Abstract: An improved tracking device comprised of a lightweight structural design optimized to carry it's own mass, that mass of a lightweight incident surface or surfaces for reflecting or absorbing energy, and to withstand the forces of low to medium wind loads. A weathervaning stowage mode is initiated under high wind conditions that will inherently rotate the structure such that the reflective facets will face away from the oncoming wind and any entrained dust, hail, or other particulate. The incident surfaces will also pivot upwards via pivots near the top mounting point to reduce the surface area presented to the wind and the resultant aerodynamic forces. A fixed wind deflector is employed to transfer wind load from the top of the incident surface(s) above the point of rotation where the wind load inhibits rotation to the bottom of the facet where upward rotation is enhanced.

Abstract: An improved tracking device comprised of a lightweight structural design optimized to carry it's own mass, that mass of a lightweight incident surface or surfaces for reflecting or absorbing energy, and to withstand the forces of low to medium wind loads. A weathervaning stowage mode is initiated under high wind conditions that will inherently rotate the structure such that the reflective facets will face away from the oncoming wind and any entrained dust, hail, or other particulate. The incident surfaces will also pivot upwards via pivots near the top mounting point to reduce the surface area presented to the wind and the resultant aerodynamic forces. A fixed wind deflector is employed to transfer wind load from the top of the incident surface(s) above the point of rotation where the wind load inhibits rotation to the bottom of the facet where upward rotation is enhanced.

Abstract: An improved device for reflecting, radiating, or receiving electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy forms through the use of a membrane stretched across a lightweight, round, frame structure. A near perfectly round and flat semi-rigid backplane surface (1) and a near perfectly round ring or stack of rings (2) are mutually reinforced, forming a raised circumferential planar surface, and a cavity within. A membrane (3) is attached to the top of the rings, forming one wall of a sealed chamber. A source of sub-ambient pressure (4) is applied to the chamber, causing a primary uniform deformation in the membrane for the purpose of manipulating electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy. The backplane surface also deforms uniformly, increasing the strength of the structure. A flat, rigid floating batten (5) prevents waves or wrinkles from forming in the membrane material.

Abstract: An improved device for reflecting, radiating, or receiving electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy forms through the use of a membrane stretched across a lightweight, round, frame structure. A near perfectly round and flat semi-rigid backplane surface (1) and a near perfectly round ring or stack of rings (2) are mutually reinforced, forming a raised circumferential planar surface, and a cavity within. A membrane (3) is attached to the top of the rings, forming one wall of a sealed chamber. A source of sub-ambient pressure (4) is applied to the chamber, causing a primary uniform deformation in the membrane for the purpose of manipulating electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy. The backplane surface also deforms uniformly, increasing the strength of the structure. A flat, rigid floating batten (5) prevents waves or wrinkles from forming in the membrane material.