Abstract: A deformable support apparatus includes a deformable body configured to transition between at least an extended state and a contracted state where a stiffness of the deformable body in the extended state is greater than a corresponding stiffness of the deformable body in the contracted state. The deformable body includes a first member and a second member coupled to and in opposition to the first member, and arranged about a longitudinal axis. In the extended state, the first member has at least a first curved portion and the second member has at least a second curved portion. The at least a first curved portion is a positive curved portion with respect to the longitudinal axis and the at least a second curved portion is a negative curved portion with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A self-deployable array of panels includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a first compressed panel thickness state and a second expanded panel thickness state, and including a spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state. A plurality of locking hinges hingedly couple each of the panels to an adjoining panel. Each locking hinge is biased to an open position. A release of stored potential energy of both of the spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state, and the locking hinges biased to the open position causes the self-deployable array of panels to self-deploy from a folded stowed state. A single part offset locking hinge is also described.

Abstract: A self-deployable array of panels includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a first compressed panel thickness state and a second expanded panel thickness state, and including a spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state. A plurality of locking hinges hingedly couple each of the panels to an adjoining panel. Each locking hinge is biased to an open position. A release of stored potential energy of both of the spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state, and the locking hinges biased to the open position causes the self-deployable array of panels to self-deploy from a folded stowed state. A single part offset locking hinge is also described.

Abstract: A boom deployer to deploy or retract a deformable boom includes a boom deployer frame. An integrated motor-spool assembly is translatably mounted in the boom deployer frame. At least one belt tensioning assembly is also translatably mounted in the boom deployer frame. The belt tensioning assembly tensions at least one recirculating belt which rolls over a roller of the belt tensioning assembly. The at least one recirculating belt is configured to roll over a rolled deformable boom, the deformable boom clamped to and rolled on the integrated motor-spool assembly. A boom deployer with a tensioned stationary belt is also described.

Abstract: A foldable reflector with tensioned cable spoke system includes a foldable reflector. A central cone extends outward from a center of the foldable reflector. An outer reflector ring is hingedly coupled to the foldable reflector at an outer perimeter of the foldable reflector. A plurality of cable spokes are mechanically coupled between the central cone and the outer reflector ring.

Abstract: A self-deployable array of panels includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a first compressed panel thickness state and a second expanded panel thickness state, and including a spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state. A plurality of locking hinges hingedly couple each of the panels to an adjoining panel. Each locking hinge is biased to an open position. A release of stored potential energy of both of the spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state, and the locking hinges biased to the open position causes the self-deployable array of panels to self-deploy from a folded stowed state. A single part offset locking hinge is also described.

Abstract: A deformable support apparatus includes a deformable body configured to transition between at least an extended state and a contracted state where a stiffness of the deformable body in the extended state is greater than a corresponding stiffness of the deformable body in the contracted state. The deformable body includes a first member and a second member coupled to and in opposition to the first member, and arranged about a longitudinal axis. In the extended state, the first member has at least a first curved portion and the second member has at least a second curved portion. The at least a first curved portion is a positive curved portion with respect to the longitudinal axis and the at least a second curved portion is a negative curved portion with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A trussed collapsible tubular mast includes a deformable beam having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state, where a stiffness and strength of the deformable beam in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and a different strength of the deformable beam in the flattened state. At least one collapsible tubular mast wall has a plurality of truss members of a first material having a first material thickness. At least one truss member is disposed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trussed collapsible tubular mast. Disposed between the truss members is a wall area of a second material thickness less thick than the first material thickness.

Abstract: A self-deployable array of panels includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a first compressed panel thickness state and a second expanded panel thickness state, and including a spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state. A plurality of locking hinges hingedly couple each of the panels to an adjoining panel. Each locking hinge is biased to an open position. A release of stored potential energy of both of the spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state, and the locking hinges biased to the open position causes the self-deployable array of panels to self-deploy from a folded stowed state. A single part offset locking hinge is also described.

Abstract: A boom deployer to deploy or retract a deformable boom includes a boom deployer frame. An integrated motor-spool assembly is translatably mounted in the boom deployer frame. At least one belt tensioning assembly is also translatably mounted in the boom deployer frame. The belt tensioning assembly tensions at least one recirculating belt which rolls over a roller of the belt tensioning assembly. The at least one recirculating belt is configured to roll over a rolled deformable boom, the deformable boom clamped to and rolled on the integrated motor-spool assembly. A boom deployer with a tensioned stationary belt is also described.

Abstract: A trussed collapsible tubular mast includes a deformable beam having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state, where a stiffness and strength of the deformable beam in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and a different strength of the deformable beam in the flattened state. At least one collapsible tubular mast wall has a plurality of truss members of a first material having a first material thickness. At least one truss member is disposed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trussed collapsible tubular mast. Disposed between the truss members is a wall area of a second material thickness less thick than the first material thickness.