United States Patent (19)
`LuxOn et al.
`
`54 RADIATION SHIELDING AND RANGE
`EXTENDING ANTENNAASSEMBLY
`
`75 Inventors: Norval N. Luxon, San Jose; R. Joseph
`Milelli, Pleasanton, both of Calif.; John
`J. Daniels, Seymour, Conn.
`73 Assignee: Rangestar International Corporation,
`Aptos, Calif.
`
`21 Appl. No.: 08/549,063
`22 Filed:
`Oct. 27, 1995
`(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... H01O 1/24
`52 U.S. Cl. .......................... 434/702; 343/841; 343/790;
`343/791; 343/818; 343/819; 455/89; 455/90
`58 Field of Search ..................................... 343/702, 841,
`343/790, 791, 818, 819; 455/89,90; H010 1/24
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2,480,143 8/1949 Laxner .................................... 343/702
`2,490,782 12/1949 Collup .......
`... 343/841
`2,599,944 6/1952 Salisbury ..
`... 343/841
`2,712,603 7/1955 Bridges et al. ...
`... 343/702
`3,196,442 7/1965 Leffelman et al. ..................... 343/841
`(List continued on next page.)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2091608 9/1994 Canada.
`2091628 9/1994 Canada.
`59-92629 5/1984 Japan.
`61-56524 3/1986 Japan.
`0254630 2/1990 Japan.
`4127723 4/1992 Japan.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Detecting Microwave Radiation Hazards, 1961, Electronics
`World, vol. 65, No. 6, pp31–33 and 78–79.
`McCaw to Study Cellular Phones as Safety Questions Affect
`Sales, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 29, 1993.
`CellShield Brochure.
`Cell Shield Innovation in Cellular Radiation Protection,
`publication date unknown-sometime after Feb. 24, 1993.
`
`
`
`US006095820A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,095,820
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Questions & Answers About Electric and Magnetic Fields
`Associated with the Use of Electric Power, Nov. 1994,
`National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
`Department of Energy.
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner Hoanganh Le
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Larkin, Hoffman, Daly &
`Lindgren, Ltd.; John F. Klos
`57
`ABSTRACT
`An antenna assembly for transmitting a radio signal from a
`radio signal transmitting device includes an antenna unit
`comprised of a dipole driven antenna member for transmit
`ting a radio signal from the radio signal transmitting device.
`A radiation reflector reflects the radio signal transmitted by
`the driven antenna member, and a Support member Supports
`the driven antenna member and the radiation reflector So that
`a predetermined gap is precisely maintained between the
`driven antenna member and the radiation reflector. A shield
`ing member shields a portion of the radio signal transmitted
`by the driven antenna member in a direction toward the
`Shielding member. The antenna unit is pivotally mounted So
`that it is disposable at Selectable positions relative to the
`Shielding member. The output of the radio signal transmitted
`by the driven antenna member can be controlled depending
`on a position of the antenna unit. The dipole driven antenna
`member comprises a first and a Second Segment made from
`a metal foil. To reduce the overall length of the antenna, each
`Segment has an unfolded portion and a folded portion. The
`radiation reflector is a metal wire, also having an unfolded
`portion and folded portions. This construction makes the
`inventive antenna assembly compact, while being effective
`both as a transmitting and receiving unit. The radiation
`reflector directs a portion of the radio Signal toward the open
`transmission area, So as to extend a transmission range of the
`antenna assembly, and thus extend the transmission range of
`the radio Signal transmitting device. By this construction, at
`least Some of the radiation Signal that is emitted from the
`driven antenna member in directions toward the user is
`blocked by the shielding member. Thus, the inventive
`antenna assembly has a compact construction, prevents
`unwanted exposure of the user to potentially harmful
`radiation, and provides an enhanced and extended transmis
`Sion Signal to enable improved communication.
`
`11 Claims, 48 Drawing Sheets
`
`1
`
`LG 1004
`
`

`

`6,095,820
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,564,111 2/1971 Breitenbach ............................ 343/702
`4,189,730 2/1980 Murdock .......
`... 343/841
`4,471,493 9/1984 Schober .................................... 455/89
`4,750,957 6/1988 Gustafson .....
`... 343/702
`4,831,210 5/1989 Larson et al. ............................. 174/35
`4,845,772 7/1989 Metroka et al. .......................... 455/90
`4,964,161 10/1990 Trowbridge, Jr. ....................... 343/702
`4,980,564 12/1990 Steelmon ................................ 250/505
`5,012,114 4/1991 Sisson, Jr. .....
`... 343/702
`5,014,346 5/1991 Phillips et al.
`... 343/702
`5,098,735 3/1992 Henry ........................................ 174/33
`5,124,889 6/1992 Humbert et al. ........................ 361/424
`5,139,850 8/1992 Clarke et al. ........................... 324/192
`5,150,282 9/1992 Tomura et al. ...
`... 343/702
`5,170,173 12/1992 Krenz et al. .............................. 455/89
`5,231.407 7/1993 McGirr et al.
`... 343/841
`5,241,321 8/1993 Tsao ..............
`... 343/700
`5.245,745 9/1993 Jensen et al. .
`... 343/702
`5,247,182 9/1993 Servant et al.....
`... 343/702
`5,260,513 11/1993 Giles et al. ............................... 174/33
`5,262,792 11/1993 Egashira ........
`... 343/702
`5,309,164 5/1994 Dienes et al. .
`... 343/702
`5,334,800 8/1994 Kenney ..................................... 174/33
`5,335,366 8/1994 Daniels .
`... 343/702
`5,336,848 8/1994 Katz ......
`... 343/702
`5,336,896 8/1994 Katz ......
`... 343/702
`... 455/346
`5,338.896 8/1994 Danforth ...
`5,367,309 11/1994 Tashjian ............
`... 343/702
`5,371,509 12/1994 Wallace, Jr. etal
`... 343/702
`5,373.304 12/1994 Nolan et al. ......
`... 343/841
`5,444,866 8/1995 Cykiert ..........
`... 343/702
`5,507,012 4/1996 Luxon et al. .
`... 343/702
`8/1996 Oxley ...................................... 343 841
`5,550,552
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Today's View of Magnetic Fields, IEEE Spectrum, Dec.
`1994.
`EM Interaction of Handset Antennas and a Human in
`Personal Communications, Jensen et al., Proceedings of the
`IEEE, vol. 83, No. 1, Jan. 1995.
`
`
`
`Ericson and Pac Bell Target Hearing Aid Interference Solu
`tions, Kelly Pate, RCR, Feb. 26, 1996.
`Digital Phones May Have Flaws, Karr et al., Wall Street
`Journal, Mar. 12, 1996.
`Electromagnetic Energy Exposure of Simulated Users of
`Portable Cellular Telephones, Balzano et al., IEEE Trans
`actions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 44, No. 3, Aug. 1995.
`Internal Broadband Antenna for Hand-Held Terminals with
`Reduced Gain in the Direction of the User's Head, Fuhl et
`al., IEEE 1995.
`Integrated Antennas for Hand-Held Telephones with Low
`Absorption, Pedersen et al., IEEE 1994.
`Environmental Risk Factors for Primary Malignant Brain
`Tumors: A Review, Wrensch et al., Journal of Neuro-On
`cology 17: 47–64, 1993.
`Acute Low-Intensity Microwave Exposure Increases DNA
`Single-Strand Breaks in Rat Brain Cells, Lai et al., Bioelec
`tromagnetics 16:207-210, 1995.
`Test Finds Some Interference Between Hearing Aids, Phone,
`Sakelaris, RCR, Feb. 5, 1996.
`GSM Controversy Swirls Around Pac Bell's Plans, Crabtree,
`Wireless Week, Feb. 26, 1996.
`The Antenna Company Brochure-Drive Time Kit, Publica
`tion Date Unknown.
`Wireless Industry Pledges to Fix Hearing Aid Troubles
`RCR, vol. 14, No. 20, Oct. 23, 1995.
`PCS Wireless, Inc. Brochure-PCS Tecnology at Work,
`Publication date unknown.
`Antenna Design Considerations for Personal Communica
`tions User Protection, Sadeghzadeh et al., IEEE 1995.
`Simple Retractable Monopole Antenna with Small Mis
`match Loss and High Radiation Efficiency for Cellular
`Portable Phones, Seki et al., IEEE 1995.
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 48
`Sheet 1 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Y
`
`
`
`
`
`Saf
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2 WO 2
`
`essee
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SELECT
`BLOCKNG
`AGENT
`
`SELEC
`PARTICLE
`SZE
`
`SELEC
`E3NDER
`
`MX
`BLOC KNG
`AGEN
`AND
`BNDER
`
`MOLD
`BLOCKNG
`SHED
`
`
`
`MOD
`OPEN
`SELD
`
`JON
`BLOCKNG AND
`OPEN SHIELDS
`
`
`
`
`
`Arts-17
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 48
`Sheet 3 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 48
`Sheet 4 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`306
`
`317
`
`00
`00
`
` 317
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet S of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`302 Sy
`
`300
`
`Figure 16
`
`7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`306
`
`318
`
`Figure 18
`
`8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 48
`Sheet 7 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`
`
`10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 22
`
`11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 10 Of 48
`Sheet 10 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 11 Of 48
`Sheet 11 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`334
`334
`
`
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 12 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`354
`
`360
`
`Figure 29(b)
`
`
`
`14
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 13 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`38
`
`
`
`Figure 30(a)
`
`Figure 30(b)
`
`15
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 14 Of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`300
`
`3.
`
`310
`
`-316
`
`308-2S E.
`
`322
`
`Š3SN306
`2
`
`352
`
`364
`
`N
`s
`P I\
`
`SS
`
`300
`Figure 31(b)
`
`16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 15 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 32
`Prior Art
`
`17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 16 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`IIIIII
`/Vw///“\ \\\\\\\\\\
`
`IT.-
`§Iw\\\§
`V”’/’””l
`
`)b(43
`
`«v
`
`\\\\\\\\%\\\\\\.
`
`wV/rilAw/Ifwv
`N§m§
`
`418
`422 41"
`Figure 35(b)
`
`Figure 35(3)
`
`18
`
`18
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 17 Of 48
`Sheet 17 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`412
`
`416
`46
`
`412
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 18 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`s? 46
`
`Figure 37(a)
`
`e
`
`20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 19 Of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`Figure 38(a)
`
`
`
`21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 20 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 39(b
`
`22
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 21 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 40(b)
`
`Figure 40(c)
`
`23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 22 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 41(b)
`
`Figure 41(a)
`
`24
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 23 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 42(b)
`
`25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 24 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`442
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`|N?zZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZzZ)
`
`* „º\,
`
`|
`
`R R
`
`?zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
`
`
`
`¡ ¿ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ)
`
`?.
`
`Figure 43(a)
`
`442
`
`Figure 43(b)
`
`26
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 25 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 44(a) Figure 44 (b)
`
`Figure 44 (b)
`
`27
`
`27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 26 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`500
`
`Figure 45
`
`28
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 27 Of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 46(a)
`
`Figure 46(b)
`
`29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 28 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 47(a)
`
`Figure 47(c)
`
`30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 29 Of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 49
`
`31
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 30 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`Prior Art
`
`
`
`Figure 50(b)
`
`32
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 31 of 48
`Sheet 31 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`33
`
`33
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 32 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 52(a) Figure 52(b)
`
`
`
`Figure 52(c) Figure 52(d)
`
`622Figure 53(a)
`
`
`
`Figure 53(b)
`
`34
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 33 of 48
`Sheet 33 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`35
`
`35
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 34 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`622
`
`Figure 55(c)
`
`631
`
`36
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 35 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`622
`
`Figure 55(f)
`
`/y-626
`act 622 Figure 55(g)
`
`37
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 36 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`Figure 55(k)
`(v)
`
`604
`
`Figure 55(m)
`659
`653 655 657
`Amplifier
`Reference Proximity
`Debounce
`Controller
`Voltage
`Switch
`Circuit
`Figure 55(n)
`
`
`
`Command Power Setting
`
`64
`5
`
`Power
`Amplifier
`
`38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 37 Of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`608
`62
`
`60 4.
`
`600
`7
`613
`
`-606
`
`-65
`
`617
`69
`622
`604-
`606
`
`25
`
`25
`610
`
`Figure 56(e) E,
`
`
`
`Figure 56(d)
`604
`
`
`
`Figure 56(f)
`
`Figure 56(g)
`
`Figure 56(a)
`
`39
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 38 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`Figure 56(h)
`
`62
`
`40
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 39 of 48
`Sheet 39 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.57(a)
`
`41
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 40 of 48
`Sheet 40 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`START1,500,000,000MHz
`
`51
`v‘
`
`_‘
`
`O
`«—
`D
`O
`
`s
`«an!
`s s C
`'
`<—a<
`
`l
`
`s
`<—
`e
`<-‘
`N
`
`D
`D
`D
`
`D r
`
`s
`<‘
`
`2:1
`
`1:1
`
`42
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MARKER31.99GHZ
`f
`FIG.57
`
`8
`
`42
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`FIG.57(c)
`
`43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 42 of 48
`Sheet 42 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`IIIIIIIII!
`
`
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`| R.
`IIIIIIIIIK
`IIIIIIIII“
`|| || || || A
`IIIIIIIII?
`|| || || ||
`
`
`IIIIIIIIIa
`| |
`|
`|
`|
`|
`|
`| -
`IIIIIIIIIH
`Hil
`
`IIIIIIIII?
`| |
`|
`|
`|
`|
`| | ||
`IIIIIIIIIJ
`
`START800,000,000MHz
`
`
`IIIIIIIIIfl
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.SM)
`
`‘—
`T-
`
`2:1
`
`44
`
`44
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 43 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`FIG.58(a)
`
`602
`
`
`
`
`
`658 --N
`
`W
`
`am mos
`
`-------
`'N'
`
`wa
`
`se
`
`w
`
`656
`
`S. S.
`
`
`
`670
`
`45
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 44 of 48
`Sheet 44 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`FIG. 59(a)
`FIG. 5%)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`46
`
`46
`
`

`

`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`47
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`Aug. 1,2000
`
`Sheet 46 of 48
`Sheet 46 0f 48
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`FIG.60(a)
`FIG. 60(0)
`
`
`
`602
`602
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`48
`
`48
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`FIG.60(b)
`FIG. 60(b)
`
`
`
`6,095,820
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`49
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 1, 2000
`
`Sheet 48 of 48
`
`6,095,820
`
`
`
`688
`
`614
`
`N/N/
`
`Figure 61(a)
`
`Figure 61(b)
`
`50
`
`

`

`1
`RADIATION SHIELDING AND RANGE
`EXTENDING ANTENNAASSEMBLY
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`The inventions disclosed herein relate to prior filed,
`co-owned U.S. applications Ser. No. 012,446, filed Feb. 1,
`1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,366, issued Aug. 1, 1994, Ser.
`No. 033,569, filed Mar. 17, 1993, abandoned and refiled as
`Ser. No. 506,653, filed Jul 25, 1995, Ser. No. 240,859, filed
`May 10, 1994, Ser. No. 283,526, filed Aug. 1, 1995, Ser. No.
`404,435, filed Mar. 15, 1995, Ser. No. 480,905, filed Jun. 8,
`1995; and PCT applications Ser. No. PCT/US94/01167 filed
`Feb. 1, 1994, Ser. No. PCT/US95/05866, filed May 10,
`1995, and Ser. No. PCT/US95/09717, filed Aug. 1, 1995.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to portable telephone and
`other personal communication apparatus and, more
`particularly, to a protective shield apparatus for absorbing
`microwave energy to protect a user of the portable telephone
`and personal communication apparatus from the electro
`magnetic microwave frequency radiation emanating from
`Such apparatus and to extend the transmission range of Such
`apparatus by redirecting the microwave radiation away from
`the user of the apparatus. The present invention further
`pertains to a hand-held radio telephone and antenna assem
`bly for the Same. More particularly, the present invention
`further pertains to a radio signal transmitting device having
`an antenna assembly effective for enhancing and extending
`the transmission range of a radiation Signal emitted by the
`hand-held radio telephone, and effective for preventing
`potentially harmful radiation exposure of the user of the
`hand-held radio telephone. Further, the present invention
`pertains to an antenna assembly useful for radio frequency
`transmission and reception for a communication System,
`Such as a PCS communication System or the like.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`There have been a number of contemporary inquires
`regarding the Safety of portable telephones and, more
`particularly, cellular telephones and wireleSS communica
`tion devices, with respect to the potential danger to the user
`from electromagnetic microwave radiation associated with
`the transmission of the Signals from Such apparatus. When
`using a hand-held cellular telephone, the user holds the
`phone with his hand and places the phone to his head So that
`his ear is in contact with the ear piece of the telephone, and
`his mouth is at a location close to the mouthpiece of the
`telephone. This positions the antenna, which usually extends
`from the top Surface of the telephone and/or is disposed on
`the inside of the telephone case, is in close proximity with
`the biological tissue of the user's hand and head as it
`transmits electromagnetic radiation. It has been determined
`that the presence of the biological tissue alters the radiation
`pattern and reduces the antenna gain, and, that between 48
`and 68% of the power delivered to the antenna of a hand
`held cellular telephone is absorbed by the head and hand of
`the user (see, EM Interaction of Handset Antennas and a
`Human in Personal Communications, Proceedings of the
`IEEE, Vol. 83, No. 1, January 1995).
`The power absorbed by the head and hand reduces the
`Strength of the radiation Signal emitted from the antenna for
`communication. In addition, by requiring the antenna to
`output a Stronger Signal, the power absorbed by the head and
`hand decreases the usable life of the battery of the cellular
`telephone.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6,095,820
`
`2
`Further, contemporary inquiries are investigating the pos
`sibilities that the radiation absorbed by the head and hand
`may cause cancer or create other health risks or hazards to
`the user in association with the use of Such apparatus.
`Research is only now being done looking into the potential
`link between cellular telephone use and detrimental biologi
`cal effects, Such as brain tumors. However, epidemiological
`Studies have Suggested that a link exists between exposure to
`power frequency electric and magnetic fields and certain
`types of cancer, primarily leukemia and brain cancer (see,
`Questions and Answers About Electric and Magnetic Fields
`ASSociated With the Use of Electric Power, National Insti
`tute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of
`Energy, November 1994). It is clear that consumers will
`demand protection from hand-held cellular phone radiation
`as more and more evidence is discovered linking cellular
`telephone use with potential health hazards.
`In response to the anticipated consumer demand, and to
`provide protection against health risks, the apparatus of the
`present invention utilizes electromagnetic radiation absorb
`ing materials disposed about the antenna of a portable
`wireleSS transmitting apparatus to Shield or protect the user
`from the potentially harmful radiation emissions from the
`wireleSS communication apparatus. In addition, to provide
`enhanced cellular telephone communications, the present
`invention extends the transmission range of Such apparatus
`by redirecting the microwave radiation away from the user
`of the apparatus.
`Typically, the broadcast from the portable telephones and
`wireleSS communication apparatus emit electromagnetic
`radiation in the microwave frequency range. An example of
`a prior art radiation Shielding apparatus for a radio trans
`mitting device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,366, issued
`to Daniels. The shield apparatus of the present invention is
`disposed primarily about the antenna and transmitting
`apparatus, both inside and outside of the portable telephone
`and wireleSS communication apparatus itself.
`A conventional cellular telephone communicates over
`hard wire phone lines by transmitting electromagnetic radia
`tion Signals between the mobile cellular telephone and
`Stationary, ground-based transmission/reception units
`known as “cells'. These cells are typically connected with a
`hard-wired telephone network, usually through a direct
`mechanical link. Thus, a user of a cellular phone is not
`confined by the traditional limitations of being mechanically
`linked with the hard-wired telephone network. Rather, the
`user of a cellular phone has mobility due to the radio
`transmission of the electromagnetic wave Signals between
`the cellular phone and the cells, and is able to communicate
`via the hard-wired telephone network as long as the cellular
`phone is within range of a transmission/reception cell Site.
`The transmission from the portable cellular telephone is
`traditionally accomplished through an antenna. In a typical
`hand-held radio telephone, radio frequency transmitting/
`receiving circuitry is disposed in the interior and a
`transmitting/receiving antenna is disposed on the outside
`and/or in the interior of a single compact unit. This type of
`cellular phone has Steadily increased in popularity because
`of the convenience and mobility afforded by its compact
`Structure. Traditionally, these cellular phones transmit at a
`cellular frequency range between 800 and 900 megahertz
`and at a power any where from less than one to Six or more
`Watt.S.
`FIG. 32 shows a typical configuration for a hand-held
`cellular phone, commonly known as a “flip phone'. This
`conventional cellular phone has a main phone body 1 having
`
`51
`
`

`

`6,095,820
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`3
`an ear piece 2 disposed thereon. A mouthpiece 3 is flipped
`downward in an open position So that when the hand-held
`cellular phone is appropriately positioned by a user, the ear
`piece 2 is adjacent to the user's ear, while the mouthpiece 3
`is adjacent to the user's mouth. An antenna 4, which may be
`telescoping or fixed, is disposed externally on the phone
`body 1. The antenna 4, which may include an antenna
`disposed inside the telephone case, emits electromagnetic
`radiation to Send communication signals from the hand-held
`cellular phone to a distant ground-based cell of a cellular
`network, and receives electromagnetic radiation carrying
`communication signals from the cell. Thus, the user is able
`to communicate through the cellular network to the hard
`wire telephone network, or other receivers via radio signals
`transmitted from the cell.
`However, the antenna 4 of a conventional hand-held radio
`telephone emits a radiation signal that exposes the user to the
`health risks now being associated with exposure to electro
`magnetic radiation in the cellular frequency band. At the
`present time the exact cause or extent of the health risks are
`not known, but, it is apparent that there is great demand for
`a means to Shield the users of hand-held cellular phones
`from unwanted, and possibly harmful, exposure to the
`radiation generated by the cellular phone. Recent tests have
`shown that radio waves in and around the cellular frequency
`band can damage the blood-brain barrier, which protects the
`brain from toxins. Furthermore, radio frequencies, including
`the European cellular frequency, have been shown to dam
`age the calcium coating in cells that regulate the passage of
`hormonal “messages' between cells. Some Scientists believe
`that the brain tissue absorbs some of the power of the
`electromagnetic radiation. The exact empirical health risks
`which can be directly linked to the cellular phone are still not
`known. However, it is apparent that the users and future
`purchasers of cellular phones are demanding a means to
`protect themselves as much as possible from exposure to the
`radiation generated by the cellular phone.
`Antenna configurations include the familiar wandlike
`monopole, which extends from the top of the telephone,
`interior antennas, which are disposed within the telephone
`case, and flush mounted antennas, which are usually located
`on the Sides, back or top of the telephone. Each of these
`antenna configurations Suffers from the problems of power
`being absorbed by the head and hand of the user. In
`particular, the flush mounted antennas Suffer from a higher
`degree of electromagnetic interaction, Since the head and
`hand are typically disposed very close to the antenna during
`use of the telephone. Also, the hand holding the telephone
`tends to mask the flush mounted antenna, causing a detuning
`effect on the antenna resonant frequency and impedance.
`This detuning can reduce the communication range of the
`telephone (see, EM Interaction of Handset Antennas and a
`Human in Personal Communications, Proceedings of the
`IEEE, Vol. 83, No. 1, January 1995).
`The currently used ground-based cell Sites have a number
`of Serious disadvantages. The user of a cellular phone must
`be within the transmission/reception range of a ground
`based cell site for the cellular phone to function. The
`transmission/reception range between a cellular phone and a
`ground-based cell Site is Severely limited by the existence of
`mountains, buildings or other Structures disposed between
`the ground-based cell Site and the cellular phone. Therefore,
`in places where there are tall buildings, mountains or other
`obscuring Structures it is necessary to maintain a large
`number ground-based cell Sites. Also, there are many loca
`tions where it is not practical or possible to maintain a cell
`Site, Such as off-shore or Sparsely populated locations. Thus,
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`compared to the vast expanses of the Earth, there are
`currently very few places where a cellular telephone has any
`Sc.
`To overcome the problems associated with ground-based
`cell Sites, a new means of communication is on the techno
`logical horizon of the wireleSS communications industry.
`Satellites orbiting the Earth can be used as a means for
`communication between ground-based locations. The use of
`orbiting Satellites as a communications link has a number of
`distinct advantages over the use of ground-based cell Sites.
`For example, Since the Satellites are located high overhead,
`there is much less chance of a signal being obstructed by a
`land or building feature, allowing for clearer, more consis
`tent communication. Also, a network of relatively few
`orbiting Satellites can provide communication over the entire
`Surface of the Earth. Thus, Satellites can enable communi
`cation from remote locations, Such as mid-ocean and moun
`tain tops, where it is impractical or impossible to build and
`maintain cell Sites. Also, an expensive to erect and to
`maintain infrastructure comprising numerous ground-based
`cell Sites is not necessary, thereby allowing developing
`countries to have the advantages of a communications
`Systems without requiring the investment in numerous
`expensive components. Conventionally, the use of Satellites
`for communication has required expensive and awkward
`equipment, typically having a relative large antenna assem
`bly for transmission and reception of a radiation signal.
`However, there are currently being developed Satellite com
`munication Systems that will enable communication
`between Small hand-held radio units. A technological prob
`lem to be addressed is the design of an antenna assembly that
`has the transmission range necessary for effective use of an
`orbiting Satellite, while having low power consumption and
`compact size. The present invention has been devised to
`overcome the drawbacks of the conventional art and pro
`vides a hand-held radio telephone capable of preventing
`unwanted exposure of the user to radiation, and having and
`enhanced and extended transmission signal.
`Personal communication services (PCS) have recently
`been introduced to provide communication coverage in
`locations where a cellular telephone System is impractical to
`be used. A PCS Systems enables communication using a
`mobile unit in locations Such as Shopping malls, under
`ground train platforms, office buildings and cities with tall
`buildings. A typical PCS system is comprised of a number
`of distributed array antennas that transmit and receive radio
`Signals necessary for communication. However, the capacity
`of a typical PCS System can be over capacitated when more
`users wish to use the System then the radio frequency
`allocated for the System allows.
`A conventional radio signal transmitting device, Such as a
`cellular telephone of PCS telephone typically utilize a
`monopole antenna design. A monopole antenna provides an
`omni-directional radiation pattern, transmitting the radio
`Signal more or leSS equally in all directions. However, the
`use of an antenna that produces an omni-directional antenna
`pattern has now been shown to have deleterious effects, due
`to the absorption of the radiation emitted by the antenna by
`the body, particularly, the head, of the user.
`The radio signals transmitted between a radio signal
`transmitting device, Such as a cellular telephone or PCS
`telephone, can be either digital or analog. Digital radio
`Signals have advantages over analog, Such as increased
`bandwidth capacity and the ability to Scramble the digital
`Signal making it a much more private vehicle for carrying
`data and Voice communication. Because of the advantages
`of digital transmission, PCS operators are opting for its use
`
`52
`
`

`

`6,095,820
`
`S
`in their newly developing Systems. Further, many cellular
`telephone carriers are converting from analog to digital
`technology as well.
`Recently, the use of a digital radio signal for the wireleSS
`transmission of data and Voice has been shown to present
`Serious problems, impacting on the practical use of the
`digital signal for communication purposes. For example, the
`digital radio signal transmitted by a radio signal transmitting
`device, such as a cellular or PCS telephone, is known to
`interfere with the use of a hearing aid by the hearing
`impaired. It may also be possible that the radio signal
`emitted by a radio signal transmitting device will interfere
`with other electronic devices located on or within the body
`of the user, Such as pacemakers and the like.
`There are growing concerns at the Federal Communica
`tions Commission and in CongreSS about the hearing aid
`interference issue. Members of the wireless telecommuni
`cations industry have pledged to develop Solutions to the
`hearing aid interference problem So that the hearing
`impaired can enjoy the benefits of digital wireleSS technol
`ogy (see, RCR, Volume 14, Number 20, Oct. 23, 1995).
`Thus, there is a recognized need, by both government and
`industry, to provide a means for preventing the radio signal
`emitted by a radio Signal transmitting device from interfer
`ing with other devices. In particular, there is a recognized
`need to prevent interference with the operation of a hearing
`aid due to the transmission of a digital radio Signal from a
`radio signal transmitting device.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention is intended to provide a Solution to
`the problems associated with the possibly harmful exposure
`to radiation during radio telephone use, and to provide a
`means for extending the Signal range of a radiation Signal
`emitted by the radio telephone. An object of the present
`invention is to provide a shield apparatus for Shielding an
`antenna and related transmitting elements of portable tele
`phones and other wireleSS communication apparatus. The
`Shield apparatus includes portions which block by absorp
`tion the microwave radio frequency radiation which is
`directed toward the user of the apparatus, and allows the
`microwave radiation to be redirected and broadcast out
`Wardly from the antenna in the directions away from the
`user, and thus extends the transmission range of the appa
`ratuS.
`An object of the present invention is to provide new and
`useful radiation absorption and blocking apparatus. Another
`object of the present invention is to provide new and useful
`apparatus for portable telephones and wireleSS communica
`tion apparatus to block electromagnetic radio frequency
`radiation from reaching the user of Such apparatus. Another
`object of the present invention is to provide new and useful
`portable telephone and wireleSS communication apparatus
`for directing microwave energy away from a user of the
`apparatus and thereby extend the transmission range of the
`apparatus. Another object of the present invention is