Antenna with thermally transferred element

Abstract

An antenna includes an element that is made by thermally bonding a patterned conductive layer to a dielectric sheet. The antenna can be redesigned easily for prototype or low volume production yet the invention is suitable for volume production as well. The antenna, or an element thereof, can be made from a xerographic print using toner as an adhesive.

1 . A method for making an antenna, said method comprising the steps of:
 positioning a conductive layer on a substrate between a thermal printer and a dielectric sheet with the conductive layer facing the dielectric sheet;   bringing the conductive layer into contact with the dielectric sheet;   locally heating the conductive layer to transfer a portion of the conductive layer to the dielectric sheet;   repeating the step of locally heating to produce a matrix of transfers; and   separating the substrate from the dielectric sheet to leave a patterned conductive layer adhering to the dielectric sheet.   
     
     
         2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the steps are repeated with a second dielectric sheet and further including the step of assembling the sheets into an antenna. 
     
     
         3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the bringing step is preceded by the step of applying an adhesive on the dielectric sheet. 
     
     
         4 . A method for making an antenna, said method comprising the steps of:
 xerographically printing a pattern on a dielectric sheet;   positioning a conductive layer on a substrate with the conductive layer facing the pattern;   bringing the conductive layer into contact with the pattern;   heating the pattern to transfer portions of the conductive layer to the dielectric sheet; and   separating the substrate from the dielectric sheet to leave a patterned conductive layer adhering to the dielectric sheet.   
     
     
         5 . The method as set forth in  claim 4  wherein the steps are repeated with a second dielectric sheet and further including the step of assembling the dielectric sheets into an antenna.