Antenna system incorporating movable platform

An antenna system adapted to be mounted on a structure, comprising:

• a stationary annular platform mounted on said structure;
• a moveable circular platform disposed adjacent said stationary annular platform and having an upper surface and a lower surface;
• an antenna mounted on said moveable circular platform;
• a motor operatively coupled to said moveable circular platform for driving said moveable circular platform rotationally relative to said stationary platform about a rotational axis;
• at least one slip ring disposed on a surface of one of said platforms in a plane generally parallel to a plane in which said moveable platform resides;
• at least one brush disposed adjacent said slip ring to thereby contact said slip ring as said moveable platform is rotated by said motor;
• a support operatively associated with said stationary annular platform for supporting said brush;
• and
• wherein said brush and said slip ring provide a continuous electrical connection for providing an electrical signal to at least one electrical component associated with said antenna.

A method for mounting an antenna for rotational movement about an azimuthal axis, said method comprising:

• using a moveable platform mounted for rotational movement on a substructure to support said antenna on an upper surface thereof;
• disposing a stationary platform mounted on said substructure adjacent said moveable platform;
• using a motor operably associated with said moveable platform and said stationary platform to rotate said moveable platform about said azimuthal axis;
• disposing a slip ring on a surface of one of said platforms in a plane generally parallel to a plane in which said moveable platform resides;
• and
• supporting a brush adjacent said slip ring to continuously contact said slip ring as said moveable platform is rotated, whereby said brush and said slip ring cooperate to pass electrical signals therebetween.