An antenna assembly includes a radio frequency (RF) connector having a connector plug electrically connected to an antenna receptacle. The connector plug has a central terminal configured for connection to a wireless transceiver, and an end of the wire antenna is inserted in the antenna receptacle. Examples of RF connectors include U.FL, IPEX, IPAX, IPX, AMC, MHF and UMCC connectors that allow the wire antenna to be removably attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) of a lighting control device and to avoid hardwiring the antenna to the PCB. The wire antenna may be made of a shape memory alloy, such as nitinol. The device that includes the antenna assembly may be incorporated into a luminaire for wireless control of the luminaire, such that the wire antenna is positioned between a light source and a diffuser. A number of such luminaires may be combined to provide an intelligent lighting system.

A light module, a light panel, and a method for transmitting light are provided. The light module includes a light source configured to generate a light and a fiber panel optically coupled to the light source. The fiber panel includes a plurality of optical fibers. The plurality of optical fibers are configured to define two illumination regions such that a controlled light is output from the two illumination regions in diametrically opposite directions.

A light module, a light panel, and a method for transmitting light are provided. The light module includes a light source configured to generate a light and a fiber panel optically coupled to the light source. The fiber panel includes a plurality of optical fibers. The plurality of optical fibers are configured to define two illumination regions such that a controlled light is output from the two illumination regions in diametrically opposite directions.

A luminaire includes a housing defining an interior volume. The luminaire also includes a lamp within the interior volume and configured to emit light. Additionally, the luminaire includes a wireless antenna positioned within the interior volume, configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal along a first direction, and configured to be operatively coupled to an access point. The wireless antenna can be entirely within the interior volume. The luminaire can include a first reflective surface within the interior volume and configured to redirect the wireless signal. The lamp can be configured to be electrically coupled to a power inserter that powers the access point.

Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.

Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.

Inflatable antenna assemblies are provided, including an inflatable container having an inflated state and a deflated state, the inflatable container having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a flexible antenna extending along the interior surface or the exterior surface of the inflatable container, such that the antenna deploys to an operable, extended configuration upon inflation of the inflatable container to the inflated state, and a port configured for operable connection to an inflation mechanism to inflate the container to the inflated state. Safety device structures, such as life rafts, life preservers, life jackets, buoys, and emergency beacons, having inflatable antenna portions, are also provided.

Methods and systems are provided for enhanced communication cables which may be configured for supporting at least two separate functions, including distribution of data signals and at least one other different function. An example enhanced cable may include an arrangement along at least a section of the cable, with that arrangement configured for supporting the at least one other different function. The other different function may include illumination. The cable may include or have a jacket configured to accommodate the arrangement, with the jacket being transparent or including transparent areas or openings corresponding to at least regions of the arrangement. The arrangement may include an illumination arrangement. The cable may include light guiding material configured for use in conjunction with the illumination arrangement. The cable may have leaky feeder structures, for use in support of the distribution of data signals function.

Methods and systems are provided for enhanced communication cables which may be configured for supporting at least two separate functions, including distribution of data signals and at least one other different function. An example enhanced cable may include an arrangement along at least a section of the cable, with that arrangement configured for supporting the at least one other different function. The other different function may include illumination. The cable may include or have a jacket configured to accommodate the arrangement, with the jacket being transparent or including transparent areas or openings corresponding to at least regions of the arrangement. The arrangement may include an illumination arrangement. The cable may include light guiding material configured for use in conjunction with the illumination arrangement. The cable may have leaky feeder structures, for use in support of the distribution of data signals function.

A concealed communication antenna and lighting feature comprises a mount having base configured to be mounted to a structure and having a circumferentially disposed side wall adjacent the circumference of the base. The outer side wall defining a seat extending a radial distance from the outer side wall to the edge of the base circumference, and an inner wall disposed concentrically within the outer side wall. A plurality of solid state lighting elements adapted to direct light away from the base. A communications antenna is mounted to the inner side wall and a radome is disposed about the antenna and extends above the inner side wall. The radome is closed at an upper end and a lighting feature lens mounted to the outer wall. The lighting feature lens being closed at a top end such that the solid state lighting elements direct light intermediate the radome and the lighting feature lens.