Inflatable radiation attenuator

Claim 2

An absorption-structure for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, comprising: means, comprising a sheet of radiation-reflecting material, for reflecting impinging electromagnetic radiation; means, comprising at least one sheet of radiation-absorbing material, for absorbing said electromagnetic radiation; and inflatable means for suitably positioning said absorbing-means relative to said reflecting means for optimizing the absorption of said electromagnetic radiation.

Claim 3

The combination of claim 1 wherein said inflatable means comprises inflatable tubing, positioned between adjacent sheets, for spacing apart said sheets.

Claim 4

The combination of claim 1 wherein said inflatable means comprises an air-mattress type of structure.

Claim 5

The combination of claim 1 wherein said inflatable means comprise balloon type means for spacing apart said sheets.

Claim 6

The combination of claim 1 wherein said inflatable means comprises tension means, affixed to adjacent sheets, for spacing said sheets for optimum absorption.

Claim 7

The combination of claim 1 wherein said absorbing means comprises a plurality of absorbing-sheets, and wherein said inflatable means suitably positions all said absorbing means relative to said reflecting means to optimize the absorption of said electromagnetic radiation.

Claim 8

The combination of claim 6 wherein said absorbing-sheets have insertion-losses of about 7.4, 3.1, 2.9, and 0.4 db.

Claim 9

The combination of claim 6 wherein said inflatable means comprises tension means, affixed to adjacent sheets, for spacing said plurality of sheets for optimum absorption.

Claim 10

The combination of claim 8 wherein said tension means are staggered.

Claim 11

The combination of claim 8 wherein said tension means are angled.

Claim 12

The combination of claim 6 wherein said absorbing-structure comprises a pressurable outer sheath--whereby the volume within said outer sheath may be pressurized.

Claim 13

The combination of claim 6 wherein said absorbing-structure comprises a pressurizable outer sheath and a pressurizable inner sheath--whereby the volume between said sheaths may be pressurized.

Claim 14

A Salisbury-type screen for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, comprising: means, comprising a sheet of radiation-reflecting material, for reflecting impinging electromagnetic radiation; means, comprising a plurality of sheets of radiation-absorbing material, for absorbing electromagnetic radiation; means, comprising tension-elements positioned between--and affixed to--adjacent sheets for spacing said sheets to achieve optimum radiation absorption; and inflating means for urging apart said sheets of said screen to limits established by said tension-elements.

Claim 15

A Salisbury-type screen for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, comprising: means, comprising a sheet of radiation-reflecting material, for reflecting impinging electromagnetic radiation; means, comprising a plurality of sheets of radiation-absorbing material, for absorbing electromagnetic radiation; means, comprising tension-elements positioned between--and affixed to--adjacent sheets for spacing said sheets to achieve optimum radiation absorption; and inflating means for urging apart said sheets of said screen to limits established by said tension-elements.

Claim 16

The combination of claim 13 wherein said tension-elements comprise rectangular-fret configurations that are angled relative to each other.

Claim 17

The combination of claim 13 wherein said tension-elements comprise rectangular configurations that are parallel to each other.

Claim 18

The combination of claim 13 wherein said tension-elements comprise configurations that are staggered to each other.

Claim 19

The combination of claim 12 wherein said tension-elements comprise a strip-like configuration having their edges affixed to proximal sheets.

Claim 20

The combination of claim 12 wherein said tension-elements comprise strips having their ends affixed to proximal sheets.

Claim 21

The combination of claim 13 including: an outer sheath affixed to the outermost of said sheets; an inner sheath affixed to the innermost of said sheets; and means for causing said inflating means to urge apart said sheaths.

Claim 22

An absorption structure for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, comprising: means, comprising at least one sheet of radiation absorbing material, for absorbing said electromagnetic radiation; and inflatable means for suitably positioning said absorbing means for optimising the absorption of said electromagnetic radiation.

Claim 23

An absorption structure for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, comprising: means, comprising at least one sheet of radiation absorbing material, for absorbing said electromagnetic radiation; and inflatable means for suitably positioning said absorbing means for optimising the absorption of said electromagnetic radiation.