US3108235A

US3108235A - Wave signal rotary joint

Info

Publication number: US3108235A
Application number: US56496A
Authority: US
Inventors: David F Bowman
Original assignee: ITE Circuit Breaker Co
Current assignee: ITE Circuit Breaker Co
Priority date: 1960-09-16
Filing date: 1960-09-16
Publication date: 1963-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 1980-10-22

Description

Oct. 22, 1963 D. F. BOWMAN 3,

WAVE SIGNAL ROTARY JOINT Filed Sept. 16, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 22, 1963 D. F. BOWMAN 3,108,235

WAVE SIGNAL ROTARY JOINT Filed Sept. 16. 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 M a I8 9 /a /2 l/g l/4 I I l /7l a /9 2o 5' A I if a INVENTOR. 0 4 #/I A 501M144 A frat Vac 1963 D. F. BOWMAN I 3,108,235-

Sept. 16, 1960 5 s eets-sheet s Oct; 22, 1963 D. F. BOWMAN 3,108,235

WAVE SIGNAL ROTARY JOINT Filed Sept. 16, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 BY 057K010; flee-1 6595 g SOFFFA/ Oct. 22, 1963 D. F. BOWMAN 3,1

WAVE SIGNAL ROTARY JOINT Filed. Sept. 1e, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent 3,103,235 WAVE SHGNAL ROTARY .llllNT F. Bowman, Wayne, Pa, assigns: to i-T-E Qireuit Breaker (Iompany, Philadelphia, Pa, a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Sept. 16, 1966 Ser. No. 56,496 21 Claims. (Cl. 333-1) This invention relates to novel wave signal rotary joints or couplers that are capable of efficient transmission of microwave signals between an output port that is continuously rotatable with respect to its input port.

in accordance with the present invention, novel rotary joints are provided that are capable of handling higher peak and average signal power than heretofore; operable over broader bands of signals; that are readily incorporated about sizable axial structures such as the radar masts or torque tubes; and that are particularly advantageous in their capability of incorporating a number of signal channels simultaneously without interference.

The wave signal rotary joints hereof are an aroundthe-mast type, that overcome restrictions in existing rotary joint constructions, and provide capability of meeting difficult combinations of performance requirements including broad-band operation, hi h power utility, low SWR, low wow, and handling of threeor more well isolated signal channels across the rotary joint. My invention provides rotary joints which are in microwave systems involving relative motions, particularly those with movable antennas. This includes antennas for radar, communications, radiotelescopy, etc., and in particular on antenna with a number of signal channels. However, the advantages of my novel rotary joint indicate its usefulness even for single channel applications.

The invention rotary joint principles are applicable, with no limitation intended, over the signal range of 300 megacycles per second to 100 kilomegacycles per second. The invention joints are useful wherever wave guides are employed and a rotary joint indicated for the system. Band width ratios of 2:1 are realizable, with losses of less than 1 db, and even as low as 0.1 db. The practical power handling capability of the invention rotary joints is of the order of to 50% of the rated power of the wave guide appropriate for the selected frequency of design. The SWR, and impedance discontinuity presout no problem herein, being overcome comparably or better than in prior rotary couplers and joints.

Broadly, the rotary joint of the present invention comprises three differentially rotatable sections mountable about a central axis along which may lie a rotary member or mast. in a vertical version, the bottom and upper sections are the launching members, each arranged with separate signal launching means for each channel. The central section is generally drum-like with a hollow cylindrical type of envelope through which the mast is oriented. The central drum is constructed, in the manner to be hereinafter described, to conduct or direct signal energy from a series of points on one end thereof, across the drum to a correspondin series of points on the other drum end, whereby relative rotation of the drum and the contiguous launching sections effects the desired multichannel transmission between the launching members.

Differential rotation is established. between the rotary joint sections. By suitable gearing the relative phasing of multi-channel feed-through and their synchronization with corresponding launching members, is directly accomiished, as will be set forth hereinafter. Where one launching section, as the bottom one, is held stationary, the central section is rotated at half the angular rate of the top section. it is feasible to array two or more of ddbdlid I Patented Oct. 22, 1953 2 such three-section rotary assemblies coaxially, as by axial staggering or by nesting one within the other, to provide more signal channels in addition. The present invention is thus useful as a rnulti-channel radio frequency including microwave rotary joint.

It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel wave signal rotary joint with multichannel capability.

Another object of the, present invention is to provide a novel wave signal rotary joint or coupler composed of three relatively rotatable aligned sections through which the signals are projected and synchronized as separated channels.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel wave signal rotary joint having a central hollow cylindrical rotatable drum type section that conducts or directs the signals between separated end launching sections.

Still another object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel wave signal rotary joint composed of three aligned hollow sections of cylindrical envelope that are respectively differentially rotated for synchronized multichannel signal transmission therethrough.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel wave signal rotary joint with relatively high power handling capability, relatively broad-band operation, and relatively low SWR, or low wow.

These and further objects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof; illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic showing of a radar system incorporating a multi-channel Wave signal rotary joint in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic perspective representation of the wave signal rotary joint.

FIGURE 3 is a simplified illustration of the rotary joint construction and a form for its rotary drive.

FIGURES 4 to 7 are system diagrams of organ-pipe arrays used in illustrating principles of my novel wave signal rotary coupler.

FIGURE 8 is an assembly view of an exemplary rotary coupler.

FIGURE 9 is a bottom view of the rotary joint as seen in FIGURE Horns A, B and C are shown in phantom and the drum section is omitted.

FIGURE 10 is a bottom view taken in the direction of arrows lilll of one section of the organ pipe drum array of the coupler of FIGURE 8.

=FIGURE 11 is a diagrammatic representation of the organ pipe array, and of its paths.

FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration of a radar system utilizing three wave signal channels. The radar antenna 15 extends from frame 16, and is rotated by the central shaft or mast 17 through drive motor 18 and gearing l9, The radar antenna unit 15 is shown connected with three signal wave guides or

cables

21, 22, 2.3; which of course may be two or four guides, or more, depending on the type of the system. The

multi-channei cables

21, 22, 23 are afiixed to the rotatable superstructure being rotated with the antenna 15 on mast 17. The cables 2. 22, 23 terminate in the upper launcher section 26 of the rotary joint 25'. The cables may be passed through the inside of gear 19 as illustrated so that they will not be cut off by the motor mounting.

The rotary joint 25 is shown in block form, as mounted concentrically about the mast i7, 17'; being in generally cylindrical form. The physical rotary joint (25) of this invention may assume many forms and embodiments; as will be described hereinafter. However, such various forms and combinations, for specific rotary joint purposes or advantages, basically correspond in arrangement and coaction to the diagrammatic representation 25 in FTGURE 1. The wave signal rotary joint (2%) in accordance with the present invention is composed essentially of two

end launcher sections

26 and 28, each operationally related with an outer region 39, 31 of central drum section 27; the drum 27 and one end launcher section (26) being rotated at a differential rate, with the other end launcher section (28) being preferably (though not necessarily) stationary.

Towards this end, the lower end launcher section 28 is secured at 32 to mast extension 2.7 that is stationary; and upper launcher section 26, at 33 to the rotatable mast 37. Section 26 thus is rotated by motor 13, and with the antenna 15 and multi-cables 21, 22, 23. The central drum section 27 is geared to upper launching section through schematically illustrated differential gearing 35, anchored as at 34- to the interior of drum 27. The interior of the

rotary joint sections

26, 27 and 23 are hollow, and they are readily designed to fit around a drive shaft or mast (17, 17). Their electrical action per this invention is preferably arranged along the outer cylindrical region of the respective sections 2 6, 27, 28.

Relative rotation of the rotary

joint sections

25, 27 28 is requisite in carrying out the principles of the present invention as will be set forth. Such rotations may be effected by internal gearing as indicated in FTGURES and 3, or by corresponding gearing or drives external of the rotary joint 25. FIGURE 3 illustrates in diagrammatic section an internal differential gearing array (35) and the coaxial arrangement of the rotatable active cylindrical sections 26, 2'7, 23 of tl e rotary joint 25. Upper launching section 26 is secured to a central shaft 37, a rotatable one as 17; across a web 36 secured with section 26. The lower launcher section 28 is correspondingly secured to the stationary shaft extension 37 through web 38.

The central drum section 27 is coupled to

shafts

37, 37 through webs 39, 4t and ball-bearings 4-1, 42. The pinion 43 of differential gearing 35 is mounted on a post extending from drum 27 interior, and coacts with bevelled gears 45, 46 to effect the differential drive. The exemplary requirement, as will be explained hereinafter, is for the central signal translation drum 27 to be rotated at exactly half the angular rate of the upper launcher section 26 where the lower one 23 is held stationary. Suitable prcportioning of the gear drive 35 readily effects such drive relation, or any corresponding one were all three sections made movable. Other drive means, internal or external of rotary joint 25 to eifect such desired operation may be employed instead, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

With the lower end launching section 28 held stationary, the plurality of wave guides or cables connected thereto are readily integrated as shown in FIGURE 1 at d7, and 49. The individual wave signals are introduced to or conducted from corresponding cables 47, 4-8, 49. The transmitting and/or receiving equipment or instruments are connected with the cables 4'7, 48, 49, at a remote location. The wave signal channels are simultaneously connected through the

guides

47, 43, 49 with the lower stationary launching section 255. The multi-channel signals are then related to the adjacent drum (translator) rotatable section 27, on an end-to-end or equivalent peripheral signal coupling basis.

A significant feature of the invention system is to translate the individual channel signals on a rotational basis, with differential speeds of the joint (25') sections (26, 27, 28) effecting synchronization and channel isolation. Several practical forms for the central drum translator section (27) are illustrated and described hereinafter. The basic advantages hereof accrue from the generic arrangement of either a single or multi-channel array of end launchers with an intermediate differentially motivated translator section, to effect an efficient, clean transition across a mechanical rotary configuration.

A general description of the wave signal rotary joint is now presented, in connection with FIGURE 2, illustrating the rotary joint 59 in diagrammatic perspective view. The top or upper section 51 has a series of launching devices A, B, one for each channel desired. The devices A, B are shown as horns, but may be of other types, as will be shown. The respective launching devices A, B are each arranged to couple from a top port a, b to a corresponding portion of the top circumference 52 (or adjacent thereto) of the central drum section 53. As explained in connection with top section 26 of FIGURE 1, wave guide or cable connections extend from the ports a, b to the utilization structure (15) rotated with the top launching section 51.

The central section 53 corresponds to the drum or hollow cylinder 27 of the rotary joint 25 (FIGURE 1). The drum or wave translation section 53 is differentially rotated with respect to top launching section 51 (and the bottom one 55), as will now be understood. The central section 53 conducts or directs the individual signal channels from one set of locations on its upper end circumference region 52 to its other end circumference region 54. Significantly, however, the location points as l, 2, 3 11 at the region 54- are not correspondingly longitudinally opposite the

points

1, 2, 3 11 of region 52. The order of the numbered points of region 54 is in the opposite rotational direction to that of region 52, and in general physically displaced angularly. Such central wave translation array (53) coupled with the differential angular rotation of the

sections

51, 53, 55, combine to provide the advantageous rotary joints of the invention, to be more fully described.

The bottom launching section 55 has launching devices A, B corresponding to those of section 51. Launchers A, B are located along the circumferential region 54 of central section 53, at similarly numbered location points to their companion launchers A, B. In this way, the isolated channels AA, B-B', etc. are conducted across the rotary joint (5%), through the central rotating translation section (53). Chokes or contacts, and/ or other elements (not shown), may be provided to effect efficient coupling from the launching devices to the corresponding active circumferential regions (52, 54) of the drum (53 as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The bottom ports a, b of the horns A, B, couple to corresponding wave guides to the electrical operating equipment.

In essence, the wave signal rotary joint of the present invention provides a unique translation of wave signals (single or plural channels) between two launching sections that are movable (rotatable) with respect to each other, whereby uniform conduction or direction (channel transmission) is elfected of the wave signals between corresponding ports (for channels) of the launching sections. As mentioned, both the launching sections or the central drum (wave translation) section may take various exemplary forms. The drum embodiment of FIGURES 7 through 11 utilizes an array of closely spaced wave guide tubes or organ-pipes. Reference is now made to FIG-

URES

4, 5 and 6 for a preliminary explanation of the principles and operation of the more complex drum 39 system.

FIGURE 4 may be considered as a developed view of a series 69 of contiguous wave guide tubes or organ-

pipes

61, 61. The preferred mode is with the

tubes

61, 61 arrayed in the E-plane. The launching

sections

62, 63 contain feed horns A, B and A, B respectively; each coupling to a plurality of tubes 61 (three in this example). The feed horns are preferably of the E-plane sectoral form, firing into the open ends of the organ-pipe tubes 61. As a rotary joint the developed

tubes

61, 61 would be rolled into a cylindrical or drum form, as the central section. The wave signal channels exist as AA and 13-3 between the launching

sections

62, 63.

With the launching

sections

62, 63 held stationary, or moved in synchronism, the illustrated in-phase, horn-t0- horn position of the channels are held intact, and their transmission across the organ pipes is unaffected. Similarly if the central drum 60 is rotated or moved across the horn paths, the "channel transmission is still unaffected. A similar condition prevails where the

organ pipes

66, 66 are inclined, as in the drum 65 of FIGURE However, to maintain channel integrity, it is necessary to position or phase the respective channel horns AA' (etc.) at corresponding pipe (66) endings. Neither system 6t) or 65 will provide channel integrity with relative movement or rotation between the upper and lower horns or launching

sections

62, 63, as requisi e in a rotary joint.

A significant feature of the present invention is to provide a unique rotating drum configuration that translates the wave si nals between two spaced launcher. sections that are in relative rotation; and maintains channel integrity between the launcher sections. FIGURES 6 and 7 are diagrammatic representations of methods for accomplishing such wave signal translation. The central drum 70 of FIGURE 6 contains two identical crossed organ-pipe sections 71, 72 each subtending 180 of the cylindrical envelope of drum 7t). The launching sections 73, 74- each contain three-channel horn sets A-A, B- B and C-C, set to the sequentially into adjacent open ends 1, 2, 3 20 of the organ-pipes 75, .75 of each pipe section 71, 72. The

pipes

75, 75 are drawn as single lines for clarity of illustration.

The organ-pipes 75 are sequenced in drum 7 t) with their end groupings, at opposite drum ends, being inverted or in reversed angular orientation end-to-end for each section 71, '72, as illustrated. The twenty pipe ends at each drum end cover the 360 circumference, in this example; with more or less pipes '75 being usable in a particular construction. Only one groupings of pipes 75 may be used over the 360 of a drum, but the two sets 71, 72 are more advantageous in that the longest paths, as 1-1 and. 10 of drum 70, are substantially shorter than those for a corresponding single array. The double pipe grouping of drum saves about one-half overall over a single crossed array for the same drum size.

Relative rotation between the launcher sections 73, 74 of FIGURE 6, as with section 73 moving in one direction a, and the other section 74 in direction a opposite to a and of equal rate with respect to central drum 70, results in unchanged channel transmisison, between channel paths A-A, 13-3, and CC. The reversal of organpipes (75) end-to-end in drum 7% results in the same relative OW. or C.C.W. viewing by the respective launching sections 73, 7d.

The reverse angular sequencing of horns A, B, C as illustrated, and the equal and opposite (angular) displacement rate of these horns A, B, C with respect to the drum 7% as noted, results in identical relative transmission and channel integrity for the two rotating launching sections 73, 74. Where it is desired to hold a launching section as lower one (74) stationary, then it is necessary only to rotate the central drum (7t?) at exactly one-half of the angular rate of rotation of the top launching section (73) to maintain the signal circuit stability and continuity. Differential gearing 35 as per FIGURE 3 or equivalent means may be used in practice for this purpose.

While the rotary joint system of FIGURE 6 uses three wave signal channels, additional pairs of launchers may be added for each new channel. An upper limit on the number of channels is determined by the number of wave guide tubes or organ-pipes required per channel. In practice, a suflicient number of pipes should be engaged by each launcher element to provide acceptable commutation ripple and to provide adequate power handling capability. In addition, the channels are preferably separated by a number of idle pipes to provide optimum signal isolation among the channels.

The wave path transportation by the organ-pipe array 70 of FIGURE 6, or its counterpart with one 360 pipe array, are useful embodiments. They provide excellent multi channel isolation, and are relatively simple and inexpensive to construct even for large power designs. Each organ-pipe path'is of equal electrical length. This affords uniform electrical transmission characteristics over broad hands of frequency of operation, and for a number of channels. FIGURE 7 is a diagram of a drum array of organ-pipes 8%. An exemplary orgampipe drum embodiment is illustrated and described in connection with FIG- URES 8 through 11.

The drum till of FIGURE 7 comprises two

identical organpipe arrays

81, 82, each subtending 180 of the circumferential extent of the drum. Each pipe array 81, @2 is composed of ten signal wave guide tubes with

walls

1, 2, 10 and 11 through respectively. These tubes or pipes are all alike, are uniformly spaced, and terminate at opposite axial ends of the drum 84 It is to be understood that FIGURE 7 is a developed diagram of the three-dimensional array making up the cylindrical hoop form of the drum till. The ten pipe array 81 envelopes the 0 to 189 positions marked; and array 82, the 180 to 366 positions. While ten organ-pipes are illustrated for each

array

81, 82, it is evident that a fewer or a greater number per array may be used in a given design.

A significant characteristic of the arrangement of the organ-pipes with walls 1, 2 20 is their method of routing in each array $1, 82. These wave guides are nested together with compound bends at b, c j as indicated in the drawings; which bends occur along the starting region 0 or 180 of the arrays. Typical routes of the 81 array are 2-b-2, 3-c-3, etc. An important advantage of such array is that each bend b, c i, can be made to be similar; and the total length of each pipe with walls 1, 2 11, made substantially identical both mechanically and electrically. This insures uniform electrical operation across the rotary coupler for the eliective signal channels. Other advantages accrue as will be set forth in connection with the description of FIGURES 8-11 hereinafter.

The pipe arrays 31, d2 are thus each in a 180 sector of a cylindrical drum or seini-toroid; and in effect mate end-to-end across their 0180 -360O axial planes. Each array (81, S2) is compact, radially, being no more than about two wave guides thick. In fact, additional sets of arrays may practicably be nested concentrically with the set 81, 32, and thereby materially increase the isolated channel capacity of a system with little increase in radial extent.

Three sets of launchers at each end launching section 83, 84 are illustrated, although fewer or more channels may be used in anyparticular embodiment. The sequence A, B, C of launcher set 83 is reversed from the other set 84, B, A", C. This factor, coupled with the relative differential rotation of the launchers 33, 84 and drum till, in the manner hereinabove set forth, results in the multi-channel synchronization and isolation required. Basically, the reversed phasing of the pipe ends at 11, 10", 9 1', adjacent launching section 34, and its reversed launcher array B', A, C, affords the same relative seeing the drum aspect as the companion launchers in section 8 3 at the opposite drum end.

With drum 3% stationary, the respective launching sections 83, 84 would have to rotate at equal angular rates but in opposite directions (VJ/ to maintain channel synchronization of the associated plural wave signals. Correspondingly, as most often in practice, with one launching section (84) held stationary, the drum is rotated at one-half the angular rate of the other launching section (33), and in the same direction therewith. Differential gearing for this purpose is hereinbefore described, or equivalent means are used.

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view of an exemplary rotary coupler Mill based on the reentrant nested organpipe array, showing one bank or array 101 of ten wave guide tubes ll, 2-2 10-10, formed and shaped into a three dimensional two pipe layer drum sector about center c-c. Other sector arrays as the 101 section are used in the rotary coupler 100 system as will be described. Reference is made to FIGURE 7 and the attendant description for the principles of arrangement and operation of the pipe array 101. The compound bends of the array pipes are arranged at a, b j for the successive tubes 1-1, 2-2 etc. Furthermore, the mechanical lengths and electrical properties of all these tubes is made the same for the reasons heretofore stated.

A plurality of drum coupling guides 111, 112 120 extend from the openings 1, 2 of the organ pipes; and a similar set 111, 112 120 from the opposite side 1, 2 10, as seen in FIGURE 8. Not all the coupling guides are shown, for the sake of clarity of presentation. The drum coupling elements pairs 111, 111; 112, 112, etc. effect practical wave signal guides between the

corresponding launcher sections

125, 130 and the respective successive organ-pipes of the array 101.

There is arranged a small practical clearance at between the outer coupling ends of the elements 111, 112 2.0 and the launching section 125; and one a" on the corresponding location for section 130. The drum coupling elements 111, 112 etc., and 111, 112 etc. are narrowed at their organ pipe ends. The clearances d and d permit the relative rotation required, as previously set forth, between the respective drum and launching

sections

100, 125, 130. The regions across d and d are the commutation planes between the organ pipes l, 2 etc. and the corresponding launching units.

The launching

sections

125 and 130 are similar, having three independent channels with corresponding horns A, B, C, and B, C, A. Each of these horns is proportioned subtend three coupling elements 111, 112, etc. or 111, 112 etc., with a corresponding number of pipe port intervals between them. The two half-drum arrays as 101 provide 20 ports, over which the three channels coact on an end region 360 circumferential basis, as will now be understood by those skilled in the art. The three channels AA, B-B, and C-C are electrically isolated, and their transmission across the rotary coupler negligibly impeded and negligibly distorted. The Wave signals respectively couple to the ports of the launcher horns. High power, efficient multi-channel operation is effective therewith. The system is rotatable along center-line C-C; the central mast or shaft being arranged inside the sections, coaxially with C-C.

FIGURE 9 represents in layout the relative positions of the two sets of launchers A, B, C, on the inside radius, and A, B and C on the outer radius. The angular relationship between two sets corresponds to that of FIGURE 8 as viewed from the bottom.

FIGURE 9 is an end view of the rotary coupler of FIG- URE 8, as seen at the launcher section 125 side, with the respective ports 126, 127, 12-8 of horns A, B, C visible. The 120 circumferential spacing of the horns A, B, C is evident in FIGURE 9. Their coupling with the drum elements 111, 112, etc., is not drawn in, for clarity, but is clear from the view, FIGURE 8. A companion set (130) A, B, C is shown (in dotted lines) thereupon arranged on the opposite side of the central drum (100) as will be now understood. Also, a separate drum array of organ pipes, concentric about the dual 180 sector array (101), is understood to co-act with the said nested launching

sections

125 and 130. Six-channel waves signal rotary coupling is thereby effected in a compact fashion.

An end view of a typical organ-pipe 180 cluster on 180 drum sector, per se, is illustrated in FIGURE 10. The array 101 corresponds to a view taken along 1010 of assembly FIGURE 8. The initial guide tube 1-l' has its start port (1) opposite, radially, the end port (10) of tube 10-l0. Correspondingly port 2 of tube 2-2 is radially opposite port 9 of tube 99, etc., until somewhat less than 180 away the tenth tube 10-10 start port 10 is radially opposite the end port 1 of tube 1l. By such unique reentrant nesting, a two layer gs 0 guide pipe array is provided, wherein its sector extent is within 180 of arc in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis cc (i.e., in the plane of FIGURE 10.

T he curved end of array 101 characterizes the region of the compound bends a, b, c j (see FIGURE 8) for the tubes l1, 2'2, etc., with the bend j in view for tube 10-10. The organ pipe array 101 of FIGURES 8 and 10 is understood to be symmetrically nested with one exactly like it to complete the 360 pattern for the drum. This is readily done by a fold over.

The path diagram for each of the ten organ-pipe arrays, corresponding to 1.01, is shown in FIGURE ll. This diagram is for a 180 are of rotation as is understood for the 180 drum sector type (101). As the 180 sectors are nested for a 360 cycle, a continuous 20-pipe 360 array is presented to the adjacent launcher sections. Corresponding pipe ports 1,2 10, and 1, 2 10, as well as the compound bonds (1, b, c j of the diagram refer to the units (101) as illustrated in

FTGURES

8 and 10. it is noted that the electrical character and mechanical length of each path is identical. This results in minimal distortion and maximum efiiciency.

The launching sections of the invention rotary couplers may assume other practical forms than the simple horn pairs, channel-to-channel herein illustrated. For example,

one may employ an integral number of horn pairs per channel. The latter would increase power capability by combining outside of the rotary joint. Also, idle horns may be used for control of channel isolation. The horn launchers may be arranged to fire longitudinally, as illustrated, or the system oriented for tilted firing (angular and oblique); or even radial firing, including use as phase front Corrector.

Alternatively, more perfectly focussed line sources may be used as launcher elements, as parabolic pill-boxes (single or multiple layer); lensed horns; array of horns, probes, etc. The launching sections are circularly arrayed for coaction with the corresponding end regions of the drum translator, as set forth. Another particularly advantageous launcher is a traveling-wave slot array type, in cylindrical form, as shown in the copending patent application Serial No. 60,025, filed October 3, 1960, entitled Concentric Rotary Coupler for Wave Signals, in the name of David F. Bowman, and assigned to the assignee of the instant invention.

he central drum wave signal transmission (transposer translator) sections have herein been illustrated and described in connection with separate-path nested wave guides or organ-pipes. These pipes, of course, may be used in an E-plane or H-plane commutating mode, or in combination as shew plane commutation. Further, TEM lines may be used for the nested separate-path drum, in coaxial or strip-line form, or in combination with wave guides, as will now be evident to those skilled in the art.

An important variant to such separate-path drum (organpipe) system is the use of a common path or parallel plate arrangement. In such latter drum, two concentric conducting surfaces or sleeves serve as boundaries of tho common-path for the multi-channel wave signals, with suitable reflectors or refractors effecting the signal transposition. Reference is made to the referred to copending patent application for specific illustrations thereof.

Although the present invention has been set forth with exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that variations and modifications as to the forms, arrangements and applications it may assume in practice will present themselves to those skilled in the art, and that it is not intended to be limited except as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first and a second launching section, a central transmission section for conducting wave signals of a plurality of separated channels in transposed space phase relation cnd-to-end thereof, said launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section, and mechanism for driving said arouses sections to eifect plural channel wave signal transmission between said first and second launchin sections with said sections in relative motion. I

2. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first and a second launching section, a central transmissionseetion for conducting wave signals therethrough in transposed space phase relation end-to-end thereof, said launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section,

and mechanism for differentially driving said sections. to

effect wave signal transmission between said first and second launching sections with said sections in relative motion.

3. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first and a second launching section each arranged in a generally 360 peripheral array, a central drum transmission section for conducting wave signals thercthrough in the direction of its axis and in transposed space phase relation end-toend thereof, said transmission section including a plurality of adjacently arrayed waveguide pipes, said first and second launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section across its pipe array, and mechanism for difierentially rotating said sections completely about said axis to effect wave signal transmission between said first and second launching sections with said sections in relative angular motion.

4. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first launching section arranged in a generally toroidal array containing a plurality of individual launcher units, a central cylindrical transmission section for conducting wave signals therethrough across its peripheral region in the direction of its axis of rotation and in transposed space phase relation end-to-end thereof, said transmission section including a plurality of adjacently arrayed organpipes, and a second launching section corresponding to said first launching section with its launcher units arrayed in transposed space phase relative to those of said first launching section, said first and second launcher sections individually coupling with said transmissionsection along a respective peripheral end region thereof.

5. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first launching section arranged in a generally cylindrical array containing a plurality of individual launcher units spaced apart by substantially the same angle along the array peripheral region, a central cylindrical drum transmission section for conducting wave signals of a plurality of separated channels therethrough across its peripheral region in the direction of its axis of rotation and in transposed space phase relation end-to-end thereof, a plurality of adjacently arrayed wave guide pipes of substantially the same wave signal conduction characteristics, said pipes being arranged with their respective end ports exposed in adjacent positions along the corresponding end region of said transmission section, a second launching section corresponding to said first launching section, said launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section along a respective peripheral end region thereof, and

' mechanism for differentially rotating said sections to efiect plural channel synchronized Wave signal transmission between said first and second launching sections with said sections in relative angular motion.

6. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first launching section arranged in a generally toroidal m'ray containing a plurality of individual horn units spaced apart by substantially the same angle along the array peripheral region, a central cylindrical drum transmission section for conducting wave signals of a plurality of separated channels therethrough across its peripheral region in the direction of its axis of rotation and in transposed space relation end-to-end thereof, said transmission section including a plurality of adjacently arrayed organ-pipes of substantially the same electrical and mechanical length and wave signal conduction characteristics, said pipes being arranged with their respective end ports exposed in adjacent positions along the corresponding end region of said transmission section in respective commutation planes ltd perpendicular to said rotation axis, a second launching section corresponding to said first launching section with its horn units arrayed in transposed space phase relative to those of said first launching section, said first and-second launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section along said commutation planes and a series of coupling elements between said pipe end ports and the respective launching sections.

7. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first launching section arranged in a generally 360 peripheral array containing a plurality of individual launcher units spaced apart by substantially the same angle along the array peripheral region, a cylindrical drum transmission section for conducting wave signals of a plurality of separated channels therethrough across its peripheral region in the direction of its axis of rotation and in transposed space phase relation end-to-end thereof, said transmission section including a plurality of adjacently arrayed wave guide pipes of substantially the same wave signal conduction characteristics, said pipes being arranged with their respective end ports exposed in adjacent positions along the corresponding end region of said transmission section, a second launching section corresponding to said first launching section with its launcher units arrayed in transposed space phase relative to those of said first launching section, said first and second launcher sections being coupled to said transmission section along said end regions, and mechanism for differentially rotating said sections to effect isolated plural channel synchronized wave signal transmission between said first and second launching sections.

8. A wave signal rotary coupler as claimed in claim 5 in which said transmission section is angularly motivated at one-half the rate and in the same direction as said first launching section.

9. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first launching section arranged in a generally 360 peripheral array containing a plurality of individual launcher units spaced apart by substantially the same angle along the array peripheral region, a cylindrical drum transmission section for conducting wave signals of a plurality of separated channels therethrough across its peripheral region in the direction of its axis of rotation and in transposed space phase relation end-to-end thereof, said transmission section including a plurality of adjacently arrayed wave guide pipes of substantially the same wave signal conduction characteristics, said pipes being arranged with their respective end ports exposed in adjacent positions along the corresponding end region of said transmission section, a second launching section corresponding to said first launching section with its launcher units arrayed in transposed space phase relative to those of said first launching section, said first and second launcher sections being coupled to said transmission section along said end regions, and mechanism for dilferentially rotating said sections to effect isolated plural channel synchronized Wave signal transmission between said first and second launching sections in which said transmission section is angularly motivated at one-half the rate and in the same direction as said first launching section with said second launching section being held stationary.

10. A wave signal rotary coupler as claimed in claim 5, further including a second transmission section mounted concentrically with the first said transmission section, and third and fourth launching sections respectively mounted with the first and second ones for electrical coaction with said second transmission section in plurality concentric rotary coupling.

ll. A wave signal rotary coupler as claimed in claim 6, further including a second transmission section mounted concentrically with the first said transmission section, and third and fourth launching sections respectively mounted with the first and second ones for electrical coaction with said second transmission section in plural concentric rotary coupling.

12. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first and a second launching section each arranged in a generally 360 peripheral array, a central drum transmission section for conducting wave signals therethrough in the direction of its axis and in transposed space phase relation end-toend thereof, said transmission section including a plurality of adjacently arrayed wave guide pipes, said first and second launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section across its pipe array, and mechanism for differently rotating said sections completely about said axis to effect wave signal transmission between said first and second launching sections with said sections in relative angular motion in which said pipes are arranged in two contiguous groups each about 186 in peripheral extent.

13. A wave signal rotary coupler as claimed in claim 5, in which said pipes are arranged in two contiguous groups each about 180 in peripheral extent, each said pipe group sing in a double tier with compound bends for maintaining their uniform electrical transmission characteristic.

14. A wave signal rotary coupler as claimed in claim 7, in which said pipes are arranged in two contiguous groups each about 180 in peripheral extent, each said pipe group being in a double tier with compound bends for maintaining their uniform electrical transmission characteristic.

15. A drum transmission section for conducting wave signals in a rotary coupler comprising a plurality of adjacently arrayed wave guide pipes in transposed space phase relationship end-to-end thereof and of substantially the same fixed wave signal conduction characteristics.

16. A drum transmission section for conducting wave signals in a rotary coupler comprising a plurality of adjacently arrayed wave guide pipes in transposed space phase relationship end-to-end thereof and of substantially the same fixed wave signal conduction characteristics, said pipes being arranged with their respective end ports exposed in adjacent positions along corresponding end region of said transmission section.

17. A wave signal rotary coupler as claimed in claim 15, in which said pipes are arranged in two contiguous semi-cylindrical groups each about 180 in peripheral extent.

18. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a rotatable cylindrical transmission section providing multiple wave signal paths of substantially equal transmission characteristics each from one of many stations spaced about a first annular coupling zone to the corresponding one of an equal number of correlative stations spaced in a transposed or reversed sequence about a second annular coupling zone, a first launching section containing one or a plurality of individual launcher units each providing an isolated wave signal path between an external port and a segment of the first annular coupling zone, a second launching section containing a like number of individual launching units each providing an isolated wave signal path between an external port and a segment of the s cond annular coupling zone corresponding in station or stations to a segment of the first annular coupling zone engaged by a launcher unit of the first launcher section, and mechanism for maintaining such relationship while permitting relative rotation between first and second launching sections completely about the axis common to the transmission section and the annular coupling areas.

19. A drum transmission section for conducting wave signals in a rotary coupler comprising a plurality of adjaccntly arrayed wave guide pipes in transposed space phase relationsaip end-to-end thereof and of substantially the same fixed WEIVC signal conduction characteristics, said pipes being arranged with their respective end ports exposed in adjacent positions along corresponding end region of said transmission section, in which said pipes are arranged in two contiguous semi-cylindrical groups each about 180 in peripheral extent, each said pipe group being in a double tier with compound bends for maintaining their uniform electrical transmission characteristic.

20. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first and a second launching section, a central transmission section providing a plurality of wave signal paths each from one of many stations about its upper end to a corresponding one of an equal number of correlative stations at its lower end, said upper end stations being arrayed in a first direction, and said lower end stations being arrayed in a second direction, said launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section, and mechanism for driving said sections to effect plural channel wave transmission between said first and second launching sections with said sections in relative motion.

21. A wave signal rotary coupler comprising a first and a second launching section, a unitary central cylindrical transmission section providing a plurality of wave signal paths each from one of many stations about its upper end to a corresponding one of an equal numer of correlative stations at its lower end, each of said paths being in a constant fixed direction relative to the axis of rotation of said central cylindrical section, each of said directions being other than parallel to said axis, said launcher sections individually coupling with said transmission section, and mechanism for driving said sections to effect plural channel wave transmission between said first and second launching sections with said sections in relative motion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,947,955 Bellamy Aug. 2, 1960

Claims

2. A WAVE SIGNAL ROTARY COUPLER COMPRISING A FIRST AND A SECOND LAUNCHING SECTION, A CENTRAL TRANSMISSION SECTION FOR CONDUCTING WAVE SIGNALS THERETHROUGH IN TRANSPOSED SPACE PHASE RELATION END-TO-END THEREOF, SAID LAUNCHER SECTIONS INDIVIDUALLY COUPLING WITH SAID TRANSMISSION SECTION, AND MECHANISM FOR DIFFERENTIALLY DRIVING SAID SECTIONS TO EFFECT WAVE SIGNAL TRANSMISSION BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND LAUNCHING SECTIONS WITH SAID SECTIONS IN RELATIVE MOTION.