevational orientations.  
           [0006]    It is also well known that the proper installation of an antenna is dependent upon an appropriate mounting platform, or base, and associated mounting hardware for use therewith. The stability of the base and the reliability of the mounting hardware are critical to a proper installation. The reliable and efficient mounting of the antenna is also dependent upon a viable method of and apparatus for aligning both azimuthal and elevational orientations accommodating both environmental and expense issues. Such antenna alignment must, however, provide a reliable positioning of the antenna about the above-referenced axes while affording ease in the ultimate securement of the antenna about the mounting base.  
           [0007]    Ultimate securement of an antenna necessitates a primary alignment system that does not manifest backlash and/or other relative movement between parts that results in secondary misalignment of the antenna. Primary alignment occurs when the antenna is being oriented and precisely positioned relative to detected antenna signal strength. Once this determination of precise alignment has been determined, secondary misalignment can be caused by a variety of reasons including improperly designed systems, incorrectly assembled hardware, and/or loose connections between mounting members. Any degree of relative movement between mounting or alignment members, such as the above-referenced backlash, can result in secondary misalignment. It has been noted that much secondary misalignment of antennas during installation is the result of backlash, which itself has been a subject of a number of prior designs for antenna alignment devices. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,351 discloses an orientation adjusting device for a satellite transmitting antenna incorporating an electromechanical actuation system. In this particular example, the system is built into the antenna mounting assembly. The inclusion of such an electromechanical system is not always feasible. Notwithstanding this fact, the system of the &#39;351 Patent incorporates a gear pivotally fixed on the housing and biased so as to maintain a more precise engagement to reduce the backlash normally associated with a gear drive. The biasing of the gear drive then provides the inherent accuracy and stability for antenna alignment necessarily maintained for the system is to operate correctly.  
           [0008]    Although electromechanical systems can be utilized for the orientation and adjustment for a given satellite antenna or the like, such systems are inherently expensive and generally require a power source and maintenance. Certain antenna installations are of the nature that an initial alignment must be manually performed during installation with the antenna subsequently secured in that precise alignment. Such installations require appropriate mechanical mounting systems, including base, couplings, clamps and strut assemblies and other devices that facilitate the direction for and desired degree of antenna movement for the orientation of the antenna. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,922 teaches a satellite antenna alignment device that is temporarily mounted to a support arm of the antenna to indicate the directional position. Other apparatus and systems are used to impart precise movement to the antenna for alignment purposes as well as the subsequent securement of the requisite mounting members for maintaining that alignment. Since the antenna must generally be aligned along at least two orthogonal axes, such mounting and coupling systems may be mechanically complex in that they are critical to efficient installations.  
           [0009]    The present invention provides such an advance over existing mounting systems by utilizing an alignment mechanism capable of being demountably coupled to the antenna mounting structure for precisely aligning and tuning that structure and the associated antenna to obtain a true peak signal when using electronic testing equipment therewith. This operation is facilitated by the tool affording two separate degrees of adjustment. The first degree of adjustment allows fine tuning of the antenna&#39;s position after the antenna is panned in during installation. The signal level is then monitored. The tool also provides a tuning step that alternatively allows movement of the antenna in mutually opposite, equal directions to thereby permit a determination of signal level strength variation and the concomitant ability to make further, secondary adjustments with the tool in response thereto. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present system may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna and its associated mounting structure illustrating one embodiment of the alignment mechanism of the present invention assembled thereto for adjusting the rotational alignment of the antenna;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an antenna and its associated mounting structure illustrating the alignment mechanism of FIG. 1 assembled thereto for adjusting the elevational alignment of the antenna;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the alignment mechanism of FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the alignment mechanism of FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a first attachment element that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5B is a second perspective view of a first attachment element that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 , viewed from a different direction;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a threaded sleeve member that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a threaded ball joint bushing that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a handle member that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an external sleeve that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a second attachment element that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10B is a second perspective view of a second attachment element that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adjustment member that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ball joint closure member that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a spring that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an attachment bolt that is a part of the alignment mechanism of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an upper casting that is a part of the antenna and its associated mounting structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lower casting that is a part of the antenna and its associated mounting structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a receptacle head bolt that is a part of the antenna and its associated mounting structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an automated alignment mechanism  270 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0031]    It has been discovered that the angular orientation of an antenna may be precisely adjusted with an apparatus that allows selective adjustments of the antenna orientation to maximize effective receipt of signals from a satellite or the like. The apparatus may be built into an antenna mount or may be detachable. A single apparatus may be used to adjust both the azimuth and elevation. Often, due to the insensitivity of the signal level monitoring equipment, it is impossible to know whether the true peak of the signal level has been found. The method of and apparatus for antenna adjustment of the present invention allows adjustment of both the azimuthal and elevational orientation. The apparatus imparts antenna movement steps in opposite directions about a single alignment set position. This selective “waggle” movement causes the antenna to move in opposite directions for a determination of signal strength increase or decrease. If the signal receipt level drops by an equal value during the waggle movement, then it is known that the antenna is aligned with the true peak. However, if the values are imbalanced during the waggle movement, then an adjustment can be made with the apparatus of the present invention and the process repeated until balance is achieved. These steps are accomplished with an anti-backlash mechanism built into the tool further facilitating stability in alignment.  
         [0032]    Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an antenna assembly  10  with an alignment mechanism  22 , constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, demountably coupled thereto. The antenna assembly  10  includes an antenna dish  12  pivotally connected to an upper casting  14 , rotatably mounted to a lower casting  16  which is secured to an antenna mast or support post  18 . An elevation adjustment strut  20  supports the back of dish  12  from orienting member or upper casting  14 . Upper casting  14 , stationary member or lower casting  16 , support post  18 , and elevation adjustment strut  20  comprise a mounting assembly  21  for the antenna dish  12 .  
         [0033]    Still referring to FIG. 1, the alignment mechanism  22  shown mounted to the antenna assembly  10  is demountably coupled therewith. A first end  24  of alignment mechanism  22  is connected to dish mounting arm  232  of the upper casting  14  and also demountably coupled to an alignment mechanism mounting hole  250  of lower casting  16  at a second end  26 . In this position, alignment mechanism  22  is mounted to adjust the antenna dish  12  in a rotational, or azimuthal orientation. This adjustment, as defined in more detail below, is preferably done in conjunction with an electronic device capable of measuring the strength of a signal received by the antenna dish  12 . The tool  22  is thus adjusted to move the antenna dish  12  into the appropriate position to reach peak signal strength. As will be defined below, the tool  22  also provides selective waggle movement subsequent to an initial alignment in a first set position to determine if the signal receipt level drops by an equal value during the waggle movement. If so, it is then known that the antenna dish  12  is aligned with a true peak signal for that particular axial positioning.  
         [0034]    Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown the antenna assembly  10  of FIG. 1 with the alignment mechanism  22  demountably coupled to a different region thereof. For reference purposes, the antenna assembly  10  of FIG. 2 incorporates the same components as set forth in FIG. 1, and therefore all reference numbers remain the same as described above. It should be noted, however, that alignment mechanism  22  is demountably coupled to elevation adjustment strut  20  in this particular view rather than the upper casting  14  as described in FIG. 1. In this position, it may be seen that the tool  22  is positioned to vary the position of the strut  20  relative to adjustment strut receiving arm  226  of upper casting  14  through the actuation of the tool  22 . As will be described in more detail below, the tool  22  is constructed for the selective varying of the linear extent thereof in two independent modes, and these modes of actuation, as well as the construction of tool  22 , will be described in further detail while making reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 set forth above.  
         [0035]    Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4,  5  and  5   b,  in combination, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a perspective view of the alignment mechanism  22  (FIG. 3), and a perspective cutaway view of the alignment mechanism  22  (FIG. 4). These views will be referred to separately, and in combination, for providing a comprehensive explanation of the construction and operation thereof Alignment mechanism  22  includes a first attachment element  30  on first end  24  of alignment mechanism  22 . FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  show perspective views of first attachment element  30 . First attachment element  30  has an external end  32  and an internal end  34 . First attachment element  30  has a smooth internal surface  36  (FIGS. 4, 5A and  5 B). First attachment element  30  has a recessed area  38  (FIG. 5B) on external end  32 . Four sleeve member holes  40  (FIG. 5B) are provided in recessed area  38 . A handle-mating face  44  surrounds first attachment element  30 . Handle-mating face  44  has a V-type recess  46  (best seen in FIG. 3). A tubular extension  48  on the internal end  34  has a smooth exterior wall that defines a stop-mating face  50  (FIGS. 4 and 5A). Stop-mating face  50  is bounded by a first stop  52  and a second stop  54  (FIG. 5A). Tubular extension  48  additionally has a ball joint member-mating face  56  and a rim  58  (FIGS. 4 and 5A). Attached to first attachment element  30  proximate external end  32  is a first transverse bolt hole  60 . The first transverse bolt hole  60  has a chamfered end  62 . Additionally, a second transverse bolt hole  64  is affixed to the first attachment element  30 . The second transverse bolt hole  64  also has a chamfered end  65  formed thereon.  
         [0036]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, in combination, a threaded sleeve member  66  is shown. Threaded sleeve member  66  has a disk portion  68  having an external side  70  and an internal side  72 . Four holes  74  are formed in disk portion  68 . A sleeve  76  extends from the internal side  72  of the disk portion  68 . The sleeve  76  has a smooth exterior surface  78  and internal threads  80  (FIG. 4). The sleeve  76  is slidably received in the smooth internal surface  36  (FIG. 4) of the first attachment element  30 . The disk portion  68  is located within the recessed area  38  (FIG. 5B) of the first attachment element  30 .  
         [0037]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7, in combination, a threaded ball joint bushing  81  is shown. Threaded ball joint bushing  81  has a ball joint receiving end  82  and a threaded end  84  (FIG. 7). Externally threaded cylinder  86  is located on threaded end  84 . Externally threaded cylinder  86  threadably engages the internal threads  80  of the threaded sleeve member  66  (FIG. 4). The externally threaded cylinder  86  is affixed to a central cylindrical portion  88 . Central cylindrical portion  88  has a key slot  90  (FIG. 7) on an external surface thereof The central cylindrical portion  88  defines a mating face  91  that faces towards threaded end  84 . The central cylindrical portion  88  is also affixed to a flange member  92 , which is located on the ball joint receiving end  82  of the threaded balljoint bushing  81 . Flange member  92  has a smooth outer wall  94  and a ball joint mating face  96 . Ball joint mating face  96  defines a semi-spherical cavity  98 . The flange member  92  additionally has four bolt holes  100  formed therein.  
         [0038]    Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and  8 , in combination, a handle member  102  is shown. A waggle member or handle member  102  has a centering side  104  and key-way side  106  (FIG. 8). A waggle sleeve or handle sleeve  108  has an external wall  110  and an internal wall  112 . Internal wall  112  is in sliding engagement with the smooth exterior wall of tubular extension  48  of first attachment element  30  (FIG. 4). An annular member  114  (FIGS. 4 and 8) is provided on the key-way side  106  of handle member  102 . The annular member  114  has an internal face  116  and an external face  118  (FIGS. 4 and 8). The annular member  114  defines an inward facing rim  120  (FIGS. 4 and 8). A stop block  122  (FIGS. 4 and 8) is located on internal wall  112  of the handle sleeve  108 . Stop block  122  engages the annular member  114  on one end and has an exposed face  124  on the other end (FIGS. 4 and 8). The exposed face  124  slidably abuts the stop mating face  50  on the first attachment element  30  (FIGS. 4 and 8). The stop block  122  has a first stop surface  126  (FIG. 8) for selective abutment with the first stop  52  (FIG. 5A) on the first attachment element  30 . A second stop surface  128  (FIG. 8) is for selective abutment with the second stop  54  (FIG. 5A) of the first attachment element  30 . The stop block  122  further defines an inwardly facing keyway  130  (FIG. 8). The external wall  110  has a centering edge  132  (FIGS. 4 and 8) for slidably contacting the handle-mating face  44  on the first attachment element  30  (FIG. 4). The centering edge  132  has a V-shaped protrusion  134  formed thereon. The V-shaped protrusion  134  has a first tapered surface  136 , a second tapered surface  138  and a flat bottom surface  140  (FIG. 8). The V-shaped protrusion  134  is provided for complimentary engagement with the V-type recess  46  in the first attachment element  30  (FIG. 3 and  4 ). The external wall  110  additionally has a keyway edge  141  on the keyway side  106  (FIG. 4 and  8 ). The handle member  102  additionally includes an elongated member  142  that extends radially from handle sleeve  108 . The elongated member  142  preferably has a grip  144  provided thereon.  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIGS. 4, 7 and  8 , in combination, a key  146  (FIG. 4) is located in the inwardly-facing keyway  130  (FIG. 8)of handle member  102 . Key  146  engages the key slot  90  (FIG. 7) of the threaded ball joint bushing  81 . The key  146  causes the handle member  102  and the threaded ball joint bushing  81  to rotate together when handle member  102  is moved by a user.  
         [0040]    Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and  9 , in combination, an external sleeve  148  has a spring-engaging rim  150  (FIG. 4) on a first end  152  and an inwardly facing rim  154  (FIGS. 4 and 9) on a second end  156 . The spring engaging rim  150  is in slidable engagement with the smooth outer wall  94  of the flange member  92  of the threaded ball joint bushing  81  (FIG. 4).  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4,  10 A and  10 B, in combination, a second attachment element  157  has a spring engaging end  158  (FIGS. 10A and 10B) and an external end  160 . The second attachment element  157  defines an internally threaded passageway  162 . Internally threaded passageway  162  is preferably provided with fine threads. A graduated cylinder  164  has a rim  166  (FIGS. 4 and 10A) on the spring engaging end  158 . A spring seat  168  (FIGS. 4 and 10A) is provided on spring engaging end  158 . The graduated cylinder  164  has a smooth external wall  169  for slidably engaging the inwardly facing rim  154  of the external sleeve  148  (FIG. 4). The smooth external wall  169  preferably has three measuring marks  170  for locating the second end  156  of the external sleeve  148 . A third transverse bolt hole  172  is located on the second attachment element  157 . Third transverse bolt hole  172  preferably has a chamfered hole  174  (FIGS. 3 and 10A). A fourth transverse bolt hole  175  is also located on the second attachment element  157 . The fourth transverse bolt hole  175  preferably also has a chamfered hole  176  (FIG. 10A).  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and  11 , in combination, an adjustment member  178  has a ball end  180  (FIG. 11) and an external end  182 . The adjustment member  178  has an externally threaded cylindrical body  184  (FIG. 4 and  11 ). The threads on externally threaded cylindrical body  184  are preferably fine threads and are sized to mate with the threads in internally threaded passageway  162  of the second attachment element  157  (FIG. 4). Adjustment member  178  has a hex-shaped protrusion on  188  on the external end  182 . However, other shapes may be used on adjustment member  178 . Preferably, a slot  190  (FIGS. 3 and 11) is formed on hex-shaped protrusion  188 . An extension  192  protrudes from the externally threaded cylindrical body  184  and has a ball  194  mounted on a distal end thereof (FIGS. 4 and 11). The ball  194  seats within the semi-spherical cavity  98  of the threaded ball joint bushing  81  (FIG. 4).  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 12, in combination, a ball joint closure member  196  has a first face  198  and a second face  200  (FIG. 12). A radial slot  202  (FIG. 12) communicates with a central orifice  204 . A central tubular protrusion  206  has a semi-spherical seat  208 . The central tubular protrusion  206  extends from the first face  198 . The first face  198  abuts against the ball joint mating face  96  of the threaded ball joint bushing  81  (FIG. 4). The semi-spherical seat  208  contacts the ball  194  to hold ball  194  within the semi-spherical cavity  98  of the threaded ball joint bushing  81  (FIG. 4). The ball joint closure member  196  has four bolt holes  210  formed therein. Bolts  211  (FIG. 4) are provided for passing through bolt holes  210  of the ball joint closure member  196  and into the bolt holes  100  (FIG. 7) of the threaded ball joint bushing  81  for securing the ball joint closure member  196  to the threaded ball joint bushing  81  thereby securing the ball  194  therebetween (FIG. 4).  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 13, in combination, a biasing member, such as spring  212 , has a first end  214  that biases against the spring engaging rim  150  of external sleeve  148 . Spring  212  additionally has a second end  216  that biases against the spring seat  168  of a second attachment element  157 .  
         [0045]    Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and  14 , in combination, attachment bolts  218  have a head  220  having a chamfered underside  222  (FIG. 14). Bolts  218  are for insertion within one of the first transverse bolt hole  60 , second transverse bolt hole  64 , third transverse bolt hole  172  and fourth transverse bolt hole  175  (FIG. 3 and  4 ). The chamfered underside  222  is sized for mating engagement with one of chamfered ends  62 ,  65 ,  174  and  176  (FIG. 3 and  4 ).  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and  15 , in combination, the components necessary for attaching the alignment mechanism  22  to the antenna assembly  10  will be discussed. Upper casting  14  has a body  224  (FIG. 15). A pair of adjustment strut receiving arms  226  extend from body  224  (FIGS.  2  ad  15 ). Holes  228  are provided in adjustment strut receiving arms  226  to allow for attachment of the adjustment strut  20  to the upper casting  14 . Three vertical slotted passageways  230  (FIG. 15) are formed around a perimeter of the body  224 , which receive vertical bolts  231  (FIGS. 1 and 2). Also extending from body  224  is a pair of dish-mounting arms  232 . Dish mounting arm holes  234  are provided in an end of the dish-mounting arms  232  to allow antenna dish  12  to be mounted to the upper casting  14 . Additionally, an alignment mechanism mounting hole  236  is provided on the dish-mounting arms  232 . Preferably, an alignment mark  238  (FIG. 15) is provided on an exterior of the body  224 .  
         [0047]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and  16 , in combination, lower casting  16  has a tubular body  240 . Three vertical holes  242  (FIG. 16) are provided around a perimeter of the tubular body  240 . A seat  244  (FIG. 16) is provided on an upper surface of the tubular body  240  for supporting upper casting  14  and for allowing relative rotation between upper casting  14  and lower casting  16 . A clamping member slot  246  (FIG. 16) is provided on a lower end of lower casting  16 . Additionally, clamping member holes  248  (FIG. 16) are provided. A clamping member  249  (FIGS. 1 and 2) is installed within clamping member slot  246  and secured to clamping member holes  248  with bolts to secure lower casting  16  to support post  18 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Alignment mechanism mounting holes  250  (FIGS. 2 and 16) are provided on a perimeter of the tubular body  240  of lower casting  16 . An alignment mark  252  (FIGS. 2 and 16) is provided near an upper surface of the lower casting  16 .  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 17, in combination, to install the alignment mechanism  22  to adjust the elevation of the antenna dish  12 , the alignment mechanism  22  must be installed on the elevation adjustment strut  20 , as shown in FIG. 2. A pair of upper clamping members  254  are located on either side of elevation adjustment strut  20 . A bolt  257  clamps a lower half of upper clamping member  254 . A receptacle head bolt  258  clamps a lower half of upper clamping member  254 . Receptacle head bolt  258  has a head  260  with a receptacle  262  (FIG. 1) formed therein. Receptacle  262  receives attachment bolts  218  (FIGS. 2 and 14) to secure the alignment mechanism  22  to the upper clamping member  254 . A lower clamping member  264  is affixed with a bolt  266  through holes  228  in adjustment strut receiving arms  226  (FIG. 2). A receptacle head bolt  258  clamps an upper portion of lower clamping member  262  (FIG. 2). Receptacle  260  receives an attachment bolt  218  for securing adjustment tool  22  to the adjustment strut  20 .  
         [0049]    Referring now to FIG. 18, a schematic view of an automated alignment mechanism  270  is shown. Automated alignment mechanism  270  has the same components as alignment mechanism  22  and operates in the same manner as alignment mechanism  22 , with the exception that handle member  102  is replaced with waggle motor  272 . Additionally, handle sleeve  108  is replaced with a waggle member or motor engaging sleeve  274 . Motor engaging sleeve  274  preferably possesses all of the features described in reference to handle sleeve  108  above, but has an interface  276 , such as gear teeth for engaging waggle motor  272 . A further modification to alignment mechanism  22  is that adjustment member  178  is replaced with motor engaging adjustment member  278 . Motor engaging adjustment member  278  preferably has the same features as adjustment member  178 , with the exception that motor engaging adjustment member  278  has an interface  280 , such as gear teeth for engaging adjustment motor  282 . A controller  284  may be provided to operate waggle motor  272  and adjustment motor  282  for selectively manipulating the automated alignment mechanism  270  in a manner described below.  
         [0050]    In use, the azimuth or rotational orientation of antenna dish  12  may be finely adjusted with the alignment mechanism  22  as follows. The antenna dish  12  is aligned to receive a signal, i.e., a “coarse” adjustment is made, before attempting to fine tune with the alignment mechanism  22 . The alignment mechanism  22  is then adjusted such that the first end  152  of the external sleeve  148  (FIGS. 4 and 9) is generally aligned with the center measuring mark  170  (FIGS. 4, 10A and  10 B). For azimuthal or rotational alignment of antenna dish  12 , alignment mechanism  22  is connected to the antenna assembly  10  (FIG. 1). An attachment bolt  218  is located in first transverse bolt hole  60  and engages alignment mechanism mounting hole  236  in upper casting  14  (FIG. 15). A second attachment bolt  218  is located in fourth transverse bolt hole  175  and engages alignment mechanism mounting hole  250  in lower casting  16  (FIG. 16). Vertical bolts  231  are loosened, so that upper casting  14  can rotate a small distance with respect to lower casting  16  due to slots  230  (FIG. 15) formed in upper casting  14 . Once the alignment mechanism  22  is affixed in this manner, expansion and contraction of the alignment mechanism  22  will result in rotation of the upper casting  14  and the attached antenna dish  12  relative to the lower casting  16 , which is stationarily mounted on support post  18 . A similar coarse aligning procedure may be conducted with automated alignment mechanism  270 .  
         [0051]    To perform the fine tuning operation, the signal strength is recorded while the handle member  102  is in a centered position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. An installation technician, or user, then grasps handle member  102  of alignment mechanism  22  and moves the handle in an upward or downward direction. Alternatively, the motor engaging sleeve  274  may be rotated in a first direction and then a second direction by waggle motor  272  (FIG. 18). Motor engaging sleeve  274  operates in a similar manner to that of handle sleeve  108 . For example, if handle member  102  is moved in an upward direction, handle sleeve  108  will move toward the second end  26  of the alignment mechanism  22  as the V-shaped protrusion  134  (FIGS. 3, 4 and  8 ) on handle sleeve  108  “climbs” out of V-shaped recess  46  (FIG. 4) on first attachment element  30 . V-shape protrusion  134  and V-shaped recess  46  form a camming surface therebetween. The axial movement of handle sleeve  108  forces external sleeve  148  towards second end  26 , which compresses spring  212  (FIG. 4). The upward rotation of handle member  102  additionally causes a corresponding upward rotation of threaded ball joint member bushing  81  (FIGS. 4 and 7), since the handle member  102  and the threaded ball joint member bushing  81  are keyed together with key  146  (FIG. 4). Handle member  102  is preferably rotated until first stop surface  126  (FIG. 8) abuts first stop  52  (FIG. 5A) of first attachment element  30 . The upward rotation of threaded ball joint member bushing  81  will cause the threaded sleeve member  66  to move axially relative to the threaded ball joint member bushing  81 , e.g. away from the threaded sleeve member  66 , which results in the elongation of the alignment mechanism  22  and a slight clockwise rotation of antenna dish  12 . Once the handle member  102  has been rotated to its fill upward position, the signal strength is then recorded. All of the above described manipulations of alignment mechanism  22  may be accomplished with automated alignment mechanism  270 .  
         [0052]    Alignment mechanism  22  and automated alignment mechanism  270  can accommodate the bending forces imparted upon it by the relative rotation of upper casting  14  and lower casting  16  by flexing across the ball joint formed by ball  194 , threaded balljoint bushing  81 , and ball joint closure member  196 . A seam between key-way side  106 (FIGS. 4 and 8) of handle member  102  and first end  152  of external sleeve  148  (FIGS. 4 and 9) will be aligned with the ball joint once the rotation of handle member  102  has forced the V-shaped protrusion  134  out of V-type recess  46 , as explained above. Preferably, alignment mechanism  22  should allow for about 3° of flex.  
         [0053]    The user then moves handle member  102  in a downward direction. In an automated embodiment, motor engaging sleeve  274  (FIG. 18) is moved in a downward direction by waggle motor  272 . When handle member  102  is moved in an downward direction, handle member  102  will move toward the second end  26  of the alignment mechanism  22  as the V-shaped protrusion  134  (FIGS. 4 and 8) on handle sleeve  108  “climbs” out of V-shaped recess  46  (FIG. 4) on first attachment element  30 . The axial movement of handle sleeve  108  forces external sleeve  148  towards second end  26 , which compresses spring  212 . The downward rotation of handle member  102  additionally causes a corresponding downward rotation of threaded ball joint member bushing  81 , since the handle member  102  and the threaded ball joint member bushing  81  are keyed together with key  146  (FIG. 4). Handle member  102  is rotated until second stop surface  128  (FIG. 8) abuts second stop  54  (FIG. 5A) of first attachment element  30 . The downward rotation of threaded ball joint member bushing  81  will cause the threaded sleeve member  66  to move axially relative to the threaded ball joint member bushing  81 , e.g. towards the threaded sleeve member  66 , which results in the contraction of the alignment mechanism  22  and a slight counter-clockwise rotation of antenna dish  12 . Once the handle member  102  has been rotated to its full downward position, the signal strength should again be recorded. The handle member  102  is then returned to its centered position, wherein the V-shaped protrusion  134  is seated in the V-shaped recess  46 . A secure seating of the V-shaped protrusion  134  in the V-shaped recess  46  is assured by the biasing action of spring  212 . The secure seating of the V-shaped protrusion  134 , i.e. centering of the handle member  102 , assures that the antenna dish  12  is returned to its original position. Again, the above-described manipulation of alignment mechanism  22  will be the same if automated alignment mechanism  270  is used, wherein handle member  102  and handle sleeve  108  are replaced with motor engaging sleeve  274 , which is moved from position to position by waggle motor  272  (FIG. 18).  
         [0054]    A comparison is then made between the signal strength at the full upward position of the handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274  (FIG. 18), i.e., the upward limit signal, the centered position of the handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274 , and the full downward position of the handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274 , i.e. the lower limit signal. If the signal at the centered position of handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274  is weaker than, e.g. the signal at the full upward position of handle member  102 , then adjustment member  178  (FIGS. 4 and 11) is rotated by manipulating the hex-shaped protrusion  188  or slot  190  to expand or contract the alignment mechanism  22 . Alternatively, motor engaging adjustment member  278  is rotated by adjustment motor  282 . Once the adjustment member  178  or motor engaging adjustment member  278  has been adjusted, the process of recording signals at the above described positions of handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274  is repeated until the signal is strongest at the centered position of the handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274 . The upward and downward movements of the handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274  shall be referred to herein as “waggling” the handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274  to determine optimal orientation of antenna dish  12 .  
         [0055]    Once the position of the antenna dish  12  has been optimized, vertical bolts  231  (FIGS. 1 and 2) are tightly secured to prevent rotation of upper casting  14  relative to lower casting  16 , i.e., prevent further rotation of antenna dish  12 . The alignment mechanism  22  may then be removed by removing attachment bolts  218 .  
         [0056]    Referring back to FIG. 2, it may be seen that adjustments to the elevation of antenna dish  12  are made with the alignment mechanism  22  secured to the adjustment strut  20 . An upper clamping member  254  is tightly secured to adjustment strut  20  with a receptacle head bolt  258 . This aspect is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 17, in combination. An attachment bolt  218  is located in second transverse bolt hole  60  and engages receptacle  262  of receptacle head bolt  258  on upper clamping member  254 . Another attachment bolt  218  is located in fourth transverse bolt hole  175  and engages receptacle  262  (FIG. 17) of receptacle head bolt  258  on lower clamping member  264 . Receptacle head bolt  258  on lower clamping member  264  is then loosened to permit movement of adjustment strut  20  within the lower clamping member  264 .  
         [0057]    Still referring primarily to FIG. 2, the waggling steps, adjustment steps, and signal strength recording steps described above are then performed to repeatedly slightly increase and decrease the elevation of antenna dish  12  to optimize the elevation of the antenna dish  12 . Once the optimal elevation has been achieved, the receptacle head bolt  258  on lower clamping member  264  is then tightened to prevent further movement of adjustment strut  20  within the lower clamping member  264 . The desired elevation of the antenna dish  12  is then maintained. Attachment bolts  218  are then removed to remove the alignment mechanism  22 . Upper clamping members  254  are then removed.  
         [0058]    It should be noted that precise adjustments of the alignment mechanism  22  or automated alignment mechanism  270  are possible because of the anti-backlash features present in the alignment mechanism  22  or automated alignment mechanism  270 . In particular, when adjustment member  178  or motor engaging adjustment member  278  is rotated, or when threaded sleeve member  66  is rotated via handle member  102  or motor engaging sleeve  274 , backlash is minimized due to the biasing action of spring  212 , which holds the threaded interfaces in tension. Additionally, the chamfered holes in the first transverse bolt hole  60 , second transverse bolt hole  64 , third transverse bolt hole  172  an fourth transverse bolt hole  175 , when used in conjunction with the chamfered underside  222  of attachment bolts  218 , minimize movement of the alignment mechanism  22  when it is secured to the antenna assembly  21 . Therefore, more accurate readings can be achieved.  
         [0059]    Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Description, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set fourth and defined by the following claims. For example, other possible configurations include, but are not limited to, a rotary configuration of the apparatus, a permanently installed apparatus, or other embodiments of the invention.

Technology Category: h