Reflecting systems, such as reflector antenna systems, with tension-stabilized reflector positioning apparatus
AssigneeEagle Technology, LLC
InventorsPhilip J. Henderson, Timothy L. Fetterman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Reflecting systems, such as reflector antenna systems, can include a first and a second reflector, and a sub-reflector positioning apparatus. The sub-reflector positioning apparatus has a tensioner attached to the second reflector and configured to exert a force on the second reflector. The force urges the second reflector away from the first reflector. The sub-reflector positioning apparatus also includes a plurality of restraints attached to the first and second reflectors. The restraints are configured to be tensioned in response to the force on the second reflector, and to restrain the second reflector at a pre-determined position in relation to the first reflector.
Claims20
A reflector antenna system, comprising:
- a reflector;
- a feed;
- a sub-reflector configured to reflect energy between the reflector and the feed;
- and a sub-reflector positioning apparatus, the sub-reflector positioning apparatus comprising:
- a tensioner attached to the sub-reflector and configured to exert a force on the sub-reflector, the force urging the sub-reflector away from the reflector;
- and
- a plurality of restraints attached to the sub-reflector and configured to be tensioned in response to the force on the sub-reflector, and to restrain the sub-reflector in relation to the reflector.
A reflector system, comprising:
- a first reflector;
- a second reflector;
- and a plurality of collapsible restraints each being attached to the first and second reflectors, wherein the restraints are configured so that the restraints, when under tension and fully extended, locate the first reflector at a first predetermined position in relation to the second reflector.
A system comprising:
- a first member;
- a second member adjacent to the first member and being located in a predetermined position in relation to the first member;
- and a support apparatus, the support apparatus comprising:
- a tensioner comprising an elongated beam attached to the first and the second members and configured to exert a force on the second member when the elongated beam resiliently deflects, the force urging the second member away from the first member;
- and
- six restraints each being attached to the first and the second members and positioned in the form of a hexapod, wherein the restraints are configured to be tensioned in response to the force on the second member, and to locate the second member in the pre-determined position when tensioned.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.