Did You Know...
...that while attempting to develop a super strong glue, 3M employee Spencer Silver accidentally developed a glue that was so weak it would barely hold two pieces of paper together? However, his colleague Art Fry needed the glue. Fry sang with his church choir and marked the pages of his hymnal with small scraps of paper that often fell out. He used Silver's glue to hold the papers in place. Today we call this invention Post-it Notes.
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 8181911 | Satellite refuelling system and method The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refueling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refueling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft... | 05/22/2012 |
| 8132761 | Robust capacitive distance sensor The invention refers to a docking device for the docking of a maintenance device to a nozzle of a satellite, including a distance sensor for determining the distance between the maintenance device and the nozzle of the satellite. Further, a locking device is provide... | 03/13/2012 |
| 8074935 | Satellite refuelling system and method The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refueling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refueling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft... | 12/13/2011 |
| 8016242 | Space shuttle with a device for docking to a satellite A device provided on a space shuttle for docking to satellites, has a linkage with a cone at its distal end and a spreader mechanism, actuatable from the shuttle, with lever spreaders having their proximal ends provided with inward projections towards the linkage. A... | 09/13/2011 |
| 8006938 | Spacecraft servicing vehicle with adaptors, tools and attachment mechanisms An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent... | 08/30/2011 |
| 7861975 | Two part spacecraft servicing vehicle system with universal docking adaptor An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent... | 01/04/2011 |
| 7823837 | Two part spacecraft servicing vehicle system with adaptors, tools, and attachment mechanisms An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent... | 11/02/2010 |
| 7513460 | Method and associated apparatus for capturing, servicing, and de-orbiting earth satellites using robotics This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite u... | 04/07/2009 |
| 7438264 | Method and associated apparatus for capturing, servicing and de-orbiting earth satellites using robotics This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite u... | 10/21/2008 |
| 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 |
| 7293743 | Method and associated apparatus for capturing, servicing, and de-orbiting earth satellites using robotics This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite u... | 11/13/2007 |
| 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 |
| 7240879 | Method and associated apparatus for capturing, servicing and de-orbiting earth satellites using robotics This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite u... | 07/10/2007 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 7185848 | Mass transfer system for stabilizing an airship and other vehicles subject to pitch and roll moments The invention relates to a mechanism to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of a vehicle. The first embodiment is a track-based mass transfer system in which pathways are positioned along or radially terminate at a central horizontal plane of the ... | 03/06/2007 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 7114682 | System and method for transportation and storage of cargo in space A system for transportation and storage of cargo in space includes one or more platforms. The platforms are operable to hold multiple removable propellant tanks and rendezvous with one or more other platforms in space. The platforms also include one or more thruster... | 10/03/2006 |
| 4831531 | System for the performance of activity in space A system for remotely controlled performance of unmanned extravehicular activity in outer space, such as satellite maintenance and repair. The system comprises an orbitable space vehicle having a worksite accessible from the exterior of the vehicle and re... | 05/16/1989 |
| 4790499 | Aerospike for attachment to space vehicle system An aerospike is adapted to be attached to the front nose of an aerodynamically asymmetric space vehicle system, such as the external tank and orbiter of the space shuttle. The aerospike basically comprises a tapered elongated portion having a first end wh... | 12/13/1988 |
| 4699339 | Apparatus and method for transporting a spacecraft and a fluid propellant from the earth to a substantially low gravity environment above the earth An apparatus for transporting a spacecraft and fluid propellant from the earth to a substantially low gravity environment above the earth with substantially reduced loading of the spacecraft due to forces upon the fluid propellant during the transport, th... | 10/13/1987 |
| 4667908 | Multiple body handling operations on the space shuttle A method is disclosed for exchanging a payload module on a satellite comprising a control module and a detachable payload for a new payload module in the STS or space shuttle orbiter using one RMS or remote manipulator system. In the method after the spac... | 05/26/1987 |
| 4657211 | Spacecraft to shuttle docking method and apparatus A method is disclosed for docking a satellite to the STS or space shuttle orbiter with one Remote Manipulator System (RMS). The RMS is deployed and captures a fixture on the satellite. The satellite extends its mooring boom. The RMS manuevers the satellit... | 04/14/1987 |
| 4582277 | Magnetic spin reduction system for free spinning objects A spinning earth satellite (19) is shown in which it is desired to reduce the rotation or spin to a level that the satellite (19) may be secured or handled remotely from a spacecraft. This is accomplished by the spacecraft (11) having a mast (13) carrying... | 04/15/1986 |
| 4449684 | Satellite servicing This invention relates to an improved satellite servicing system. The improvements include improvements in payload distribution in the cargo bay of the Shuttle Orbiter and improvements in the location of the targets required for positioning end effectors ... | 05/22/1984 |
| 4408943 | Ship-to-ship fluid transfer system A system for transferring fluid between two marine tankers, including a first articulated loading arm mounted on the first tanker and a second loading arm or other suitable receiver mounted on the second tanker. The first loading arm is guided into operat... | 10/11/1983 |
| 4384692 | Satellite system configuration A new satellite system configuration is comprised of a power module with rigidly attached solar arrays and a control module including a sun pointing unit, an earth pointing unit and a rotary interface. The power module is attached to one face of the sun p... | 05/24/1983 |
| 4349837 | Satellite servicing This invention relates to an improved satellite servicing system. The improvements include improvements in payload distribution in the cargo bay of the Shuttle Orbiter and improvements in the location of the targets required for positioning end effectors ... | 09/14/1982 |
| 4298178 | Roving geosynchronous orbit satellite maintenance system A satellite maintenance system for satellite stations orbiting in the geosynchronous corridor comprising a roving satellite maintenance vehicle capable of operating autonomously in the geosynchronous corridor and containing replacement hardware in modular... | 11/03/1981 |
| 4273305 | Satellite servicing This invention relates to an improved satellite servicing system. The improvements include improvements in payload distribution in the cargo bay of the Shuttle Orbiter and improvements in the location of the targets required for positioning end effectors ... | 06/16/1981 |
| 4260187 | Terminal guidance sensor system A system is described for guiding a claw to the proper distance and into the proper orientation in yaw and pitch, to engage a grappling fixture. The system includes four proximity sensors on the claw, that are arranged at the corners of an imaginary squar... | 04/07/1981 |
| 4173324 | Coupling device for moving vehicles A mechanical system is disclosed to capture and/or deploy a device or vehicle having relative motion with respect to another vehicle. The mechanism includes an on-board controlled collapsible iris assembly located at the end of a controlled manipulator sy... | 11/06/1979 |
| 4079904 | Module exchanger systems A module exchange system including a module manipulator mechanism for use in manipulating modules between a module storage magazine and a satellite. The manipulator includes an adjustable terminal device which is capable of accommodating satellite modules... | 03/21/1978 |
