US1468062A - Radio signaling apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 18,1923.

1,468,062 R. A. WEAGANT RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed July 12, 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 nvemoz Sept. 18,1923. 1,468,062 R. A- WEAGANT RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed July 12, 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 18, 1923.

s Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 12 1918 anmMo z Sept. 18, 1923.

- 1,468,062 R. A. WEAGANT RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed July 12, 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 3 nmmtoz Sept. 18,1923.

R. A. WEAGANT RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed July 12 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 18'; 1923. I 1,468,062

R. A. WEAGANT RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed July 12, 1918 -8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Sept. '18, 1923.

- R. A. WEAGANT RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed July 12, 1918 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Sept. 18 1923.

R. A. WEAGANT RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed July 12, 1918 v 8 Sheets-Sheet a 5] nwmbz Patented Sept. 18, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROY ALEXANDER WEAGANT, OF DOUGLAS MANOR, NEW YORK, ASSIGN'OR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA, A CORPORATION OF DELA- WARE.

RADIO SIGNALING APPARATUS.

Application filed July 12, 1918. Serial No. 244,564.

v and resident of Douglas Manor, county of Queens, city and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Radio Signaling Apparatus, of which the following is a specification accompanied by drawings.

This invention relates to radio signaling apparatus but more particularly to receiv ing apparatus and methods of reducing the interference of static disturbances or strays. The basic principles of my invention have been set forth in my co-pending applications, Serial Numbers 157,594 and 181,458, in which I have disclosed methods and apparatus for balancing out the effects of static disturbances while retaining the signals. In my earlier applications referred to, I have described the directional action of the antennae shown, as illustrating my in vention, and in my Patent No. 1,356,751, dated October 26, 1920, filed concurrently herewith I have further referred to the observed phenomena, that the signals are not always of the same strength or intensity in both antennae, while the currents due to static are substantially the same strength in each, thus producing at times a different ratio of static strength to signal strength in the antennae.

Whether or not this ratio is the same forthe antennae does not affect my method of eliminating static, which operates in accordance with the principles disclosed in my applications referred to. I generally prefer, however, to have the signals of sub stantially the same i'l'iaxinnnn intensity, although very good results may be obtained with a different ratio of static to signal in each antenna. The variations in signal intensity may be due to other causes, as for instance, ground conditions, and perhaps other reasons not thoroughly understood as yet, but the intensity of the currents due to both static and signal may be controlled to a considerable extent by suitable devices such as variable resistances. The absolute value of the currents due to static in two antenna or antennae systems can then be made substantially equal and opposite, while the sig nals, being of different intensity, will give a resultant equal to their difference.

This difference of ratio between static and signal in different antennas or antenna systems may be due to causes other than the directional action of the antennae, or in addition to the directional action. The antennae may each be constructed differently, for instance, but in such manner that the currents due to static are substantially the same while the signals are of different intensity, due, at least in part, to the form of antenna construction. For example, one antenna may extend under ground while the other lies on or above the ground, or one may extend under water and the other under ground. In such cases I have found that the ratio of static to signal may be different in each antenna.

The primary object of the present invention is to utilize the observi-id phenomena as far as possible in eliminating static at a radio receiving station in which theratio of static to signal is different in the antennae or antenna systems, and I am to be understood as using the terms antenna. systems and antenna interchangealiily throughout this specification, in describing different forms of apparatus for carrying out the invention, as illustrated in the drawings in which- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of circuits and apparatus at a radio receiving station for carrying out the invention, in which two antennae systems of different construction are employed and provided with means for securing dissimilar ratios of static to signal.

Figure 2 is a similar view of a modification in which the difference in ratio is secured by screening one antenna or antennae system from the signal Waves.

Figures 3 and 4 are modifications of Figure 2.

Figures 5 and 6 show systems in which one antenna lies under ground or partly under ground, while the other lies on or above the surface of the ground.

Figure 7 shows a system in which one antenna lies under ground and the other extends under water.

Figure 8 shows two long, low loop an both antennae are in the form of conductors or wires 1 ing on or above the surface of the groun Figures 1 1, 15 and 16 are modifications of Figure 13.

Figure 17 shows both antennae extending under ground, or partly under ground, and partly on the surface.

Figure 18 shows a system in which the antennae are in the form of cages connected by leads to the central receiving station, and illustrating a modified form of connections for the receiving apparatus in place of a gonioineter.

Referring to the drawings, and at first more particularly to Figure 1, A and B are antennae preferably shown in the form of loops or cages separated by an appreciable fraction of a wave length in the direction of desired reception and connected by leads C to suitable receiving apparatus located substantially midway between the antennae Aand B. The leads are shown broken in their length to indicate that they are longer in proportion than actually shown, owing to the limitations of the sheet on which they are drawn. Tuning and controlling apparatus for the cages A and B may be providedas illustrated In my said Patent No. 1,356,751 but I have shown condensers'D preferably located .in the circuits of the cages at the mid points, or in series between the sets of loops forming the cages. The loop antennae or cages may be of any suitable construction but I have indicated them diagrammatically for simplicity. The leads C connecting the cages to the receiving apparatus should preferably be arranged close together-for instance, several inches apart in a substantially horizontal plane, for under those conditions the leads seem to pick up the least amount of static.

In the form of the invention shown in Figure 1 an additional cage or loop antennae is preferably located in a convenient position relatively to the cages A and B and, having its plane extending in the same general direction as the planes of the cages A and B. For convenience, and in order to shorten the length of leads required, the cage E may be located as indicated in Figure 1 in the central region between cages A and B, near the receiving apparatus.

The receiving apparatus includes the circuits of both cages A and B forming one antennae system, and the circuit of cage E forms another antennae system. The leads 0 from cages A and B are connected to the coils F and F respectively which may in turn be connected to each other at their mid oints by connection H and to ground Gr. fit the receiving station, and forming part of the receiving apparatus, are shown variable resistances R, inductances L, and condensers K, connected in the circuit of the leads C for tuning and adjusting purposes, and the number and arrangement of these adjustable means may be varied, as desired. Variable resistances R, inductance coils L, and condensers K are shown connected in the circuit of the cage E for adjusting and tuning purposes and these may be varied as desired.

Suitable receiver circuits, including detecting means, preferably in the form of a three-element vacuum valve V, adapted to be coupled to the two antennae systems AB and E. Any suitable means may be provided for so coupling the receiver circuits, and in this instance I have shown an intermediate circuit J coupled to one of the coils L in the circuit of the antenna E by means of the coil O, and also coupled to the coils F and F in the antenna system AB by means of the coil P. A variable condenser K may be provided in the intermediate circuit J and the receiver circuits including the vacuum valve V are suitably coupled to the intermediate circuit at Q. The vacuum valve V is connected to the oscillatory circuit containing the condenser b and the valve has, as shownythe usual plate circuit a, d, c, f, and in addition the oscillatory circuit 0, g, 11., f, although any suitable or desirable circuits may be used.

lVhile I have shown the connections illus trated diagramatically in Figure 1 for the antenna system AB, it is to be understood that the cages AB may be connected up in any one of the arrangements I have shown in my co-pending applications Serial numbers 157, 594 and 181,458 and in my latent No. 1,856,751 relating to theelimination of static, and the third loop E may be coupled in any suitable manner to the circuits of the antenna system AB, and tuned in the usual manner.

In connection with Figure 1. two methods of adjustment and operation exist for eliminating static from the system. First, system AB is tuned and balanced in the usual way by making the currents resulting, from static disturbances equalize or balance out while some of the signal current remains. As a result of this adjustment, the ratio of static strength to signal strength in the system AB has been materially changed from the ratio existing in either antenna A is then tuned and by means of the suitable resistances R or by variation in coupling,

the intensity of the currents due to static in antenna E is made substantially equal to the intensity of the currents due to static which are left after balancing the system AB. By means of the coupling coils shown the residue static of system AB is made to oppose the static from system E. The reductlon of the static in system E to the point where it is equal to the residue from system AB has reduced the signal in system E also to a point where it is very much less than the signal remaining after system AB has been adjusted. Therefore on opposing the signal and static currents from system. E to the signal and static currents from system AB, a further increase of the signal static ratio is obtained and therefore a further improvement in workin A second method of operation of the system shown in Figure 1, which at the time of filing this application, I have only had opportunity to use, when the space between the cages is relatively small as compared to the maximum obtainable, is to reverse the couplingof the antennae A and B so that the signal instead of the static is balanced out of the system AB. After this has been accomplished the static currents from an tenna E are adjusted to oppose and equalize the static currents from the system AB, leaving the entire signal from antenna E as a useful resultant.

If the spacing between antennae A and B is not half wave length, then when antennae A and B are coupled together so as to add the static, some of the signal from said antennae will be left, and this will be the greater the more the spacing between said antennae differs from half wave length.

This second method of operation of such a system is not claimed specifically herein, but is so claimed in my application No. 275553, filed February 7th, 1919.

In both of these methods, two antennae or antenna systems, having initially a different signal static ratio, are coupled together or otherwise so connected as to oppose or bal ance out the static and leave a useful resi due of signal.

In Figure 2 another form of construction is diagrammatically shown in which the signal static ratio is different in two antenna systems A and B. The antennae are shown in the form of loops or cages which may preferably be arranged in substantially parallel planes near the receiving station, but the cages are far enough. apart to permil: one cage to be screened by a series of screens C of suitable material, which will substantially prevent the signal waves from affecting the antenna A for instance, assuming that the signal waves arrive inthe ttrafisaiai direction of the arrow. Static disturbances arriving from overhead substantially perpendicular to the earths surface, will affect both antennae simultaneously, but the static signal ratio will be different in each antenna. The static may be balanced out by suitable nieans retaining the signal. fiuitable timing or phase adjusting devices are shown in the circuits of the antennae as, for instance, resistances R, inductances L, and condensers K. A detector circuit S of the usual type is shown coupled to the antennae circuits.

Figure 3 is a modification of Figure 2 showing the cages AB in plan view and a coupling coil L bridging across the common circuit of both. cages. The detector circuits S are shown coupled to the coil L. Suitable. adjustments of the tuning means and coupling will enable the static to be balanced out, leaving the signal from one antenna B, as in the case of Figure 2.

Figure 4; is another modification of both Figures 2 and 3 showing a goniometer T at the receiving station to which the antenna circuits are connected. As hereinbefore stated in my co-pending appplications, a goniometer forms a convenient instrument capable of nice adjustment for balancing out static and retaining the signals, although it is by no means a necessary instrument. In Figure t the stationary goniometer coils U, as shown, are connected to the antenna circuits and the condensers K are preferably included in. series with the coils IT for tuning purposes. The movable coil IV of the goniometer pivoted at Z; is connected to the receiver circuits S, although if desired these receiver circuits may be in the form shown in Figure 1 including the three-element vacuum valve V. lv suitable adjustmei'it of the goniomcter and the adjusting means of the circuits as shown, the static may be balanced out, leaving the signal from antenna B, it being assumed that little or no signal is received on antenna A because of the screen C. In addition to the methods of producing a different ratio of static to signal in the antenna: or antenna systems described in connection with Figures 1 to i inclusive, I have discovered that such a difference in ratio may exist to a certain extent in two antennae or antenna systen'is which are dissimilar in construction or di'iTerenlly circun'istanced either as to position or adjustment, or both. This relation may exist. for instance, betwceen one antenna or antennasystem consisting of a buried wire. while the other system consists of an antenna in the form of a wire lying on or above the surface of the ground. Another example would be a system in which one antenna is buried under ground while the other antenna extends under water. constructed systems there may exist therein.

In such dissimilarly' initially, before the two systems are coupled or otherwise made co-operative, a difference in the signal to static ratio, and I have found that by the use of suitable adjusting means, such as a resistance or resistances, the currents due to static in the two systems can be made substantially equal and opposite while the signals, since of different intensity, will produce a resultant equal to their algebraic sum.

In Figure I have illustrated a system. in which one antenna X consists of a wire or conductor, preferably insulated, and buried in the ground for the Whole or the larger ortion of its length while the other antenna consists of an insulated conductor which may be of any suitable character, extending on the surface of the ground or supported above the surface at any convenient distance. Theantennae X and Y are shown connected to the stationary coils U of a goniometer T "and counterpoises Z, which may consist of wires lying on the ground, are also connectedto the coils U. These counterpoises may be of any suitable construction and may consist of single wires extending a substantial distance from thestation, or they may consist of several wires extending in fanlike shape. The antennae and their counterpoises form antenna systems which are provided with the adjustable resistances R and inductances L, while condensers K are shown in series with the coils U. The receiver circuits (not shown) are connected as usual to the movable coil W of the geniometer. The antennae X and Y preferably extend outwardly from the receiving station substantially in line with each other and in the general direction of reception, for the best results.

In the system shown in Figure 5, with the antennae X and Y both lying in the gen.- eral direction of reception from the trans- Initting station, one antenna will be nearer to the transmitting station than the other, and it might be assumed that the system would operate equally well if both antennae were the same distance from the transmitting station, or were constructed at any predetermined and various angles to the direction of reception from the transmitting station. The facts, however, as observed by me .in working with the system of Figure 5, in-

dicate that no practical or satisfactory results can be secured unless the antennae are substantially in linewith the transmitting station or extend in the same general direc tion of reception so that the antennae are at different distances from the transmitting station and have an effective separation of an appreciable fraction of a wave length. The efiective separation is substantially equal to the distance between the middle points of the two wires forming the antennae.-

The difference in signal static ratio may also exist in the construction of Figure 5, due to the fact that the wires X and Y are In fact two inverted L antennae, one of which is directive toward, and the other directive away from the transmitting station, from which it may result that the signal 1n one, namely, that which extends away from the station. stronger than the signal in the other, while the static in both is substantially equal. This condition would obtain regardless of whether the antennae were under ground, on the ground, or above the surface of the earth.

Figure 6 is a modification of Figure 5 in which the antenna lying on or above the surface of the ground consists of a lead cable Y containing two insulated conductors 1 and 2 which are connected to the go: niometer. In some instances I have found it desirable to connect a cross wire 3 at the outer end of the cable, forming a T-shaped antenna. Otherwise Figure 6 is like Figure 5, but the antennae of Figure may also have the cross wires 3 if desired.

In Figure 7 one antenna X is shown buried in the ground while the other antenna Y is shown extending under water, as for instance under a lake, or river, or in the ocean. The antenna Y may also be extended under water if buried in swampy ground or in ground in which the water table is near the surface, as in the Everglades of Florida. The two antennae X and Y may be connected to a. goniometer as in Figure 5, for instance, with counterpoises or else the construction as shown in Figure 7 may be used, in which the antennze are con nected to each other and a connection 1* is made at the point a leading to ground at 2?. In this connection 9" I provide the variable condenser '11, and coupling coil 4), to which the receiver circuits w are coupled. The antennae are provided with adjusting devices in the form of resistances R, inductances L, and condensers K. The antennae X and Y preferably extend in the general line of reception and there will be a difference in the static signal ratio in the antennae or antenna systems for the same reasons as stated in connection with the previous Figures 5 and 6.

ith the connections shown in Figure 7 there is another possible theory of operation because the two antennas or antenna systems X and Y, being connected directly together, may he considered as one long antenna or antenna system which, when set into oscillation by the static disturbances, vibrates in the period to which it is adjusted, so that a node of potential is formed approximately at its center, indicated gen-- 'erally as the point 8.

A connection represented by 1' between this nodal point 8 and the earth would be expected to carry no current due. to static disturbances. The incoming oscillations, particularly from a transmitter of continuous oscillations, would not be expected to produce a node of potential at this point .9, and. consequently should give rise to signal currents in the earth connection 0'. Vhether or not this is a true explanation of the observed facts in connection with the circuits of Figure 7 I am unable to say at the present time, but it is a possible explanation in addition to the wellunderstood theories heretofore enumerated.

It is to be understood that Figure 7 is merely illustrative and different combinations of antennae or antenna systems may be1constructed with-one, antenna under wa- "ter and the other on or over'the ground,"

and the antenna under water could be combined with any other suitable form of antenna like that shown at Y in Figure 6, for instance. It is not deemed necessary to illus- 'trate all the different combinations of dissimilar constructions of antennae which ..could be designed or which I have actually tried myself and found to operate.

In Figure 8 I have shown an elongated loop antenna 0, extending parallel to and near the groundin a vertical plane and con i nected to the goniometer T at one side. An

other elongated loop antenna as of about the same vertical dimension as antenna 0 but located at a greater height above the surface of the ground is connected to the goniometer at the other side. The poles 3/ may be 15 or 20 feet high, for instance, or any desired height, and I have found that the signal ap pears to be stronger on the high loop :1: than on the low loop 0 so that the signal static ratio is different in the two antenna systems.

'In Figure'9 I have shown a loop antenna, or cage A, at one side connected by leads C to the goniometer T and balanced against this is an elongated loop, antenna 0, like that show in Figure 8. Reversing switches 4 and 5 are preferably provided in the leads 0, one at the cage A and the other at the receiving station, because I have found that there is apparently a best relation of the leads to the cage and of the leads to the receiving apparatus, as explained in connection with my Patent No. 1,356,? 51. Another reversing switch 6 is preferably provided at the receiving station for the leads connected to the two sides of the loop 0. The usual adjusting and tuning means are provided for the two antenna systems and I have found that the static signal ratio is apparently different in the two systems A and 0.

umay lie on or above the surface of the ground, or it may be buried in the ground or extend under water, as desired. Instead of a goniometer or some form of coupling between the receiver circuits and the antenna systems, the systems may be connected together at and from this point a connection r may be taken to ground. at t. This connection, from the point 8 to ground at t, is for the same purpose as the similar connection shown in Figure 7. Obviously the ground connection i: in Figures 7 and 10 and the ground connection G in Figure 10 may have counterpoises substituted therefor if desired. The loop antenna or cage B may be considered as a periodic antenna because it is of the loop type while the horizontal type antenna Y whether above ground or under ground or under water, is aperiodic or approximately aperiodic, because all its con-' stants are uniformly distributed and it can be set in vibration at any frequency within a wide range. Each antenna system is provided with the usual adjusting and tuning means as shown.

In Figure 11 I have shown two elongated loop antennae 0 having their ends connected together at the points 7 and 8 and connected to the stationary coils of the goniometer T. These coils are also joined by the circuit 9 and connected to ground at G, thus forming grounded antenna systems. The ground connection (i could be in the form of a counterpoise or counterpoises if desired.

Figure 12 is a modification of Figure 11 in which the antenna systems 0 are connected. together through the coils 10 and 11 and grounded at G or connected. to a counterpoise. Receiver circuits S as shown are coupled to the coils 10 and 11.

In Figure 13 two antennae Y are shown lying on or above the surface of the ground and connected through the goniometer to the counterpoises Z. The antennae Y may be any suitable insulated wires or rubber covered insulated cables, or lead sheathed cables, or any other suitable form of conductors. In this case, as in the systems of Figures 11 and 12, the different static signal ratio in the antenna systems is due mainly to the directive effect.

Figure 14 is a modification of Figure 13 in which the receiver circuits S are coupled to the antenna systems by ordinary coupling means instead of a goniometer, and each antenna system is connected to a counterpoise G.

Figure 15 shows a modification of Figures 13 and 14 in which the antenuze Y of similar or dissimilar construction, that is both lying on the ground or one under ground and one over the ground for instance, are connected together at the point 8 and the connection 1" is taken from this'point to the ground t or counter-poise, as in Figure 7 or Figure 10.

Figure 16 shows two lead cables Y forming the antenna systems and connected through a goniometer T.

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Figure 17 shows two antennae X buried in the ground for the whole or a portion of their length and connected through a goniometer T.

Figure 18 shows two loops antennae or cages A and B connected by leads C to the receiving station. As in Figure 3, a coil L is bridged across the common circuit of the cages and the receiver circuits S are coupled to this coil L instead of using a goniometer or other connection.

In all those figures from 13 to 18 inclusive, in which the antennae or antenna systems are substantially similar in construction at each side of the receiving station, the difference in static signal ratio in the antenna is apparently due mainly to the directive action of the systems.

I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent, the following:

l. The method of reducing interference by static disturbances in radio reception,

which consists in receiving the interference and the desired signal waves in antenna systems tuned to the same wave length and having different ratios of static strength to signal strength, and balancing out the static while retaining the signal.

2. At a radio transmission receiving station, a plurality of antennae having an effective separation of a substantial fraction of a wave length in the general direction of reception of signals, the ratio of static strength to signal strength being different in each antenna, and receiving apparatus connected to said antennae for balancing out the static while retaining the signal.

3. tion, a plurality of antennae, at least one of which is substantially aperiodic, arranged to have directional action for horizontally received waves in a definite direction, the ratio of static strength to signal strength being thereby different in one antenna from that in the other and receiving apparatus connected to said antennae for balancin ent the static while retaining the signa 4. At a radio transmission receiving station, a plurality of substantially aperiodic antennae arranged to have directional action for horizontally received waves in a definite direction, the ratio of static strength to signal strength being thereby different in one antenna from that in the other and receiving apparatus connected to said antennas for balanelng out the static while retaining the signal.

5. At a radio transmission receiving station, a plurality of counterpoised antennae having an effective separation of a substanfraction of a wave length in the general direction of reception of signals, the ratio of static strength to signal strength being At a radio transmission receiving stadifferent in each antenna and receiving apparatus connected to said antennae tor balancing out the static while retaining the signal.

6. At a radio transmission receivmg station, a plurality of antennae having an effective separation of a substantial fraction of a wave length in the general direction of reception of signals, the ratio of static strength to signal strength being diiferent in each antenna, receiving apparatus connected to said antennae for balancing out the static while retaining the signal, and counterpoise means connected to said antennae at the ends adjacent the receiving apparatus.

7. In a radio receiving system, the combination of oppositely directed collectors, a phase adjusting device in circuit with one of said collectors, and a resistance mutually connecting said phase adjusting device and the opposite collector, means for varying the ratio of signal strength to stray strength in the opposite collector and a receiving apparatus adjustably connected between said resistance and the ground.

8. At a radio transmission receiving station, a plurality of" differently circumstanced antennae free from tuning to different wave length-s with respect to each other, the ratio of static strength to signal strength being thereby different in one an tenna from that in the other, and receiving apparatus connected to said antennae for balancing out the static while retaining the signal, phase adjusting devices in connection with the receiving apparatus, and means for controlling the intensity of the currents due to both static and signal.

9. The method of reducing interference by static disturbances in radio reception, which consists in receiving the interference and desired signal waves as currents of the same frequency in antenna systems having different ratios of static strength to signal -'trength, and balancing out the static t 1,1le retaining the signal.

The method of reducing interference 1y "static disturbances in radio reception, which consists in arranging a plurality of antenna systems free from tuning to different Wave lengths with respect to each other to have a different ratio of static strength to signal strength, receiving the interference and the desired signal waves in such antenna systems and balancing out the static while retaining the signal.

11. In a radio receiving system, in combination, a plurality of collectors free from tuning to different wave lengths with respect to each other and adapted to have different ratios of static current to signal current respectively, and means adapted to cause the currents due to static in the respective collectors to oppose and substantially neutralize In testimony whereof I have signed this each other leaving the currents due to signal specification in the presence of two subscrib- 10 unneutralized. ing witnesses.

12. 'In a radio receiving system the comr p g i 5 bination of oppositely directed collectors, a. ROY ALDMNDLR WLAGANT' resistance connecting said collectors, and a Witnesses: receiving apparatus adjustably connected be- HERBERT G. OGDEN, I tween said resistance and ground. M. H. PAYNE.

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