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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 8056864 | Docking system A convex forward surface of a forward-biased probe head of a first portion of a docking system engages a central concave conical surface of a second portion of the docking system. A first linear actuator moves a flexible docking cable assembly relative to a support ... | 11/15/2011 |
| 8033508 | Space shuttle with a device for docking to a satellite In a space shuttle with a device for docking to a satellite, especially a communication or navigation satellite, at least two spreading elements in the form of lever spreaders are pivotally disposed at a retaining part of the docking device, which is concentric to a... | 10/11/2011 |
| 8006937 | Spacecraft docking interface mechanism A demountable docking interface mechanism and method for docking and undocking two spacecraft utilizing the demountable docking interface mechanism. ... | 08/30/2011 |
| 7861974 | Docking system A convex forward surface of a forward-biased probe head of a first portion of a docking system engages a central concave conical surface of a second portion of the docking system. A first linear actuator moves a flexible docking cable assembly relative to a support ... | 01/04/2011 |
| 7857261 | Docking system An automatically aligned docking system, comprises a multi-point kinematic rigidization system that provides precise, repeatable rotational alignment at the spacecraft-docking interface without over-constraining the interface. ... | 12/28/2010 |
| 7828249 | Docking system First and second releasably connectable portions of a docking system are moved together. A relatively central concave element of the second portion of the docking system contacts a corresponding relatively central mating convex element of the first portion of the do... | 11/09/2010 |
| 7815149 | Magnetic capture docking mechanism A mechanism uses a magnetic field to dock a satellite to a host vehicle. A docking component of the mechanism residing on the host vehicle has a magnet that is used to induce a coupled magnetic field with a docking component of the mechanism residing on the satellit... | 10/19/2010 |
| 7669804 | Spacecraft interface module for enabling versatile space platform logistics support Systems and methods to deliver crew, cargo and other logistics services to space platforms. In one embodiment, a rendezvous and docking vehicle (RDV) comprises two docking mechanisms coupled to the RDV body. A pressurizable passageway connects the docking mechanisms... | 03/02/2010 |
| 7607616 | Docking device A docking target indicator for a docking device is provided. The docking target indicator comprises a base layer, having a rear surface and a front surface; wherein the front surface of the base layer is reflective; and a baffle structure is secured to the base laye... | 10/27/2009 |
| 7543779 | Low-impact mating system An androgynous mating system for mating two exoatmospheric space modules comprising a first mating assembly capable of mating with a second mating assembly; a second mating assembly structurally identical to said first mating assembly, said first mating assembly com... | 06/09/2009 |
| 7392964 | Method and apparatus for utilizing a lifeboat for a space station in earth orbit to serve as a lunar spacecraft Methods and an apparatus for a lifeboat of a space station in orbit to be docked with and used in combination with a separately launched logistics module having an upper stage propulsion capability as a space craft for human pilots and passengers to be flown to orbi... | 07/01/2008 |
| 7387279 | Method and apparatus for supplying orbital space platforms using payload canisters via intermediate orbital rendezvous and docking In a space platform supply system, a canister containing supply for a space platform is launched into orbit using a launch vehicle. An intermediate space vehicle rendezvous and docks with the canister while the attached launch vehicle provides the necessary orbit ma... | 06/17/2008 |
| 7374134 | Systems and methods for semi-permanent, non-precision inspace assembly of space structures, modules and spacecraft Methods and systems for assembling spacecraft in space are provided. A modular spacecraft comprises a plurality of spacecraft modules, wherein each spacecraft module includes one or more of bonding posts and receiving plates mounted to an exterior surface each space... | 05/20/2008 |
| 7370834 | Apparatus and methods for in-space satellite operations Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the fo... | 05/13/2008 |
| 7370835 | Platform and system for mass storage and transfer in space A platform for storage and transfer of payloads in space includes a plate for supporting a payload, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the payload to and from the plate. A groove extends diametrically between two edges of the plate for receiving a rail provid... | 05/13/2008 |
| 7278609 | Movable nose cap and control strut assembly for supersonic aircraft A nose cap and control strut assembly for supersonic aircraft is disclosed. In one embodiment, the nose cap extends forward from the nose of the aircraft to deflect shock waves and decrease draft during supersonic flight. In another embodiment, control struts extend... | 10/09/2007 |
| 7270297 | Hoist for aircraft cabin construction A device is provided for hoisting a module for mounting into an overhead space, such as the crown of an aircraft fuselage. The device includes a frame that supports the module, and a lifting device that lifts the first frame to properly place the module. The lifting... | 09/18/2007 |
| 7270303 | Pincer apparatus for nanosat transport across a satellite A pincer system is comprised of an array of pincers. Each pincer includes an inner disk having legs that are pushed downwards onto a pliable material to cause protuberances, while an outer disk is rotated to simultaneously squeeze the extruded material between its l... | 09/18/2007 |
| 7267303 | Method and system for providing cruciform steered, bent biconic and plasma suppression for maximum accuracy A system for reducing plasma induced communication disruption is disclosed. The system utilizes an electrophilic gas injectant, bent reentry vehicle nose shaping and a number of flaps configured to provide 3-axis steering capability. Injecting electrophilic gas inje... | 09/11/2007 |
| 7237752 | System and method for reducing plasma induced communication disruption utilizing electrophilic injectant and sharp reentry vehicle nose shaping The present invention discloses a system and a method for reducing plasma induced communication disruption utilizing electrophilic injectant and sharp reentry vehicle nose shaping. Injecting electrophilic gas into plasma accomplishes reduction of plasma induced comm... | 07/03/2007 |
| 7219859 | Multipurpose modular spacecraft A reentry vehicle includes a nose section, a modular section comprised of two or more connected modules, a flared section. The nose section is connected to a first end of the modular section, and the flared section is positioned proximate a second end of the modular... | 05/22/2007 |
| 7216834 | Orbit space transportation and recovery system An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10). One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a pr... | 05/15/2007 |
| 7207525 | Apparatus for grasping objects in space A remotely controlled apparatus for grasping an object such as a satellite in space includes a free-flying grasper unit connected by a selectively extendable cable to an orbital platform. The orbital platform and the grasper unit are preferably each independently pr... | 04/24/2007 |
| 7198233 | Reusable orbital vehicle with interchangeable cargo modules A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety... | 04/03/2007 |
| 7195206 | Apparatus and method for servicing and inspecting small free-flying platforms in orbit in space A small, substantially spherical, free-flying utility platform for use in space can be docked, inspected and serviced in an apparatus including a container with a chamber therein mounted on the outside of a space vehicle or space station. A motorized closing mechani... | 03/27/2007 |
| 7168660 | System for capturing and recovering free-flying objects in space Capture devices are mounted on a space platform such as a spacecraft or utility satellite. Each capture device includes a folded capture net stored in a housing, guide weights connected to the net and received in spring-loaded ejection tubes oriented at an acute ang... | 01/30/2007 |
| 7156348 | Platform and system for propellant tank storage and transfer in space A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space includes frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in storage positions, and transfer mechanisms configured to transfer propellant tanks to and from the storage positions. The pla... | 01/02/2007 |
| 7152828 | Method and apparatus for the hookup of unmanned/manned (“hum”) multi purpose vehicles with each other A system for the hookup of either a manned or unmanned vehicle with a second vehicle which may be refueling. These vehicles may be both airborne, one airborne and the other on the ground or both on the ground. A probe extending from a first vehicle which may be refu... | 12/26/2006 |
| 7118077 | Platform and system for mass storage and transfer in space A platform for storage and transfer of payloads in space includes a plate for supporting a payload, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the payload to and from the plate. A groove extends diametrically between two edges of the plate for receiving a rail provid... | 10/10/2006 |
| 7070151 | In orbit space transportation and recovery system An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a pro... | 07/04/2006 |
| 7025014 | Sea vessel retrieval of unmanned underwater vehicles One or more docking cages releasably attached to a tow line extending from the stern of a retrieval ship, emit tracking beacon beams picked up by sensors in unmanned underwater sea craft vehicles being approached, for steered propulsion thereof into rammed hook atta... | 04/11/2006 |
| 6669148 | Method and apparatus for supplying orbital space platforms using payload canisters via intermediate orbital rendezvous and docking In a space platform supply system, a canister containing supply for a space platform is launched into orbit using a launch vehicle. An intermediate space vehicle rendezvous and docks with the canister while the attached launch vehicle provides the necessa... | 12/30/2003 |
| 6658329 | Video guidance sensor system with laser rangefinder A video guidance sensor system for use in automated docking of a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle includes a laser rangefinder that uses pulse or phase time of flight measurement to measure distance. The laser rangefinder incl... | 12/02/2003 |
| 6655637 | Spacecraft for removal of space orbital debris A deorbiting spacecraft includes a grabber for grabbing an orbiting debris object in space and a deorbitor for deorbiting the debris object. The grabber includes inflatable fingers with loop eyes for bending inflated fingers around and to grab the space d... | 12/02/2003 |
| 5279482 | Fingered bola body, bola with same, and methods of use A bola body, a bola, and methods employing such bola bodies and bolas; in one aspect a bola body having a non-spherical body member from which extend one or more fingers for entanglement with a bola line, with each other, or for latching onto part of a ta... | 01/18/1994 |
| 4860975 | Smart tunnel - docking mechanism A docking mechanism for the docking of a space vehicle 11 to a space station 12 comprising a flexible tunnel frame structure which is deployable from the space station. The tunnel structure comprises a plurality of series connected frame sections 21, one ... | 08/29/1989 |
| 4858857 | Docking mechanism for spacecraft A system for docking a space vehicle 11 to a space station 12 where a connecting tunnel for in-flight transfer of personnel is required. Cooperable coupling mechanisms 51, 52 include docking rings 56, 61 on the space vehicle 11 and space station 12, respe... | 08/22/1989 |
| 4834531 | Dead reckoning optoelectronic intelligent docking system An intelligent, optoelectronic docking system for use in manned or unmanned spacecraft for automatically docking with a target spacecraft. The system is a multifaceted, active sensor using a controlling microprocessor to integrate the operation of indepen... | 05/30/1989 |
| 4809936 | Space module assembly apparatus with docking alignment flexibility and restraint A berthing mechanism especially for use in berthing and compliant air-tight securing between manned space vehicles and modules. The interface is provided by a pair of annular rings, one of which is typically, mechanically attached to the vehicle and the o... | 03/07/1989 |
| 4792107 | Airship telescopic boom An airship telescopic boom adapted for mounting on an airship for securing airship mooring lines when docking the airship. The boom may be used for the handling of a fuel line in the refueling of the airship, transferring of airship supplies and equipment... | 12/20/1988 |
