A high-performance portable microwave communication unit, consists of a directional antenna, RF transceiver and high-speed data/video processing unit for use in terrestrial point-to-point communications or as a ground station in a satellite communication system. For transportation, the unit is disassembled, folded down and stowed in two airline-checkable hard-shell cases. Each case can be equipped with shoulder straps such that it can be carried like a backpack, a set of wheels so it can be rolled, attached to a MOLLE frame so that it can be carried as a backpack and which allows attachment of accessories. The cases and their interiors have been designed to provide protection for the communication unit, while the construction of the unit itself involves novel mechanical features that allow for compact stowage as well as for rapid disassembly and assembly.

Portable high-speed data and broadcast-quality video terminal for terrestrial and satellite communications

Systems and methods for providing a Portable Satellite Communication (“PSC”) antenna. The PSC antenna (100) comprises: a Parabolic Segmented Antenna (“PSA”) reflector (102) with a plurality of identical and interchangeable panels (106) that can be stowed in a nested stacked arrangement; a plurality of interchangeable feedhorn assemblies (104) that can be coupled to a center hub (110) via a quick-connect mechanism (112); an adjustment mechanism (2512, 2602, 2604) for adjusting an angular orientation of the feedhorn assemblies relative to the center hub; a transceiver (202) that can be coupled to a convex side of the PSA reflector; a base panel (120) which is coupled to a tripod positioning structure (118) such that reflector wind moment loads can be transferred through a base panel to the tripod positioning structure; and a tripod positioning structure with folding legs (3102, 3104) and hard stops (3306) against which the folding legs can be preloaded.

Portable satellite communication system

A satellite antenna for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic signal has at least one parabolic reflector, a source arm, and a high-power amplifier, in which antenna the high-power amplifier includes a traveling wave tube on the source arm and a high-voltage power supply off the source arm and adapted to supply power to the tube. A satellite mobile telecommunications station includes such a satellite antenna and a storage structure into which the antenna is folded and in which the high-voltage power supply sits.

Satellite transmission antenna and satellite-based mobile telecommunication station

Reflector systems ( 10 ) comprising a reflector ( 11 ) formed from rigid panels ( 14 ) mounted on a centrally-located hub ( 12 ) are provided. The panels ( 14 ) can be stowed in a relatively compact manner in which the panels ( 14 ) overlap. The panels ( 14 ) can translate with a combination of rotational and linear motion so that the panels ( 14 ) become disposed in a side by side relationship, thereby deploying the reflector ( 11 ) so that the reflector ( 11 ) can focus electromagnetic energy incident thereupon.

Reflector systems having stowable rigid panels

A hard shell portable case for transportation and protection of devices such as portable satellite terminals. Each case can be equipped with shoulder straps such that it can be carried like a backpack, a set of wheels so it can be rolled, attached to a MOLLE frame so that it can be carried as a backpack and which allows attachment of accessories. The cases and their interiors have been designed to provide protection for the portable terminal, while the exterior is shaped to conform to the shape of a wearer's back.

Case for portable satellite terminal

A collapsible antenna assembly for portable, outdoor satellite communication systems is provided. When connected to complementary electronics, the apparatus enables the transmission and reception of communications signals from any selected terrestrial location by means of a satellite link. The apparatus is implemented in a physical form that minimizes the overall physical dimensions such that portability is improved. The apparatus consists of an antenna reflector, transmit assembly, feed horn assembly, a boom, a tripod, and a mounting platform, which permits the antenna reflector to be oriented to operate with any selected satellite. The entire apparatus can be folded and disassembled to fit inside of a suitcase.

Michael John Schefter

Papers

Collapsible antenna assembly for portable satellite terminals