Patent · US Expired

Focusing reflector

US4179193A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
5References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 10, 1978
Grant dateDec 18, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/40
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A focusing reflective mirror which is fabricated of a hoop structure having a reflective metalized membrane stretched over one face thereof and a metalized backing membrane over the opposite side forming a closed reflective structure. The contour of the flexible reflective surface is controlled by a differential pressure between the enclosed area behind the reflective surface and the ambient pressure. The particular configuration or contour of the reflective surface is controlled by a electropneumatic control system wherein a capacitive member is mounted behind the reflective surface and within the reflective structure which senses the distance between the capacitive member and the reflective surface and adjusts the focus by varying the relative pressure within the enclosed area behind the reflective member.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.