Inflatable multi-function parabolic reflector apparatus and methods of manufacture

A portable, multi-function, apparatus selectably for use as a radiant electromagnetic energy focusing apparatus, a non-focusing electromagnetic energy manipulating apparatus, and/or a non-electromagnetically functioning or operating apparatus, said multifunction apparatus comprising:

• a support ring, said support ring comprising at least one substantially tubular and inflatable ring, said support ring defining a vacant center;
• at least one inflation means for inflating said support ring;
• at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the center of said support ring, said membranes defining at least one substantially predetermined portion of at least one inflatable reflector chamber, at least one of said membranes having at least one means for reflecting radiant electromagnetic energy;
• at least one pressure adjusting or inflation means for adjusting the pressure within said reflector chamber;
• and
• at least one means for performing at least one function not involving concentrating, focusing, and/or beaming radiant electromagnetic energy, said means selected from the group consisting of:
• a means for collecting fluid;
• a means for storing fluid;
• a means for distributing fluid;
• a means for processing fluid;
• a means for fermenting materials;
• a means for storing material;
• a means for providing waterborne flotation;
• a means for providing snowborne transportation;
• a means for providing a compliant support;
• a means for immobilizing a broken limb;
• a means for concentrating sound;
• a means for providing electrostatic insulation;
• a means for providing thermal insulation;
• and
• a means for providing electromagnetic insulation,
• wherein said multi-function apparatus is selectably deployable to perform at least one focused electromagnetic function, at least one non-focused electromagnetic function, and/or at least one non-electromagnetic function.

A method of establishing or providing at least one function or element of life-sustaining infrastructure within an at least partially infrastructure-deprived environment utilizing a portable, multi-function, field-deployable apparatus, wherein said apparatus is selectably deployable by a user or operator of said apparatus to perform at least one user-selectable function in said environment, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a support ring, said support ring comprising at least one substantially tubular and inflatable ring, said support ring defining a vacant center;
• providing at least one inflation means for inflating said support ring;
• providing at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the center of said support ring, said membranes defining at least one substantially predetermined portion of at least one inflatable reflector chamber, at least one of said pressure-deformable membranes having at least one means for reflecting radiant electromagnetic energy;
• providing at least one pressure adjusting or inflation means for adjusting the pressure within said reflector chamber;
• and
• deploying said support ring and said pressure-deformable membranes in a manner effective for performing a selected function.

A portable, multi-function, apparatus principally for use as a field-deployable multifunction tool, said apparatus comprising:

• a support ring, said support ring comprising at least one substantially tubular and inflatable ring, said support ring defining a vacant center;
• at least one inflation means for inflating said support ring;
• at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the center of said support ring, said membranes defining at least one substantially predetermined portion of at least one inflatable central chamber;
• at least one pressure adjusting or inflation means for adjusting the pressure within said central chamber;
• at least one mean for collecting fluid;
• and
• at least one means for performing at least one supplemental function, said means selected from the group consisting of:
• a means for reflecting radiant electromagnetic energy;
• a means for concentrating sound;
• a means for internally storing fluid;
• a means for distributing fluid;
• a means for processing fluid;
• a means for fermenting materials;
• a means for internally storing material;
• wherein said multifunction apparatus is selectably deployable by the user or operator of said apparatus to perform at least one user-selectable function.

A portable field-deployable electromagnetic energy concentrating apparatus comprising:

• a support ring, said support ring comprising at least one substantially tubular and inflatable ring, said support ring defining a vacant center;
• at least one inflation means for inflating said support ring;
• at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the center of said support ring, said membranes defining at least one substantially predetermined portion of at least one inflatable reflector chamber, at least one of said pressure-deformable membranes having at least one means for reflecting radiant electromagnetic energy;
• and
• at least one pressure adjusting or inflation means for adjusting the pressure within said reflector chamber;
• wherein said apparatus is further characterized by having at least one safety means for reducing the risk of accidental or unintentional exposure to concentrated electromagnetic radiation.

A method of enhancing the safety of an apparatus having at least one pressure-deformable reflective membrane by using a pre-formed reflective membrane to provide a substantially fixed focal point at a substantially fixed focal length from the reflective membrane, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one pre-formed, pressure-deformable, reflective membrane extending across the center of a support ring, said membrane defining a predetermined portion of at least one inflatable reflector chamber, said pressure-deformable membrane having at least one means for reflecting radiant electromagnetic energy;
• and
• providing at least one pressure adjusting or inflation means for adjusting the pressure within said reflector chamber,
• whereby said method substantially limits the apparatus to producing highly concentrated radiant electromagnetic energy only in proximity to the substantially fixed focal point of the apparatus.