Abstract: A node and a strut connect to one another to form a spaceframe structure, in which the strut has a strut bending stiffness and defines a strut axis. The node has a main body and an arm connecting to and extending from the main body along the strut axis and toward the strut. The arm has a node end attaching to the main body, a strut end connecting to the strut and a midsection extending there between. The midsection includes a neck portion having a neck bending stiffness being less than 20% of the strut bending stiffness. The strut includes primary and secondary sections that axially slidably connect to one another to position them between adjacent respective end-fittings of adjacent nodes, and partially axially overlap and secure to one another and to the end-fittings respectively. At least one of the end-fittings connects to the strut end of the arm.

Abstract: A helical antenna has a helix supported by a helix support. The helix support includes at least one piece of flexible sheet having its two surfaces covered with a layer antistatic material. The flexible sheet is curlable into a revolution surface configuration to form a revolution surface-shaped support section for at least partially supporting a portion of the helix component there around. A grounding mechanism electrically grounds the external sheet surface to the helix and the two sheet surfaces to one another when in the revolution surface configuration while a locking mechanism locks the flexible sheet in the revolution surface configuration. The combination of the helix and the flexible support renders the antenna structurally relatively rigid in all directions.

Abstract: A helical antenna has a helix supported by a helix support. The helix support includes at least one piece of flexible sheet having its two surfaces covered with a layer antistatic material. The flexible sheet is curlable into a revolution surface configuration to form a revolution surface-shaped support section for at least partially supporting a portion of the helix component there around. A grounding mechanism electrically grounds the external sheet surface to the helix and the two sheet surfaces to one another when in the revolution surface configuration while a locking mechanism locks the flexible sheet in the revolution surface configuration. The combination of the helix and the flexible support renders the antenna structurally relatively rigid in all directions.

Abstract: An adjustable RF microwave tuning post for use in an RF cavity is disclosed. It is comprised of a flexible integrally-formed hollow tuning post disposed in the RF cavity. A drive shaft extending internally of the tuning post is provided to vary the dimensions of the tuning post. The drive shaft is connected to the tuning post at the top end thereof and connected at the other end of the drive shaft to an adjusting nut. The tuning post is made flexible by the use of bellows, which in a preferred embodiment of the invention is located along the side walls thereof.