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:
Sep. 04, 2012
Filed:
Jan. 29, 2009
Robert Taylor, Superior, CO (US);
Rory Barrett, Lafayette, CO (US);
Will Francis, Lyons, CO (US);
Dana Turse, Broomfield, CO (US);
Phil Keller, Longmont, CO (US);
Larry Adams, Arvada, CO (US);
Robert Taylor, Superior, CO (US);
Rory Barrett, Lafayette, CO (US);
Will Francis, Lyons, CO (US);
Dana Turse, Broomfield, CO (US);
Phil Keller, Longmont, CO (US);
Larry Adams, Arvada, CO (US);
Composite Technology Development, Inc., Lafayette, CO (US);
Abstract
A shape-memory reflector is provided according to various embodiments. The shape-memory reflector may comprise any of various shapes; for example, the shape-memory reflector may comprise an off-axis paraboloid or a non-asymmetric shape. The shape-memory reflector may include a plurality of panel shape-memory stiffeners and a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners. In a stowed configuration, the shape-memory reflector is stowed with reversing bends in the panel shape-memory stiffeners. In a deployed state, the panel shape-memory stiffeners may be unfolded and/or extended. The reflector transitions between the stowed and deployed states by heating the panel shape-memory stiffeners. Various methods for stowing and deploying the shape-memory reflector are also disclosed.