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:
Apr. 13, 1993
Filed:
Aug. 23, 1991
Applicant:
Inventors:
Robert W Bussard, Manassas, VA (US);
Thomas H Wallace, Gainesville, FL (US);
Assignee:
APTI, Inc., Washington, DC (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H01Q / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
342 10 ; 342-6 ; 343915 ;
Abstract
An adjustable focal length reflector for operation in space includes a membrane having a reflective surface. The membrane is subjected to incident radiation pressure. An assembly is located at the perimeter of the membrane to exert force on the membrane to counteract the incident radiation pressure in order to vary the focal length of the reflective surface. In a preferred embodiment the assembly includes an inflatable torus whose internal pressure is varied to vary the amount of force exerted on the membrane.