Andrew Robert Muzio

US Patent:

43553176, Oct 19, 1982

Filed:

Nov 24, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/209327

Inventors:

Andrew R. Muzio - Newnan GA

Assignee:

Georgia Tech Research Institute - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

H01Q 1912

US Classification:

343840

Abstract:

A lightweight inexpensive fiberglass antenna dish is disclosed, as well as a method for the manufacture thereof. The dish may be formed by spraying chopped fiberglass and epoxy binder onto the glazed surface of a parabolic mold. An aperture formed on the focal axis of the antenna dish, either at the time of molding or at a later time, accommodates a heavy wall structural tube which extends along the focal axis half-way towards the focal point and which is secured to the dish. Rods secured between the dish surface and the distal end of the tube form triangular shapes in cross-section which rigidify the dish element. The feed unit, such as a horn, is attached to the distal end of the tube and the transmission lines therefore can pass through the tube itself.