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:
Aug. 21, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 18, 1999
Richard I. Harless, West Melbourne, FL (US);
Harris Corporation, Melbourne, FL (US);
Abstract
An architecture deploying an energy-directing mesh so as to conform with a prescribed surface includes a plurality of radially extending support structures. Cords extend between the support structures in a generally circumferential fashion, and have attachment locations for the energy-directing material offset from the support structures. Each of a plurality of outermost intercostal cords is retained in tension between the support structures and is configured to substantially conform to the perimeter of the prescribed surface. Flexible intercostal compression reactor members are arranged to be placed in tension in a generally arcuate shape between adjacent support structures. Flexible radial compression members are placed in compression between the intercostal compression reactor members and the outermost intercostal cords, so that the outermost cords substantially conform with the perimeter of the prescribed surface. The outermost intercostal cord is supplemented by at least one, and preferably a plurality of, additional, auxiliary cords installed between each pair of support structures. These plural cords are attached to intercostal and radial compression members in a manner that fills in the scallop-shaped gaps of the conventional architecture with an auxiliary mesh attachment structure for conforming the perimeter of the mesh surface with its intended geometrical shape. The combination of these additional intercostal cord sets and their associated radial compression members provides for a more accurate mesh attachment geometry and improved stability.