Below horizon antenna aiming
AssigneeViaSat, Inc.
InventorE. Mitchell Blalock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
According to the invention, a system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupled with the support member and the spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partially defines a void. And the support member may be at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.
Claims16
A system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon, wherein the system comprises:
- a support member, wherein the support member is coupled with a surface;
- a spherical structure, wherein:
- the spherical structure is coupled with the support member;
- and
- the spherical structure is at least partially spherical in shape about a central point;
- and
- at least one arm, wherein:
- the at least one arm is rotatably coupled with the spherical structure;
- the at least one arm is coupled with the antenna;
- the at least one arm at least partially defines a void;
- and
- the support member is at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.
A method for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon, wherein the method comprises:
- providing a support member, wherein the support member is coupled with a surface;
- providing a spherical structure, wherein:
- the spherical structure is coupled with the support member;
- and
- the spherical structure is at least partially spherical in shape about a central point;
- providing at least one arm, wherein:
- the at least one arm is rotatably coupled with the spherical structure;
- the at least one arm is coupled with the antenna;
- and
- the at least one arm at least partially defines a void;
- and
- rotating the at least one arm such that the support member is at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.