Abstract: A Modular Communication Satellite (10) for a Satellite Communication System is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a foldable, high-gain, electronically steered antenna array (12) that is always pointed toward the Earth (E). The unfolded spacecraft resemble an oblate flower. Polygonal antenna panels (92, 94, 96, 102, 104, & 106) are attached to each other and to a primary bus structure (22) by antenna deployment hinges (90). The upper portion of the satellite (10) incorporates intersatellite antenna arrays (26) of individual intersatellite antennas (28), which are always pointed tangentially to the Earth (E). An Astromast.TM. boom (32) is mounted between the space facing surface of the primary bus structure (22) and an assembly of solar array storage booms (36). The Astromast.TM. boom (32) can expand and rotate amorphous silicon solar arrays (38) which are unfurled from within the solar array storage booms (36).

Abstract: A series of spacecraft designs (10, 26 & 34) for a Satellite Communication System is disclosed. One of the preferred embodiments of the invention called "Domesat" (10) includes a hemispherical, high-gain, electronically-steered antenna array (12) that is always pointed toward the Earth (E). Hexagonal antenna panels (14) are held together by tubular and spherical connectors (22 & 24). The upper portion of the satellite (10) incorporates a space-facing array (16) of panels (18) which are always pointed toward the zenith (Z). The interior of the dome-shaped antenna array (12) is used to store solar cell panels (20) which unfurl through an opening (11) in the space-facing array (16) when the spacecraft (10) reaches its final orbit. An alternative embodiment of the invention called "Gearsat" (26) comprises a hollow torus which inflates when it reaches orbit. When viewed from the side along its circumference, "Gearsat" (26) looks like two flattened pyramids sharing a common base.

Abstract: Fluid-sampling system and method for automated, chemistry-analyzing apparatus for withdrawing precise quantities of serum samples from a specimen container and for dispensing the samples into reagent containers for analysis. The apparatus includes a sampler assembly coupled to pressure-generating means for the withdrawal and dispensing of the serum by the sampler assembly. The system is designed such that the quantity of a serum sample taken up and dispensed will be a function only of the fluid mechanics of the sampling system and the timed operation of a control valve rather than being a function of any pressure variations established in the flow control means as in prior systems. This permits infinitely variable, very small, yet very precise quantities of a serum or other fluid to be taken up and dispensed permitting more efficient and cost effective use of available serum.