Abstract: An apparatus for hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the subterranean formation to deliver RF power to the hydrocarbon resource within the subterranean formation, and an RF transmission line extending between the RF source and the RF antenna. The RF transmission line may include RF transmission line sections coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each section may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer load-carrying tubular member surrounding the outer conductor. A respective coupling assembly joins ends of adjacent sections together. Each coupling assembly may include an electrical coupler being fixedly connected to first ends of corresponding inner and outer conductors and being slidably connected to opposing second ends of adjacent inner and outer conductors, and a mechanical coupler connecting ends of adjacent load-bearing tubular members together.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the subterranean formation to deliver RF power to the hydrocarbon resource within the subterranean formation, and an RF transmission line extending between the RF source and the RF antenna. The RF transmission line may include RF transmission line sections coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each section may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer load-carrying tubular member surrounding the outer conductor. A respective coupling assembly joins ends of adjacent sections together. Each coupling assembly may include an electrical coupler being fixedly connected to first ends of corresponding inner and outer conductors and being slidably connected to opposing second ends of adjacent inner and outer conductors, and a mechanical coupler connecting ends of adjacent load-bearing tubular members together.

Abstract: Method for constructing a dipole radio frequency antenna includes depositing on a dielectric substrate at least one layer each of a conductive material, a dielectric material, and a sacrificial material. The deposit of conductive material is controlled to form a transmission line, antenna radiating element and associated antenna feed. The transmission line includes a shield formed of one or more walls and a center conductor disposed coaxially within the shield. An antenna feed portion is electrically connected to the center conductor and extends through a feed port on the transmission line to connect with an antenna radiating element. The radiating element has an elongated form which extends a first predetermined length transverse to an axis of the transmission line. The method also includes dissolving at least one layer of the sacrificial material to form a clearance space between the surface of the dielectric substrate and the antenna radiating element.

Abstract: Method for constructing a dipole radio frequency antenna includes depositing on a dielectric substrate at least one layer each of a conductive material, a dielectric material, and a sacrificial material. The deposit of conductive material is controlled to form a transmission line, antenna radiating element and associated antenna feed. The transmission line includes a shield formed of one or more walls and a center conductor disposed coaxially within the shield. An antenna feed portion is electrically connected to the center conductor and extends through a feed port on the transmission line to connect with an antenna radiating element. The radiating element has an elongated form which extends a first predetermined length transverse to an axis of the transmission line. The method also includes dissolving at least one layer of the sacrificial material to form a clearance space between the surface of the dielectric substrate and the antenna radiating element.