Collapsible, Foldable Or Adjustable Patents (Class 343/915)
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Patent number: 12235376Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for wireless communication. In an aspect, a position estimation entity determines a set of position estimates associated with a set of user equipments (UEs), obtains first measurement information associated with a set of signals as reflected off of a target intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), determines a position estimate of the target IRS based on the set of position estimates and the first measurement information, and determines an orientation, relative to a common orientation reference frame, of the target IRS based on the set of position estimates and at least the first measurement information.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2021Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Mehmet Izzet Gurelli, Qiang Wu, Junyi Li, Tao Luo, Wooseok Nam, Yucheng Dai, Navid Abedini, Ozge Koymen
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Patent number: 12228843Abstract: A portable photography studio system and method of configuration that includes a portable light diffuser assembly and light diffuser wall that is selectively extendable and retractable to a desired height, a portable background assembly and a background wall (or backdrop) that is selectively extendable and retractable to a desired height, and two portable light diffuser assemblies with a wall that is selectively extendable and retractable to a desired height and has two opposing sides, one with a reflective surface and one with a non-reflective surface. The light diffuser wall is configured to be in front of a light source, like an LED spotlight, wherein the subject being photographed is interposed between the light diffuser wall, the background wall, and the walls of each of the two portable light diffuser assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Inventor: Tomas Munoz
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Patent number: 12227313Abstract: A satellite includes a first radiator panel with first heat-generating components attached to its surface and a second radiator panel with second heat-generating components attached to its surface. One or more actuators are configured to deploy the first and second radiator panels from a compact configuration in which the first and second radiator panels are overlapping to a deployed configuration in which the first and second radiator panels are non-overlapping.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: Maxar Space LLCInventors: Michael Freestone, Joel Boccio
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Patent number: 12217508Abstract: The present invention provides a processing system (20) including an image capturing unit (21) that captures an image of a person passing through a first area and generates a person image indicating an appearance of the person, an electromagnetic wave transmission/reception unit (22) that emits an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 30 micrometers or more and 1 meter or less toward the person passing through the first area, and receives a reflected wave, a determination unit (23) that determines whether the person possesses a pre-designated object, based on a signal of the received reflected wave, and a registration unit (24) that registers, in a first list, the person image of the person determined to possess the pre-designated object.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Masayuki Ariyoshi, Kazumine Ogura, Tatsuya Sumiya, Toshiyuki Nomura, Shingo Yamanouchi
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Patent number: 12212076Abstract: A phased array antenna comprises an array of reflective cells, each cell being defined by a wall positioned within the array the wall arranged to define a waveguide, and having a moveable reflector positioned within the wall. Each reflector is arranged such that it is not in electrical contact with its respective wall and such that, in use it can be moved to tune the antenna. A feed and subreflector are positioned within the array and arranged to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals to and/or from the array.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: TTP PLCInventors: Vlad Lenive, Michael Lukin, Adrian Hillier
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Patent number: 12206473Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a sensing unit that detects an obstacle currently present between a transmitting station and a receiving station. There is an environment memory that stores information on a detection result of the sensing unit, an environment prediction unit that predicts a variation in a radio wave propagation environment between the transmitting station and the receiving station from the information stored in the environment memory. There is further a simulation calculation unit that simulates an environment in which a communication path between the receiving station and a reflector and a communication path between the transmitting station and the reflector are a line-of-sight environment on the basis of a prediction result of the environment prediction unit and calculates a control parameter of the reflector that achieves the environment. Further, a reflector control unit controls the reflector in accordance with the control parameter calculated by the simulation calculation unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATIONInventors: Riku Omiya, Tomoaki Ogawa, Tomoki Murakami, Yasushi Takatori
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Patent number: 12173934Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for directing radiant energy to permanently shadowed or occasionally shadowed regions such as on the floors of craters or in valleys in lunar polar regions to provide illumination, thermal power, electricity, communications, and other services. Embodiments of the systems include reflector elements to provide diffuse illumination, focused illumination, and thermal power, structures to support the reflectors and other elements, communications devices for varied signal types, and methods for installing the system. The structure can be compactly folded and delivered to be automatically installed.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Trans Astronautica CorporationInventors: Joel C. Sercel, Craig Peterson, Anthony Longman
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Patent number: 12164050Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for positioning. The method may comprise receiving a first radio signal of a terminal device located in the area from a line of sight (LOS) path between the antenna array and the terminal device; receiving a second radio signal of the terminal device located in the area from at least one path reflected by the reflector; determining respective angles of arrival of the LOS path and the at least one path reflected by the reflector; and determining a location of the terminal device by using triangulation based on the respective angles of arrival.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Telefonaktiebolagget LM Ericsson (Publ)Inventors: Yi Geng, Cuichun Xia, Jianxiang Zhao, Hao Chen
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Patent number: 12142833Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a deployable reflector system. The methods comprising: causing a proximal end of a first link element (LE) located at a first end of a scissoring rib assembly (SRA) to slidingly engage a hub; allowing a proximal end of a second LE of SRA to pivot relative to the hub so as to cause scissor motion of SRA while the first LE is slidingly engaging the hub; causing a distal end of a third LE located at a second end of SRA to pivot relative to the edge member during the scissor motion of SA; allowing the edge member to slidingly engage a fourth LE located at the second end of SRA during pivotal motion of the third LE; and using the edge member to cause vertical movement of a peripheral edge of a reflector relative to the hub while the edge member slidingly engages the fourth LE.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventor: Richard I. Harless
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Patent number: 12110082Abstract: An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float for use with a floating solar PV array, including: a float formed from a flexible membrane; and an expansion structure that is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air. The expansion structure may be an expandable structure that is positioned within the float, or around an exterior surface of the float and increases in size when deployed.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: NORIA ENERGYInventors: Alex Mayer, James Raiford, Brian Atchley, Jason King, Ralf Schulze, Leslie Arciniega, Becca Suchower
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Patent number: 12113276Abstract: A transparent broadband antenna has two conductive leaves that are configured to be axially symmetric about two orthogonal axes. The transparent broadband antenna is designed as having two back-to-back Vivaldi radiators and four identically curved outer corners. The back-to-back Vivaldi radiators provide high performance from 617 MHz through 7 GHz while preventing return waves that may cause impedance mismatch. The antenna further comprises a feed structure that enables direct coupling from an RF cable to the two conductive leads, obviating the need for a matching circuit and subsequent bandwidth limitations.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2022Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, LLCInventors: Lance Bamford, Jeremy Benn
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Patent number: 12099219Abstract: A doubly curved reflector for compact storage in a folded state includes a plurality of gores, each gore having on either long side a gore side curve. At least one hinge is mechanically coupled between each adjacent gore, the at least one hinge including a fold roll hinge or a living hinge. In a stowed doubly curved reflector state each gore folds about the at least one hinge when folded closed such that a face surface of each gore folds against an adjacent face surface of another gore into a substantially cylindrical structure. In a deployed doubly curved reflector state, each hinge. A doubly curved reflector for compact storage in a folded state and a locked open state, a method of manufacture, and a method for designing a substantially wrinkle free doubly curved foldable reflector having gores of a composite material are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2023Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: Opterus Research and Development, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Murphey, Patrick A. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 12088008Abstract: An electromagnetic reflector composed of a non-knitted, non-metallic carbon-based material mesh, antenna system incorporating the reflector and method for fabrication are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignees: Rochester Institute of Technology, Eagle Technology, LLCInventors: Ivan Puchades, Brian Landi, Ian D. Peterson, Rodney S. Sorrell, Stephen R. Landers, Andrew Bucossi
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Patent number: 12057634Abstract: An electronic device according to certain embodiments, comprises a bracket defining a portion of a surface of the electronic device, the bracket including metal and having a recess formed therein, wherein the recess is formed by an inner wall including a resting region and an inclined region facing a different direction from the inner wall; and an antenna substrate including a conductive pattern, a first surface including a radiation area configured to radiate an RF signal from the conductive pattern, and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the antenna substrate is disposed in an interior of the recess such that the first surface faces an opened portion of the recess, the second surface faces the inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seunggil Jeon
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Patent number: 12031572Abstract: A deformable boom device includes a pair of shells, each shell of a substantially same arc length. A pair of hinges is mechanically coupled to the pair of shells to join the pair of shells into an open cross section as deployed in an extended state, and into about a flat structure in a flattened state. At least one of the pair of shells can include an about semi-circular cross section.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Opterus Research and Development, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Murphey
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Patent number: 12027767Abstract: An antenna may include rigid antenna ribs, a flexible antenna reflector layer, and a flexible support member extending behind the flexible antenna reflector layer between adjacent antenna ribs and having first and second sets of openings therein. A drawstring may extend through the first set of openings between adjacent ribs and a rear support cord is behind the flexible support member between adjacent ribs. Tie cords may extend between the flexible antenna reflector layer and the rear support cord and pass through respective ones of the second set of openings. A biasing member may maintain tension in the drawstring as adjacent antenna ribs move between first and second positions so that the flexible support member defines a pleated support body for the flexible antenna reflector layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Thomas Wilson, Crystal Wolfe, James Cornett, John Evans
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Patent number: 11973272Abstract: A spacecraft includes: a main-reflection unit configured to reflect and emit a radio wave outside, a sub-reflection unit configured to face the main-reflection unit, a radiator arranged to face the sub-reflection unit and configured to radiate the radio wave in a direction of the sub-reflection unit, a main body configured to be able to accommodate at least one part of the sub-reflection unit therein, and a delivery device connected to the sub-reflection unit and configured to deliver the sub-reflection unit, at least one part of which is accommodated in the main body, to a position where the sub-reflection unit is able to reflect the radio wave radiated from the radiator to the main-reflection unit and cause the main-reflection unit to radiate the radio wave outside.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc.Inventors: Shunsuke Onishi, Tetsuo Yasaka, Kazuo Kuno, Masahiko Uetsuhara, Yohei Koga, Shinji Ito, Yonosuke Ichiki, Kazuo Kiso, Mutsuhito Tobo
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Patent number: 11967763Abstract: Spacecraft and antenna apparatus that can be more easily deployed from a stored state can include: a main-reflection unit including a plurality of ribs formed to be deployable in a stored state in which the ribs are folded and a sheet body provided between a plurality of the ribs and configured to be capable of reflecting a radio wave radiated from a radiator and emitting the radio wave outside, and a restriction member configured to restrict deployment of the plurality of ribs in the stored state, and release the restriction by operation of a restriction release member different from the main-reflection unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc.Inventors: Shunsuke Onishi, Tetsuo Yasaka, Kazuo Kuno, Masahiko Uetsuhara, Yohei Koga, Shinji Ito, Yonosuke Ichiki, Kazuo Kiso, Mutsuhito Tobo
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Patent number: 11956066Abstract: A high throughput fractionated satellite (HTFS) system and method where the functional capabilities of a conventional monolithic spacecraft are distributed across many small or very small satellites and a central command and relay satellite, the satellites are separated and flight in carefully design formations that allows the creation of very large aperture or apertures in space drastically reducing cost and weight and enabling high throughput capabilities by spatially reuse spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: AST & Science, LLCInventors: Abel Avellan, Sriram Jayasimha
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Patent number: 11955715Abstract: A satellite system can include one or more satellites that orbit the Earth. The one or more satellites may have satellite buses that support antenna arrays. The antenna arrays may include space fed arrays. Each space fed array may have an antenna feed array and an inner array that is coupled to a direct radiating array. The direct radiating array may operate in the same satellite band as the space fed array, or upconversion and downconversion circuitry may be used to communicatively couple a direct radiating array that operates in a different satellite band to the space fed array. The satellites may have peripheral walls with corner fittings that can be selected to provide the satellite bus with particular leg strengths. This can reduce overall mass of the satellites in a payload fairing while accommodating different types of antenna arrays.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Inventors: Chris Cosner, Ying Feria, Raenaurd Turpin, Andre Houle, Richard Aston, Brett Cope, Ricardo Leon
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Patent number: 11955714Abstract: An antenna diameter adjustment method for adjusting an antenna diameter by changing a distance between a part of each of a plurality of reflectors at which the radio signal is reflected, the plurality of reflectors each being configured to reflect radio signals emitted from a plurality of radiators from a center of a circle along a radial direction thereof and to radiate the radio signal toward an opposite antenna apparatus, and the center of the circle along the radial direction of the circle.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: NEC CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroaki Miyamoto
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Patent number: 11929549Abstract: Provided is a deployable reflector that includes a reflector, a tensioning frame with a deploying ring including upper booms and lower booms, sections composed of lower rods and upper rods and including pantograph levers, stanchions mounted between the upper booms and the lower booms, scissors-like levers located at an intersection of the pantograph levers, first sleeves put on the pantograph levers, second sleeves disposed on the lower rods and the upper rods, cylindrical joints disposed on the second sleeves, an expansion ring for connecting the upper rods and the lower rods, a reflector fixing mesh having triangular cells composed of elastic rods, an upper concave mesh and a lower convex mesh fastened with peripheral units and composed of triangular shape cells, where the reflector is attached to the upper concave mesh directly or is fastened to the upper concave mesh with a spatial shape gasket.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: PIPL LIMITEDInventors: Maxym Polyakov, Elguja Medzmariashvili
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Patent number: 11929559Abstract: A system includes one or more antennas; and a processor to control a directionality of the antennas in communication with a predetermined target using 5G protocols.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2023Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Inventor: Bao Tran
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Patent number: 11901605Abstract: The invention is directed to deployable reflectarray antenna structure. In one embodiment, the deployable reflectarray antenna structure includes a pair of flexible electrical elements, a feed antenna, and a deployment mechanism that employs a plurality of tapes to respectively transition the pair of flexible electrical elements from an undeployed state in which the elements are folded towards a deployed state in which the deployment mechanism and electrical elements cooperate to form a reflectarray and a subreflector of a reflectarray antenna structure. Further, the deployment mechanism also operates to position the reflectarray and subreflector relative to one another and to the feed antenna so as to realize a reflectarray antenna structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: M.M.A. Design, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Harvey, Toby J. Harvey, Leslie A. Seal
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Patent number: 11901629Abstract: Deployable reflector system includes a support structure and a reflector surface secured to the support structure. The support structure transition from a compact stowed configuration to a larger deployed configuration to deploy the reflector surface. The reflector surface is comprised of a carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet. The sheet is intricately folded in accordance with a predetermined folding pattern to define a compact folded state. This predetermined folding pattern is configured to permit automatic extension of the CNT sheet from a compact folded state to a fully unfolded state. The unfolding operation occurs when a tension force is applied to at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the CNT sheet. In some scenarios, the support structure can comprise a circumferential hoop.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Eagle Technology, LLCInventors: Ian Peterson, Andrew Bucossi
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Patent number: 11892661Abstract: A doubly curved reflector for compact storage in a folded state includes a plurality of gores, each gore having on either long side a gore side curve. At least one hinge is mechanically coupled between each adjacent gore, the at least one hinge including a fold roll hinge or a living hinge. In a stowed doubly curved reflector state each gore folds about the at least one hinge when folded closed such that a face surface of each gore folds against an adjacent face surface of another gore into a substantially cylindrical structure. In a deployed doubly curved reflector state, each hinge. A doubly curved reflector for compact storage in a folded state and a locked open state, a method of manufacture, and a method for designing a substantially wrinkle free doubly curved foldable reflector having gores of a composite material are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Opterus Research and Development, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Murphey, Patrick Alexander Rodriguez
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Patent number: 11878816Abstract: A reusable modular spacecraft has a spacecraft bus structure configured to support spacecraft subsystems, at least one interchangeable housing component configured to be interchangeably received and supported by the bus structure, and a wireless system configured to permit wireless communication between the at least one interchangeable housing component and spacecraft subsystems supported by the bus structure. In embodiments of the spacecraft, the wireless system includes a wireless hub and a wireless coordinator for wireless transmission of data between the at least one interchangeable housing component and the spacecraft subsystems. An electrical/power transfer interface unit is provided to the at least one interchangeable housing component for transferring electricity, power, data and/or providing thermal management and control.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Inventors: Scott Weintraub, Nolan Coulter
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Patent number: 11870154Abstract: A circuit has at least one amplifier and a signal routing device such as one or more switches, and an array of antenna elements from which some subset must be enabled and processed at a time. The antenna elements can be grouped in accordance with an organization scheme (e.g., rows, columns) to enable more flexibility in selecting and routing the signals. The system is used to create one or more beams, which can be pointed (steered) to a wide range of directions by means of selecting one or more feed antennas in a switched-feed antenna without including full receive and transmit circuitry (DSP, frequency conversion) for each feed in the array. In this case, minimizing the number of DSP chains is desirable to reduce the cost, power, and complexity of the antenna. The resulting beam(s) can be combined and manipulated to support multiple users, track several targets, increase operational range, increase radar resolution, or data-rate in communications.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: All.Space Networks LimitedInventors: Sebastian Diebold, Vikas Sharma, Brian Murphy Billman, Jeremiah P. Turpin
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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: 11837781Abstract: A method of manufacturing an antenna using a radome (10) comprising a front portion (30) and a rear portion (20), the front and rear portions (20, (30) configured to define an interior cavity in which an antenna arrangement is received, the method comprising placing an antenna panel on an inside of one of the front and rear portions, and bringing the portions together, whereby the front portion (30) includes a peripheral channel region (31) configured to contain an adhesive sealant (60) and receive a peripheral edge (21) of the rear portion (20) that is partially submerged in the adhesive sealant (60) before it cures. Additional mechanical fastening clip engagement members (23; 33) are provided inside both the front and rear portions (20; 30) that engage with one another and mechanically secure the radome front and rear portions (20; 30) to each other, in addition to the adhesive joint provided by the adhesive sealant (60) once cured.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: NetComm Wireless Pty LtdInventor: Paul Mathieu
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Patent number: 11791561Abstract: A computer assisted method for manufacturing a foldable paraboloid antenna includes election of a two-dimensional radial Origami pattern with triangular cells and election of a paraboloid surface. The Origami pattern is projected from the paraboloid surface focus onto the paraboloid surface to print the Origami pattern on the paraboloid surface, obtaining triangles with curved sides. A pattern with triangles with straight sides on the paraboloid surface is obtained by joining vertices of the projected curved-sided triangles. The method includes scaling and calculating centroids of the triangles, to reduce each triangle referenced on the corresponding centroid and to determine spacing, obtaining a mesh with segments and triangular cells delimited by the segments. The triangular cells have triangles of reflective rigid material. The mesh is flexible, so each segment width is at least the sum of the thicknesses of two adjacent rigid triangles, and periphery cells have a rounded outer edge.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE S.A.Inventors: Alfonso Parra Rubio, Álvaro Jara Rodelgo, Carlos Enrique Montesano Benito
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Patent number: 11784415Abstract: A deployable assembly for antennae includes a structure having a reflective surface and n pairs of segments, each pair of segments corresponding to one side of a deployed polygonal shape. N hinge joints are between the two segments of a side. N hinged angular links are between every two adjacent sides. The structure is changeable from a stowed substantially cylindrical shape into a deployed substantially planar polygonal shape with n sides. A deployable boom is between two segments. The boom lays stowed between the two segments before deployment and ends in a feeder electromagnetically feeding the antenna and includes a clamping element for keeping the structure closed when stowed. The feeder acts as structural support element when stowed and electromagnetic feeder for the antenna when deployed. A cable network shapes the reflective surface, with corresponding cables held by tensor elements protruding from the back of the segments.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE S.A.Inventors: José Luis Mora Plaza, Fernando José Cespedosa Castán
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Patent number: 11757197Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical addressing for an antenna (e.g., a metamaterial radio-frequency (RF) antenna are described. In one embodiment antenna comprising: a plurality of radio-frequency (RF) radiating antenna elements located in a plurality of rings; and matrix drive circuitry coupled to the plurality of RF radiating antenna elements to drive the antenna elements, wherein the matrix drive circuitry to uniquely address each of the antenna elements using a matrix of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns with a non-grid-based addressing structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Kymeta CorporationInventors: Cagdas Varel, Steven Howard Linn
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Patent number: 11721909Abstract: An antenna structure may include a solid antenna structure and a mesh antenna structure. The mesh antenna structure may be coupled to an outer edge of the solid antenna structure through two or more ribs. The two or more ribs may be configured to extend away from the solid antenna structure to expand the mesh antenna structure and increase a surface area of the antenna structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventor: Jack Yi
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Patent number: 11704929Abstract: An optical structure is provided. The optical structure includes an optical element and a plurality of protrusions. The optical element has a planarized top surface. The plurality of protrusions are disposed on the planarized top surface, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions independently has a size in the subwavelength dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: VISERA TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Chin-Chuan Hsieh, Yueh-Ching Cheng, Shih-Yu Ho
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Patent number: 11688932Abstract: An antenna includes ribs that have been folded to fit within a frame, a conductive mesh coupled to the ribs, an arm that has been folded to fit within the frame, and a feed disposed at a distal end of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: HEDRON SPACE INC.Inventors: Hayden Burgoyne, Weston Alan Marlow, Joseph Atkinson
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Patent number: 11677133Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: M.M.A. Design, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Harvey, Toby J. Harvey, Mitchell T. Wiens, Mark A. Bailey, Shane E. Stamm, Christopher A. Pelzmann
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Patent number: 11658424Abstract: A deployable reflector for an antenna is disclosed. The deployable reflector comprises a deployable membrane configured to adopt a pre-formed shape in a deployed configuration, and an electrically conductive mesh disposed on a surface of the membrane wherein the electrically conductive mesh is configured to permit relative lateral movement between the electrically conductive mesh and the membrane during deployment of the reflector. In the deployed configuration, the conductive mesh adopts the shape of the membrane and forms a reflective surface of the reflector. A method of manufacturing the deployable reflector is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Oxford Space Systems LimitedInventors: Richard Bracey, Juan Reveles
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Patent number: 11646491Abstract: A system includes one or more antennas; and a processor to control a directionality of the antennas in communication with a predetermined target using 5G protocols.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Bao Tran
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Patent number: 11611392Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a satellite communication system includes a satellite constellation including a plurality of satellites in non-geosynchronous orbit (non-GEO), wherein at least some of the plurality of satellites travel in a first orbital path at a first inclination, and an end point terminal having an earth-based geographic location, the end point terminal having an antenna system defining a field of regard for communicating with the satellite constellation, wherein the field of regard is a limited field of regard, wherein the field of regard is tilted from a non-tilted position to a tilted position, and wherein the tilt angle of the tilted position is a function of the latitude of the geographic location.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Space Exploration Technologies Corp.Inventors: Duncan E. Adams, David Milroy, Jonathan François Cornelis Herman, Jessica D. Johnson
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Patent number: 11568501Abstract: In particular, a method performed by one or more devices is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a first intensity information item (210) representative of a spectral image (208) resulting from an soiling (202, 302) of a textile (200, 304); obtaining a second intensity information item (212, 214) representative of a spectral image (216) characteristic of at least one property of at least one part of the textile (200, 304); determining at least one treatment parameter, wherein the determination of the treatment parameter takes place dependent both on the composition of the soiling (202, 302) from the first intensity information item (210) and on the at least one property of at least the part of the textile (200, 304) from the second Intensity information item (212, 214); and outputting or triggering an outputting of the at least one treatment parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: HENKEL AG & CO. KGAAInventors: Arnd Kessler, Lars Zuechner, Peter Schmiedel, Christina Roeleke
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Patent number: 11539128Abstract: A 2.2M offset antenna includes a reflector hub; a positioner for supporting the reflector hub; a plurality of reflector panels including a first plurality of side panels and a second plurality of side panels, the first plurality of side panels and the second plurality of side panels each being selectively securable to the reflector hub; each side panel of the first plurality of side panels being uniquely sized relative to the other side panels of the first plurality of side panels such that the first plurality of side panels may be nested together in a stacked configuration when separated from reflector hub; and each side panel of the second plurality of side panels being uniquely sized relative to the other side panels of the second plurality of side panels such that the second plurality of side panels may be nested together in a stacked configuration when separated from reflector hub.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: AvL Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mike Wilde, Alan Eugene Ellis
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Patent number: 11505340Abstract: A method for manufacturing in space a rigid structure having a lattice is disclosed. The method includes creating of at least two framework elements from a coil of metal strip or wire, and creating of the lattice by cold-connecting the framework elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SASInventors: Delphine Carponcin, Christophe Figus
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Patent number: 11414217Abstract: A large reflector inflatable telescope. The telescope has an inflatable hull with a conical lower portion and a hemispherical upper portion. The conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves so that radio or light waves can reach an inner reflector, which is interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion. The presence of the inner reflector allows the conical portion and the hemispherical portion to be inflated at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic. If desired, the reflector can be made adjustable with a membrane behind the reflector that provides electro-static force to shape the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: William Dean Perry, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 11223139Abstract: An expandable antenna includes: a plurality of ribs arranged with a regulated angular pitch at an outer circumferential portion of a hub; and a metal mesh installed between the plurality of adjacent ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is formed in a horizontally elongated thin flat plate shape with elasticity, and a segment to which the metal mesh is attached is formed in a parabolic shape. A flat plane of each of the plurality of ribs is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to a central axis of the hub. The object of the present invention is to provide the expandable antenna which can be easily expanded in outer space with a simple structure and can realize a desired shape after expansion.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: INSTITUTE FOR Q-SHU PIONEERS OF SPACE, INC.Inventors: Shunsuke Onishi, Tetsuo Yasaka, Kazuo Kuno, Yohei Koga
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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: 11081775Abstract: A deployable structure includes a plurality of interconnected elongated support members, deployed from a stowed state to an expanded state in which the support members are arranged in a ring. Each support member is provided with a connector (28) for longitudinal movement during deployment with respect to the support member. An actuating support member (27) has a drive member (50) for longitudinal movement with respect to the actuating support member, and an electromagnetic device arranged to drive the drive member in one direction with respect to the actuating support member. The drive member is connected to the connector by a lost motion connector, thus the connector is capable of moving in said one direction even if the drive member is not moved by the electromechanical device.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: OXFORD SPACE SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventors: Juan Reveles-Wilson, Vincent Fraux, Martin Humphries
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Patent number: 11014828Abstract: An inflatable non-imaging solar concentrator based concentrating solar thermal and photovoltaic system powered water desalination system comprises a concentrating electricity and heat cogeneration subsystem, a battery storage subsystem, a thermal storage subsystem with electric heater, a thermal power regeneration subsystem, and a water distillation system with electric heater. The inflatable non-imaging solar concentrator makes the concentrating system substantially low cost, and the hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic panels used to construct the cogeneration receiver make the system ultra-high efficient. The cogenerated thermal energy is stored in a thermal storage and the cogenerated electric energy is stored in a battery storage to heat the stored thermal energy to pre-set high temperature for thermal power regeneration. The thermal energy after thermal power generation is used to desalinize water with assistance of electric heater powered by the stored electricity.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Inventor: Yonghua Wang
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Patent number: 10916859Abstract: An inflatable antenna is disclosed herein that is capable of being deployed in space and other suitable environments and configured to improve RF performance and mechanical stability. Related methods for manufacturing and deploying such inflatable antennas are also described. The inflatable antenna can be configured to form a Gregorian dual reflector confocal parabolic antenna system when inflated. Various antenna structures, mechanisms, and manufacturing and deployment techniques are also disclosed herein that improve the precision and accuracy of RF reflective surfaces of the primary and secondary reflectors, confocal alignment of the primary and secondary reflectors, mechanical stability, and/or to improve the range of RF operation. The inflatable antenna can be manufactured and deployed with less complexity and more precision than existing inflatable antennas.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Alan J. Fenn, Jesse Mills, Frank Robey, James W. Finnell, Jr., Bakari Hassan, Sean Crowley
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Patent number: 10847892Abstract: An antenna having a feed horn assembly, a parabolic reflector assembly, and a mounting bracket assembly. The feed horn assembly has a circuit board housing having first and second molded housing halves and a main support arm. The feed horn assembly is adjustable, whereby the main support arm is adjusted from a collapsed configuration to an elongated configuration and vice-versa. The feed horn assembly further has a printed circuit board, a coaxial feed cable, an arm holder, and a coaxial radio frequency connector. The printed circuit board is triangular in shape. The circuit board housing houses the printed circuit board. The main support arm has a plurality of arm adjustment holes and extends from the arm holder to the circuit board housing. From the collapsed configuration to the elongated configuration there are intermediate configurations. The antenna has single polarization.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Antenna World Inc.Inventor: Raul J. Pla