Communications: radio wave antennas – Antennas – Antenna components
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-28
2003-11-18
Wong, Don (Department: 2821)
Communications: radio wave antennas
Antennas
Antenna components
C343S912000, C343S878000, C343S881000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06650304
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The disclosed invention relates generally to antenna systems, and more particularly to an inflated reflector antenna structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Space deployable antenna structures include metal mesh designs that are heavy, bulky, difficult to package and deploy, and generally expensive to construct. Further, such mesh antennas would be difficult to implement as large antennas.
Other space deployable antenna structures include inflatable antennas wherein an inflatable structure forms a reflective surface. Known inflatable antenna structures have an antenna profile that tends to change, which impairs the properties of the antenna.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
An antenna is disclosed, which includes an inflatable flexible enclosed envelope having a curved wall transparent to RF, the curved wall ending at first and second opposing edges. An RF reflective coating is disposed on the curved wall. A catenary support frame supports the first and second edges and maintains the curved wall in a predetermined shape when the envelope is inflated. A support structure is provided to support a feed array illuminating the RF reflective coating with RF energy.
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Derbes William
Gordon Jonathan D.
Lee Jar J.
Alkov Leonard A.
Chen Shih-Chao
Lenzen, Jr. Glenn H.
Raytheon Company
Wong Don
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