Antenna feed structure

A method of producing a dielectrically loaded antenna comprising:

• providing a dielectric antenna core having conductive antenna elements on its outer surface, which elements have associated connection portions adjacent an end of a passage through the core;
• providing a unitary feed structure having a tubular outer shield conductor and an elongate inner conductor extending through the shield conductor in a manner so as to be insulated from the shield conductor, lateral connection members each extending outwardly from an axis of the feed structure and providing proximally directed conductive surface portion electrically coupled to distal end portions of the shield and inner conductors respectively
• inserting the feed structure as a unit into the passage in the core, the insertion causing the said proximally directed conductive surface portions to engage the connection portions on the core;
• and
• conductively bonding the connection members to the engaged portions.

A kit of parts for assembling a dielectrically loaded antenna, comprising:

• a dielectric antenna core having conductive antenna elements on its outer surface, which elements have associated connection portions adjacent a distal end of a passage through the core;
• and
• a unitary antenna feed structure dimensioned for sliding installation in the passage in the core from the distal end, the feed structure including:
• a tubular outer shield conductor, an elongate inner conductor extending through the shield conductor in a manner so as to be insulated from the shield conductor, and first and second lateral connection members extending outwardly from distal ends of the inner and shield conductors respectively.

A unitary antenna feed structure adapted for unitary sliding installation in a passage in the insulative core of a dielectrically loaded antenna, the antenna core having a distal end surface and a proximal end surface both of which extend laterally with respect to the passage, a side surface, elongate radiating conductors on the side surface and laterally extending conductive connection portions on the distal end surface that are connected to the radiating conductors, wherein the unitary feed structure comprises:

• a transmission line section having first and second transmission line conductors;
• a first lateral connection member extending outwardly from a distal end of the first transmission line conductor to form a conductive element in a first signal path between the first transmission line conductor and a respective one of the connection portions;
• and
• a second lateral connection member extending outwardly from a distal end of the second transmission line conductor to form a conductive element in a second signal path between the second transmission line conductor and another of the connection portions;
• the feed structure having first and second proximally directed surface portions associated respectively with the first and second signal paths and adapted to abut said connection portions on the distal end face of the core adjacent the distal end of the passage,
• and wherein the feed structure is adapted for unitary sliding installation in the passage in said insulative core of said dielectrically loaded antenna.