A Stavanger inventor managed to create a tiny antenna for low frequency
signals, and his innovation is now on the verge of commercial success,
newspaper Faedrelandsvennen reports. The diminutive device can replace
existing antennas as large as 30 meters.
"The Royal Air Force in England has bought 50 and ordered another 30. I
know that an invitation is on the way from the Pentagon for a
demonstration. On the other hand I can mention the Department of
Agriculture, Norwegian Meat, and the Norwegian Sheep Breeders have devised
and begun to use an electronic sheep bell with the antenna integrated on
the circuit board and mounted in a collar," businessman Terje Heiseldal
told the newspaper.
Heiseldal is the head of Toennevold Venture Invest and associated firm
Ancom AS, and the invention is the work of Helge Karlsen. Karlsen used 12
years to develop the squat antenna, about the size of a grape, which is now
patented around the world.
"The point is the material the antenna is made of - ferrite. It is
traditionally used in radios, but only to receive signals. It has been
universally accepted that ferrite cannot be used as a sender. But Helge
Karlsen has managed it," Heiseldal said.
The low frequency signals the antenna emits are especially efficient for
use in undulating terrain, and defense technology is a natural market.
"The Defense would be a typical user. Until now they have been dependent on
large whip antennas on everything from cars to tanks. Some of these are as
large as 20-30 meters. Our tiny antenna can be placed in the car or cast in
metal, and is at least as good. The possibilities are enormous," Heiseldal
said.
Aftenposten English Web Desk
http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article.jhtml?articleID=609108