Inflatable multi-function parabolic reflector apparatus and methods of manufacture
First Claim
1. A multi-function, multi-purpose apparatus for use as a radiant electromagnetic energy concentrating, focusing or beaming apparatus comprising:
- a ring, said ring being tubular and inflatable, said ring defining a vacant circular center;
a first inflation valve disposed in said ring for inflating said ring;
at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the center of said ring, said membranes and said ring defining at least one inflatable reflector chamber, at least one of said membranes having a second inflation valve extending therethrough for inflating said reflector chamber.
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Abstract
An inflatable, multifunction, multipurpose, parabolic reflector apparatus having a plurality of manufactured parabolic mirrors made from a pressure-deformable reflective covering of an inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) and solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) electrical power generation, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5) projection of optical signals or images. The device also has non-electromagnetic uses, such as the collection of water. A first main embodiment utilizes two membranes, where at least one is reflective to electromagnetic radiation. A second main embodiment utilizes a reflective membrane and a transparent membrane. Portability is enhanced by complete collapsing of the inflatable device.
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Citations
75 Claims
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1. A multi-function, multi-purpose apparatus for use as a radiant electromagnetic energy concentrating, focusing or beaming apparatus comprising:
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a ring, said ring being tubular and inflatable, said ring defining a vacant circular center;
a first inflation valve disposed in said ring for inflating said ring;
at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the center of said ring, said membranes and said ring defining at least one inflatable reflector chamber, at least one of said membranes having a second inflation valve extending therethrough for inflating said reflector chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. An apparatus comprising:
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a support element comprising a tubular, inflatable ring, wherein the ring includes a vacant center formed therein;
a first inflation assembly disposed in the ring, wherein the first inflation assembly is operable to inflate the ring;
a plurality of pressure-deformable membranes attached to the ring and extending across the vacant center, wherein the ring and the membranes define at least one inflatable reflector chamber;
a second inflation assembly disposed to extend into the reflector chamber, wherein the second inflation assembly is operable to inflate the reflector chamber; and
a reflective material is disposed on or in one or more of the plurality of membranes. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 66)
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63. A multi-function, multi-purpose apparatus comprising:
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a support element comprising a tubular, inflatable ring, wherein the ring includes a vacant center formed therein;
a first inflation means for inflating the ring connected to the ring;
a plurality of pressure-deformable membranes attached to the ring and extending across the vacant center, wherein the ring and the membranes define at least one inflatable reflector chamber;
a second inflation means for inflating the reflector chamber, wherein the second inflation means is disposed to extend into the reflector chamber; and
a means for reflecting electromagnetic radiation disposed on or in one or more components selected from the group consisting of the ring and one or more of the plurality of membranes.
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67. A method of concentrating, focusing, reflecting or beaming radiant electromagnetic energy, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a multi-function, multi-purpose apparatus for concentrating, focusing or beaming electromagnetic energy, the apparatus comprising;
i. a support element comprising a tubular, inflatable ring, wherein the ring includes a vacant center formed therein;
ii. a first inflation assembly disposed in the ring, wherein the first inflation assembly is operable to inflate the ring;
iii. a plurality of pressure-deformable membranes attached to the ring and extending across the vacant center, wherein the ring and the membranes define at least one inflatable reflector chamber;
iv. a second inflation assembly disposed to extend into the reflector chamber, wherein the second inflation assembly is operable to inflate the reflector chamber; and
v. a reflective material disposed on or in one or more of the plurality of membranes, wherein the ring and the reflector chamber are each in an inflated state;
(b) orienting the apparatus to receive electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic energy; and
(c) concentrating and focusing electromagnetic radiation received from the source by reflecting the electromagnetic energy using the reflective material. - View Dependent Claims (68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73)
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74. A portable field-deployable electromagnetic energy concentrating apparatus comprising:
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a support ring comprising at least one substantially tubular and inflatable ring, wherein the support ring defines a vacant center;
at least one means for inflating the support ring;
at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the vacant center, wherein the membranes define at least one substantially predetermined portion of at least one inflatable reflector chamber, and at least one of the pressure-deformable membranes has at least one means for reflecting radiant electromagnetic energy;
at least one inflation means for inflating the reflector chamber; and
at least one safety means for reducing the risk of accidental or unintentional exposure to concentrated electromagnetic radiation.
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75. A method for reducing the risk of accidental or unintentional exposure to concentrated electromagnetic radiation while operating an electromagnetic energy concentrating apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) deploying a portable field-deployable electromagnetic energy concentrating apparatus comprising;
i. a support ring comprising at least one substantially tubular and inflatable ring, wherein the support ring defines a vacant center;
ii. at least one means for inflating the support ring;
iii. at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the vacant center, wherein the membranes define at least one substantially predetermined portion of at least one inflatable reflector chamber, and at least one of the pressure-deformable membranes has at least one means for reflecting radiant electromagnetic energy;
iv. at least one inflation means for inflating the reflector chamber; and
v. at least one safety means for reducing the risk of accidental or unintentional exposure to concentrated electromagnetic radiation, wherein the ring and the at least one reflector chamber of the deployed apparatus are inflated;
(b) operating the deployed apparatus to concentrate radiant electromagnetic energy; and
(c) limiting the concentration of radiant electromagnetic energy to a proximity to a substantially fixed focal point by using the at least one safety means, wherein the fixed focal point is defined by the apparatus.
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Specification