Patents by Inventor Philip J. Henderson
Philip J. Henderson 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).
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Patent number: 11942687Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an antenna with a tension cord network coupled to a plurality of anchor points of a perimeter hoop structure. The methods comprise: using the tension cord network to support a flexible antenna reflector surface such that a given shape of the flexible antenna reflector surface is provided; and allowing locations of the anchor points to change relative to the tension cord network while the antenna is in use. The flexible antenna reflector surface is held taut when the locations of the anchor points change relative to the tension cord network.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Eagle Technology, LLCInventors: Philip J. Henderson, Robert M. Taylor
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Patent number: 11862840Abstract: Perimeter truss reflector includes a perimeter truss assembly (PTA) comprised of a plurality of battens, each having an length which traverses a PTA thickness as defined along a direction aligned with a reflector central axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the PTA such that when the PTA is in a collapsed configuration, the reflector surface is collapsed for compact stowage and when the PTA is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern. Each of the one or more longerons extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the PTA. These longerons each comprise a storable extendible member (SEM) which can be flattened and rolled around a spool, but exhibits beam-like structural characteristics when unspooled.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 11346381Abstract: Systems and methods for extending a boom. The methods comprise: placing a drive train assembly in a start configuration in which an engagement member of the drive train assembly is coupled to an inner telescoping segment of the boom; rotating a spool in a first direction so as to unwind a slit-tube that is coupled to the engagement member; causing the inner telescoping segment to move in a direction away from a proximal end of the boom as the slit-tube is being unwound from the spool; and coupling the inner telescoping segment to an adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment reaches an extended position. The slit-tube extends a distance inside the boom that is equal to or less than a length of the adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment is in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 11283183Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Eagle Technology, LLCInventors: Philip J. Henderson, Robert M. Taylor, Gustavo A. Toledo, Michael R. Winters, Dana M. Rosennier
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Patent number: 11223111Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying an extendable reflector structure. The methods comprise: transitioning the extendable reflector structure from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration; and causing expansion of a pantograph coupling structure while the extendable reflector structure is being transitioned from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration. The pantograph coupling structure indirectly couples the extendable reflector structure to a boom such that a beam produced by the extendable reflector structure during operation is offset from a focal axis of the extendable reflector structure by a certain amount.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Robert M. Taylor, Timothy L. Fetterman, Philip J. Henderson
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Publication number: 20210391643Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying an extendable reflector structure. The methods comprise: transitioning the extendable reflector structure from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration; and causing expansion of a pantograph coupling structure while the extendable reflector structure is being transitioned from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration. The pantograph coupling structure indirectly couples the extendable reflector structure to a boom such that a beam produced by the extendable reflector structure during operation is offset from a focal axis of the extendable reflector structure by a certain amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2020Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Robert M. Taylor, Timothy L. Fetterman, Philip J. Henderson
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Publication number: 20210384607Abstract: Perimeter truss reflector includes a perimeter truss assembly (PTA) comprised of a plurality of battens, each having an length which traverses a PTA thickness as defined along a direction aligned with a reflector central axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the PTA such that when the PTA is in a collapsed configuration, the reflector surface is collapsed for compact stowage and when the PTA is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern. Each of the one or more longerons extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the PTA. These longerons each comprise a storable extendible member (SEM) which can be flattened and rolled around a spool, but exhibits beam-like structural characteristics when unspooled.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 11196174Abstract: Deployable reflector antenna includes a fabrication hub in which at least one additive fabrication unit disposed. The additive fabrication unit is configured to form at least one rigid structural element of a reflector antenna system. In a stowed condition, an RF reflector material comprised of a flexible webbing is disposed in a stowed configuration proximate to the fabrication hub. A fabrication control system controls the additive fabrication unit so as to form the at least one rigid structural element. The RF reflector material is arranged to transition during the additive fabrication process from the stowed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is furled compactly at the fabrication hub, to a deployed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is unfurled.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 11183768Abstract: A method for deploying a trough structure. The methods comprise: causing a first telescoping segment to move in a first direction away from a proximal end of a telescoping boom; and transiting a flexible element from an untensioned state to a tensioned state as the first telescoping segment is moved in the first direction. The flexible element is coupled to a distal end of the first telescoping segment by a first bulkhead and is coupled to a distal end of a second telescoping segment by a second bulkhead. The first telescoping segment is coupled to the second telescoping segment of the boom when the first telescoping segment reaches an extended position. The flexible element has a parabolic trough shape when in the tensioned state.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Robert M. Taylor, David Lopez, Timothy L. Fetterman, Stephen Jenkins, Christopher Rose, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 11139549Abstract: Perimeter truss reflector includes a perimeter truss assembly (PTA) comprised of a plurality of battens, each having an length which traverses a PTA thickness as defined along a direction aligned with a reflector central axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the PTA such that when the PTA is in a collapsed configuration, the reflector surface is collapsed for compact stowage and when the PTA is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern. Each of the one or more longerons extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the PTA. These longerons each comprise a storable extendible member (SEM) which can be flattened and rolled around a spool, but exhibits beam-like structural characteristics when unspooled.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Publication number: 20210088064Abstract: Systems and methods for extending a boom. The methods comprise: placing a drive train assembly in a start configuration in which an engagement member of the drive train assembly is coupled to an inner telescoping segment of the boom; rotating a spool in a first direction so as to unwind a slit-tube that is coupled to the engagement member; causing the inner telescoping segment to move in a direction away from a proximal end of the boom as the slit-tube is being unwound from the spool; and coupling the inner telescoping segment to an adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment reaches an extended position. The slit-tube extends a distance inside the boom that is equal to or less than a length of the adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment is in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Publication number: 20210091479Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Philip J. Henderson, Robert M. Taylor, Gustavo A. Toledo, Michael R. Winters, Dana M. Rosennier
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Publication number: 20200412007Abstract: Deployable reflector antenna includes a fabrication hub in which at least one additive fabrication unit disposed. The additive fabrication unit is configured to form at least one rigid structural element of a reflector antenna system. In a stowed condition, an RF reflector material comprised of a flexible webbing is disposed in a stowed configuration proximate to the fabrication hub. A fabrication control system controls the additive fabrication unit so as to form the at least one rigid structural element. The RF reflector material is arranged to transition during the additive fabrication process from the stowed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is furled compactly at the fabrication hub, to a deployed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is unfurled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 10819038Abstract: Deployable reflector antenna includes a fabrication hub in which at least one additive fabrication unit disposed. The additive fabrication unit is configured to form at least one rigid structural element of a reflector antenna system. In a stowed condition, an RF reflector material comprised of a flexible webbing is disposed in a stowed configuration proximate to the fabrication hub. A fabrication control system controls the additive fabrication unit so as to form the at least one rigid structural element. The RF reflector material is arranged to transition during the additive fabrication process from the stowed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is furled compactly at the fabrication hub, to a deployed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is unfurled.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 10797400Abstract: A reflector system includes a hoop assembly formed of a plurality of link members extending between a plurality of hinge bodies. The link members have an expanded configuration wherein the link members define a circumferential hoop having a central hoop axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the hoop such that when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy. A mast assembly includes an extendible boom aligned along a central boom axis. The hoop assembly is secured by a plurality of cords relative to the boom such that when the hoop is expanded, a central hoop axis is laterally offset a predetermined distance from the central boom axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Eagle Technology, LLCInventors: Philip J. Henderson, Robert M. Taylor, Timothy L. Fetterman, Christopher L. Rose
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Publication number: 20200295468Abstract: A reflector system includes a hoop assembly formed of a plurality of link members extending between a plurality of hinge bodies. The link members have an expanded configuration wherein the link members define a circumferential hoop having a central hoop axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the hoop such that when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy. A mast assembly includes an extendible boom aligned along a central boom axis. The hoop assembly is secured by a plurality of cords relative to the boom such that when the hoop is expanded, a central hoop axis is laterally offset a predetermined distance from the central boom axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Philip J. Henderson, Robert M. Taylor, Timothy L. Fetterman, Christopher L. Rose
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Publication number: 20200274248Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an antenna with a tension cord network coupled to a plurality of anchor points of a perimeter hoop structure. The methods comprise: using the tension cord network to support a flexible antenna reflector surface such that a given shape of the flexible antenna reflector surface is provided; and allowing locations of the anchor points to change relative to the tension cord network while the antenna is in use. The flexible antenna reflector surface is held taut when the locations of the anchor points change relative to the tension cord network.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Philip J. Henderson, Robert M. Taylor
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Publication number: 20200227810Abstract: Perimeter truss reflector includes a perimeter truss assembly (PTA) comprised of a plurality of battens, each having an length which traverses a PTA thickness as defined along a direction aligned with a reflector central axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the PTA such that when the PTA is in a collapsed configuration, the reflector surface is collapsed for compact stowage and when the PTA is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern. Each of the one or more longerons extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the PTA. These longerons each comprise a storable extendible member (SEM) which can be flattened and rolled around a spool, but exhibits beam-like structural characteristics when unspooled.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2019Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
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Patent number: 10601142Abstract: Reflecting systems, such as reflector antenna systems, can include a first and a second reflector, and a sub-reflector positioning apparatus. The sub-reflector positioning apparatus has a tensioner attached to the second reflector and configured to exert a force on the second reflector. The force urges the second reflector away from the first reflector. The sub-reflector positioning apparatus also includes a plurality of restraints attached to the first and second reflectors. The restraints are configured to be tensioned in response to the force on the second reflector, and to restrain the second reflector at a pre-determined position in relation to the first reflector.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Philip J. Henderson, Timothy L. Fetterman
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Publication number: 20200028274Abstract: Reflecting systems, such as reflector antenna systems, can include a first and a second reflector, and a sub-reflector positioning apparatus. The sub-reflector positioning apparatus has a tensioner attached to the second reflector and configured to exert a force on the second reflector. The force urges the second reflector away from the first reflector. The sub-reflector positioning apparatus also includes a plurality of restraints attached to the first and second reflectors. The restraints are configured to be tensioned in response to the force on the second reflector, and to restrain the second reflector at a pre-determined position in relation to the first reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Philip J. Henderson, Timothy L. Fetterman