Patent US3576566A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3576566A
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Closed loop antenna reflector supporting structure
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1966-10-31
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Granted: 1971-04-27
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Expires: 1986-10-31
Abstract
Abstract The supporting structure is a closed loop, such as a torus, and is useful for supporting a focusing, transmitting or reflecting mechanism, such as the mesh of an antenna. A series of arcuate segments are hinged to one another so that the whole structure may be folded in a truncated ogival configuration for stowage within a small volume, such as a vehicle shroud. Upon deployment, the segments unfold about the hinges to form the closed loop which acts as a closed beam and which tends to be selfstabilizing. A stabilized geometrical relationship also exists between the mesh and the loop. Such stabilization acts against displacement and deformation forces. Elongating struts connect the loop to a space vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 John H Cover Jr
- 👤 Allister F Fraser Jr
- 👤 Bruno R Gaspari
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 20:50
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q15/00; H01Q15/14; H01Q15/16; H01Q15/161
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A supporting structure for an antenna comprising a foldable and unfoldable closed loop, said loop comprising a plurality of single segments placeable in tandem when said loop is unfolded to lie in a single plane, said unfolded loop thereby acting as a closed beam, articulated joints secured between said segments and to adjoining ends thereof, means associated with said articulated joints for unfolding said loop, and a Flexible electromagnetic wave reflecting surface connected to said loop.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A supporting structure for an antenna comprising a foldable and unfoldable closed loop, said loop comprising a plurality of single segments placeable in tandem when said loop is unfolded to lie in a single plane, said unfolded loop thereby acting as a closed beam, articulated joints secured between said segments and to adjoining ends thereof, means associated with said articulated joints for unfolding said loop, and a Flexible electromagnetic wave reflecting surface connected to said loop.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A structure as in claim 1 whereby said reflecting surface is connected to said loop at the inner periphery thereof, said surface being under tension when said loop is unfolded to physically stabilize said loop against displacement and deformation forces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said segments are arcuate to form a ring, said ring and said surface being foldable into a truncated ogival arrangement and unfoldable into an operational condition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said loop is connected to a vehicle and further including a plurality of struts secured to said loop and the vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said loop comprises a segmented torus. 6 A structure as in claim 1 wherein said joints comprise hinges for folding said loop and said surface in a stowed condition and for unfolding said loop and said surface into an operational condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A structure as in claim 6 wherein said means includes biasing means associated with said hinges and said segments for unfolding said loop and said surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A structure as in claim 7 further including locking means connected to said hinges to prevent folding of said loop after the unfolding thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said loop is connected to a vehicle and further including a plurality of extensible struts secured to said loop and the vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A structure as in claim 9 wherein each of said struts includes telescoping members for contraction and expansion thereof as said loop and said surface are folded and unfolded.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
69 words
In an antenna secured to a vehicle and having an electromagnetic wave reflecting surface, a supporting structure including a closed loop lying in a single plane and thus operating as a closed beam and secured to the vehicle, and the surface integrally connected to said loop throughout the inner periphery thereof to effect therewith a physically stabilized condition against displacement and deformation forces between said loop and the surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
69 words
In an antenna secured to a vehicle and having an electromagnetic wave reflecting surface, a supporting structure including a closed loop lying in a single plane and thus operating as a closed beam and secured to the vehicle, and the surface integrally connected to said loop throughout the inner periphery thereof to effect therewith a physically stabilized condition against displacement and deformation forces between said loop and the surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
A structure as in claim 11 wherein said loop includes arcuate segments for folding of said loop and the surface into a truncated ogival arrangement and, when arranged in tandem, for unfolding of said loop and the surface into an operational condition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-26 | 1974-10-26 | 1975-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-26 | 1978-10-26 | 1979-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-26 | 1982-10-26 | 1983-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |