Inflatable multi-function parabolic reflector apparatus and methods of manufacture

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to radiant electromagnetic energy concentrating, focusing and beaming devices and manufacturing methods. More specifically, the invention, in one of its preferred embodiments, is an inflatable parabolic reflector device made from pressure-deformable reflective membranes supported by an integral inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) including solar energy for (1) heating or cooking, (2) electrical power generation, (3) enhancing the transmission or reception of radio signals, (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and / or (5) projection of optical signals or images. [0003] A first main embodiment utilizes two or more pressure-deformable membranes, at least one of which is reflective, to form a central reflector chamber, which can be inflated to either sub-ambient (as required for mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0042] The invention, in its preferred embodiments, is a portable, multifunction, multipurpose, inflatable parabolic reflector device (apparatus) made from pressure-deformable membranes, of which at least one is reflective, supported by an inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency (RF) radiation through ultraviolet (UV) radiation including broad-spectrum solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, (2) generating thermal or electric

Problems solved by technology

In contrast, all related art is significantly more limited with respect to utilities and applications thereof.

In contrast, in the related art, sunlight or other electromagnetic radiation must pass through the transparent membrane of the super-ambient reflector chamber on its way to and from the reflector, thereby resulting in a plurality of losses.

These three processes are repeated for light that has been reflected off the mirror, thus resulting in a total of six significant transmission losses.

Furthermore, light which does manage to successfully pass through the transparent membrane is still subject to unwanted diffusion or dispersion due to the optically imperfect surfaces of the transparent membrane.

Ultimately, the transparent membranes of the super-ambient reflector chambers of the related art are typically responsible for reducing the efficiency of such devices by twenty percent, or more.

Note that the designs specified in the related art do not demonstrate the high degree of integration and resulting simplicity of construction that is specified herein for the instant device.

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