Abstract: A compact range for the determination of the radiation pattern of a first antenna (1), comprises a focusing system (3) and apparatus (2) supporting the first antenna in the quiet zone of the focusing system. For that purpose, the base comprises a modulated-retransmission probe array (6, 16) mounted in the focal plane (7) of the focusing system, a second antenna (10, 17) mounted near the probe array, apparatus (13) to determine, from the electromagnetic radiation retransmitted by the probe array and collected by one of the antennas during the transmission of electromagnetic radiation by the other, a signal SI representing the field at each point of the probe array, and a display (14) for displaying the signal.

Abstract: An antenna and mounting arrangement include a mounting portion attached to a rear of a dish portion of the antenna. The mounting portion may be affixed to a pole and may be positioned at any point along the length of the pole before tightening in position by way of bolts. A length of the mounting portion insures that when secured in position the dish portion of the antenna will not contact the pole. Thus, a plurality of antennas may be conveniently mounted on a single pole.

Abstract: A dual band MDS/MMDS down converter receiving system wherein the support boom of a semi-parabolic antenna contains the down converter electronics. Located at the focal area of the semi-parabolic antenna are a pair of driven feed elements which are connected to the printed circuit board carrying the dual band down converter electronics. The dual band down converter is formed in an elongated shape to fit entirely within the formed hollow interior of the support boom. The down converter comprises a first printed circuit board which contains a low noise amplifier, two RF filters, and two diplexer filters located at the input end of the printed circuit board. The RF filters are mounted on opposite sides of the printed circuit board. The input is directly connected to the pair of driven feed elements. The RF filters are surrounded by input ground shields.

Abstract: A miniature dual-band two-way mobile satellite-tracking antenna system mounted on a movable vehicle includes a miniature parabolic reflector dish having an elliptical aperture with major and minor elliptical axes aligned horizontally and vertically, respectively, to maximize azimuthal directionality and minimize elevational directionality to an extent corresponding to expected pitch excursions of the movable ground vehicle. A feed-horn has a back end and an open front end facing the reflector dish and has vertical side walls opening out from the back end to the front end at a lesser horn angle and horizontal top and bottom walls opening out from the back end to the front end at a greater horn angle. An RF circuit couples two different signal bands between the feed-horn and the user.

Abstract: A dish type antenna includes a board fixed to the back surface of a dish, a frame having a lower portion fixed to a base and an upper portion pivotally coupled to the board at a pivot axle, and a cylinder pivotally coupled between the base and the board so as to rotate the dish about the pivot axle. The antenna includes a simplified configuration and can be easily disengaged and removed.

Abstract: An antenna employs the back radiation of a crossed-dipole to illuminate a parabolic cylindrical reflector. The crossed dipole is supported by a feed network mast which simplifies the feed network and eliminates the need for other supporting structure and its electrical blockage. To form an antenna system having omni-directional radiation coverage, four of these antennas are located at the four quadrants, each covering one quadrant in the azimuth direction. The RF signal is fed through a single pole four throw switch to the selected antenna to be radiated to the desired direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for gathering and focusing or for transmitting radiation including a reflecting surface formed by portion of a right circular cone, a linear collector/transmitter located within the cone and connected to a vertex of the cone. An adjustable support can be used to vary the position of the collector/transmitter relative to the reflecting surface in response to a change in direction of the radiation. Adjustable support can also be provided to the reflecting surface so as to adjust its orientation in response to a change in direction of the radiation.

Abstract: A hybrid orthogonal transverse electromagnetic fed reflector antenna is dlosed which comprises an electromagnetic reflector; a transverse electromagnetic transmission carrier which includes a first electrically conductive strut having a first electrical impedance which is mounted in electrical contact with the reflector, and a second electrically conductive strut having a second electrical impedance substantially equal to the first electrical impedance, and which is mounted in electrical contact with the reflector; and a transverse electromagnetic feed having a first electrical conductor mounted in electrical contact with the first strut, and a second electrical conductor electrically isolated from the first electrical conductor and electrically coupled to the second strut.

Abstract: An antenna scanned by frequency variation, comprising: exciter means for producing a plane electromagnetic wave at a given frequency which is variable about a center frequency; and radiating means receiving the plane wave produced by the exciter means and subjecting the plane wave to a plurality of successive reflections, the radiating means including means for allowing a fraction of the plane wave to leak to the outside after each successive reflection in order to enable it to radiate to the outside; the phase shift of the wave between two reflections varying as a function of the frequency of the wave and the set of radiated waves produced in this manner thus having a determined relative phase difference, which is variable as a function of the frequency of the wave generated by the exciter means and which defines transmission having a main lobe whose direction is itself variable as a function of the said frequency.

Abstract: An antenna has a parabolic reflector and a tubular exciter which is provided for illuminating the reflector. At least one waveguide supports the exciter and connects electrically to the exciter for the guidance of electromagnetic waves to the exciter. A mount serving for mounting and stabilizing the reflector has an extension which extends radially beyond the edge of the reflector and has a support arm which is bent in a direction towards a front side of the reflector and extends forward beyond it. A waveguide bearing the exciter is fastened to the support arm.

Abstract: A low sidelobe reflector for improving the test zone performance of compact ranges by shaping the edge serrations of the range reflector. The serrations provide a means for synthesizing desired illumination function tapers at the transition region near the edge of a reflector to provide low edge diffraction. Serrations with length greater than ten wavelengths and with a flower petal shape produce the least diffraction of energy into the quiet zone.

Abstract: A compact, portable satellite dish antenna system comprises a dish-shaped member having an inner surface that includes a central circular flat area and a plurality of annular parabolically-shaped segments concentric with the central circular flat area for providing a plurality of focal points over the inner surface of the dish-shaped member to thereby improve the signal gathering characteristics of the dish antenna system.

Abstract: An integrated semi-parabolic antenna/down converter receiving system wherein the support boom of a semi-parabolic antenna contains the down converter electronics. Located at the focal area of the semi-parabolic antenna are a pair of driven feed elements which are electrically connected to the printed circuit board carrying the down converter electronics. The down converter is formed in an elongated shape to fit entirely within the formed hollow interior of the support boom. The down converter comprises a first printed circuit board which contains a low noise amplifier connected to an RF filter located at the input end of the printed circuit board. The RF filter is surrounded by an input ground shield which covers the RF filter circuit. The shield is soldered to the top and bottom ground planes of the printed circuit board. At the opposite end of the printed circuit board are two output I.F. amplifiers whose outputs are serially connected together.

Abstract: The receiving antenna comprises at least two sectors or sections of paraboloids focusing the radiation onto their axes at points F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 respectively offset by a whole number of wavelengths of the received radiation. Each sector or section is associated with a helicoidal source located in its focal zone and having the same axis as that of the corresponding sector.

Abstract: An integrated semi-parabolic antenna/down converter MMDS receiving system wherein the support boom of a semi-parabolic antenna contains the down converter electronics. Located at the focal area of the semi-parabolic antenna are a pair of driven feed elements which are directly connected to the printed circuit board carrying the down converter electronics. The down converter is formed in an elongated shape to fit entirely within the formed hollow interior of the support boom. The down converter comprises a first printed circuit board which contains an RF filter located at the input end of the printed circuit board. The input of the RF filter circuit is directly connected to the pair of driven feed elements by soldering the legs of the driven feed elements directly to the input of the RF filter stage on the first printed circuit board. The RF filter is surrounded by an input ground shield which covers the RF filter circuit. The shield is soldered to the top and bottom ground planes of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A multichannel, multipoint distribution services (MMDS) dipole antenna for receiving multiple channels in the S-band frequency range of 2000 and 3000 MHz is formed from a printed circuit board which is directly connected to a coaxial cable. On the printed circuit board are etched two stacked dipoles. Each of the dipoles has a first one-half element etched on the first side of the printed circuit board and the second one-half element etched on the second side of the printed circuit board. The first and second dipoles are oriented to be in phase with each other and are separated from each other at a wavelength spacing between 0.25 lambda and 0.40 lambda. The antenna of the present invention further uses a phase combining circuit and an impedance matching circuit etched on the printed circuit board for combining in phase the polarized signals, for canceling the non-polarized signals at 0.degree. and 180.degree.

Abstract: A grid-type microwave antenna comprises a multiplicity of generally parallel conductive rods. Each rod is curved along its length to form a section of a paraboloid so that when all the rods are positioned parallel to each other, in spaced apart relationship to each other, they form a paraboloidal reflector. A rim includes insulating members for receiving and holding the ends of the rods to position the rods in spaced apart and parallel relationship to each other.

Abstract: The antenna particularly for domestic, collective or community installations, receives plural telecommunication beams and comprises a preferably paraboloidal fixed reflector with an axis of symmetry. At least one grating of annular diffraction members is substantially symmetrical with regard to the axis and is placed parallel to the reflector. The grating defines first and second focal points symmetrical to the axis towards which are susceptible to converge first and second beams directed substantially parallel to straight lines going through the centre of the grating and through first and second focal points respectively. A microwave head can sweep the focal plane along a focal line, or several microwave heads are positioned on a gantry thereby receiving or emitting plural beams, though the reflector is fixed.

Abstract: In order to isolate microwaves of a selected polarization from incident microwaves collected by means of a dish reflector (10), a ferrite polarizer (16) is positioned at the focal point of the reflector. A ferrite body (26) of the polarizer extends axially of a wave guide (18) with a convergent receiving end (28) positioned outside the wave guide at the focal point and a convergent transmitting end (30) positioned within the wave guide. The ferrite body is mounted in an end portion of the wave guide by means of a plastics dielectric bobbin (32). The bobbin encases all but the transmitting end of the ferrite body, which projects beyond the bobbin into the wave guide. A controlling coil (36) of the polarizer, which creates an axial magnetic field in relation to the ferrite body, is wound around the bobbin within the end portion of the wave guide.

Abstract: A compact, reliable, paraboloid shaped assembly 7 is used as a reflector 7 on a satellite. The apparatus 7 is assembled from multiple panels 2, 3, 4, which connect to a central base 1 using hinges 20, 21. The apparatus 7 is compacted by rotating some or all of the panels 2, 3, 4 to be adjacent to one side 12 of the central base in stages, such that alternate panels 3 are rotated first. Folded onto these panels 3 are the remaining backwards-folding panels 2. The panels 4 which are not rotated backwards are then rotated forwards, completing a highly compact design. For deployment, the panels 2, 3, 4 are rotated in the reverse order and direction in which they were compacted. Latches 10 connect adjacent panels 2, 3, 4 and hold the panels 2, 3, 4 in the deployed position.

Abstract: A wire carrier clip installable onto a dish antenna after the antenna is up and which clip has a slotted leg which will install to the antenna by slipping between the rib and a washer on the back side rib bolt of the antenna and further including a clamping leg with which to sandwich the lead wires between the wire carrier clip and the antenna rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing at a manufacturing plant concave metallic membrane for concave reflectors such as solar energy collectors and antennas, rolling the concave metallic membrane onto a uniquely shaped mandrel for storage and transportation, transporting the rolled metallic membrane and mandrel to a site which is remote from the manufacturing plant, erecting a reflector support structure at the remote site, and attaching the concave metallic membrane to the reflector support structure. The invention includes a method for forming the concave metallic membrane into a paraboloid-like shape using non-uniform loading.

Abstract: A multichannel, multipoint distribution services (MMDS) dipole antenna for receiving multiple channels in the S-band frequency range of 2000 and 3000 MHz is formed from a printed circuit board which is directly connected to a coaxial cable. On the printed circuit board are etched two stacked dipoles. Each of the dipoles has a first one-half element etched on the first side of the printed circuit board and the second one-half element etched on the second side of the printed circuit board. The first and second dipoles are oriented to be in phase with each other and are separated from each other at a wavelength spacing between 0.25 lambda and 0.40 lambda. The antenna of the present invention further uses a phase combining circuit and an impedance matching circuit etched on the printed circuit board for combining in phase the polarized signals, for canceling the non-polarized signals at 0.degree. and 180.degree.

Abstract: A cable assembly has a cable of conductor assemblies within an insulating envelope, a conducting shield disposed around the cable, a grounding wire outside the shield extending along the length of the shield and in continuous contact with the shield, and an insulating and weatherproof jacket enclosing the shield and the grounding wire. A method for using the cable assembly to connect a satellite television antenna to a receiver in a remote building, providing protection from ground induced lightning, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steel reinforcement bracket attaches to an aluminum rib of a frame of a dish antenna to relieve the stress causing fatigue in the rib. The bracket is shaped in such a way so as to allow a cradle bracket gripping opposite sides of the rim to form a flat surface against the rib. The reinforcement bracket is secured to the rib and cradle bracket with bolts so as to transfer the stress on the rib to the reinforcement bracket.

Abstract: An array fed reflector antenna includes a reflector and a distributed feed array. The reflector has a portion with a dual parabolic shape. The distributed feed array transmits and receives a plurality of electromagnetic energy beams simultaneously, and is positioned adjacent the reflector so that the reflector reflects the transmitted and received electromagnetic energy beams. The distributed feed array is offset from the reflector so that a plane wave formed by the transmitted electromagnetic energy beams reflected by the reflector will not substantially impinge the distributed feed array. The antenna also has a beam switching network which is a hybrid network for selectively actuating separate but overlapping portions of the distributed feed array to produce two transmit elevation beams.

Abstract: An integrated semi-parabolic antenna/down converter MMDS receiving system wherein the support boom of a semi-parabolic antenna contains the down converter electronics. Located at the focal area of the semi-parabolic antenna are a pair of driven feed elements which are directly connected to the printed circuit board carrying the down converter electronics. The down converter is formed in an elongated shape to fit entirely within the formed hollow interior of the support boom. The down converter comprises a first printed circuit board which contains an RF filter located at the input end of the printed circuit board. The input of the RF filter circuit is directly connected to the pair of driven feed elements by soldering the legs of the driven feed elements directly to the input of the RF filter stage on the first printed circuit board. The RF filter is surrounded by an input ground shield which covers the RF filter circuit. The shield is soldered to the top and bottom ground planes of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A dish antenna including a dish, a base fixed to the outer surface of the dish and including a pair of lugs each including a curved slot, a coupler including a pair of flanges pivotally coupled to the lugs of the base at a pivot axle which is located at the center of curvature of the curved slots, a bolt slidably engaged in each of the curved slots and engaged on the flange for fixing the lugs to the flanges so that the angular position of the base relative to the coupler can be adjusted.

Abstract: A parabolic low wind load antenna for receiving incoming MMDS signals wherein the antenna is essentially constructed of two identically formed, one-piece reflective halves connected together to form a rectangular shaped parabolic antenna. Each of the reflector halves comprises a substantially U-shaped rigid frame being parabolically shaped in the length dimension and being parabolically shaped in the width dimension. A plurality of reflector elements of circular cross-section and of equal length are oriented in parallel relationship to each other and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined spacing of about ten percent of the MMDS wavelength. The predetermined spacing is determined in a plane perpendicular to the path of the incoming signals and each of the reflected elements is connected at its terminal ends to the sides of the U-shaped frame. Each of the reflector elements is formed in a full parabolic shape in the width dimension.

Abstract: A radar type center fed antenna comprising a small radiating horn supported at the focal point of a parabolic reflector by three struts which are oriented to minimize the parallel polarization scattering and which have a low scattering ogive cross-section. The horn is mounted at the vertex of the parabolic surface and the intersection of the three struts using a bracket that provides minimal blockage. The struts are attached to the perimeter of the reflector. One strut having a feed waveguide is attached to the top-center of the reflector and the other two are attached at points on either side of the bottom-center at thirty degree angles to the vertical plane. The strut shape and feed-horn supporting and attaching arrangement and the integration of the feed waveguide into one of the struts results in a very low sidelobe antenna that produces a far-field pattern that has very low forward scattering due to feed and strut blockage.

Abstract: The antenna is preferably of the offset type and comprises plural thin and separable parabolic elements jointed into a parabolic reflector, and several substantially rectangular separable panels assembled into a prismatic lattice frame for supporting the reflector. The panels are substantially perpendicular to the lower base of the lattice and have curved upper edges formed in a duplicate mould according to the reflector and separable from the reflector elements. The antenna also comprises a telescopic elevation angle lifting mast and a circular aximuth positioner, both jointed to the frame and dismountable. The dismounted antenna is transportable in the form of standardized packages in the hold of long-distance airliner.

Abstract: A novel combined feedhorn-supporting spar and feed waveguide of ogival configuration.

Abstract: A microwave antenna has a circularly symmetrical reflector made of a material having a liquid phase and a solid phase, with the reflector being obtained by centrifuging the material while in its liquid phase and then allowing it to pass into its solid phase. This results in a convex paraboloidal reflector face having a very high degree of surface accuracy. When housed inside a microwave absorbing ring connecting the reflector face to a microwave-transparent window and used with a suitable source held at a predetermined focus position between the reflector and the window by means of microwave absorbent triangular struts, the antenna demonstrates improved radio and mechanical properties. Alternately, the centrifugally cast convex paraboloidal reflector may be used as the main reflector in a hybrid Cassegrain optical system in which the subreflector has a "conformed" non-paraboloidal surface that is machined from a solid piece of material.

Abstract: A single offset reflector antenna is disclosed which provides .+-.30.degree. of horizontal scanning and 0.degree. to +15.degree. of vertical scanning without aperture blockage, while maintaining high aperture efficiency, and 0.degree. to -30.degree. of vertical scanning with moderate aperture blockage. The sufrace of the reflector antenna is described by a sixth order polynomial equation. Curvature of the horizontal cross-section of the surface taken through its center is determined by a fourth order even polynomial expression with coefficients that are found by a numerical minimization technique. Further terms, including terms of up to sixth order and their associated coefficients obtained by the numerical minimization technique, define the curvature of the vertical cross-sections of the surface to yield a three-dimensional unitary reflecting surface.

Abstract: A satellite antenna assembly includes a nonpenetrating roof mount having a pair of rectangular ballast trays for respective placement on portions of a pitched roof forward and rearward of the crown of the roof. A hinge structure interconnects the ballast trays and overlies the crown of the roof. The ballast on the trays is concealed by covers that simulate a skylight. A satellite antenna is mounted, at one of the four corners of the ballast tray located on the rear portion of the pitched roof, on a simplified antenna support and adjustment structure that facilitates variation of the polar orientation and elevation of the antenna.

Abstract: A microwave single reflector antenna is provided with a large field of view and high aperture efficiency. The antenna exhibits good lateral scanning while preserving excellent focusing capabilities. The high aperture efficiency yields higher antenna performance than a conventional reflector antenna of the same size, or the same performance as a conventional scanning antena of larger size. The antenna has an improved surface configuration defined by a fourth-order profile extended into a three-dimensional focusing surface.

Abstract: A portable antenna satellite system which has a dish made of substantially identical segments which fold around a central hub and a handle and horn stem that fold along with a tripod into a compact bundle for transporting and which can be easily and readily opened, stacked to the ground and "aimed" at a satellite.

Abstract: A portable satellite broadcast signal antenna apparatus for manually transporting a satellite signal converter. The apparatus includes an antenna device for receiving the satellite broadcast signals, a device for adjusting the angle of the antenna device with respect to a predetermined plane for aligning the antenna device with a satellite, and a housing defining an interior space for receiving the satellite signal converter and the angle adjusting device therein and having an exterior surface bearing the antenna device.

Abstract: A dual frequency feed for use with an antenna permits reception of signals in both a low frequency band and a high frequency band and is comprised of a single feed through which both signals are propagated, a high frequency probe which extends concentrically within the throat of the feed for receiving the high frequency signal, a wave guide connected to the throat of the feed including a pair of turnstile junctions with four wave guides interconnecting the turnstile junctions, and a single output port with a polarization rotation device for receiving the low frequency signal. The four interconnecting wave guides may be either co-axial cables or generally rectangular wave guides.

Abstract: A portable parabolic antenna apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a leg assembly which includes at least three legs and a foldable support assembly. The support assembly includes a base rotatably and detachably mounted on the leg assembly and supporting a communication device, a foldable intermediate member having one end coupled to the top of the base, and a reflector holding member coupled to the other end of the intermediate member, for holding a parabolic antenna, the reflector holding member being located at such a distance from the base that it support the communication device when the support assembly is unfolded, and when the support assembly is folded, the reflector holding member is moved to contact the base.

Abstract: A dipole feed for a paraboloidal reflector antenna uses a conical reflector to direct the radiation of the dipole towards the concave reflecting surface of the parabola. The size and apex angle of the conical reflector are optimized to yield the desired feed pattern, the optimization parameters depending on the reflector size and focal length and being obtained numerically or experimentally to maximize reflector gain.

Abstract: A reflector antenna with a dish-shaped main reflector (10), and a self-supporting feed (11) for the transmission or reception of polarized electromagnetic waves. The feed (11) consists of a tube (12) which is attached to the middle of the main reflector (10) and is terminated by a subreflector (13) so that an intermediate space (14) is formed between the subreflector and the end of the tube. The part of the tube that is nearest the intermediate space (14) contains a cylindrical waveguide (15), or is the waveguide itself, and has an approximately circular or quadradic cross-section. Externally, the intermediate space (14) is bonded by a circular, cylindrical surface (16) with the same diameter as the outer diameter of the tube (12) this being called the aperture surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polarizing dish antenna reflector (10) wherein a light source (22) is employed to pyrolyze an organometallic compound (14) disposed on the antenna surface to form grid elements (24) directly thereon. The surface of the parabolic dish antenna reflector (10) is coated with an organometallic compound (14) that comprises a metallic component such as gold, silver, copper chrome, or other suitable metal. The coated surface may be conditioned by depositing a surface film of polyimide, or the like. The coated surface is then pyrolyzed by using a high intensity focussed light source (22), such as a laser or discharge lamp to form metal grid lines (24) on the surface. The light source (22) is scanned across the surface to create parallel scan lines, or the light source may be fixed and the reflector surface can be moved relative to the light source (22) using a computer controlled XY table (16), or the like.

Abstract: A ship borne antenna using a gimballed mount for establishing a two degree of freedom unstabilized structure. A ring is mounted for rotation on a radome and carries an antenna mounted for rotation relative to the ring. The ring antenna are respectively driven by stepper motors. Variations in stability occurring by pitch, yaw or roll of the ship are corrected on a real time basis using a microprocessor that dynamically drives the ring and the antenna to maintain lock-on with a satellite.

Abstract: Shield apparatus for protecting the covering across the face of a parabolic antenna may include an elongated shield which curves from one end to another and attachment elements by which the shield may be affixed to the antenna to overlie the uppermost periphery of the covering in a spaced relationship therewith.

Abstract: A parabolic antenna dish has a circumferential reinforcement flange portion defined by a ridge line which is devoid of air holes and a mesh plate portion integrally connected to the inner periphery of the reinforcement flange portion, the mesh plate portion having as many air holes as possible formed in a region which is not smaller than 80% in terms of the radius of the radiowave reflecting surface.

Abstract: Antenna reflector mounting system for rapidly supporting reflector segments in precise alignment. A multi-faceted hub member is provided, each face of the hub member defining a rectangular opening of a cavity. A rod is located at the base of each cavity, supported between two walls thereof. A tongue member connected to the narrow end of an antenna segment is inserted in the cavity. The tongue member has a portion extending out from the connected antenna segment and downwardly at an angle. Once the tongue member is inserted over the rod, the distant end of the segment may be rotated vertically. Rotation of the tongue member about the rod pulls the connected antenna segment into alignment with the hub member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable angle conical scanning antenna that employs an offset paraboloidal reflector which is rotated about an axis that extends through the focus of the paraboloid of revolution that defines the reflector. Electromagnetic energy is supplied to the reflector by an antenna feed that is mounted at the focus of the paraboloid of revolution and directed along the axis of rotation. In this arrangement the electromagnetic energy that is reflected from the offset paraboloidal reflector forms an angle between the axis of rotation and the beam of reflected electromagnetic energy that is equal to the angle between the axis of rotation and the focal axis of the paraboloid of revolution that defines the reflector. Thus, conical scanning at a cone angle that is equal to twice the angle between the axis of rotation and the reflected beam of electromagnetic energy is achieved as the offset paraboloidal reflector is rotated. Variable angle scanning (i.e.

Abstract: In a microwave antenna of light weight and small bulk consisting of a reflector and a mirror, the reflector is constructed of vertical combs, horizontal combs and oblique combs. The vertical combs have a pseudo-random distribution with respect to a central comb. The reflector structure has both a shaping function and a supporting function.

Abstract: An improved support rib for a satellite dish antenna is disclosed wherein a male side rib selectively engages a female side rib continuously along the longitudinal length of the support rib and wherein the male and female side rib each comprises a continuous engagement device having a lower channel for selectively receiving the side of a parabolic reflective petal and an upper member for one-time flexing downwardly over the lower channel to firmly engage and hold the side of the reflective petal continuously along the longitudinal length of the support rib. When flexed downwardly, the upper member lies in the same plane as the support rib and the petal.