Patent ID: 6597631
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
An expandable platform for deploying sensors in a medium comprising:a housing; a structural member disposed inside the housing; a restraint releasably connected to the structural member; a plurality of arms connected to the structural member, wherein each arm includes a material memory component that has a natural state, corresponding to a minimum energy state, in an extended configuration, is energized by compacting the material memory component so that the arm fits within the housing, is restrained in an energized state by the restraint, and naturally transforms toward the extended configurations under its own force when the restraint is released; a flexible cable external to the plurality of arms, which cable is connected to each arm of two or more of the plurality of arms at a tip portion of the arm, which tip portion is disposed farthest from the structural member when the material memory component is in the extended configuration; and a plurality of sensors connected to the cable.