US2982959A - Antenna for both horizontally and vertically polarized waves - Google Patents

Description

May 2, 1961 D. v. HANNEKEN ANTENNA FOR BOTH HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY POLARIZED WAVES Filed June 27, 1960 INVEN T02 ATTORNEY ANTENNA FOR BOTH HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY POLARIZED WAVES Dietrich v; Hanneken, 12212 Lawler St.,

'Los Angeles, Calif.

Filed time 27, 1960, sci. Nm'ashsz 17 Claims. 01. 343-124 This invention relates toimproved antenna structures for use with radio or television equipment.

In prior antenna installations, one problem which has frequently been encountered is that of attempting to always maintain an optimum match between transmitter and receiver antennas, with regard to the polarization of the radiation emitted by the transmitter, and the polarization of the waves which the receiver is best adapted to receive. Certain types of antennas inherently function to emit or receive vertically polarized waves better than horizontally polarized waves, whereas other types of antennas emit or receive best horizontally polarized .waves. If the polarization is notthe same for both the transmitter and the; receiver, then the efiective reception range or signal strength, especially over. short or direct transmission used) since each'antennathen acts .to interfere with the waves going to or from the other, in a manner reducing the effectiveness of each antenna for, itsrintended purpose.

The major objectofthe present invention "is td'provide a compact antenna system which is capable of transmitting or'receiving effectively bo-th vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves, and whichwill handle both of these types of waves just. as efiiciently as can a conventionalantenna installation designed only to handle one type of wave. The antenna system may be actuable between a plurality of difierentconditions, by,

a suitable selector switch arrangement,.acting to set the system for either vertical polarizatiom horizontal polarization, or both simultaneously.

A novel. and highly important feature of the invention residesin a unique manner in which the vertically polarized and horizontally polarized elements are interrelated, specifically in a r-elation positively avoidingi'nductive interference of. one with the other. In asys'tem embodying the invention, certain portions of p the apparatus are designed toserve dual functions, as operating portions oh the antenna systemQin bothfthe vertically and horizontally polarized condition s. ,of the. apparatus.

When the antenna is functioning to ..transmit .or..re-

ceive vertically polarized waves, the anten'na'takes the form essentiallyof a fgroundplane? antenna, having an upwardly projectingrod, wire or other conductor, and having additional rods or. conductors projecting generally laterally from a lowerend of the. vertical element to form the electrical ground plane. The. vertical element is'the drivenlftran smitting element, or the main receiving element ina receiverinstallation, while the laterally projecting rods orconductors are at ground potentiaL, .j

I i In the. horizontally polarized condition ofjthe' antenna,

shee in oe rs. which in the first. dis- .s quadp an hei i r -lw a1"element;nowassume adifierent role, and are so connected to the transmitter or receiver as to function as a horizontally oriented dipole. This dipole transmits waves which are horizontally polarized, and which are not adversely afiected by the upwardly projecting vertical element by reason of the central positioning of that element at zero potential. Preferably, both the vertical elements and the laterally projecting sections of the dipole have lengths corresponding to approximately onefourth wave length of the radio frequency transmitted or received thereby. Also, the antenna system.may be given a directional characteristic by providing both vertical and horizontal directors and/or reflectors in conjunction with the main transmitting or receiving. elements. The above and other features and objects of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the typical embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a partially diagrammatic view showing a radio or television system utilizing an antennaconstructed in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 show two different conditions of the selector switch of the Fig. 1 arrangement; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a variational form of the invention; 7, Fig. 5 is a plan. view of the Fig.

on line 5+5 of Fig. 4; and Fig 6 is a side view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 4. I Referring first to Fig. 1, I have representeddiagram- .matically at 10a radio or television unit having an antenna assembly 11 constructed in accordance with the invention. Unit 10 may be either a transmitter or receiver,

4 antenna, taken or in certain instances may baa combined transmitter The electrical connections between, .unit' building, the ground, or any other support, and with the mast 13 being maintained in vertical condition byguy wires 15 or other suitable, means. 9 v v At its upper end, mast 13 carries a bracket 16, which serves to connect to mast 13 a horizontal rod or tube 17 and a vertical rod or tube 18. The elements 11 and .18 ,are formed of electrically conductive material, ,typically alurninum. Element 17 may extend directly horizontally, and. is connectedxat its centerto bracket 16.

That is, the tube or rod 17 may be continuous as itex tends through bracket 16, and has its opposite ends, i

and 2 0 spaced equal distances from the bracket. j The tube or element 18 is connected rigidly at its lower "end to {bracket 16, and extends directly verticallyupward- 1y to the uppermost'end 21 of'element 18. Bracket 16.

maybe formed of steel or other conductive material,

so that the elements 17 and 18 are connected electrically,

:to one anotherat the .location of clamp 16.. Although fclamp' 16 may be of non-conductive material, such as hard rubber, soas to insulate mast 13, element 18;and

eachof the horizontally protruding sections of'element .17, from each' other, it is not necessary at any pointto provide insulating material between the diflferent portions of the, antenna, or between the antenna'and its mast 13.

The vertical height of upstanding element'18 is desirably equal to one-fourth of the wave length of the radio. waves which are to be transmitted from orreceived by"the,,antenna. Similarly, each half of horizontal ele- "ment 17 is preferablyequal inilength to onefourthwaye length, so'that the overall lengthjof element 1 7; fron1 i 'to tip is cana o on' -ha t tth e rm ed wave leng h. 7

As shown, element 17 is formed of continuous conductive material, and clamp 16 is similarly constructed of conductive material so that elements 16 and 17 are electrically connected. From the transmitter or receiver there extend two antenna leads represented at 22 and 23. The first of these leads may be considered as the ground lead, and is connected electrically to the point of intersection of elements 17 and 18, typically by connection to a screw or terminal 24 provided on clamp 16. The second antenna lead 23 from unit 10 is connectible through switch 12 to either of two leads 25 and 26 which extend upwardly to the antenna. Lead 25 is connected to one of the halves of horizontal element 17 at a location 27 which is oifset a short distance from the location of clamp 16, say about ten inches from the clamp. Lead 26 is similarly connected to upwardly projecting element 18 at a location 28 spaced a short distance, say about ten inches, above clamp sixteen. At the points 27 and 28, the electrical connections to tubes 17 and 18 may be made by screws or other electrical terminals permanently secured to elements 17 and 18, and to which leads 25 and 26 can be attached.

Switch 12 may be any type of selector switch capable of connecting lead 23 to either lead 25, or lead 26, or simultaneously to both of the antenna leads 25 and 26. As illustrative, I have represented diagrammatically in Figs. 2 and 3 a switch 12 consisting of a rotor 29 having a main portion 30 formed of electrically insulative material and having a segment 31formed of electrically conductive material. Ibis rotor29 is adapted to be manually turned about axis 32 between the Fig. 2 position in which contact segment 31 electrically engages and forms a connection between two spring pressed contacts 33 and 34, and two offset positions in which contact 31 engages only one of the two stationary contacts 33 or 34. One

of these single contact positions is represented in Fig. 3, in which contact 31 engages only contact 34. It will be apparent that by turning element 29 in a counterclockwise direction through the position of Fig. 2, contact 31 may be placed in engagement only with contact 33. The two contacts 33 and 34 are electrically connected to leads 26 and 25 respectively.

To now discuss the manner of operation of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 3, assume first that unit 10 is a radio transmitter operating on a predetermined frequency, and that it is desired to transmit a signal which is vertically polarized, so that the signal can be received at a maximum range or signal strength by a particular receiving station which is known to have an antenna system designed for vertical polarization. In this case, switch 12 is turned to a setting in which it 'forms a connection between transmitter lead 23 and lead 26, but not the second lead 25, so that the two sides of the antenna circuit from transmitter 10 are connected respectively to terminals 24 and 28 of the antenna system. In

accordance with known principles of operation, this enerelement 18. Thus, elements 17 and 18 form 'together a ground plane type of vertically polarized antenna.

When it is desired to transmit only horizontally polarized waves, switch 12 is turned to a setting'in which lead 23 is connected only to lead 25, so that the opposite sides of the transmitter circuit are connected to terminals 24. and 27 respectively. This energizes horizontal element 17 as a driven dipole, acting to'emit horizontally polarized radiation in themannerof a'conventional di- Since point .24 is again at ground potential, the 'vertical element 18 is also at. ground potential, and therefore will not interfere with the transmission of radiation pole.

from horizontal dipole 17, particularly in view of the central positioning of element 18 relative to element 17.

Since the two halves of element 17 are each equal in length to one-fourth of the wave length selected for the transmission, the emission of radiation by element 17 when functioning as a dipole is maximized by the antenna construction. Similarly, when the antenna is functioning as a ground plane antenna, the formation of element 18 and each of .the halves of element 17 to be equal In length to one-fourth of the wave length of transmitter 10 again maximizes the emission of'radiation at that wave length.

When it is desired to simultaneously emit both honzontally and vertically polarized waves, switch 12 is turned to the position of Fig. 2, in which both of the leads 25 and 26 are connected to the transmitter, so that the antenna is simultaneously energized as both a ground plane antenna and a horizontal dipole. Also, when unit 10 is a receiver instead of a transmitter, actuation of switch 10 to any of its three positions serves to convert the antenna to receive best either vertically polarized radiation, horizontally polarized radiation, or both at the same time, in a manner analagous to the functioning of the switch in the transmitter installation.

Referring now to Figs. 4 to 6, I have shown in those figures a second form of the invention which may be considered to be identical with the form of Figs. 1 to 3, except for the provision of parasitic elements and their support boom acting to render the antenna directional. In Fig. 4, the mast is represented at 13a, and carries at its upper end tubes or rods 17a and 181: corresponding to elements 17 and 18 of Fig. 1. The clamp structure 16a which attaches elements 17a and 18a to mast 13a also may serve to attach a horizontal electrically conductive boom 35 to mast 13a.

At one side of the elements 17a and 18a, boom 35 carries a transverse electrically conductive reflector element 36 extending parallel to but somewhat longer than part 17a. Similarly, at that same location, the boom 35 carries an upwardly projecting second electrically conductive reflector element 37, extending parallel to but somewhat longer than vertical element 18a. Parts 36 'and 37 are connected to boom 35 by means of a suitable steel bracket or clamp represented at 38.

At the opposite side of the mast, boom 35 carries a horizontal director element 39 extending parallel to butsomewhat shorter than} element 17a. Also, projecting upwardly from the center of element 39, there is another vertical part 40, which is parallel to but somewhat shorter thanlelement 18a. Parts 39 and 40'are, attached in fixed relation to boom 35by a suitable conductive 'clamp or bracket structure represented at 41.

The unit. 10 and selector switch 12 may be exactly the same in Fig. 4 as in Fig. l, and therefore have not been illustrated again in connection with the second form of "the invention. Three leads 22a, 25a and 26a extend upwardly to the antenna from the radio and switch, and are connected to bracket 16a and the driven elements 17a and 18a in the same manner discussed in connection with Fig. l The boom. 35 and parts 36, 37, 39 and 40 may all be formed of aluminum tube or rod, and may all be electrically connected to ,one another through the various brackets.' j p In .operation, the. driven antenna parts 17a and 18a ,of Fig. 4 function the same as parts 17 and 18 in Fig. 1, to either transmit vertically polarized radiation, horizontally, polarized radiation, or'both. Theparts 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40 and 41 are all maintained at ground potentiahby yirtue of .their attachment, to bracket 16a. Reflectors 36.and 37 and directors 39 and. 40; function in "knowii manner to direct the major porti on of the radiation from elements 17ajand.18a in .a lefthand direction j'as v i e wed in Fig.5. The length of thereflectors and directors, as wellfa's their spacingfrom'drivenelements 17a and,.1,'8a, 'arelofcourse ldetermined in accordance with the conventional and well known formulas having to do with parasitic antenna elements, which formulasneed not be discussed in detail inthis application. It will also be apparent that, in some installations, the conductor elements 17, 18, 17a, 18a, 36, 37, etc. may all be formed of wires or other types of conductors instead of aluminum rods or tubes, if the particular wavelengths and other conditions encountered indicate the use of these different types of conductors.

I claim:

1. An antenna including afirst conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and thirdconductors, and electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof.

2. An antenna for use at a predetermined wave length including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly for a distance of approximately one-fourth of said wave length from the location of said second and third conductors, and electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the, ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof. I

3. An antenna for use at a predetermined wave length including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor for distances of approximately onefourth of said wave length, said first conductor projecting upwardly for a distance of approximately one-fourth of said wave length from the location of said second and third conductors, and electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof.

4. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting substantially horizontally in opposite directions from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, and electrical connections operable totconnect said conductors as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof.

5. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, and a selector switch circuit operable to connect said conductors selectively as either a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors arethe ground plane reflectors, or as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof.

6. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, and electrical connections operable to connect said conductors simultaneously as both a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof. V p

7. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second -;and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, means for connecting said three conductors near the intersection thereof to the ground side of an antenna circuit, and means for selectively connecting either said first conductor or said second conductor to' the second side of said circuit, where by said three conductors will serve selectively as either a ground plane conductor in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, or a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof. 7 a

8. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, means for connecting said; three conductors near the intersection thereof to the ground side of an antenna circuit, and a selector switch circuit for selectively connecting either said first conductor or said second conductor to the second side of said circuit, whereby'said three conductors will serve selectively as either a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second' and third conductors are the groundplane reflectors, or a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof.

9. An antenna as recitedin claim 8, in which said antenna is designed for use at a predetermined wave length, said three conductors all being of a length approximately equal to one-fourth of said wave length.

10. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a ground plane an-' tenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said'second and third conductors as two sections thereof, a reflector conductor extending generally parallel to and behind said first conductor, and a director conductor extending gen erally parallel to and in front of said first conductor.

11. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors-pro-: -i

jecting laterally from said first conductor, said first coni ductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof; reflector con-' dnctors extending generally parallel to and behind said second and third conductors, and director conductors extending generally parallel to and in front of said second and third conductors.

12. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of'said second and third conductors, electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a groundplane, an-

tenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and 7 first, second and third conductors, and director conductors extending generally parallel to and in front of said first, second and third conductors.

13. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof, and an additional conductor extending generally horizontally and connected to and extending generally perpendicular to said second and third conductors and forming an additional ground plane reflector for said ground plane antenna.

14. An antenna including a first conductor extending generally vertically, second and third conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, electrical connections operable to connect said conductors as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof; reflector conductors extending generally parallel to and behind said first, second and third conductors, director conductors extending generally parallel to and in front of said first, second and third conductors, and a generally horizontal conductive boom mounting all of said conductors and'extending generally perpendicular to all of them. v 15. The combination comprising, a transmitter, a-first antenna conductor extending generally vertically, second and third antenna conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, and electrical connections operable to connect said conductors to said transmitter as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the driven vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as two sections thereof.

16. The combination comprising a receiver, a first antenna conductor extending generally vertically, second and third antenna conductors projecting laterally from said first conductor, said first conductor projecting upwardly from the location of said second and third conductors, and electrical connections operable to connect said conductors to said receiver as a ground plane antenna in which said first conductor is the vertical element and said second and third conductors are the ground plane reflectors, and as a dipole having said second and third conductors as ,two sections thereof.

17. An antenna including a first conductor extending in a first direction, additional conductors each extending in a direction other than said first direction, and electrical connections operable in one condition to connect said first conductor as a primary element of the antenna with said additional conductors serving as the ground plane therefor,.and operable in a second condition to connect said other conductors as primary elements of the antenna.

' No references cited.

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