US3780375A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Deployable parabolic antennas
Assignee: Boeing North American Inc
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Filing: 1971-11-26
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Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1991-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A deployable parabolic antenna is formed of a plurality of resilient rings disposed concentrically about an extensible boom wherein the outer ring is tied by a first group of tension members to the top of the boom and, also, by a second group of tension members tied to the bottom of the pole, thereby rigidly supporting the outer ring with respect to the pole. The inner rings are tied to the bottom of the pole by respective groups of tension members and to each other and the outer ring by a netlike metallic fabric member which is stretched to form a concave surface that approaches the shape of a paraboloid when fully deployed. Since the rings are resilient and the fabric and tension members are flexible, the assembly can be folded about the boom to form a compact mass for storage.
Inventors
- 👤 A Cummings
- 👤 E Binz
- 👤 G Freeman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:36
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q15/00; H01Q15/14; H01Q15/16; H01Q15/161
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
An antenna deployable from a retracted stowed position to an extended deployed position, comprising: an elongated boom having a plurality of telescopically extendible sections; an outer ring disposed concentrically around said boom in the deployed position; a reflective fabric attached to and disposed wtin said outer ring with said boom extending therethrough; a first group of tie lines connecting said outer ring to one end of said boom; a second group of tie lines connecting said outer ring to the other end of said boom; an inner ring means disposed concentrically around said boom within said outer ring, said reflective fabric being attached to said inner ring means; a third group of tie lines connecting said inner ring means to said other end of said boom; and means on said boom permitting controled extension of said tie lines a predetermined extent upon extension of said boom from its retracted stowed position whereby said reflective fabric is caused to assume a substantially concave surface over said inner ring means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
An antenna deployable from a retracted stowed position to an extended deployed position, comprising: an elongated boom having a plurality of telescopically extendible sections; an outer ring disposed concentrically around said boom in the deployed position; a reflective fabric attached to and disposed wtin said outer ring with said boom extending therethrough; a first group of tie lines connecting said outer ring to one end of said boom; a second group of tie lines connecting said outer ring to the other end of said boom; an inner ring means disposed concentrically around said boom within said outer ring, said reflective fabric being attached to said inner ring means; a third group of tie lines connecting said inner ring means to said other end of said boom; and means on said boom permitting controled extension of said tie lines a predetermined extent upon extension of said boom from its retracted stowed position whereby said reflective fabric is caused to assume a substantially concave surface over said inner ring means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The antenna set forth in claim 1 wherein said inner ring means comprises a plurality of inner concentric rings with said reflective fabric being substantially in tangential contact therewith.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The antenna set forth in claim 2 wherein said outer and inner rings are hollow toroids of resilient metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The antenna set forth in claim 3 wherein said hollow toroids are formed of two half toroids joined together by diametrically opposed seams that are disposed substantially in a cylindrical surface when deployed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The antenna set forth in claim 4 wherein said hollow toroidal rings may be flattened to form cylindrical elements concentric about said boom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The antenna set forth in claim 5 wherein said flattened toroidal rings may be convoluted to form cusps that may be wrapped around said boom in the stowed position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The antenna set foth in claim 1 wherein said second group of tie lines includes paiRs of lines connecting each connection point on the outer ring to each connection point on the boom in the manner of wheel spokes to thereby provide torsional stiffness to said outer ring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The antenna set forth in claim 1 wherein said tie line extension means comprises pulleys on said boom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |