The present invention introduces the use of a carbon nanotube-based material in the production of phased array patch antennas of various shapes and sizes including slot and spiral patch antennas. The use of this material provides the ability for the antennas to withstand high-intensity shock vibrations and other intense disturbances and continue emitting phased array signals. Furthermore, the use of this material for patch antennas allows for the alteration of the desired frequency and directional degree of interest by simply energizing various elements within the carbon nanotube-based material.

A radio wave reflecting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present technology includes a reflector array and a light source. The reflector array includes a plurality of unit corner reflectors each configured by joining a plurality of radio wave reflecting surfaces, the plurality of unit corner reflectors being disposed in an array. The light source is disposed at an edge portion of the unit corner reflector.

A method of manufacturing a radio frequency, RF, lens is provided. According to one aspect, a method includes additive manufacturing process to deposit material under computer control to form the lens in a predetermined shape. The method also includes controlling the process during deposition to generate a structure formed by cells, a cell size being selected to achieve a desired effective dielectric constant and to achieve a desired upper frequency of operation of the lens. According to another embodiment, a method includes implementing an additive manufacturing process to deposit material in a random manner under computer control to form the lens in a predetermined shape.

Embodiments of a tool are described. The tool includes an assembly plate having a top surface and a bottom surface. The assembly plate also includes a raised area on the top surface, the raised area centered on a central alignment hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface through the entire thickness of the raised area. An alignment ring is formed in the top surface of the raised area, wherein the alignment ring surrounds the central alignment hole and is concentric with the central alignment hole. A fitting including a base tier, a plurality of stacked concentric tiers of different radii on a first side of the base tier, and a retainer on a second side of the base tier, wherein an axis of the fitting is adapted to be aligned with the center of the central alignment hole.

The present disclosure provides system and methods for optimizing the tuning of impedance elements associate with sub-wavelength antenna elements to attain target radiation and/or field patterns. Both static and variable (tunable) antenna systems may be manufactured. Static embodiments may be entirely passive in some embodiments. A scattering matrix (S-Matrix) of field amplitudes for each of a plurality of modeled lumped ports, N, may be determined that includes a plurality of lumped antenna ports, N.sub.a, with impedance values corresponding to the impedance values of associated impedance elements and at least one modeled external port, N.sub.e, located external to the antenna system at a specified radius vector. Impedance values may be identified through an optimization process, and the impedance elements may be tuned (dynamically or statically) to attain a specific target radiation pattern.

A method of manufacturing a radome for encasing an antenna system, preferably for marine use, is described. The method comprising the steps of: providing one or more moulds for manufacturing a structural main body of the radome or parts of the structural main body of the radome, each of the one or more moulds comprising a mould cavity, injecting a foamed polymer material into the mould cavity or mould cavities of the one or more moulds to form the structural main body of the radome or parts of the structural main body of the radome, and optionally connecting the parts of the structural main body of the radome to form the main body of the radome. Further, a radome for encasing an antenna system, preferably for marine use, is described. The radome comprises a structural main body, which is made from a foamed polymer material.

A reflector for an antenna includes a first shaped region, wherein a curvature of the first shaped region is defined by a corresponding scan angle, and a second shaped region, wherein a curvature of the second shaped region is based on a corresponding scan angle. The curvature of the first shaped region is different than the curvature of the second shaped region.

An antenna module installation system comprising a baseplate and a carrier chassis. The baseplate is configured to couple to an antenna dish assembly, and comprises an antenna module mounting apparatus including an alignment portion and a retention portion. The carrier chassis is configured to retain an antenna module, such as antenna hub amplifier, and comprises an engaging apparatus. The carrier chassis is configured to allow multiple manufacturers versions of a component to be used through adapter components. The engaging apparatus is configured to engage with the alignment portion, which positions the carrier chassis in a mounting alignment, and to move from the alignment portion to the retention portion which retains the carrier chassis in engagement with the baseplate. The engaging apparatus is designed to allow that direct connections to the component in the carrier chassis are disconnected prior to its removal.

A band-pass filter device includes a waveguide filter, a first circuit board section, a first antenna, a second circuit board section, and a second antenna. The waveguide filter includes a high-pass portion, a connection portion, and a low-pass portion. The first antenna is disposed on the first circuit board section. The second antenna is disposed on the second circuit board section. A wireless signal generated by the first antenna is transmitted through the high-pass portion, the connection portion, and the low-pass portion of the waveguide filter, and then is received by the second antenna.

Apparatus for Manufacture and In-Space Assembly of Antennas comprising: a prefabricated primary reflector center section; a trusselator truss assembler; a phased feed array; wherein said prefabricated reflector center section, trusselator, and phased feed array are fixedly connected to one another; a self-positioning and orienting tool; a truss extending from said trusselator; a secondary reflector attached to said truss; robotic arms; a nibbler end effector mounted on one of said robotic arms; a grapple end effector mounted on one of said robotic arms; a mold for casting a piece of a primary reflector; a power cube; a solar array providing power to said power cube; refabricator plus; and an ESPA ring