Self-passivating metal antenna
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Systems Corporation
InventorsGrant Camden Miars, Scott Richard Burnside, Thomas James Roush
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A communication device for use while submerged in a fluid or while operating in inclement weather includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving communication signals, an antenna exposed to a submerged ambient environment formed of a self-passivating material, and a communication cable for propagating the communication signals between the transceiver and the antenna. The antenna is built-in or attached to an exterior hull portion of an aquatic vessel. The communication device is integral with or attachable to a garment, a protective layer or a covering worn by a user.
Claims24
A communication device comprising:
- a transceiver configured to at least one of transmit and receive communication signals;
- an antenna exposed to a submerged ambient environment, the antenna formed at least in part from a self-passivating material, the self-passivating material forming a corrosion-resistant, insulating oxide layer over a surface of portions of the antenna resulting from direct contact of the antenna with the submerged ambient environment, the antenna being configured to at least one of wirelessly transmit and receive the communication signals;
- and
- a communication cable configured to transfer the communication signals between the transceiver and the antenna.
A method of communicating with a communication device, the method comprising:
- exposing an antenna formed in part from a self-passivating material to a submerged ambient environment, the self-passivating material forming a corrosion-resistant, insulating oxide layer over a surface of portions of the antenna resulting from direct contact of the antenna with the submerged ambient environment;
- transferring a transmission radio frequency (RF) signal from a transceiver to the antenna;
- transmitting the RF signal via the antenna;
- receiving a received RF signal via the antenna;
- and
- transferring the received RF signal to the transceiver.
A wearable communication device comprising:
- a transceiver configured to at least one of transmit and receive communication signals;
- an antenna formed at least in part from a self-passivating material, the antenna being attached to an exterior of apparel worn or carried by a user and exposed to atmosphere, the self-passivating material forming a corrosion-resistant, insulating oxide layer over a surface of portions of the antenna resulting from direct contact of the antenna with a submerged ambient environment, the antenna being configured to at least one of wirelessly transmit and receive the communication signals;
- and
- a communication cable configured to transfer the communication signals between the transceiver and the antenna.
An underwater communication device comprising:
- a transceiver arranged in a waterproof environment and configured to at least one of transmit and receive communication signals;
- an antenna that is formed at least in part from a self-passivating material and that is exposed to a submerged ambient environment, the self-passivating material forming a corrosion-resistant, insulating oxide layer over a surface of portions of the antenna resulting from direct contact of the antenna with the submerged ambient environment, the antenna being configured to at least one of wirelessly transmit and receive the communication signals;
- and
- a communication cable configured to transfer the communication signals between the transceiver and the antenna.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.