Abstract: A construction for shielding microwave antennas is disclosed including a plurality of RF reflective modular panels positioned to surround a microwave antenna location. Each modular panel has the surface of at least one side adapted to reflect RF signals away from the antenna location. The construction includes a frame for supporting the panels, and a means for connecting the panels to the frame. In the preferred embodiment, the panels are reflective of RF signals on both sides of the panel, with the side of the panel facing the antenna location reflecting RF signals upward and the side away from the antenna location reflecting signals downward. The preferred embodiment also includes dual inclined-step reflectors to achieve the directional reflection, preferrably prepared with a cross-section defining a plurality of linked Z's.

Abstract: A joint connection for attachment of reflector panels at a truss support structure of a radio telescope, where the bars of the truss and the reflector panels consisting of fiber composite material, and adjusting means for the reflector panels between the ball-shaped central body of the joint and the reflector panels.

Abstract: The ribs of a mesh-type parabolic antenna or the like are clamped in a radial arrangement between the side walls of adjacent wedges in a hub. The hub includes a plate with a flange extending from the interior thereof. The wedges are arranged on the plate radially about the circumference of the flange. Each wedge has side walls tapering inwardly toward a front end thereof. The front ends of the wedges are drawn toward the flange and fastened thereto, thereby clamping the ribs therebetween. Each of the ribs includes a channel, and a plurality of locking strips are provided for insertion into the rib channels. Antenna mesh panels bridging adjacent ribs are held to the ribs at the panel edges by the locking strips.

Abstract: An antenna dish structure is disclosed having a central support to which are attached a plurality of elongated ribs extending radially outwardly with a plurality of metallic mesh members extending between adjacent pairs of rib, and a rim structure connected to the outer ends of the ribs, with both the ribs and the rim having portions for receiving therewithin such mesh members.

Abstract: A satellite dish antenna having parabolic-shaped support ribs firmly engaging the sides of adjacent screen-mesh reflected petals along the entire longitudinal length of each petal. Each support rib having an upper reflective surface lying in the same plane as the surface of the reflective petal, under which is located a locking arrangement which engages adjacent reflective petals the entire length of the petal.

Abstract: Earth station antenna and method for assembly wherein the antenna has a frame made up of accurately stamped radial ribs and circularly disposed cross members, the frame being filled in by either sheet metal segments or by screen mesh segments to form a parabolic surface. The ribs are supported by a central ring or barrel, which is rotatable during assembly, and by back braces which are adjustable to bring the ribs to true parabolic positions and to tune the completed antenna. Assembly may be done from the ground by rotation of the central barrel. Novel connection means and a positioning gage are used during assembly of the antenna.

Abstract: A portable antenna is disclosed herein having a pedestal supporting on octagon frame via a universal mounting mechanism. A parabolic reflecting antenna is fixed onto a plurality of mounting sockets on the frame and includes a plurality of individual and separate wedge-shaped panels adapted to be assembled in a side-by-side relationship to provide a unitary construction. Each panel includes outwardly projecting flanges on its oppsite edge marginal regions cooperating with similar flanges on adjacent panels to define a combined mounting flange to be insertably aligned with and received into the mounting sockets carried on the frame. Fasteners secure the flanges and sockets together in a fixed relationship.

Abstract: A parabolic reflector for microwave antennae which can be assembled from a plurality, for example eight, identical and interchangeable rigid fiberglass panels is shown. The panels have rigidizing ribs formed on their rear surfaces, integrally with each panel and made of the same material, to assure thermal stability and mechanical rigidity. A mounting ring is produced by some of these ribs while others located on the radial margins of the panels incorporate self-indexing devices for automatically lining up the front surfaces of the panels flush with each other, when the reflector is assembled from the rear surface.