Abstract: In order to be able to shift a leader (18), which is disposed on a travelling chassis (10) via a carrying mechanism (16), both towards the front and also towards the rear into a substantially horizontal position, the carrying mechanism (16) has at least one guide arm (24) which is adjustable in length and which comprises a double-acting hydraulic working cylinder.

Abstract: An extensible carrier structure is described here which includes several mutually connected individual elements, where the individual elements are made up of tube elements which are deformable in a reversible manner, and where the tube elements, at their ends, are connected with each other by first elastic elements.

Abstract: A perimeter truss structure (103) that may be used, for example, to support an RF reflector may include multiple deployed bays (200) arranged in a ring. Each deployed bay (200) includes a first upper horizontal support member (726) attached to a first vertical support member (706) and collapsible on a first joint (728) translating on a second vertical support member (708), as well as a first lower horizontal support member (714) attached to the second vertical support member (708) and collapsible on a second joint (744) translating on the first vertical support member (706). The first and second vertical support members (706, 708) define a ring inside (122) and a ring outside (124). The first upper horizontal support member (712) is disposed on one ring side (e.g., the outside), while the first lower horizontal support member (714) is disposed on the opposite ring side.

Abstract: A compactly stowable and deployable support architecture, such as may be used for supporting an energy directing surface, includes radial and hoop support members for deploying a surface, such as a mesh-configured antenna reflector. A multi-sided foldable hoop structure has a plurality of foldable joints, and generally radial struts that extend from and are foldable about corner joints of the hoop structure. At least one drive mechanism is coupled to torque tubes that drive geared hinges of the multi-sided hoop structure. The hinges and drive linkages are geared to synchronously unfold the multi-sided foldable hoop structure and the radial struts, so that the antenna surface may be smoothly deployed from its stowed condition.

Abstract: A sports field, in particular for team sports such as football, has a playing field (20) which consists of a overing made of grass, granulates or other natural and/or artificial materials, placed on an infrastructure (21), in particular made of earth and/or gravel. Also disclosed is a process for horizontally displacing the sports field (20). To allow such a sports field to be horizontally displaced, the sports field is arranged on a preferably trough-shaped supporting frame (22) substantially made of concrete and/or steel parts, and which can be displaced on sliding pads supported on fixed sliding tracks (23).

Abstract: While a crawler body 110 is traveling, infrared sensors 144 and an elevational difference calculator 132 incorporated in a controller 130 detects the magnitude of a step present ahead of the crawler body 110. A safety speed calculator 134 calculates a safety speed based on the magnitude of the step detected and on the position of the platform 116 relative to the crawler body 110, which position is detected by various detectors 141˜143 and by a position calculator 133. A comparator 135 compares this safety speed with the traveling speed of the crawler body 110, and if the current speed of the crawler body 110 is greater than the safety speed, then the comparator 135 outputs a warning signal. Upon receiving this signal, a restrictor 136 controls a valve controller 131 to reduce the speed of the crawler body 110 such that the crawler body 110 can travel over the step safely.

Abstract: A deployable antenna reflector structure (10) that provides a reduced number of components without compromising mechanical stability or deployment reliability. The structure (10) uses a truss hoop (21) with identical elements (20) and parallel pivot axes (30) to transition from a stowed position (50) to a deployed position (51). The use of identical elements (20) provides reduced manufacturing and assembly costs due to the reduction in components and added simplicity of the design. The truss hoop (21) achieves mechanical stability by making use of a two-dimensional element design having vertical portions (23) and horizontal portions (22) located in the same plane. Each parallel pivot axis (30) is defined by two pivot points. The first pivot point (31) connects horizontal portions (22) of adjacent identical elements (20) and the second pivot point (31) connects vertical portions (23) of adjacent identical elements (20). The structure (10) also provides a reflector (40) and a deployment control mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is a base station that may be adjusted to varying altitudes along a vertical support but will not temporarily suspend wireless communications services to all mobile telephones within its associated cell when being serviced. In one embodiment, the base station of the present invention comprises a plurality of micro-cells and a plurality of independently moveable carriages. Each of the plurality of micro-cells being associated with a sector of a cell, and comprising a radio unit and a directional antenna for providing wireless communications services to mobile telephones within the associated sector. Each of the micro-cells are mounted to one of the plurality of carriages, which are independently and moveably mounted to a vertical support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slide mount for telescopic parts, more particularly for crane jibs, including a slipper arranged between the sliding surface areas of the telescopic parts, the slipper being configured so that it is held in place by a wedge effect between the telescopic parts, and the slipper including on its inner and/or outer surface area longitudinal grooves receiving compensating, spacer elements, preferably, elongated strips.

Abstract: An antenna system including a support structure and an antenna assembly having an open grid reflector structure in a closed ring and dipole elements. The antenna assembly includes a number of antenna panels, each including a number of the dipole elements, the closed ring is self-supporting and connected to the support structure by radial beams and struts, and the antenna panels are interconnected by a variable angle connection.

Abstract: The antenna mast or tower structure includes a base adapted for attachment to a van, preferably a van equipped with suitable mounting jacks designed to support the base. Both the base and the plurality of telescopically nested tubular subassemblies are adapted to be extended by cables, each cable being secured at one end to a lower end of the subassembly to be raised, and at its other end to a motorized cable and pulley system that includes a driven drum, plurality of fixed pulley blocks mounted to each subassembly near the upper end thereof, and a movable pulley block arranged to achieve a mechanical advantage in the cable and pulley system itself.

Abstract: A deployable perimeter truss reflector is capable of achieving a hitherto unobtainable thirty to one ratio in size between its size in the deployed condition and the stowed condition. The improved truss reflector structure is characterized by deployable spars that are attached to and extend from a basic frame structure to the truss. When deployed the spars are positioned outwardly and away from the basic frame of the truss, carrying the catenaries, and, the latter carrying the reflective surface into position at an end of the truss cylindrical truss. New catenary systems, deployment mechanisms, basic truss structures and cable management systems are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radio communications and in particular to antenna structures. There is a growing demand in the radio communication system market to reduce the size and cost of radio communication sites and to reduce the maintenance costs involved. Many radio communication sites are also costly and difficult to maintain especially when dealing with components of the antenna structures which are located near the top of the antenna structures. The present invention attempts to address these problems. The present invention provides an antenna structure comprising a hollow antenna mast having an inside and an outside, a movable module disposed inside the hollow antenna mast and a lifting mechanism. The movable module has at least one antenna and/or at least one RF module. The a lifting mechanism permits the raising and lowering of the movable module inside the hollow antenna mast. Furthermore, the communications equipment can be placed inside the hollow antenna mast.

Abstract: A wind resistant habitable dwelling which includes the fuselage of an aircraft rotatably mounted on a support column. The tail fin of the fuselage is retained to allow the dwelling to pivot about the support column and point into the direction of the prevailing wind. The fuselage of the aircraft has points along its undercarriage support framework for attachment of a rotatable support column, which is cylindrical in shape. The support column includes a bearing assembly and a gearing system. The bearing assembly defines a single axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a level ground surface, so that the fuselage is capable of pivoting about the support column within a plane parallel to the level ground surface. The gearing system, which is also attached to the fuselage of the aircraft, is driven by motors and is capable of being further controlled by both dampening and braking assemblies housed in the support column. Access to the support column is provided by a ground level hatchway.

Abstract: An enclosed multi-user telecommunications tower covering multiple antennas at various heights with communication passages allowing an operator to move internally between modules containing antennas. Individual adjustment and orientation of the antennas for each provider (or their replacement) is thus readily possible within the tower. The tower preferably comprises lower support modules of reinforced concrete and a steel tower for supporting the antenna systems. The latter is covered with a RF transparent skin covering of a fiber reinforced plastic. The communication means takes the form of an annular space between the steel tower support and the RF transparent skin covering wherein the multiple antennas are supported.

Abstract: A telescoping mast assembly having a plurality of interconnected mast sections nested within each other is provided. Mast sections move along an axis between retracted and extended positions. A single drive member having a circular shape within the mast sections and connected to one of the mast sections for displacing the sections in opposite directions along the axis is also provided. A contour forming mold for shaping the drive member is provided between the storage reel and the mast sections.

Abstract: A safety clamp (10) attaches a safety cable (48) to standing seams (14) of a roof deck (12). The safety clamp has a housing (16) with a movable member (20) mounted therein. The housing has first tabs (18) that extend outward thereon and are engageable with first sides of the standing seams. The movable member has second tabs (22) mounted thereon that extend through cut-outs (24) in the housing. The safety clamp is attachable to the standing seams by moving a threaded member (38) to hold three standing seams in clamped relation between the tabs.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished by providing a tower that includes a fixed member; at least one movable tower member, the at least one movable tower member is movable relative to the fixed member. The tower also includes a drive for moving the at least one movable tower member when power is supplied to the drive; and a tower position detection system comprising: a switch mounted on the fixed member and electrically connected to the drive, and an actuator member mounted in a predetermined position along the length of one of the at least one movable tower members so that when the one of the at least one movable tower members is in a predetermined location relative to the fixed member, the actuator is located proximate the switch to open the switch and terminate the supply of power to the drive.

Abstract: A flagpole is provided for displaying a flag, the flagpole comprises at least one longitudinally extending tubular segment and rotatable flag engaging rings concentrically disposed on the tubular segment. One of the rotatable flag engaging rings includes a pawl device, concentrically disposed on the tubular segment, for allowing only uni-directional lateral movement of one of the flag engaging rings.

Abstract: A system for lowering and raising telecommunications equipment along a mast pole. The system comprises a mast pole, a platform means, a frame means, a plurality of lift cables, a hoisting means and a transition means. The platform means surrounds the external surface of the mast pole and is moveable along the length thereof. The platform means is arranged for mounting of telecommunications equipment thereon. The frame means is attached at the open upper end of the mast pole shaft and comprises pulley means, means for guiding at least one lift cable and means for guiding at least one telecommunications cable, i.e., signal cable or power cable. Each lift cable has a first end connected to the platform means and extends through the guiding means and through the passageway of the mast pole. The hoisting means is secured to the lower end of the mast pole and is provided for selectively raising and lowering the platform means. The pulley means includes a winch cable having a free end.

Abstract: A power mast for the automatic vertical elevation and retraction of various devices, such as an antenna mounted on a communications vehicle. The mast is cable-driven, having a plurality of individual telescoping sections which allow for an overall collapsed height the same as or only slightly higher than the tallest such individual section. The cable is threaded around a series of pulleys, and is driven by a motor. Constant tension is maintained in the system, so that when in its operating or "up" position, the device is held in a stable condition until retracted.

Abstract: A new and improved telescopic flag and cone device with a cone portion having an open top and a closed bottom. A pole portion having a plurality of telescoping poles is received through the open top of the cone portion and secured to the closed bottom. An uppermost pole has a securement slot therein. A flag portion is received through the securement slot of the uppermost pole for securement therewith. The flag portion optionally wraps around the uppermost pole thereby permitting the plurality of poles to be telescopically received within the cone portion for storage purposes.

Abstract: A safety clamp (10) attaches a safety cable (48) to standing seams (14) of a roof deck (12). The safety clamp has a housing (16) with a movable member (20) mounted therein. The housing has first tabs (18) that extend outward thereon and are engageable with first sides of the standing seams. The movable member has second tabs (22) mounted thereon that extend through cut-outs (24) in the housing. The safety clamp is attachable to the standing seams by moving a threaded member (38) to hold three standing seams in clamped relation between the tabs.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable, telescoping style mast assembly and method employs a plurality of tubular sections of differing diameters. The tubular sections are nested one-in-another and are slidable with respect to each other, in a telescoping manner, to provide a deployable/retractable telescoping mast assembly. Retractable pins are provided to retractably extend from a collar coupled to at least one of the tube sections. In their extended state, the retractable pins are adapted to extend through apertures provided in an adjacent tube section. The retractable pins are provided with a head at one end thereof. The head of each pin is adapted to be engaged by a guide coupled to a third tube section upon the third tube section being in a collapsed state. Upon engagement with the pin head, the guide operates to pull the pin into a retracted state so as to retract the pin out of the pin receiving aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a moving mechanism which can be made so small and lightweight as to be portable when being contracted, which can be formed into a longer higher column than conventional potable column, and which can thus realize a large moving amount without increasing the weight thereof. The movement mechanism has a slender moving member, a driving portion for moving the moving member, a plurality of centering members each having a through hole for the moving member at the center thereof, connected to each other and are moved in linkage with the movement of the moving member so that the distance between the respective centering members can be changed, and a movement passage for supporting and guiding the movement of the centering members.

Abstract: A module for forming part of an articulated mast which can be retracted to be stowed and elongated to be deployed, the mast when deployed having a central axis of elongation and a plurality of these modules. Each module has at least three rigid non-folding station rods joined to form a rigid station, and an equal number of non-folding longerons, each hingedly connected to a corner of the station. Four diagonal segments are formed as part of two flexible inelastic cables, which are brought together at a control which always holds one of the cables, and passes the other. The control includes a releasable catch to hold the other cable when its segments are at lengths respective to a deployed module.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a portable workover rig which is formed of a base which can be adjusted through two degrees of freedom to position a rectangular framework leveled with respect to gravity to thereby support derrick sections. The base supports the derrick sections within a derrick support mechanism which is an upstanding axially hollow structure having a side door. Each section of the derrick is inserted into the side door and can be selectively raised by a hydraulic mechanism. Each derrick section is raised to receive another derrick section to extend the derrick from the bottom up to avoid climbing. A crown assembly is placed on the derrick to adjustably position appropriate sheaves for engaging load lines extending from the well head area up to the crown and back to the well head to carry out workover of a producing well. Assembly of the derrick section by section is done from the bottom to avoid climbing the derrick. Guy wires are affixed to assure a vertical derrick.

Abstract: A stowable and self-deployable array antenna includes flat, rectangular antenna panels hinged side-by-side so that when deployed they are coplanar, and they fold like an accordion for stowing. The deployed array antenna is stiffened by lateral stiffening panels hingedly attached to every other hinge between antenna panels, and to the unhinged ends of the antenna panels. Foldable longitudinal stiffening panels hinged between adjacent lateral stiffening panels. Each hinged connection includes a pair of thin spring elements, corresponding to a portion of a cylinder. The two spring elements of each hinge are spaced apart with their concave sides facing, and with the axes of the defining cylinder parallel. The hinge pivots, when the spring elements buckle, about a line orthogonal to a line extending between the cylinder axes. The hinges are used as the structural elements of self-deployable masts. The mast may have a polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: An extendable pole or mast is constructed from a plurality of nested pole sections with each pole section is made from an initially flat sheet which is roll formed into a rectangular, preferably square, cross section element. A seam is formed by over lapping the edges of the sheet, with the bulk of the seam being placed inwardly of the element. Each of the inner sections includes its own seam and an offset of sufficient size and depth to receive the seam and offset of an outer sections. The sheet material permits tabs to be cut or stamped into outer walls of the outer sections in order to support an adjacent inner pole section. Tabs are formed in each of the outer pole sections. These tabs are biased to extend inwardly, against the adjacent inner pole section. Tabs may be formed below the first tab to provide a choice in the amount of extension of the pole.

Abstract: A facility for transmitting telecommunication signals from a tower utilizes an annular housing mounted to the tower. The housing has a central opening through which the tower extends. The housing has a circular wall with an axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the tower. Antennas and transmitters are mounted within the housing.

Abstract: A truss structure, which is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position, has at least one frame section. The frame section has a number of frame units, wherein each frame unit includes three elongated members forming a triangle independent of the triangle formed by the other frame units. A first elongated member of each frame unit is coupled to a first elongated member of another frame unit such that these coupled first elongated members form a polygon. The remaining elongated members of each frame unit are pivotally connected to the first elongated member of their respective frame unit so as to be pivoted with respect to the first elongated member during movement of the truss structure between the collapsed and deployed positions. A number of foldable batten members are connected at their ends to the frame units to form a second polygon. The foldable batten members fold, approximately at their midpoints, during movement of the truss structure between the collapsed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A post is adapted to be raised to an active position in front of a vehicle being serviced from a pit beneath the vehicle, the post serving as a barrier to guard against injury and property damage in the event the vehicle suddenly lurches forwardly. After the vehicle has been serviced, the post may be lowered to a stored position in the pit to enable the vehicle to be driven forwardly from the service area.

Abstract: An axially extensible and retractable structure including a plurality of cylindrical, threadedly engaged elements rotatable relative to one another for movement between axially extended and retracted positions together with a plurality of non-rotatable, telescoping segments. Preferably, none of the threads is exposed on the outside of the structure as the elements are moved between their extended and retracted positions. The structure is described in several embodiments, some with the telescoping segments positioned within the threaded elements, and some with the threaded elements within the segments which, in one embodiment, is adapted to support another element such as a boat sail, along its axial length. Also disclosed is a preferred method for fabricating the threaded elements utilizing relatively strong, light-weight materials such as carbon fiber impregnated with a curable epoxy resin.

Abstract: A deployable boom is constructed of springly flexible members so that it is self-biased toward a long length deployed state. A drive mechanism is operative to actuate a reel and lanyard device to retract the boom to a short length storage state and to controllably permit the boom to be extended to its long length deployed state. Latches are operated by the drive mechanism to releasably hold the boom in the short length storage state.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling or disassembling a mast comprising a plurality elongate mast sections adapted to be attached together in end-to-end configuration. The apparatus includes a lifting assembly for raising or lowering the mast from its bottom end, and a plurality of winches for reeling in or feeding out guy lines attached to the mast. The apparatus also includes a computer for controlling the operation of the winches so as to ensure the length of guy line fed out of the winches is such that the mast is supported in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A mast defined by three flexible longerons with cross elements coils into a canister. Extension and retraction are controlled by three axially oriented lead screws which engage protuberances spaced along the longerons. The lead screws are mutually synchronzied by an annular planet gear, and are driven by a spiroidal gear set. At a predetermined mast extension, motor drive is switched over for rotation of the mast rather than extension-retraction. The switch over is controlled by an actuator in the form of a movable guide element dimensioned to clear normal-sized protuberances but to be seized and carried by an oversize protuberance at the desired mast extension. The actuator is coupled to a lock which unlocks the annular gear to the canister so that motor drive results in mast rotation. An auxiliary lock allows re-locking of the canister to the support structure for allowing resumption of the mast extension-retraction mode.

Abstract: An extensible mast support system is depicted which utilizes a plurality of anchor points which are disposed radially distant from the base of the mast. A support bracket mounted to the mast serves to mount multiple metering sprockets and a single continuous length of cable is threaded between each anchor point and the support bracket. Strain measurement devices on each span of the cable are utilized to control the length of cable payed out during extension or retraction of the mast. A beaded cable which engages the metering sprockets is utilized to restrict variations in length between spans whereby increased strain in an individual span will not vary the length of the other spans and the mast will remain vertical.

Abstract: A central hub carries a main pivotal shaft, on respective sides of which extend pivotal links, to each of which is fixed an end of a truss which trusses can be moved together and parallel when the links are in a straight line for displacement of the structure, and can be spaced and radiating when the links are disposed along a closed contour, for use of the structure.

Abstract: A collapsible, or deployable, truss unit to be combined with a multiplicity of other similar units for the construction of, typically, medium to large size frameworks for use in outer space. Generally of boxlike shape when deployed, the truss unit comprises two opposite end truss assemblies of rectangular or quadrilateral shape, and an intermediate truss assembly of similar shape interposed therebetween and linked thereto via additional truss members. Two opposite ones of the four truss members of the intermediate truss assembly have each a movable hinge assembly mounted thereto for longitudinal displacement. Each movable hinge assembly has two diagonal truss members pivoted thereto each at one end, the other ends of the diagonal truss members being pivoted to the respective end truss assemblies.

Abstract: A collapsible, or deployable, truss unit to be combined with a multiplicity of other similar units in an array for the construction of, for example, medium to large size frameworks in outer space. Each truss unit comprises two substantially rectangular arrangements of four rigid side members pivotally joined to one another, to be directed toward the opposite sides of the framework constructed, and four rigid cross members extending between the joints of the two rectangular arrangements of the side members. A flexible brace or braces are arranged diagonally of each rectangular arrangement of the side members. Two diagonally opposite ones of the four cross members have each a hinge assembly mounted thereto for longitudinal displacement. Each movable hinge assembly has two rigid diagonal members pivoted thereto each at one end, the other ends of the diagonal members being pivoted to two diagonally opposite ones of the four joints of one rectangular arrangement of side members.

Abstract: A method for stretching and folding an extension jib in a wheeled type crane including a telescopic boom, and a suspension-rod-supported compression column type extension jib to be supported in a flat posture at the fore end of the boom in stretched state through right and left jib foot portions rotatably engaged with horizontal boom point pins extending transversely of the boom at the fore end thereof, the method including the steps of (a) providing on opposite sides of the extension jib right and left jib foot portions disengageably engageable with the boom point pins, one of the jib foot portions being rotatable relative to the boom about an axis extending in the axial direction of the jib; (b) stretching the jib from a folded position in which the top and bottom sides of the jib are disposed in an upright posture along one side of the boom, by engaging the one jib foot portion with the boom point pin on the folding side and turning the boom into an inclined position from a horizontal position, rotating th

Abstract: The invention provides a retractile polyarticulated mechanism comprising at least one elementary mechanism (4) formed of two endmost pieces (5, 6) one of which is a reference and, for connecting these endmost pieces (5, 6) together at least three legs (7,8,9) situated in separate planes and formed of two parts (10 and 11, or 12 and 13, or 14 and 15) each associated, on the one hand, with the other part forming the same leg by a spherical connection (16, 17 and 18) and, on the other hand, with an endmost piece (5, 6) different from the one with which this other part is associated by a rotoid connection (either 19 or 20, either 21 or 22, or finally 23 or 24).

Abstract: A support structure having any number of sides from three to round that includes a lattice structure formed from a flat plate assemblage of components preferably constructed by appropriately cutting slots at intervals in a flat plate so as to form corner and intermediate gusset plates with connected braces, which braces are then each preferably bent along their longitudinally axis into angle braces, the groups of corner and intermediate gusset plates and braces making up sections or tiers of the lattice structure, the tiers nesting alongside on another, such that, when the structure is erected by lifting or elevating the center thereof, the angle braces bent at their joints with the gusset plates telescoping the assemblage into a three dimensional longitudinally tapered structure. The structure is then supported at corners of each tier between vertical legs that connect at intervals to the corner gusset plates of each tier of the tapered structure.

Abstract: An extensible mast is shown which is erected from a portable base having a plurality of tape reels mounted thereon. The tape reels are angularly oriented on the base with respect to a common, vertical axis, and each of the tape reels is adapted to receive a resilient metal tape having longitudinal edges for winding and unwinding the tape. A plurality of guide rollers on the base receive the respective longitudinal edges of the metal tapes and orient the tapes whereby the tapes are fed upwardly in planes parallel to the vertical axis and at an angle to each other to form a rigid structure. A geared winding mechanism, including a plurality of rotatable windings rotates about the vertical axis and wraps a wrap material about the rigid structure to reinforce the structure as it is being erected.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a deployable M-braced truss structure that is efficiently packaged into a compact stowed position and expandable to an operative position at the use site. The M-braced configuration effectively separates tension-compression and shear in the structure and permits efficient structural design. Both diagonals and longerons telescope from an M-braced base unit. They are deployed either pneumatically, mechanically by springs or cables, or by powered reciprocating mechanisms. Upon full deployment, the diagonals and longerons lock into place with a simple latch mechanism.

Abstract: A telescopic mast comprises a plurality of mast sections (2, 3, 4) which can be displaced axially relative to one another while guided by each other. The sections are arranged to be moved out of one another by means of a continuous line (13), which passes and co-acts with all mast sections, from the outermost to the innermost section. Each mast section (2, 3, 4) includes at least one lower line-guide pulley (5, 6, 7) and one line-returning unit (8, 9, 10) arranged at the upper end of a respective section. That part of the line (18) extending between the pulley (5) and the line-returning unit (8) of one section (2) and between said line-returning unit (8) and the guide pulley (6) of the nearest inwardly lying section (3) is fully protected in a space located between the sections (2, 3). The sections suitably comprise open-ended, closed-wall cylinders (2, 3, 4) arranged to fit within one another with a small clearance therebetween and which enable the mast to be used in the absence of guys.

Abstract: A collapsible-expandable truss structure 16 including first and second spaced surface truss layers (18, 20) having an attached core layer 22 is disclosed. The surface truss layers are composed of a plurality of linear struts 40 arranged in multiple triangular configurations with each linear strut being hinged at its center 41 and hingedly connected at each end thereof to a nodular joint 25. A passive spring 64 serves as the expansion force to move the folded struts from a stowed collapsed position to a deployed operative final truss configuration. Damper 62 controls the rate of spring 64 expansion for synchronized deployment of truss 16 as the folded configuration is released for deployment by restraint belts 72a and 73a synchronously extending under the control of motor (71) driven spools 72 and 73.

Abstract: The disclosed deployable lattice column includes a plurality of longeron elements connected together and reinforced by lateral elements including both diagonal members and battens. The diagonal members are formed of rigid elements thereby maintaining the stiffness of the lattice column when deployed, even when torsional loads are applied to the column.

Abstract: A box truss hoop which is defined by circumferentially adjacent collapsible boxes. The hoop is expandable radially from a compact, folded configuration to a deployed hoop configuration. Each of the boxes includes collapsible inner and outer frames, connecting side members extending between the inner and outer frames and diagonal braces. When employed as an antenna, the box truss hoop includes a shaped reflective surface extending across the hoop and a feed located at the focus of the reflective surface.

Abstract: A column having a base section and a tiltable section, the tiltable section being hinged adjacent the top of the base section by hinge means within the base and tiltable section whereby, the tiltable section may be tilted from it's normal upright position to a position whereby the upper end is adjacent the ground for maintenance of a lamp unit.