Abstract: A support frame (20) for a large aperture dish (10) of a dish antenna is constructed as two arrays of rigid struts. The first array of struts is formed as a plurality of pyramidal strut assemblies. Each pyramidal strut assembly as eight rigid struts (5, 7; AB, AF, BG, FG, aA, aB, aG and aF) connected at their ends to five nodes (6, 8; A, B, G, F and a). Four of the nodes (6; A, B, G, F) and four of the struts (5; AB, AF, BG, FG) of each assembly form a rigid, rectangular base, the nodes of which establish mounting points for reflective or conductive elements (21) which form the dish (10) of the antenna. The fifth node (8; a) of each assembly, which is at the vertex of the pyramidal assembly, is away from—and behind—the dish (10) of the antenna.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rotation of a large body, such as the base frame of a solar energy collector having a large reflective dish, about an axis utilizes a ring member or arcuate member. An actuator clamp is movable along the ring or arcuate member when it is not clamped to it. The actuator clamp is connected to one end of an expansion and contraction device, such as a hydraulic ram. The other end of the hydraulic ram is connected to the body, to a projection from the body, or to a rigid arm that is securely connected to the body. With the actuator clamp firmly clamped to the ring or arcuate member, actuation of the hydraulic ram causes the body to rotate about the axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rotation of a large body, such as the base frame (11) of a solar energy collector having a large reflective dish (10), about an axis (12) utilizes a ring member or arcuate member (16). An actuator clamp (18) can be moved along the ring or arcuate member when it is not clamped to it. The actuator clamp is connected to one end of an expansion and contraction device, such as a hydraulic ram (17). The other end of the ram is connected to the body or to a rigid arm (15) that is securely connected to the body. With the actuator clamp firmly clamped to the ring or arcuate member, the expansion or contraction of the ram causes the body to rotate about axis. At least one auxiliary clamp (20, 22) may be provided which may be used to continue the movement of the body while the position of the actuator clamp on the ring or arcuate member is changed.

Abstract: A solar collection antenna has a large aperture reflective dish which is mounted on a dish support fame. When the dish is pointed at the sun, it reflects received solar radiation into a zone of concentration, at which either a solar energy receiver or a secondary reflector (supported by an ancillary support) is located. To track the sun, the dish is rotated about a first axis which is transverse the dish aperture and a second, orthogonal axis (which intersects the first axis). The center of mass of the combination of the dish, its support frame, the solar energy receiver or secondary reflector and the ancillary support is relatively close to the lower edge of the dish, and lies substantially on the transverse axis of rotation, at the point where the first and second axes intersect (or almost intersect). The dish aperture is chosen so that the dish experiences balanced wind loading about its transverse axis of rotation.

Abstract: A dish antenna framework is constructed from tetrahedral strut assemblies. Each assembly is made up of six struts joined at their ends to four nodes. The nodes also constitute dish mounting points for the dish on the dish antenna framework. These points are located on the envelope of the dish. The framework supported on base frame is rotated about the vertical axis using a movable hydraulic ram arrangement wherein a ram cylinder is attached by an arm to the base frame to be rotated, a ram piston is removably attached to anchor members fixed to a platform. Rotation is effected by expanding and contracting the hydraulic ram. The ram is guided between anchor members by guiding means.