The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 25, 1988
Filed:
Dec. 03, 1984
John S Archer, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (US);
William B Palmer, Palos Verdes Estates, CA (US);
TRW Inc., Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Abstract
An improved hydraulic reflector is provided for use as an antenna or solar reflector or the like, wherein the reflector is collapsible for highly compact stowage within a space vehicle and for convenient deployment in space to an expanded, generally dish-shaped configuration. The reflector comprises a rigid central dish hinged to a peripheral array of hingedly interconnected rigid panels which in turn carry a peripheral array of outwardly radiating extension ribs supporting an outer ring of flexible reflector material. The rigid panels and the extension ribs are movable together between a collapsed state folded substantially into a cylindrical envelope defined by the diametric size of the rigid central dish and a deployed configuration lying generally within a surface of revolution common to the central dish, such as a paraboloid surface in the case of an antenna.