Lightweight folding parabolic reflector and antenna system
US4527166A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/40
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A portable lightweight folding parabolic reflector antenna for reception of microwave signals includes an axial waveguide tube which constitutes the main structural supporting member of the antenna, a ten- to fifteen-foot diameter dish mounted to the waveguide and a sub-reflector supported at the forward end of the waveguide. A low noise amplifier may be mounted to the rear end of the waveguide for amplification of the received signals. The folding dish includes a single sheet of resiliently elastic reflecting mesh supported by a radial framework of normally straight resiliently flexible spokes of tapering cross section. The spokes are pivotable by a lever system between a folded axial position and a deployed radial position. The normally straight spokes are stressed upon deployment by a perimeter cable to the desired parabolic or spherical curvature and the elastic mesh is stretched over the convex side of the radial framework by the perimeter cable, so that the mesh assumes the curvature of the radial spokes to present a dished parabolic reflecting surface towards the subreflector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.