Abstract: Extensible mast is comprised of multiple mast sections which are aligned along a mast axis. Each mast section is formed of an elongated tubular member disposed in a nested configuration when the mast is in a stowed condition. Each mast section is configured to slide along a direction aligned with the mast axis to facilitate a transition of the mast from the stowed condition to a deployed condition. In the deployed condition, adjacent mast sections are disposed substantially end to end so as to form a mast having an elongated length extending from a mast base to a mast tip. Mast sections includes one or more latches formed from a portion of the sidewall and resiliently engage a portion of an adjacent mast section.

Abstract: A reflector antenna system comprising: a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a mesh reflector secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the collapsed configuration the mesh reflector is collapsed within the hoop assembly and when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; a mast assembly including an extendible boom to which the hoop assembly is secured by cords; and an antenna feed that is located on a vehicle so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern.

Abstract: A reflector antenna system comprising: a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a mesh reflector secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the collapsed configuration the mesh reflector is collapsed within the hoop assembly and when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; a mast assembly including an extendible boom to which the hoop assembly is secured by cords; and an antenna feed that is located on a vehicle so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern.

Abstract: Extensible mast is comprised of multiple mast sections which are aligned along a mast axis. Each mast section is formed of an elongated tubular member disposed in a nested configuration when the mast is in a stowed condition. Each mast section is configured to slide along a direction aligned with the mast axis to facilitate a transition of the mast from the stowed condition to a deployed condition. In the deployed condition, adjacent mast sections are disposed substantially end to end so as to form a mast having an elongated length extending from a mast base to a mast tip. Mast sections includes one or more latches formed from a portion of the sidewall and resiliently engage a portion of an adjacent mast section.

Abstract: Folded optics reflector system includes a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to define a circumferential hoop. A mesh reflector surface is secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern. The system also includes a mast assembly comprised of an extendible boom. The hoop assembly is secured by a plurality of cords relative to a top and bottom portion of the boom, whereby upon extension of the boom to a deployed condition, the hoop assembly is supported by the boom. A subreflector is disposed at the top portion of the boom.

Abstract: A reflector system includes a hoop assembly, a collapsible mesh reflector surface and an extendible mast assembly. The hoop assembly includes a plurality of link members extending between a plurality of hinge members and the hoop assembly is moveable between a collapsed configuration wherein the link members extend substantially parallel to one another and an expanded configuration wherein the link members define a circumferential hoop. The reflector surface is secured to the hoop assembly and collapses and extends therewith. The hoop is secured by cords relative to top and bottom portions of a mast that maintains the hoop substantially in a plane. The mast is stored on a spool and extends to release the hoop, pull the mesh reflector surface into a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern, and tension the cords that locate the hoop.

Abstract: Reflector systems (10) comprising a reflector (11) formed from rigid panels (14) mounted on a centrally-located hub (12) are provided. The panels (14) can be stowed in a relatively compact manner in which the panels (14) overlap. The panels (14) can translate with a combination of rotational and linear motion so that the panels (14) become disposed in a side by side relationship, thereby deploying the reflector (11) so that the reflector (11) can focus electromagnetic energy incident thereupon.

Abstract: Reflector systems (10) comprising a reflector (11) formed from rigid panels (14) mounted on a centrally-located hub (12) are provided. The panels (14) can be stowed in a relatively compact manner in which the panels (14) overlap. The panels (14) can translate with a combination of rotational and linear motion so that the panels (14) become disposed in a side by side relationship, thereby deploying the reflector (11) so that the reflector (11) can focus electromagnetic energy incident thereupon.