Stephen P Tidwell

US Patent:

57818673, Jul 14, 1998

Filed:

May 30, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/655173

Inventors:

Stephen B. Tidwell - Carlsbad CA

Assignee:

Qualcomm Incorporated - San Diego CA

International Classification:

H04B 138

US Classification:

455575

Abstract:

A telescoping antenna assembly has a tubular base for securing to a wireless telephone handset and an extendible mast telescopically mounted on the tubular base for movement between an extended position extending out of the tubular base and a retracted position in which at least the majority of the mast is retracted within the tubular base. The tubular base and mast have mating inner and outer surfaces. One of the mating surfaces has a helical groove extending along at least part of its length, and the other cylindrical surface has at least one pin slidably engaged in the groove. The engagement of the pin in the helical groove causes the mast to rotate relative to the base in a first direction as the mast is moved from the retracted to the extended position, and in a second direction as the mast is moved from the extended to the retracted position, uncoiling and then recoiling the antenna feed line so as to reduce stretching and torque on the line.

US Patent:

58449850, Dec 1, 1998

Filed:

Sep 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/532920

Inventors:

Eric C. Kulberg - San Diego CA
William R. Panton - San Diego CA
James H. Thompson - Carlsbad CA
Stephen B. Tidwell - Carlsbad CA
Robert P. Gilmore - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Qualcomm Incorporated - San Diego CA

International Classification:

H04M 100

US Classification:

379433

Abstract:

A portable phone unit for use in satellite communication systems has a vertically correcting antenna module pivotally secured to the handset for free rotation about a pivot axis. The module contains a mechanism, such as a gravitational counterweight for urging the module to pivot into a predetermined vertical orientation regardless of the handset orientation. An antenna projects from the module in a direction which is vertically upright when the module is in its predetermined vertical orientation. A mast mounted antenna module can also be used to take advantage of dissimilar antenna segment weights for multiple frequency antennas. As the handset is moved into an angular orientation, the module pivots under the weight of the counterweight, or a portion of the antenna itself, until the antenna is oriented vertically.

US Patent:

61848441, Feb 6, 2001

Filed:

Mar 27, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/826289

Inventors:

Daniel Filipovic - San Diego CA
Ali Tassoudji - San Diego CA
Stephen B. Tidwell - Carlsbad CA

Assignee:

Qualcomm Incorporated - San Diego CA

International Classification:

H01Q 136
H01Q 1108

US Classification:

343895

Abstract:

A dual-band helical antenna provides operation in two frequency bands. The dual-band helical antenna includes two single-band antennas, each having a feed network, a ground plane opposite the feed network, and a set of one or more radiators extending from feed network. According to one aspect of the invention, a tab extends from the feed network of one of the antennas which provides a feed for that antenna. The tab also provides a path for current to flow from the radiators of the second antenna along the axis of the second antenna to thereby increase the energy radiated in the directions perpendicular to the axis. According to another feature of the invention, the ground plane of one antenna is used as a shorting ring for the other antenna.

US Patent:

58506128, Dec 15, 1998

Filed:

Oct 3, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/538562

Inventors:

Eric C. Kulberg - San Diego CA
Stephen B. Tidwell - Carlsbad CA
Roy H. Davis - San Diego CA
Roy K. Fischer - Scottsdale AZ
Randall R. Toltzman - Scottsdale AZ
Randsom A. Brown - Scottsdale AZ

Assignee:

QUALCOMM Incorporated - San Diego CA

International Classification:

H04B 138

US Classification:

455550

Abstract:

A portable wireless communications device such as a telephone handset having a vertically corrected antenna module pivotally secured to the handset for rotation about a first pivot axis. The antenna module can be rotated into a predetermined orientation, independent of handset orientation. An antenna mounted on the module is oriented vertically when the module is in the predetermined orientation. When the antenna module is rotated for use, a mechanism incorporated in the module support structure automatically rotates the antenna module about a second pivot axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first. This second rotation places the antenna at an angle that compensates for tilting of the handset during use about an axis parallel to the second axis, or along the first. That is, the antenna is shifted by a preselected angle in vertical orientation, typically around 10-15 degrees, in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of rotation to compensate for positioning a speaker and microphone for use.