Abstract: An antenna includes a folding mechanism for configuring the antenna into at least one of a first configuration and a second configuration. When in the first configuration, the antenna is configured for operational use. When in the second configuration, the antenna is configured for shipping in a package. A locking apparatus secures the antenna in either configuration. The folding mechanism and the locking mechanism configure the antenna into the first configuration. A method for preparing for shipment an antenna having a reflector with a width, a height, and depth, a backing structure coupled to the reflector, a first swivel plate, coupled to the backing structure, a feed arm bracket coupled to the first swivel plate, and a feed arm coupled to the feed arm bracket. The first swivel plate facilitates yaw rotations of the feed arm bracket, relative to the backing structure.

Abstract: The example non-limiting technology herein provides a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) solution on board a micro-satellite that provides global revisit within 1 month; a cost below US$ 10 million; and satellite mass lower than 100 kg. One solution uses an inflatable Cassegrain type antenna with a phased beam steering array in the 1.2 GHz band.

Abstract: A site light including body, an arm coupled to the body having an adjustable arm length, a light assembly coupled to the arm opposite the body, and a drive mechanism with a crank arm rotatable about a first axis, where rotating the crank arm in a first direction causes the arm length to increase, and where rotating the crank arm in a second direction causes the arm length to decrease. The site light also includes a damper assembly in operable communication with the drive mechanism, where the damper assembly resists rotation of the drive mechanism when the crank arm rotates in the second direction, and where the damper assembly does not resist the rotation of the drive mechanism when the crank arm rotates in the first direction.

Abstract: A deployable structure for use in establishing a reflectarray antenna is provided that includes a flexible reflectarray and a deployment structure that includes an endless pantograph for deploying the flexible reflectarray from a folded, undeployed state towards a deployed state in which the flexible reflectarray is substantially planar. In a particular embodiment, the deployment structure includes a plurality of tapes that engage the endless pantograph and are used to establish a positional relationship between the deployed reflectarray and another component of the reflectarray antenna.

Abstract: A spacecraft includes a structural interface adapter for mating to a launch vehicle, an aft surface disposed proximate thereto, and a forward surface disposed opposite thereto, a main body structure, including a plurality of sidewalls, disposed between the aft surface and the forward surface and a plurality of unfurlable antenna reflectors. At least one unfurlable antenna reflector is configured to be illuminated, in an on-orbit configuration, by a respective feed array. The spacecraft is reconfigurable from a launch configuration to the on-orbit configuration. In the launch configuration, the at least one unfurlable antenna reflector is disposed, undeployed, forward of the respective feed array, proximate to and outboard of one of the plurality of sidewalls. In the on-orbit configuration, the forward surface is substantially earth-facing and the at least one unfurlable antenna reflector is disposed, deployed, so as to be earth-facing from a position aft of the respective feed array.

Abstract: A foldable and expandable antenna reflector, and method of making and using the same are disclosed. The antenna reflector includes a reflector and a support structure where the support structure includes a hub assembly; a hub tower extending from the hub assembly; a plurality of drive strut assemblies that are connected to the hub assembly; and a plurality of rib assemblies connected to the hub tower and to the plurality of drive strut assemblies. Each rib assembly has a multi-piece rib hinge assembly so that each drive strut assembly is pivotably connected to one of the rib hinge assemblies and applies a force to expand the rib assembly in response to the hub assembly applying a force to at least one of the drive strut assemblies to thereby fold or expand the antenna reflector from a first folded configuration to a second expanded configuration.

Abstract: A spacecraft includes an aft surface, a forward surface and a main body structure disposed therebetween, a stowage and deployment arrangement (SDA) joined to the main body structure by a first mechanical coupling, and an antenna that includes a respective feed element and a rigid antenna reflector coupled with the main body by way of the SDA. The feed element is joined to the main body structure by a second, different, mechanical coupling. The spacecraft is reconfigurable from a launch configuration, with the reflector is disposed forward of the forward surface, with its aperture plane substantially parallel to the forward surface, to an on-orbit configuration. The SDA repositions the reflector to a second position corresponding to the on-orbit configuration. In the second position, the reflector is disposed, Earth facing, substantially aft of the forward surface and outboard of the main body structure and is illuminated by the respective feed element.

Abstract: Various embodiments of electronic communication systems and methods in which an infrastructure in-motion adapts from a first set of communication parameters to a second set of communication parameters while moving from one geographical region to a second geographical region, and associated transmission pattern of the infrastructure in-motion may be modified to either avoid a problem of multiple-region-coverage or to resolve such a problem once it has arisen. The infrastructure in-motion may be a base station or other infrastructure, and any or all of multiple techniques such as beam switching, beam selection, phased array, and null-steering, may be used to modify a transmission pattern. In various alternative embodiments, infrastructure in-motion in one geographical region establishes a first backhaul link with a first core network, moves to a second geographical region, and then establishes a second backhaul ink with a second core network.

Abstract: A truss is disclosed in which rigid longitudinal members define a frame and flexible connecting members permit the truss to collapse into a stowed configuration or expand into a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A deployable antenna reflector includes a surface cable network formed of a plurality of cables coupled to each other in a mesh pattern. The surface cable network includes at least one rigid rod member that reduces a maximum tensile force caused in the surface cable network.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for creating and/or deploying access points for a wireless network in a multi-unit building or for a private residential neighborhood. Additionally, described herein are methods for operating a wireless network in a multi-unit building that was either deployed according to the concepts described herein or was pre-existing.

Abstract: Various embodiments of electronic communication systems and methods in which an infrastructure in-motion adapts from a first set of communication parameters to a second set of communication parameters while moving from one geographical region to a second geographical region, and associated transmission pattern of the infrastructure in-motion may be modified to either avoid a problem of multiple-region-coverage or to resolve such a problem once it has arisen. The infrastructure in-motion may be a base station or other infrastructure, and any or all of multiple techniques such as beam switching, beam selection, phased array, and null-steering, may be used to modify a transmission pattern. In various alternative embodiments, infrastructure in-motion in one geographical region establishes a first backhaul link with a first core network, moves to a second geographical region, and then establishes a second backhaul ink with a second core network.

Abstract: The outdoor antenna includes multiple directors located respectively on a main rod and two assistant rods, and an inner-swing arm and an outer-swing arm fixed on the main rod and coupled with two ends of the assistant rods. When the inner-swing arm and the outer-swing arm are expanded, the assistant rods are fixed on two sides of the main rod; when the inner-swing arm and the outer-swing arm are folded, the assistant rods are positioned in parallel with the main rod. In use, the inner-swing arm and the outer-swing arm are expanded to allow the assistant rods to move toward the two sides of the main rod and maintain in a certain spatial distance to receive as many radio signals as possible. During transportation and storage, the assistant rods can lean against two sides of the main rod, so that occupied space is reduced to achieve usability.

Abstract: A helical antenna operable to be stowed on and deployed from a cubesat. The antenna includes two helical elements wound in opposite directions and defining an antenna column, where one of the helical elements is a conductive antenna element. The antenna also includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed vertical stiffeners extending along a length of the column and being coupled to the helical elements at each location where the vertical stiffeners and the helical elements cross. The helical elements and the vertical stiffeners are formed of a flexible material, such as a fiber glass, so that the antenna can be collapsed and stowed into a relatively small space. To position the antenna in the stowed configuration, the vertical stiffeners are folded on each other in a radial direction, and then the folded antenna is rolled in an axial direction from one end of the column to the other end.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an antenna apparatus comprises an antenna element connected to a feeding point, a grounded first lumped constant element connected to the antenna element, and a grounded second and third lumped constant elements connected to the antenna element through a selector. The selector is configured to connect the grounded second lumped constant element to the antenna element in order to lower a resonant frequency of the antenna element, and to connect the grounded third lumped constant element to the antenna element in order to raise the resonant frequency of the antenna element.

Abstract: An automatically deployable, portable communications system includes an inflatable antenna stored in a case that also houses the antenna support assembly, drive mechanisms, inflation control modules, power supply modules and a control system. The case also includes a switch configured to close a circuit with the power supply module and initiate deployment and operation of the antenna when the case lid is opened.

Abstract: A helical antenna operable to be stowed on and deployed from a cubesat. The antenna includes two helical elements wound in opposite directions and defining an antenna column, where one of the helical elements is a conductive antenna element. The antenna also includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed vertical stiffeners extending along a length of the column and being coupled to the helical elements at each location where the vertical stiffeners and the helical elements cross. The helical elements and the vertical stiffeners are formed of a flexible material, such as a fiber glass, so that the antenna can be collapsed and stowed into a relatively small space. To position the antenna in the stowed configuration, the vertical stiffeners are folded on each other in a radial direction, and then the folded antenna is rolled in an axial direction from one end of the column to the other end.

Abstract: An antenna tower is provided having one or more antennae at the removed end thereof, which tower is configured for ease of maintenance of the antenna by a serviceman standing on the ground and servicing the antenna. Applicants' antenna tower includes a fixed vertical base or mast tube, fixed to the ground and having a removed end. At or near the removed end of the base tube, a swing tube is pivotally attached. The swing tube has a first end removably coupled to a near end of the base tube, and a removed end extending beyond the removed end of the base tube. Attached to the removed end of the swing tube is a pivotally mounted configured member or pivot tube. The pivotally mounted elongated member receives an antenna thereupon. The pivot tube is removably coupled to the swing tube to allow the pivot tube to rotate.

Abstract: A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an antenna apparatus comprises a first antenna element, a first lumped constant element, a first lumped constant element, a switch and at least one second lumped constant element. The first antenna element comprises a forward part, a folded part and a backward part, the forward part includes a start point connected to a feeding point, and the backward part includes an end point connected to ground. The first lumped constant element is inserted in the backward part. The switch is configured to select a current path in accordance with a control signal. The at least one second lumped constant element is to be selectively connected in parallel to the first lumped constant element through the switch.

Abstract: A high-bandwidth communication modem such as an ultra wideband (UWB) communication modem or a high-giga wideband (HGWB) modem includes an interface configured to transceive data in connection with a host device, a baseband processor configured to process, in a parallel manner, a baseband signal being transceived between the interface and a parallel/serial converter, the parallel/serial converter configured to combine a parallel signal into a serial signal and output the serial signal, and separate a serial signal into a parallel signal and output the parallel signal, a radio frequency (RF) processor configured to reduce a frequency of a received UWB or HGWB signal and transmit the frequency-reduced signal to the parallel/serial converter, and increase a frequency of the serial signal received from the parallel/serial converter and transmit the frequency-increased signal to a directional antenna, and the directional antenna configured to transceive a wireless signal by forming a directional beam and control a

Abstract: A collapsible portable stand comprises support legs and a mast that collapse into a small equipment enclosure or case, forming one single, integral unit that provides for storage, stable support for a device that is mounted onto the mast, and portability. The legs and mast are operatively connected to the case and preferably have extendable length. In an embodiment, the legs and mast are connected to the case via hinges that provide for the legs and mast to rotate with respect to the case. The case preferably has wheels and an extendable handle for ease of transport when the legs and mast are collapsed into the case. An embodiment includes an internal storage case that has a moveable cover that can include controls for and/or connections to a device stored in the internal storage case. An alternative embodiment includes a larger portable stand that has components that are external of the case and/or are independent of a case.

Abstract: An antenna reflector (100, 700) comprising a centrally located hub (120), inner ribs (108) rotatably secured at a proximal end to the hub, outer ribs (110) extendible from the inner ribs, and a guideline truss structure (132, 160) configured to support a flexible antenna reflector surface (122). The inner ribs are rotatable from a stowed position in which they are generally aligned with a central axis of the hub, to a rotated position in which they extend in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The guideline truss structure is secured to each outer rib using standoff cords attached at intermediate locations along a length of the outer rib between opposing ends (116, 118) thereof. The outer ribs are configured to be linearly displaced respectively along an elongated length of the inner ribs from a proximal position adjacent to the hub, to an extended position distal from the hub.

Abstract: A mount for mobile electronic devices such as a satellite dish antenna system. The mount includes a tripod and an elongated post member supported on it by a universal joint or pivot mechanism. The post member extends along a longitudinal axis and the pivot mechanism allows the post member to be moved about two, substantially perpendicular pivotal axes relative to the tripod to align the longitudinal axis of the post member with the vertical. Once the axis of the post member is aligned vertically, the alignment system of the attachable satellite dish will then have a proper reference from which to aim or direct the dish (e.g., azimuth and elevation) for best reception and transmission. The mount includes an arrangement of cables extending between the tripod legs and adjustable straps extending between each tripod leg and the post member to provide a very strong and stable support for the satellite dish antenna system that is attachable to the upper end of the vertically aligned post member.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes first and second housings connected to each other by a hinge mechanism. The first housing includes a first substrate having electronic components electrically connected to an antenna, a first hinge portion configuring a portion of the hinge mechanism, and a first conductive member provided in the first hinge portion. The second housing includes a second substrate having electronic components, a waterproofing partition wall surrounding the second substrate, a second hinge portion configuring a portion of the hinge mechanism, a second conductive member provided in the second hinge portion to be capacitively-coupled with the first conductive member, and a third conductive member insertion-molded therein. The third conductive member includes an inner portion positioned on an inner side of the partition wall, and an outer portion extending from the inner portion toward an outer side of the partition wall and capacitively-coupled with the second conductive member.

Abstract: The invention proposes a solution to the problem of installing an antenna with long focal length on a satellite, and, as a non-limiting example, on satellites at a height that is less than the required focal length. It is based, on the one hand, on a reflector stored “inverted and head down”, and, on the other hand, on a deployment movement sequence employing a long arm taken up in the top portion of the reflector via an articulation (1 axis) and a conventional deployment mechanism (1 or 2 axes).

Abstract: Maintenance on a high frequency Amateur Radio cubical quad antenna mounted on a tilt over tower typically requires the use of a ladder of scaffold. While tiltover towers are common, when used with a cubical quad antenna the tilting is limited by size of the cubical quad elements. The user must still utilize a ladder, scaffold or other device to reach all points on the antenna. The QuadLock addresses this issue and allows the tower and antenna to be tilted all the way to ground level for maintenance.

Abstract: The invention provides for phased array radar system that mechanically reconfigures its antenna array from a single faced aperture into two geometrically opposed arrays.

Abstract: An antenna reflector includes a central segment with a peripheral coupling portion and a plurality of peripheral segments, each provided with a reflector portion and a shield portion. A proximal portion of each shield portion is dimensioned to couple with the peripheral coupling portion, a reflector portion edge of each peripheral segment is dimensioned to couple with adjacent reflector portion edges and a shield portion edge of each peripheral segment is dimensioned to couple with adjacent shield portion edges. The central segment and the reflector portion of the peripheral segments together form a reflector dish. The shield portions together provide a circumferential shield extending from a periphery of the reflector dish along an antenna boresight of the reflector dish.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable satellite dish antenna system having base and lid portions which can be configured relative to each other in carrying and deployed positions. The base and lid portions are substantially the same size and shape and have respective interior and exterior sides with the satellite dish antenna of the system pivotally mounted to the interior side of the lid portion. In the carrying position, the satellite dish antenna is retracted to align with the interior side of the lid portion and the lid and base portions are secured together with the interior sides thereof facing and abutting each other. In the deployed or operating position, the lid portion is inverted and placed atop the base portion with the exterior side of the lid portion and the interior side of the base portion facing and abutting one another on mating bearing surfaces extending about a central, vertical axis.

Abstract: A satellite antenna for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic signal has at least one parabolic reflector, a source arm, and a high-power amplifier, in which antenna the high-power amplifier includes a traveling wave tube on the source arm and a high-voltage power supply off the source arm and adapted to supply power to the tube. A satellite mobile telecommunications station includes such a satellite antenna and a storage structure into which the antenna is folded and in which the high-voltage power supply sits.

Abstract: A single sheet phased array includes a flexible dielectric substrate having a first surface and an oppositely facing second surface, and a first conductive layer on the first surface and a second conductive layer on the second surface. The flexible dielectric substrate, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are patterned to form at least one feed network and a plurality of radiators directly coupled to the at least one feed network. Further, the plurality of radiators are pivotable with respect to the flexible dielectric substrate to be positioned in a direction away from the first surface or the second surface of the flexible dielectric substrate when the single sheet phased array is deployed.

Abstract: A semi-permanent portable satellite antenna system having a portable mount for deploying a portable satellite antenna. The portable satellite antenna assembles for deployment using releasable connectors. The portable mount can be mounted to a post, a tripod, or a non-penetrating mount. The non-penetrating mount uses a pivoting pair of support wings that pivots upwardly for transportation and downwardly when deployed on a surface. When deployed, ballast is placed on the support wings to stabilize the semi-permanent portable satellite antenna system.

Abstract: Apparatus for propping a device, comprising a platform, a bracket, a carriage and a backstay. The backstay is rotatable relative to the carriage and to the device. The carriage can be moved in a first direction, which can causes a device to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. Apparatus comprising a rotatable assembly and a device movable between stowed and deployed positions, a center of rotation of the device in the deployed position being at or displaced only substantially vertically from a center of gravity of the rotatable assembly. Apparatus comprising a platform mounting portion, a platform structure rotatably mounted thereon, a duct extending through the platform mounting portion and into a space within the platform structure, whereby fluid can be passed through the duct and into the enclosed space while the platform structure is rotating relative to the mounting portion. Methods of propping a device.

Abstract: A light weight stowable antenna lens array assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a stowable lens antenna array including at least one antenna pair including a transmit antenna on a first layered composite, a receive antenna on a second layered composite, a ground plane on a third layered composite, the ground plane being between and spaced apart from the transmit antenna and the receive antenna, and a balanced transmission line coupling the transmit antenna to the receive antenna, and an articulating structure attached to at least one of the first layered composite, the second layered composite and the third layered composite, the articulating structure having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein at least one of the first layered composite, the second layered composite and the third layered composite includes a polymeric film.

Abstract: A transportable directional antenna system includes an antenna pedestal, a plurality of outriggers, and an earth anchor. The earth anchor can be coupled to a horizontally centered point on the pedestal. Tension can be applied between the earth anchor and the pedestal to substantially preload the outriggers and the surface on which they bear to provide a highly stable antenna.

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism and method for a reflector antenna, in a mobile satellite system on a transport, such as a vehicle, for substantially minimizing damage to the reflector antenna when stowed. The stabilizing mechanism uses a stabilizing surface and a pair of stabilizing devices connected on opposite sides of the reflector antenna to provide a pre-load separation distance between a stabilizing surface and the reflector antenna when the reflector antenna is stowed. The pre-loaded separation minimizes any movement of the reflector antenna towards the stabilizing surface during movement of the transport or in adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Maintenance on a high frequency Amateur Radio cubical quad antenna mounted on a tilt over tower typically requires the use of a ladder of scaffold. While tiltover towers are common, when used with a cubical quad antenna the tilting is limited by size of the cubical quad elements. The user must still utilize a ladder, scaffold or other device to reach all points on the antenna. The QuadLock addresses this issue and allows the tower and antenna to be tilted all the way to ground level for maintenance.

Abstract: A portable navigation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a multi-antenna assembly configured for including an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The antenna assembly includes a master antenna, and at least two auxiliary antennas. The at least two auxiliary antennas are radially distributed about the master antenna. Furthermore, the master antenna and auxiliary antennas are substantially coplanar when the antenna assembly is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

Abstract: A deployable panel structure for an array antenna comprising a first and a second set of panels hinged together for deployment between a folded configuration for stowage and an elongate unfolded configuration; wherein the panels of said first set are hinged together about a plurality of spaced-apart axes which are transverse to an elongate axis of the unfolded structure and the panels of said second set are hinged to panels of the first set about lengthwise axes parallel to said elongate axis of the unfolded structure; and wherein the number and arrangement of the panels is such that a width of the unfolded structure, measured transversely of its elongate extent, is less at one or both of its ends than the width of its middle portion.

Abstract: A collapsible antenna (10) comprises an elongate boom (12) having a main axis (14) and a plurality of elongate radiating elements (16) having respective first ends (18.1) and respective second ends (18.2). At least some of the elongate radiating elements are flexible and are mounted at the respective first ends to the boom in longitudinally spaced relation. Regions towards the respective second ends of the at least some of the elongate radiating elements engage a flexible rope (20). The flexible rope forms part of a frame (22) which is manipulatable relative to the boom between a first collapsed configuration and a second operative configuration wherein the at least some radiating elements are in an operative configuration relative to the boom.

Abstract: A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

Abstract: A radio frequency device comprises a radio frequency transponder having a radio frequency circuit and a radio frequency antenna, and a sensor conductively connected to the radio frequency antenna so that a measurement can be retrieved from the sensor by communicating with the transponder. The radio frequency antenna comprises a first portion which is used primarily for receiving and/or sending of radio frequency signals, and a second portion which is used primarily for conductively connecting the sensor to the first portion of the radio frequency antenna and which enables placing the sensor in a spaced-apart spatial relation to the first portion of the radio frequency antenna.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated antenna and display shade for a wireless portable control unit is provided which includes a stowable display shade having two side panels and a front panel between the two side panels. Each of the two side panels are foldably connected to opposing edges of the front panel so as to be capable of folding into planes generally parallel with a plane of the front panel when stowed and into planes generally orthogonal to the plane of the front panel when deployed to shade a visual display. The front panel includes an active antenna and each of the side panels include a parasitic antenna.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable hierarchical open lattice assembly comprised of hinge boxes of 12 battens connected by hinge nodes. The hinge nodes are made of a plurality of resilient flexure joints, each joint connected to a batten and giving said batten a 90-degree in-plane rotation capability with a neutral-shaped flexure in a deployed state and a deformed-shaped flexure in a compressed state, whereby a restorative moment is created tending to return said flexure to its neutral state. One or more trusses are formed by sets of four longerons connected to the hinge boxes by the resilient flexure joints. Multiple hub boxes connected by longerons may be used to create a hierarchical truss of trusses in either two or three dimensions. These assemblies may be collapsed to a linear dimension by shearing the hub boxes and trusses in a parallelogram manner. The folding kinematics occur in three stages, which may be performed either sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: A foldable reflect array may include a plurality of geometrically-flat reflect antennas. Each of the reflect antennas may include a respective plurality of antenna elements to receive and retransmit an incident wavefront, and each of the plurality of reflect antennas may be foldably coupled to at least one other of the plurality of reflect antennas.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that provide a low cost, compact and easily manufacturable multiple-input, multiple-output antenna structure suitable for portable radio equipment. Multiple antenna elements are printed on a folded flexible material. The flexible material expands when the antenna structure is deployed for operation and collapses when stowed.

Abstract: An antenna for a compact satellite terminal. Antenna is a rigid parabolic structure of metal matrix composite capable of disassembly into segments affording a high degree of portability such as for man-packable satellite terminals and the like. A shallow feed horn assembly is joined to an orthomode transducer by a common hub, the hub also serving as the attachment point for a plurality of antenna segments, where a quick release means joins the segments to the hub. The feed horn, hub, orthomode transducer and antenna segments are designed for extremely compact stowability in a variety of applications.