US3659227A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch-controlled directional coupler
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1970-09-08
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Granted: 1972-04-25
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Expires: 1990-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A branch waveguide coupler network using diode or other switches at the midpoint of each branch to control the coupling of the input signal to one of two output ports. Both 50 percent and 100 percent coupling systems are disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 William T Whistler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:05
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01P; H01P1/00; H01P1/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
In a directional coupler for transmitting waves of a given wavelength comprising: a. first wave transmission path means having an input port and an output port spaced to provide a transmission path therebetween of effective length greater than one-fourth of said wavelength, b. second wave transmission path means having an input port and an output port spaced to provide a transmission path therebetween of effective length greater than one-fourth of said wavelength, c. a pair of branch transmission path means connected between the first path means and the second path means between their respective input and output ports, each of the branch path means being effectively one-fourth as long as said wavelength and being spaced from the other branch transmission path means by an effective distance one-fourth as long as said wavelength so as to form with said first and second wave transmission path means a 90* - 3 dB hybrid coupler, the improvement for selectively controlling operation of the coupler comprising: d. switch means connected at the midpoint of each branch path transmission means and selectively operable to block coupling through each branch path transmission means at its midpoint or to enable 50 percent coupling therethrough between the first and the second path means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
In a directional coupler for transmitting waves of a given wavelength comprising: a. first wave transmission path means having an input port and an output port spaced to provide a transmission path therebetween of effective length greater than one-fourth of said wavelength, b. second wave transmission path means having an input port and an output port spaced to provide a transmission path therebetween of effective length greater than one-fourth of said wavelength, c. a pair of branch transmission path means connected between the first path means and the second path means between their respective input and output ports, each of the branch path means being effectively one-fourth as long as said wavelength and being spaced from the other branch transmission path means by an effective distance one-fourth as long as said wavelength so as to form with said first and second wave transmission path means a 90* - 3 dB hybrid coupler, the improvement for selectively controlling operation of the coupler comprising: d. switch means connected at the midpoint of each branch path transmission means and selectively operable to block coupling through each branch path transmission means at its midpoint or to enable 50 percent coupling therethrough between the first and the second path means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A circuit according to claim 1 wherein each said switch means comprises a diode adapted to be forward biased and reverse biased selectively, whereby the diode enables coupling of microwave energy through its associated branch path transmission means in one bias condition and blocks the coupling of microwave energy through said branch path transmission means in the other bias condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
A circuit according to claim 2 wherein said diode is connected into said branch transmission path means so as to short circuit and thus block coupling through said branch transmission path means when forward biased and to remove such short and permit coupling through said branch transmission path means when reverse biased.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
A circuit according to claim 2 wherein said branch transmission path means include midpoint gaps across which are connected said diodes, whereby the diodes when forward biased provide continuity through said branch transmission path means and when reverse biased break such continuity and block the coupling of microwave energy through said branch transmission path means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2975381A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |