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:
May. 20, 2008
Filed:
Feb. 20, 2005
Douglas Evan Simmers, Massillon, OH (US);
Douglas Evan Simmers, Massillon, OH (US);
Other;
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 () and a near perfectly round ring or stack of rings () are mutually reinforced, forming a raised circumferential planar surface, and a cavity within. A membrane () is attached to the top of the rings, forming one wall of a sealed chamber. A source of sub-ambient pressure () 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 () prevents waves or wrinkles from forming in the membrane material. A circumferential heating element () and insulation () provides tensioning of the membrane by slightly controlling the circumference of the device.