Inflatable truss frame
US5311706A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 17, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S52/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An inflatable truss frame member for use in the frame of a large inflatable device such as a ship or satellite decoy. A first embodiment, developed for use in satellite decoys, comprises three main inflatable tubes separated by shear load carrying interlacing inflatable tubes. The first embodiment may be manufactured by laminating two MYLAR sheets together using a triangular pattern of adhesive print to form a series of inflatable tubes. Excess material is removed from between the tubes and the edges of the MYLAR are bonded together forming a cylinder to complete the inflatable truss frame member. A second embodiment, developed for the heavier shear loading of ship decoys, comprises three main inflatable tubes separated by a shear load carrying web. The second embodiment may be manufactured by bonding an inner and outer tube made of MYLAR along arcuately spaced strips. The bonded MYLAR forms the separating web and unbonded MYLAR forms three inflatable tubes. Alternately, the second embodiment may be manufactured by separately forming three inflatable tubes and then bonding the separating web material to the inflatable tubes. Rigid stays or battens may be added between the three inf…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.