Abstract: A reflector antenna system comprising: a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a mesh reflector secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the collapsed configuration the mesh reflector is collapsed within the hoop assembly and when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; a mast assembly including an extendible boom to which the hoop assembly is secured by cords; and an antenna feed that is located on a vehicle so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern.

Abstract: A reflector antenna system comprising: a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a mesh reflector secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the collapsed configuration the mesh reflector is collapsed within the hoop assembly and when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; a mast assembly including an extendible boom to which the hoop assembly is secured by cords; and an antenna feed that is located on a vehicle so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern.

Abstract: Folded optics reflector system includes a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to define a circumferential hoop. A mesh reflector surface is secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern. The system also includes a mast assembly comprised of an extendible boom. The hoop assembly is secured by a plurality of cords relative to a top and bottom portion of the boom, whereby upon extension of the boom to a deployed condition, the hoop assembly is supported by the boom. A subreflector is disposed at the top portion of the boom.

Abstract: The invention claims a device for facilitating the effective cleaning of grill grates by taking the exact shape of the grill grate itself. This is possible doe to a large number of small diameter pins that move independently of each other. When pressed against the grill grate the pins m contact with the grate itself will be displaced upward and the pins in between the grates will move downward. This movement allows the device to take the exact shape of each individual grate. When the device takes the shape of the grate it can easily be locked in place allowing effective scraping of the grates. When finished scraping one particular size and shape grate the device can easily be unlocked and placed on a flat surface to even out the pins, then placed on another grate of a completely different shape and size, pressed down, have it take the exact shape, lock in place and effectively scrape this grate. This can be repeated over and over for most any shape or size grill grate.

Abstract: A reflector system includes a hoop assembly, a collapsible mesh reflector surface and an extendible mast assembly. The hoop assembly includes a plurality of link members extending between a plurality of hinge members and the hoop assembly is moveable between a collapsed configuration wherein the link members extend substantially parallel to one another and an expanded configuration wherein the link members define a circumferential hoop. The reflector surface is secured to the hoop assembly and collapses and extends therewith. The hoop is secured by cords relative to top and bottom portions of a mast that maintains the hoop substantially in a plane. The mast is stored on a spool and extends to release the hoop, pull the mesh reflector surface into a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern, and tension the cords that locate the hoop.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (800) for controlling a sprinkler system. The methods involve connecting a Sensor-Based Control System (SBCS) between a Sprinkler Control System (SCS) and at least one valve (1061, 1062, . . . , 106N) and/or pump (109). A user-interactive session is performed to select a threshold value (THR) for a relative moisture content parameter. A Sensor Device (SD) measures a moisture content of soil contained in a tract of land (110). Thereafter, Measurement Data (MD) is communicated from SD (1121, . . . , 1125) to SBCS. MD includes information defining an amount of moisture content measured by SD. At SBCS, it is determined if the amount of moisture content exceeds THR. If the amount of moisture content does not exceed THR, an electrical connection is established between SCS and the valve. An electrical connection can additionally or alternatively be established between SCS and the pump.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating metallic microstructures, i.e., microcomponents of micron or submicron dimensions. A molding composition is prepared containing an optional binder and nanometer size (1 to 1000 nm in diameter) metallic particles. A mold, such as a lithographically patterned mold, preferably a LIGA or a negative photoresist mold, is filled with the molding composition and compressed. The resulting microstructures are then removed from the mold and the resulting metallic microstructures so provided are then sintered.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating metallic microstructures, i.e., microcomponents of micron or submicron dimensions. A molding composition is prepared containing an optional binder and nanometer size (1 to 1000 nm in diameter) metallic particles. A mold, such as a lithographically patterned mold, preferably a LIGA or a negative photoresist mold, is filled with the molding composition and compressed. The resulting microstructures are then removed from the mold and the resulting metallic micro structures so provided are then sintered.