Patent ID: 8074638

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: an upper elliptical film panel configured to transmit incident light; a lower elliptical reflective film panel configured to reflect incident light and having a circumference joined substantially to a circumference of the upper film panel, such that inflation of the joined upper and lower film panels creates a balloon that reflects incident light transmitted through the upper film to a receiver disposed at a focal point inside the balloon, wherein the lower elliptical reflective film panel is substantially flat when the balloon is not inflated and is deformed to reflect light to the focal point when the balloon is inflated; and a flexible harness coupled to the balloon and in contact with the balloon at a plurality of contact points, the flexible harness distributes a first force on the balloon over the plurality of contact points on the balloon; wherein the first force on the balloon is generated by a tether in response to a second force acting on the balloon; wherein the flexible harness is under tension to resist an outward force exerted on the flexible harness by pressure from the inflated balloon; and a rigid positioner coupled to the flexible harness through the tether, the rigid positioner fixedly positioned and tethered to the balloon through the flexible harness to support the balloon against the second force.