Abstract: An inflatable structure usable as a satellite terminal. An inflatable structure may include an inflatable membrane for forming the structure and two integral RF reflective portions. When the membrane is inflated, the two RF reflective portions oppose each other to form an antenna. One RF reflective portion may be a main reflector and the other RF reflective portion may be a subreflector, both reflectors curvatures that face each other to form a Gregorian antenna or a Cassegrain antenna. In another embodiment, an inflatable antenna may include an inflatable dish including a RF reflective main reflector and an opposing RF transparent dish wall. An inflatable RF transparent support member and an RF reflective subreflector extend from the dish wall. Again, when the antenna is inflated, the main reflector and the subreflector oppose each other to reflect RF energy toward each other to form an antenna.

Abstract: An inflatable structure usable as a satellite terminal. An inflatable structure may include an inflatable membrane for forming the structure and two integral RF reflective portions. When the membrane is inflated, the two RF reflective portions oppose each other to form an antenna. One RF reflective portion may be a main reflector and the other RF reflective portion may be a subreflector, both reflectors curvatures that face each other to form a Gregorian antenna or a Cassegrain antenna. In another embodiment, an inflatable antenna may include an inflatable dish including a RF reflective main reflector and an opposing RF transparent dish wall. An inflatable RF transparent support member and an RF reflective subreflector extend from the dish wall. Again, when the antenna is inflated, the main reflector and the subreflector oppose each other to reflect RF energy toward each other to form an antenna.

Abstract: A pod mount assembly 20 is configured in a folding quad pod design with four ground-engaging legs 22, 24, 26, 28, and a rotatable central column 30. The ground-engaging legs rotatably connect to the base of the central column 30. The central column 30 contains a telescoping central shaft 32. The central column 30 is rotatable from a horizontal position into a vertical position. The telescopic shaft 32 is extendable upward from a retracted position within the central column 30 into a extended position there above. The pod mount assembly 20 includes a hydraulic pump and cylinder to rotate the central column 30 and extend the telescopic shaft 32. The unique folding and collapsible design of the pod mount assembly 20 creates a small form factor for high mobility and ease of deployment. The pod mount assembly 20 acts as the mounting base for an antenna assembly 10.

Abstract: A pod mount assembly 20 is configured in a folding quad pod design with four ground-engaging legs 22, 24, 26, 28, and a rotatable central column 30. The ground-engaging legs rotatably connect to the base of the central column 30. The central column 30 contains a telescoping central shaft 32. The central column 30 is rotatable from a horizontal position into a vertical position. The telescopic shaft 32 is extendable upward from a retracted position within the central column 30 into a extended position there above. The pod mount assembly 20 includes a hydraulic pump and cylinder to rotate the central column 30 and extend the telescopic shaft 32. The unique folding and collapsible design of the pod mount assembly 20 creates a small form factor for high mobility and ease of deployment. The pod mount assembly 20 acts as the mounting base for an antenna assembly 10.

Abstract: A back frame 60 helps to minimize distortion of a dish assembly 100 by supporting the shape of the dish assembly and supporting the weight of a feed legs assembly 120. The back frame 60 includes a template assembly 61, a center frame 70, and a feed leg mount 90. The template assembly 61 includes dish-engaging leaves 62, 64, 66, and 68 which are double-hinged at an intersection point to provide support for the individual pieces of the dish assembly 100. The center frame 70 includes legs 72, 74, 76, and 78 that are connected in a substantially diamond-shaped configuration. The center frame 70 attaches to the dish-engaging leaves at the comers of the diamond-shaped portion. A cross-connect bar 80 provides an attachment point to the controller assembly. The center frame 70 also includes connection arms 82, 84, 86, and 88 that connect directly to the dish assembly 100.

Abstract: An alignment jig 220 aids in the positioning of a horn assembly 180. The alignment jig 220 includes an upper jig arm 222, a right side jig arm 224, a left side jig arm 226, and a reference ring 240. The jig arms are positioned at the top, right side, and left side of an antenna dish assembly 100, and each contain a telescoping jig arm 228, 230, and 232. These telescoping jig arms of the alignment jig dramatically decrease the unexpanded size of the alignment jig, thereby increasing the portability of the alignment jig. The ends of the telescoping jig arms attach to the dish assembly through the use of screw clamps 234, 236, and 238. The reference ring 240 suspending from the intersecting point of the jig arms and is positioned and oriented so that it correspondingly mates with the horn assembly when the horn assembly has been properly positioned and oriented.

Abstract: A horn mount assembly 160 attaches a horn assembly 180 to a main feed leg 122 and provides adjustment on the Y-Z tilt axis and along the z-axis axis. The horn mount assembly includes a wave guide mount circular clamp 162, a flexible wave guide mount 163, a horn circular clamp 164, a feed strut attachment plate 166, a Y-Z tilt jack screw 170, and a Z-axis jack screw 172. The feed strut attachment plate attaches to the main feed leg, while the horn assembly is secured by the horn circular clamp. The flexible wave guide mount is secured by the wave guide mount circular clamp, and a flexible wave guide connects to the flexible wave guide mount. The z-axis jack screw allows the horn assembly to move along the horn transmission beam axis towards and away from the centerpoint of illumination 110 of a dish assembly 100. The Y-Z tilt jack screw allows the horn assembly to pivot in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A quick disconnect assembly 200 simply and quickly connects two components to one another with the high degree of accuracy while eliminating small, losable parts. The quick disconnect assembly includes a receiver 202 and a fork 206. The receiver is attached to a first fitting 204 on a first component 132. A fork end brace 205 extends out from the receiver to provide an attachment flange for the fork. The second component 137 has a second fitting 208 that is correspondingly shaped to mate against the first fitting and to house within the receiver. The fork is attached via a lanyard to the second fitting. The fork includes a securement knob 210 having threadings 207 that projects through the base of the fork. Rotation of the knob advances or retracts the threadings. The legs of the fork contain protrusions 212 and 214 are correspondingly shaped to mate with depressions 216 and 218 in the receiver.

Abstract: A collapsible, steerable antenna system 10 is configured for rapid deployment that is highly accurate and sophisticated, yet easy to assemble. The antenna system 10 includes a pod mount assembly 20, a steering head controller assembly 40, a back frame 60, a dish assembly 100, a feed leg assembly 120, a horn mount assembly 160, and a horn assembly 180. The pod mount assembly 20 includes a plurality of ground engaging pod legs and a telescopic shaft which lifts and supports the controller assembly 40. The controller assembly 40 selectively engages with the back frame 60 and aligns the dish assembly 100 via the back frame 60. The back frame 60 engages and supports the dish assembly 100 to help minimize parametric distortion of the dish assembly 100. The dish assembly 100 includes a plurality of wedge-shaped pieces which connect to form the dish assembly. The feed leg assembly 120 includes a main feed leg and side feed legs. The horn mount assembly 160 connects the horn assembly 180 to the main feed leg.

Abstract: A quick disconnect assembly 200 simply and quickly connects two components to one another with the high degree of accuracy while eliminating small, losable parts. The quick disconnect assembly includes a receiver 202 and a fork 206. The receiver is attached to a first fitting 204 on a first component 132. A fork end brace 205 extends out from the receiver to provide an attachment flange for the fork. The second component 137 has a second fitting 208 that is correspondingly shaped to mate against the first fitting and to house within the receiver. The fork is attached via a lanyard to the second fitting. The fork includes a securement knob 210 having threadings 207 that projects through the base of the fork. Rotation of the knob advances or retracts the threadings. The legs of the fork contain protrusions 212 and 214 are correspondingly shaped to mate with depressions 216 and 218 in the receiver.

Abstract: A feed legs assembly 120 connects a horn 180 and mount assembly 160 to a back frame 60 in an antenna assembly. The feed legs assembly 120 includes a main feed leg 122, a right side feed leg 140, and a left side feed leg 142. The main feed leg includes an amp frame 124, a feed strut 126, a quick release latch 128, an amplifier 132, a mating wave guide fitting 204, a flexible wave guide 137, wave guide end fitting 208, and a horn mount attachment 138. The amp frame 124 provides a protective structure around the amplifier 132, and wave guide end fitting 204, as well as lowering the overall profile and center of balance of the main feed leg 122. The wave guide end fitting of the flexible wave guide attaches to the mating wave guide fitting of the amplifier and carries the transmission signal to the horn. The side feed legs connect to the main feed leg 122 to the back frame. The side feed legs attach to the main feed leg 122 and back frame through Hein joints 148, 150, 156, and 158 and act as long turnbuckles.