Brian Thomas Drude

US Patent:

6611430, Aug 26, 2003

Filed:

Sep 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/233461

Inventors:

Patrick K. Richard - Baltimore MD
Brian T. Drude - Arbutus MD
Hurley K. Blackwell - Baltimore MD
Lucinda G. Martin - Millersville MD
H. Halley Lisle - Monrovia MD
David A. Herlihy - Ellicott City MD

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H05K 720

US Classification:

361704, 361707, 257718, 257719, 257727, 165 803, 174 163, 24458

Abstract:

A miniature, self-locking, spring action, microwave T/R module retainer device includes a retainer body that holds a double arched spring and transfers the spring load to a coldplate. The double arched spring configuration is designed to contact an extended heat sink plate located on one side of the microwave T/R module. When in position, the deflection of the double arched spring of the retainer device imparts a force onto the extended heat sink, pressing the T/R module against the coldplate when the module retainer device is installed. If the position of the T/R module changes due to thermal or mechanical loads, the potential energy stored in the arched spring allows the spring to automatically re-adjust accordingly.

US Patent:

60055316, Dec 21, 1999

Filed:

Sep 23, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/158827

Inventors:

John W. Cassen - Sykesville MD
Gary N. Bonadies - Laurel MD
Patrick K. Richard - Baltimore MD
David A. Herlihy - Ellicott City MD
Ayn U. Fuller - Greenbelt MD
Daniel H. Wenzlick - Linthicum MD
Richard C. Kapraun - Baltimore MD
Mark R. Schrote - Ellicott City MD
Kerry M. Yon - Beltsville MD
H. Halley Lisle - Monrovia MD
Toby Hess - Olney MD
Edward L. Rich - Arnold MD
George T. Hall - Catonsville MD
Brian T. Drude - Arbutus MD

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01Q 2100

US Classification:

343853

Abstract:

An antenna assembly for an active electronically scanned array includes, among other things: an array of antenna elements; an RF signal feed and circulator assembly coupled to said antenna elements and forming thereby an array of radiating structures; a generally planar RF manifold assembly having regularly spaced openings therein located behind and normal to the radiating structures; an array of T/R modules connected to the array of radiating structures and having respective RF connector assemblies forming a portion of an RF interface at one end portion of each of the modules which project upwardly through said spaced openings in the RF manifold and wherein the respective connector assemblies thereof connect to at least one immediately adjacent circulator as well as to transmit and receive manifold portions of the RF manifold; each of the T/R modules further have a heat sink plate on the back side thereof which is positioned against one of a number of elongated liquid coolant circulating coldplates connected to a coolant distribution manifold encircling the array; a DC power and logic signal distribution manifold; and, a plurality of elongated DC/logic circuit board members connected to the DC power and logic signal distribution manifold and being respectively located adjacent and coextensive with a respective coldplate for supplying DC power and logic control signals to a DC/logic interface located at the other end portion of the respective modules.