U.S. patent application number 13/077049 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for filtered antenna assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to JOHN MEZZALINGUA ASSOCIATES, INC.. Invention is credited to Stephen P. Malak, Steven K. Shafer.
Application Number | 20110175787 13/077049 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40454366 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110175787 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malak; Stephen P. ; et
al. |
July 21, 2011 |
FILTERED ANTENNA ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An antenna assembly for a wireless communications device has an
antenna, a filter circuit, and a connector constructed to engage a
wireless communications device. A filter circuit includes a
band-pass filter and a first notch filter disposed in serial
electrical communication with the band-pass filter, the band-pass
filter operable to permit the passage of oscillatory electrical
signals in a first frequency range, the first notch filter operable
to impede the passage of oscillatory electrical signals in a second
frequency range, the second frequency range residing within the
first frequency range.
Inventors: |
Malak; Stephen P.; (Manlius,
NY) ; Shafer; Steven K.; (Chittenango, NY) |
Assignee: |
JOHN MEZZALINGUA ASSOCIATES,
INC.
East Syracuse
NY
|
Family ID: |
40454366 |
Appl. No.: |
13/077049 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11857558 |
Sep 19, 2007 |
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13077049 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
343/850 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 1/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
343/850 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/50 20060101
H01Q001/50 |
Claims
1. An antenna assembly for a wireless communications device, the
antenna assembly comprising: an antenna for wirelessly receiving
data; a filter circuit in electrical communication with the
antenna; a connector in electrical communication with the filter
circuit, the connector constructed to dispose a wireless
communications device into electrical communication with the filter
circuit by engaging the wireless communications device; wherein the
antenna, filter circuit, and connector collectively form a unit
that terminates at the connector, whereby when the connector is in
engagement with the wireless communications device the received
data is provided to the wireless communications device by way of
the filter circuit and the connector.
2. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, the filter circuit
comprising a band-pass filter operable to permit the passage of
oscillatory electrical signals between the antenna and the
connector in a particular frequency range.
3. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, the filter circuit
comprising a notch filter operable to impede the passage of
oscillatory electrical signals between the antenna and the
connector in a particular frequency range.
4. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, the filter circuit
comprising a band-pass filter and a first notch filter disposed in
serial electrical communication with the band-pass filter, the
band-pass filter operable to permit the passage of oscillatory
electrical signals between the antenna and the connector in a first
frequency range, the first notch filter operable to impede the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals between the antenna and
the connector in a second frequency range, the second frequency
range residing within the first frequency range.
5. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, the second frequency
range residing within the first frequency range such that the
filter circuit is operable to permit the passage of oscillatory
electrical signals in at least two frequency sub-ranges within the
first frequency range, the two sub-ranges separated by the second
frequency range.
6. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, comprising a second
notch filter, the second notch filter disposed in serial electrical
communication with at least one of the band-pass filter and the
first notch filter, the second notch filter operable to impede the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals between the antenna and
the connector in a third frequency range, the third frequency range
residing within the first frequency range.
7. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, the first frequency
range including frequencies between 2400 mega-hertz and 2462
mega-hertz.
8. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, the first frequency
range including frequencies between 5150 mega-hertz and 5825
mega-hertz.
9. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, the connector
constructed to mount onto an antenna-connector of a wireless
internet-service router.
10. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, the filter circuit
defining a pre-filter for a wireless internet-service router.
11. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, the antenna and
filter circuit defining a unitary construction pivotally attached
to the connector.
12. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, the connector and
filter circuit defining a unitary construction pivotally attached
to the antenna.
13. An antenna assembly for a wireless communications device, the
antenna assembly comprising: an antenna for wirelessly receiving
data; a filter circuit in electrical communication with the
antenna; a connector in electrical communication with the filter
circuit, the connector constructed to dispose a wireless
communications device into electrical communication with the filter
circuit by engaging the wireless communications device; wherein the
antenna and the filter circuit form a unitary construction
pivotally connected to the connector, and wherein when the
connector is in engagement with the wireless communications device
the received data is provided to the wireless communications device
by way of the filter circuit and the connector.
14. The antenna assembly according to claim 13, the filter circuit
comprising a band-pass filter and a first notch filter disposed in
serial electrical communication with the band-pass filter, the
band-pass filter operable to permit the passage of oscillatory
electrical signals between the antenna and the connector in a first
frequency range, the first notch filter operable to impede the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals between the antenna and
the connector in a second frequency range, the second frequency
range residing within the first frequency range.
15. The antenna assembly according to claim 14, the second
frequency range residing within the first frequency range such that
the filter circuit is operable to permit the passage of oscillatory
electrical signals in at least two frequency sub-ranges within the
first frequency range, the two sub-ranges separated by the second
frequency range.
16. The antenna assembly according to claim 14, comprising a second
notch filter, the second notch filter disposed in serial electrical
communication with at least one of the band-pass filter and the
first notch filter, the second notch filter operable to impede the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals between the antenna and
the connector in a third frequency range, the third frequency range
residing within the first frequency range.
17. An antenna assembly for a wireless communications device, the
antenna assembly comprising: a means for wirelessly receiving a
signal; a means for filtering the signal in electrical
communication with the antenna; a connecting means in electrical
communication with the means for filtering the signal, the
connecting means constructed to dispose a wireless communications
device into electrical communication with the means for filtering
the signal by engaging the wireless communications device; wherein
the means for wirelessly receiving the signal, the means for
filtering the signal, and the connecting means form a unit that
terminates at the connecting means, whereby when the connecting
means is in engagement with the wireless communications device the
received data is provided to the wireless communications device by
way of the means for filtering the signal and the connecting
means.
18. The antenna assembly according to claim 17, the means for
filtering the signal comprising a band-pass filter and a first
notch filter disposed in serial electrical communication with the
band-pass filter, the band-pass filter operable to permit the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals between the antenna and
the connector in a first frequency range, the first notch filter
operable to impede the passage of oscillatory electrical signals
between the antenna and the connector in a second frequency range,
the second frequency range residing within the first frequency
range.
19. The antenna assembly according to claim 18, the second
frequency range residing within the first frequency range such that
the means for filtering the signal is operable to permit the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals in at least two frequency
sub-ranges within the first frequency range, the two sub-ranges
separated by the second frequency range.
20. An antenna assembly according to claim 18, comprising a second
notch filter, the second notch filter disposed in serial electrical
communication with at least one of the band-pass filter and the
first notch filter, the second notch filter operable to impede the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals between the means for
wirelessly receiving the signal and the connecting means in a third
frequency range, the third frequency range residing within the
first frequency range.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority
from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/857,558 filed
on Sep. 19, 2007 and entitled FILTEREND ANTENNA ASSEMBLY,
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] These descriptions relate generally to antenna assemblies
for engaging the antenna connectors of wireless communications
devices, and relate more particularly relate to antenna assemblies
having filter circuits within compact constructions.
[0003] Wireless internet-service routers typically exchange data
with one or more computing devices by way of an antenna connected
to the router. A router typically has one or more antenna
connectors for engaging the antenna. A router may have on-board
filter circuits, but on-board filter circuits are typically adapted
to convey out-going and incoming data traffic, within the router,
between the antenna and the transmit and receive circuit portions
of the router. The on-board filter circuits are not successful in
all environments with regard to suppressing interference signals
generated by other devices. For example, wireless internet-service
routers are susceptible to performance degradation due to the
unwanted presence of interference signals coming from other devices
such as microwave ovens and cordless telephones. Ironically, the
very environments to which wireless routers are adapted to provide
convenience, environments such as homes and offices, are typically
inhabited by these other devices that generate unwanted
interference signals.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for an improved antenna assembly that
includes a filter circuit to facilitate the use of a wireless
communications device in an environment where interference sources
reside. A clutter-free and easily installed assembly that
pre-filters interference signals from data traffic at the antenna
stage of data routing is needed.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention addresses the above needs and enables
other advantages, by providing antenna assemblies having filter
circuits. For example, according to at least one aspect of the
invention, an antenna assembly for a wireless communications device
includes an antenna, a filter circuit in electrical communication
with the antenna, and a connector in electrical communication with
the filter circuit. The connector is constructed to dispose a
wireless communications device into electrical communication with
the filter circuit by engaging the wireless communications device.
The antenna assembly is capable of at least wirelessly receiving
data by way of the antenna and providing the received data to the
wireless communications device by way of the antenna and the
connector when the connector engages the wireless communications
device. The filter circuit may include a band-pass filter operable
to permit the passage of oscillatory electrical signals between the
antenna and the connector in a first frequency range. The filter
may also include a first notch filter operable to impede the
passage of oscillatory electrical signals in a second frequency
range which is within the first frequency range.
[0006] In at least one embodiment, the second frequency range
resides within the first frequency range such that the filter
circuit is operable to permit the passage of oscillatory electrical
signals in at least two frequency sub-ranges within the first
frequency range, the two sub-ranges separated by the second
frequency range. In at least one embodiment, the filter includes a
second notch filter operable to impede the passage of oscillatory
electrical signals in a third frequency range which is within the
first frequency range. In at least one embodiment, the filter
circuit defines a pre-filter for a wireless internet-service
router. In at least one example, the first frequency range includes
frequencies between 2400 mega-hertz and 2462 mega-hertz. In another
example, the first frequency range includes frequencies between
5150 mega-hertz and 5825 mega-hertz.
[0007] The antenna, filter circuit and connector define a unitary
construction in at least one embodiment of the antenna assembly. In
another embodiment, the antenna and filter circuit define a unitary
construction pivotally attached to the connector. In yet another
embodiment, the connector and filter circuit define a unitary
construction pivotally attached to the antenna.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an antenna
assembly having an antenna, a filter circuit, and a connector in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a representation of a transmission function of the
filter circuit of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of an antenna
assembly having an antenna, a filter circuit, and a connector in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a representation of a transmission function of the
filter circuit of FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary
embodiment of a band-pass filter, which the filter circuits of
FIGS. 1 and 3 may include;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary
embodiment of a notch filter, which the filter circuits of FIGS. 1
and 3 may include;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an antenna assembly,
according to either of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, in which
the antenna and filter circuit define a unitary construction
pivotally attached to the connector; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an antenna assembly,
according to either of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, in which
the connector and filter circuit define a unitary construction
pivotally attached to the antenna.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
some but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed,
these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0018] An antenna assembly 100 in accordance with a first
embodiment of the invention is diagrammatically represented in FIG.
1. The antenna assembly 100 includes an antenna 102, a filter
circuit 104, and a connector 106. The filter circuit defines a
pre-filter for a wireless communications device 10 involved in
wireless communications, which may be two-way communications,
through the antenna assembly 100. The wireless communications
device 10 may include its own on-board filter circuits. Thus, the
filter circuit 104 may supplement, improve, or obviate on-board
filtering capabilities of the wireless communication device 10. The
connector 106 is constructed to engage the connector 12 of the
device 10. The connectors 12 and 106 comprise respective
electrically conductive contact members through which the device 10
and the antenna assembly 100 are in electrical communication when
the connectors are engaged. For example, in at least one
embodiment, the connector 106 is a conventional coaxial connector
in male configuration that engages the connector 12 which is a
conventional coaxial connector in female configuration. In that
example, the contact members of the connectors are the centrally
disposed conducting members of the conventional coaxial connectors.
The connectors may include additional conducting members that
engage each other. For example, the connectors may include shield
or grounding members such as the outer sleeve portions of
conventional coaxial connectors.
[0019] The connector 106 is in electrical communication with the
antenna 102 through the filter circuit 104. The antenna assembly
100 is generally adapted to facilitate wireless communications of
the wireless communications device 10. Accordingly, the filter
circuit 104 permits the passage of oscillatory electrical signals,
in one or more particular frequency ranges, between the antenna 102
and the contact member of the connector 106. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment the filter circuit 104 includes a band-pass
filter 108 operable to permit the passage of oscillatory electrical
signals in a first frequency range 208 (FIG. 2). The first
frequency range may vary among various embodiments of the band-pass
filter 108 in order for the communications of various wireless
communications devices 10, having various communication frequency
ranges, to be facilitated. Signals within any given communication
frequency range may be called in-band signals. Signals at
frequencies above and below any given communication frequency range
may be called out-of-band signals. The band-pass filter 108 permits
the passage of signals in the communication frequency range of the
wireless communications device 10 and impedes the passage of
oscillatory electrical signals outside of that frequency range in
order to prevent out-of-band interfering signals from reaching the
wireless communications device and to prevent out-of-band signals
from being transmitted by the wireless communications device
through the antenna. The electrical oscillatory signals received by
the antenna may have many frequency components. Impeding signals at
any particular frequency relates to entirely blocking signals at
that frequency or attenuating signals at that frequency to reduce
or suppress their intensities as they propagate across the filter
circuit in some diminished amount.
[0020] In at least one example, the wireless communications device
10 is a wireless internet-service router operating in the 2400 to
2462 megahertz frequency range and having a conventional coaxial
connector 12 for engaging an antenna. In that example, the
connector 106 engages the connector 12 and the band-pass filter
permits the passage of in-band oscillatory electrical signals in
this range between the connector 106 and the antenna 102 while
impeding out-of-band signals having frequencies below 2400
megahertz and above 2462 megahertz. Furthermore, in that example,
the wireless communications conducted by the device 10 include
two-way communications. That is, data can be downloaded from the
internet and transmitted from the antenna 102 to a user's computing
device, and data to be uploaded to the internet can be received by
the antenna 102 from the computing device. In another example, the
wireless communications device 10 is a wireless internet-service
router operating in the 5150 to 5825 megahertz frequency range and
the band-pass filter accordingly permits passage of oscillatory
electrical signals in this range between the connector 106 and the
antenna 102 while impeding signals having frequencies below 5150
megahertz and above 5825 megahertz. In these examples, the data
link 14 in FIG. 1 represents the router's connection to the
internet.
[0021] The filter circuit 104 may also impede the passage of
signals in one or more frequencies or frequency ranges in which
interferences are found or known to reside. For example, microwave
ovens and cordless telephones may represent in-band interferences
in some wireless communication frequency ranges. Accordingly, the
filter circuit 104 may impede the passage of signals in the
frequencies of such interferences while permitting the passage of
signals above and below the interferences. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment the filter circuit 104 includes a notch
filter 110 operable to impede the passage of oscillatory electrical
signals in a second frequency range 210 (FIG. 2). The notch filter
110 is disposed in serial electrical communication with the
band-pass filter 108 and works in conjunction with the band-pass
filter to facilitate wireless communications of the wireless
communications device 10. Accordingly, the second frequency range
is chosen within the first frequency range, which includes a
wireless communication frequency range of the wireless
communications device 10. The second frequency range may vary among
various embodiments of the notch filter 110 in order that each
embodiment impedes interferences from one or more particular
interference sources. Thus, in each particular embodiment of the
notch filter, the second frequency is chosen to coincide or
encompass the frequencies of interference signals found or known to
reside within the wireless communication frequency range of the
wireless communications device 10.
[0022] By combining the operational effects of the band-pass filter
108 and the notch filter 110, the filter circuit 104 exhibits a
transmission function as represented in FIG. 2. The frequency axis
202 represents any frequency domain that includes a communication
frequency range of the wireless communications device 10. As
varying examples of such wireless communications devices have
varying communication frequency ranges, the frequency axis 202 is
provided as generic and without particular units. The transmission
axis 204 represents the relative intensity of a signal passing
through the filter circuit 104 and is also provided without
particular units. In the illustrated transmission function 200, the
first frequency range 208 permitted by the band-pass filter 108
(FIG. 1) is chosen to correspond to the communication frequency
range of a particular wireless communications device 10. Thus, in
one example wherein the wireless communications device 10 is a
wireless internet-service router operating in the 2400 to 2462
megahertz frequency range, the first frequency range 208 in FIG. 2
is an approximate 2400 to 2462 megahertz frequency range. In
another example wherein the wireless communications device 10 is a
wireless internet-service router operating in the 5150 to 5825
megahertz frequency range, the first frequency range 208 in FIG. 2
is an approximate 5150 to 5825 megahertz frequency range. The
second frequency range 210 illustrated within the first frequency
range 208 in FIG. 2 represents a particular frequency impeded by
the notch filter 110 (FIG. 1).
[0023] The second frequency range 210 (FIG. 2) resides within the
first frequency range 208. Thus, the transmission function 200
exhibits two frequency sub-ranges 212 and 214 in which oscillatory
electrical signals are passed by the filter circuit 104 (FIG. 1.).
The two frequency sub-ranges 212 and 214 are separated by the
second frequency range 210. Thus, the notch filter 110 is
configured to impede known or found interferences within the
communication frequency range of the wireless communications device
10 (FIG. 1). The band-pass filter permits the passage of signals in
the first frequency range 208, and the notch filter impedes signals
in the second frequency range 210. This corresponds to permitting
signals in the communication frequency range of a wireless
communications device and impeding interfering signals within that
communication frequency range.
[0024] An antenna assembly 300 in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is diagrammatically represented in FIG.
3. Like the antenna assembly 100 of FIG. 1, the antenna assembly
300 of FIG. 3 includes an antenna 302, a filter circuit 304, and a
connector 306 constructed to engage a wireless communications
device. The assemblies 100 and 300 bear many similarities and
therefore the preceding descriptions need not be duplicated. The
antenna assembly 300 differs from the preceding descriptions in
that the filter circuit 304 includes a band-pass filter 308 in
serial electrical communication with two notch filters 310 and 312.
The band-pass filter 308 permits the passage of oscillatory
electrical signals in a first frequency range 408 (FIG. 4), and the
two notch filters 310 and 312 impede signals in two respective
frequency ranges 410 and 412 (FIG. 4). Thus, the antenna assembly
300 facilitates wireless communications in an environment where
interference signals are known or found to reside in the two
frequency ranges 410 and 412.
[0025] By combining the operational effects of the band-pass filter
308 and the notch filters 310 and 312, the filter circuit 304
exhibits the transmission function 400 represented in FIG. 4. The
first frequency range 408 permitted by the band-pass filter 308
extends along the frequency axis 402. Frequency sub-ranges
permitted by the filter circuit are represented as rises in the
transmission function along the transmission axis 404. Within the
first frequency range 408, the transmission function exhibits dips
at the frequency ranges 410 and 412 impeded respectively by the
notch filters 310 and 312. Thus, the notch filters 310 and 312 are
configured to impede known or found interferences within the first
frequency range 408. This corresponds to permitting signals in the
communication frequency range of a wireless communications device
and impeding interfering signals within that communication
frequency range.
[0026] In view of the filter circuit 104 having a single notch
filter 110 in FIG. 1, and in view of the filter circuit 304 having
two notch filters 310 and 312 in FIG. 3, it is clear that various
embodiments of the invention may include various numbers of notch
filters chosen to impede particular interferences in various
frequency ranges within the communication frequency range of a
wireless communications device. Thus, wireless communications are
facilitated in various environments having interfering signals
within multiple frequency ranges.
[0027] Within the scope of these descriptions, the band-pass
filters 108 and 308 may be of various types. For example, the
band-pass filters may each be a full transform elliptic band-pass
filter 500 as represented in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, multiple tank
elements "T" are in serial communication with each other to define
a transmission path 502. Each tank element includes a capacitor "C"
and an inductor "L" arranged in parallel communication with each
other. Multiple shunt elements S are connected between the
transmission path and ground. Each shunt element includes a
capacitor and an inductor. To avoid needless repetition, only one
inductor "L," one capacitor "C," one tank element "T," and one
shunt element "S" are labeled in FIG. 5. The band-pass filter 500
can be understood to: permit the passage of oscillatory electrical
signals in a particular frequency range along the transmission path
according to resonances in the tank elements; and, impede signals
above and below that particular frequency range as low and high
frequency signals are shunted to ground respectively by the
inductors and capacitors of the shunt elements. The capacitance
values of the capacitors and the inductance values of the inductors
may be chosen in the making of any particular band-pass filter to
permit passage of signals along the transmission path in a desired
particular frequency range, which relates to the first frequency
ranges 208 and 408 in FIGS. 2 and 4. The full transform elliptic
band-pass filter 500 in FIG. 5 merely represents an example. The
band-pass filters 108 and 308 may each be among other types of
band-pass filters.
[0028] Furthermore, within the scope of these descriptions, the
notch filters 110, 310 and 312 may be of various types. For
example, the notch filters may each be a full transform elliptic
notch filter 600 as represented in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, multiple tank
elements "T" are in serial communication with each other to define
a transmission path 602. Each tank element includes a capacitor "C"
and an inductor "L" arranged in parallel communication with each
other. Multiple shunt elements S are connected between the
transmission path and ground. Each shunt element includes a
capacitor and an inductor in serial electrical communication with
each other. To avoid needless repetition, only one inductor "L,"
one capacitor "C," one tank element "T," and one shunt element "S"
are labeled in FIG. 6. The notch filter 600 can be understood to:
permit the passage of low-frequency oscillatory electrical signals
along the transmission path by way of the inductors of the tank
elements; permit the passage of high-frequency oscillatory
electrical signals along the transmission path by way of the
capacitors of the tank elements; and, impede signals in a
particular frequency range according to resonances in the shunt
elements which shunt signals in that range from the transmission
path to ground. The capacitance values of the capacitors and the
inductance values of the inductors may be chosen in the making of
any particular notch filter to impede signals in a desired
particular frequency range, which relates to the frequency ranges
210, 410, and 412 in FIGS. 2 and 4. The full transform elliptic
notch filter 600 in FIG. 6 merely represents an example. The notch
filters 110, 310 and 312 may each be among other types of notch
filters.
[0029] Regarding either of FIGS. 1 and 3, any particular filter
circuit (104, 304) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention may be constructed as a miniaturized filter circuit
for minimizing the size of any of the described unitary
constructions. This is advantageous toward providing an antenna
assembly having an integral filter in a compact unit, which may
include a pivoting joint. The filter circuit may be manufactured
according to Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) fabrication
techniques and accordingly may be provided at a size that is
advantageously small in comparison to typical earlier filter
circuits.
[0030] Again regarding either of FIGS. 1 and 3, the antenna
assembly (100, 300) advantageously filters out unwanted
interference signals before such signals enter the device with
which the antenna assembly is engaged. The band-pass filter (108,
308) impedes out-of-band signals with regard to the communication
frequency range of the engaged device, and one or more notch
filters (110, 310, 312) impede in-band interferences.
Advantageously, the engagement of the antenna assembly with a
device is conveniently accomplished using a single connector (106,
306).
[0031] Furthermore, regarding either of FIGS. 1 and 3, according to
at least one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (102, 302),
the filter circuit (104, 304), and the connector (106, 306) define
a unitary construction for convenience of handling and use. In an
exemplary scenario, a user grasps the unitary construction and
engages the connector thereof with a wireless communications device
10 (FIG. 1). The engagement disposes the contact member of the
connector (106,306) into electrical communication with a
corresponding contact member of the connector 12 of the wireless
communications device. The wireless communications device then at
least receives wireless communications through the antenna assembly
(100, 300) while benefiting from the operational effects of the
filter circuit (104, 304), and while benefiting from the
convenience, elegance, and simplicity of a unitary construction.
This embodiment may be particularly advantageous for use with
hand-held radios. It should be understood that these descriptions
relate to a wireless communications device that both receives and
transmits wireless communications through the antenna assembly
(100, 300).
[0032] Furthermore yet, regarding either of FIGS. 1 and 3,
according to at least one other embodiment of the invention, the
antenna (102, 302) and the filter circuit (104, 304) define a
unitary construction pivotally attached to the connector (106,
306). An exemplary embodiment of such an antenna assembly is shown
in FIG. 7. The antenna assembly 700 includes a unitary construction
720 pivotally attached to the connector 706. The unitary
construction is defined by the antenna 702 and the filter circuit
704, which are disposed within a common housing 722. In this
exemplary embodiment: the antenna 702 relates to the antennas 102
(FIGS. 1) and 302 (FIG. 2); the filter circuit 704 relates to the
filter circuits 104 (FIGS. 1) and 304 (FIG. 3); and the connector
706 relates to the connectors 106 (FIGS. 1) and 306 (FIG. 2).
Within the housing 722, the filter circuit 704 contacts the housing
for grounding purposes, such as for shunting signals filtered from
the transmission path defined across the filter circuit between the
pins 724 and 726 by which the filter circuit maintains electrical
contact with the antenna 702 and connector 706, respectively. The
pins 724 and 726 respectively represent signal input and output
pins of the filter circuit when the antenna assembly 700 receives
wireless signals through the antenna. Conversely, the pins 724 and
726 respectively represent signal output and input pins of the
filter circuit when the antenna assembly transmits wireless signals
from the antenna. The unitary construction 720 pivots about a hinge
pin 728 relative to the connector 706 to permit adjustment of the
disposition of the antenna 702. This exemplary embodiment may be
particularly advantageous for use in an environment where varying
the disposition of the antenna may promote signal strength or
reduce interferences.
[0033] Moreover, in at least one other embodiment of the invention,
the connector (106, 306) and the filter circuit (104, 304) define a
unitary construction pivotally attached to the antenna (102, 302).
An exemplary embodiment of such an antenna assembly is shown in
FIG. 8. The antenna assembly 800 includes a unitary construction
820 pivotally attached to the antenna 802. The unitary construction
is defined by the connector 806 and the filter circuit 804, which
are disposed within a common housing 822. In this exemplary
embodiment: the antenna 802 relates to the antennas 102 (FIGS. 1)
and 302 (FIG. 2); the filter circuit 804 relates to the filter
circuits 104 (FIGS. 1) and 304 (FIG. 3); and the connector 806
relates to the connectors 106 (FIGS. 1) and 306 (FIG. 2). Within
the housing 822, the filter circuit 804 contacts the housing for
grounding purposes, such as for shunting signals filtered from the
transmission path defined across the filter circuit between the
pins 824 and 826 by which the filter circuit maintains electrical
contact with the antenna 802 and connector 806, respectively. The
pins 824 and 826 respectively represent signal input and output
pins of the filter circuit when the antenna assembly 800 receives
wireless signals through the antenna. Conversely, the pins 824 and
826 respectively represent signal output and input pins of the
filter circuit when the antenna assembly transmits wireless signals
from the antenna. The unitary construction 820 pivots about a hinge
pin 828 relative to the antenna 802 to permit adjustment of the
disposition of the antenna 802. Like that of FIG. 7, the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 8 may be particularly advantageous for use in an
environment where varying the disposition of the antenna may
promote signal strength or reduce interferences.
[0034] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *