Patents by Inventor Ira Steve Smith, JR.

Ira Steve Smith, JR. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Large reflector inflatable space-based telescope
    Patent number: 11414217
    Abstract: A large reflector inflatable telescope. The telescope has an inflatable hull with a conical lower portion and a hemispherical upper portion. The conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves so that radio or light waves can reach an inner reflector, which is interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion. The presence of the inner reflector allows the conical portion and the hemispherical portion to be inflated at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic. If desired, the reflector can be made adjustable with a membrane behind the reflector that provides electro-static force to shape the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: William Dean Perry, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
  • Large Reflector Inflatable Space-Based Telescope
    Publication number: 20210214106
    Abstract: A large reflector inflatable telescope. The telescope has an inflatable hull with a conical lower portion and a hemispherical upper portion. The conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves so that radio or light waves can reach an inner reflector, which is interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion. The presence of the inner reflector allows the conical portion and the hemispherical portion to be inflated at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic. If desired, the reflector can be made adjustable with a membrane behind the reflector that provides electro-static force to shape the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: William Dean Perry, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
  • Balloon reflector antenna
    Patent number: 10680310
    Abstract: A balloon reflector antenna for a satellite, including a spherical balloon with a surface transparent to electromagnetic waves and a reflective surface opposite the transparent surface. The balloon reflector antenna may further include a feed system extending from the center of the balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface and/or outputs electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona, Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Christopher K. Walker, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
  • DEPLOYABLE REFLECTOR ANTENNA
    Publication number: 20190123417
    Abstract: A balloon reflector antenna for a satellite, including a spherical balloon with a surface transparent to electromagnetic waves and a reflective surface opposite the transparent surface. The balloon reflector antenna may further include a feed system extending from the center of the balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface and/or outputs electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher K. WALKER, Ira Steve SMITH, JR.
  • Deployable reflector antenna
    Patent number: 10199711
    Abstract: A balloon reflector antenna for a satellite, including a spherical balloon with a surface transparent to electromagnetic waves and a reflective surface opposite the transparent surface. The balloon reflector antenna may further include a feed system extending from the center of the balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface and/or outputs electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University of Arizona, Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Christopher K. Walker, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
  • DEPLOYABLE REFLECTOR ANTENNA
    Publication number: 20170256840
    Abstract: A balloon reflector antenna for a satellite, including a spherical balloon with a surface transparent to electromagnetic waves and a reflective surface opposite the transparent surface. The balloon reflector antenna may further include a feed system extending from the center of the balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface and/or outputs electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher K. WALKER, Ira Steve Smith, JR.