Stretched membrane device
US7374301B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/0825
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved device for reflecting, radiating, or receiving electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy forms through the use of a membrane stretched across a lightweight, round, frame structure. A near perfectly round and flat semi-rigid backplane surface (1) and a near perfectly round ring or stack of rings (2) are mutually reinforced, forming a raised circumferential planar surface, and a cavity within. A membrane (3) is attached to the top of the rings, forming one wall of a sealed chamber. A source of sub-ambient pressure (4) is applied to the chamber, causing a primary uniform deformation in the membrane for the purpose of manipulating electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy. The backplane surface also deforms uniformly, increasing the strength of the structure. A flat, rigid floating batten (5) prevents waves or wrinkles from forming in the membrane material. A circumferential heating element (6) and insulation (7) provides tensioning of the membrane by slightly controlling the circumference of the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.