GB818565A - Improvements in radar reflectors - Google Patents

Abstract

818,565. Radio reflectors. VACUUM RE. FLEX Ltd., and HOYLAND, J. C. May 24, 1957 [May 26, 1956], No. 16366/56. Class 40 (7). A collapsible radar reflector, such as could be used to aid the tracking of balloons, consists of panels, two triangular and one square, of electrically conducting and flexible material which, when the reflector is erected for use, tie in three mutually perpendicular planes and are supported on a collapsible framework. The framework has a central stem 10, with a cruciform piece 11 at its upper end. This piece supports the four arms 12, Fig. 3 (not shown), held in position by three straining wires 21, 22 and 27 which are located in slots at the ends of the various members, Fig. 4 (not shown); the wires are prevented from slipping relative to the framework by solder balls. The member 16 through which wires 21 and 22 pass, Fig. 2 (not shown), presses against a spring-loaded retaining clip 17 and can slide on the extension tube 15 which is a removable extension of the central stem 10. The ends of these wires 21 and 22 are secured in a wire retaining tube 13, Fig. 5 (not shown), at the lower end of stem 10 and the wires are tensioned by a spring or other resilient member mounted in the stem 10. The straining wires serve not only to keep the framework in the correct spaced relationship when the reflector is erected. but also to maintain the panels taut, the panels having hems through which the wires are passed during manufacture, Fig. 4 (not shown). When not in use clip 17 is released so that the member 16 can slide down the extension tube 15 which may then be removed and the arms 12 folded down against the central stem 10. Shackles 30 and 31 are provided to suspend the reflector from the balloon or other object and to suspend. equipment from the reflector.