Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system may include an RF source, and an RF antenna assembly coupled to the RF source and within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator so that the first and second tubular conductors define a dipole antenna. The RF antenna assembly may include a thermal expansion accommodation device configured to provide a sliding arrangement between the second tubular conductor and the second electrical contact sleeve when a compressive force therebetween exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system may include an RF source, and an RF antenna assembly coupled to the RF source and within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator so that the first and second tubular conductors define a dipole antenna. The RF antenna assembly may include a thermal expansion accommodation device configured to provide a sliding arrangement between the second tubular conductor and the second electrical contact sleeve when a compressive force therebetween exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An antenna reflector (100, 700) comprising a centrally located hub (120), inner ribs (108) rotatably secured at a proximal end to the hub, outer ribs (110) extendible from the inner ribs, and a guideline truss structure (132, 160) configured to support a flexible antenna reflector surface (122). The inner ribs are rotatable from a stowed position in which they are generally aligned with a central axis of the hub, to a rotated position in which they extend in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The guideline truss structure is secured to each outer rib using standoff cords attached at intermediate locations along a length of the outer rib between opposing ends (116, 118) thereof. The outer ribs are configured to be linearly displaced respectively along an elongated length of the inner ribs from a proximal position adjacent to the hub, to an extended position distal from the hub.

Abstract: An antenna reflector (100, 700) comprising a centrally located hub (120), inner ribs (108) rotatably secured at a proximal end to the hub, outer ribs (110) extendible from the inner ribs, and a guideline truss structure (132, 160) configured to support a flexible antenna reflector surface (122). The inner ribs are rotatable from a stowed position in which they are generally aligned with a central axis of the hub, to a rotated position in which they extend in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The guideline truss structure is secured to each outer rib using standoff cords attached at intermediate locations along a length of the outer rib between opposing ends (116, 118) thereof. The outer ribs are configured to be linearly displaced respectively along an elongated length of the inner ribs from a proximal position adjacent to the hub, to an extended position distal from the hub.