US5028928A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultra-stable, stressed-skin inflatable target support systems
Assignee: SRI International Inc
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Filing: 1990-06-26
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Granted: 1991-07-02
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Expires: 2010-06-26
Abstract
Abstract An inflatable target support system having a minimum radar cross section, a high mechanical strength, an ultra-high rigidity and a high load bearing capacity. The system comprises a thin, inflatable, stressed-skin membrane in the shape of a right cone which is sealed at its narrow end by a extremely rigid, plug and sealed at its wide end by a chamfer shaped base so as to provide exceptional rigidity to the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J. Vidmar
- 👤 David G. Watters
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:51
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J1/00; F41J1/10; H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/42; H01Q1/428; H01Q17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An inflatable target support system comprising: a high strength, low dielectric, stressed-skin membrane which when inflated to a predetermined pressure forms the shape of a right cone frustum, said right cone frustum having a preselected base radius and a preselected top radius, and a preselected taper angle; a substantially rigid plug for sealing said top radius of said right cone when it is inflated, said plug having a predetermined shape including a height, a radius, and a side taper angle; a shrinkable film which encapsulates said plug and provides a low conductance surface-contact seal between said plug and said top radius; a chamfer base having a preselected diameter for accepting said stressed-skin membrane; means for sealing and securing said stress-skin membrane to said chamfer base so as to provide a substantially fold-free, stable, and exceptionally rigid support for a predetermined load; means for supplying a preselected positive pressure to said right cone to inflate it.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An inflatable target support system comprising: a high strength, low dielectric, stressed-skin membrane which when inflated to a predetermined pressure forms the shape of a right cone frustum, said right cone frustum having a preselected base radius and a preselected top radius, and a preselected taper angle; a substantially rigid plug for sealing said top radius of said right cone when it is inflated, said plug having a predetermined shape including a height, a radius, and a side taper angle; a shrinkable film which encapsulates said plug and provides a low conductance surface-contact seal between said plug and said top radius; a chamfer base having a preselected diameter for accepting said stressed-skin membrane; means for sealing and securing said stress-skin membrane to said chamfer base so as to provide a substantially fold-free, stable, and exceptionally rigid support for a predetermined load; means for supplying a preselected positive pressure to said right cone to inflate it.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflatable target support system of claim 1, wherein said plug having a side taper angle which is greater than said right cone angle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An inflatable target support system of claim 1, wherein said plug having a height and a radius and said plug height being approximate equal to said plug radius.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
An inflatable target support system of claim 1, wherein said chamfer base having a preselected diameter which is greater than said right cone base radius.
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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) | 1994-07-01 | 1994-12-31 | 1995-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-07-01 | 1998-12-31 | 1999-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-07-01 | 2002-12-31 | 2003-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |