A connecting element for waveguides includes two waveguide sections which are contacted with each other via a bent choke of two sections and mechanically connected so as to allow a longitudinal displacement, tilting and rotation relative to each other. One waveguide section is provided at its circumference with an axial annular groove extending radially outside the axial section of the choke and the second waveguide section is provided with a circumferential collar projecting at least in an axial direction and engaging in the annular groove.
A unisex coupler assembly is disclosed capable of providing a leak tight coupling for waveguides with axial alignment of the waveguides and rotational capability. The sealing means of the coupler assembly are not exposed to RF energy, and the coupler assembly does not require the provision of external flanges on the waveguides. In a preferred embodiment, O ring seals are not used and the coupler assembly is, therefore, bakeable at a temperature up to about 150.degree. C. The coupler assembly comprises a split collar which clamps around the waveguides and a second collar which fastens to the split collar. The split collar contains an inner annular groove. Each of the waveguides is provided with an external annular groove which receives a retaining ring. The split collar is clamped around one of the waveguides with the inner annular groove of the split collar engaging the retaining ring carried in the external annular groove in the waveguide. The second collar is then slipped over the second waveguide behind the annular groove and retaining ring therein and the second collar is coaxially secured by fastening means to the split collar to draw the respective waveguides together by coaxial force exerted by the second collar against the retaining ring on the second waveguide. A sealing ring is placed against an external sealing surface at a reduced external diameter end formed on one waveguide to sealingly engage a corresponding sealing surface on the other waveguide as the waveguides are urged toward each other.
A microwave guide interface extends between a rear surface of a microwave antenna reflector and a facing surface of a base plate. An interconnect member having a ball surface extends rearwardly from the rear of the reflector. A second interconnect member having a ball-receiving socket extends forwardly from a facing surface of the base plate. A spring clamp is attached to a periphery of the base plate and includes a yoke coacting with a strike hook on a circular rib or on separate lugs extending from the rear of the reflector for cinching up the socket into abutting contact with the mating ball surface. A peripheral O-ring extends between peripheral surfaces of the members allows tilting of the assembly such that assembly and alignment can be made over a fairly wide range of angular tolerances of the base plate and reflector. This is especially desirous since the base plate and electronic packages thereon are relatively heavy and unwieldy and normally must be attached, or reattached if a polarization change is needed, to a reflector adjustably fixed high on a tower or pole.
A microwave antenna has a circular wave guide feedhorn mounted above a reflector. An electrically insulating sleeve fits around the outer diameter of circular wave guide. A scalar ring is secured to the insulating sleeve. The sleeve isolates the ground of the circular wave guide from the reflector and scalar ring so that electrostatic charge accumulating in the reflector does not damage electronic components electrically coupled to the wave guide.
