Inflatable reflector apparatus and method of manufacture
First Claim
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1. An inflatable reflector structure for erection in an ambient atmosphere for wave energy collection, comprising:
- a. an inflatable and collapsable envelope means including a substantially fluid impervious reflective membrane surface and a substantially fluid impervious transparent membrane surface, joined together substantially at their peripheral edges, andb. a compression frame member means inserted within the envelope and joined to the peripheral edges by contact with the interior of the envelope as a result of the pressure in the envelope to provide structural definition for the peripheral edge of the envelope, andc. an inflation means in communication with the envelope to provide and maintain fluid at above ambient atmospheric pressure within the interior of the envelope.
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Abstract
An inflatable reflector structure used to receive and transmit energy, and a mounting and support system for an inflatable reflector structure, together with a method of constructing a concave parabolic reflective or transparent membrane, capable of being formed into an envelope and inflated. The reflector structure includes an inflatable and collapsible envelope means maintained in configuration by a compression frame member means and by a fluid within the envelope at super ambient surrounding pressure.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An inflatable reflector structure for erection in an ambient atmosphere for wave energy collection, comprising:
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a. an inflatable and collapsable envelope means including a substantially fluid impervious reflective membrane surface and a substantially fluid impervious transparent membrane surface, joined together substantially at their peripheral edges, and b. a compression frame member means inserted within the envelope and joined to the peripheral edges by contact with the interior of the envelope as a result of the pressure in the envelope to provide structural definition for the peripheral edge of the envelope, and c. an inflation means in communication with the envelope to provide and maintain fluid at above ambient atmospheric pressure within the interior of the envelope. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An inflatable reflector structure for erection in an ambient atmosphere for wave energy collection, comprising:
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a. an inflatable and collapsable envelope means including a substantially fluid impervious reflective membrane surface and a substantially fluid impervious transparent membrane surface, joined together substantially at their peripheral edges, and b. a compression frame member means of substantially circular or ring shape comprised of a plurality of segments which are joined together and inserted through at least one aperature or slot in the envelope and joined to the peripheral edges to provide structural definition for the peripheral edge of the envelope, and c. an inflation means in communication with the envelope to provide and maintain fluid at above ambient atmospheric pressure within the interior of the envelope. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification