Patents Assigned to Tether Applications, Inc.
  • Method for observing and stabilizing electrodynamic tethers
    Patent number: 6758443
    Abstract: A tether system for space applications includes at least one electron collector, at least one electron emitter, a power system, and at least one electrodynamic tether electrically coupled to the power system. The electrodynamic tether conducts electrical current between at least one electron collector and at least one electron emitter. Electric current and voltage are measured. Selected tether dynamics and electrodynamics based on the measured electric current and voltage are ascertained. The electric current and/or current distribution is adjusted to thereby control at least one tether system state based on the ascertained selected tether dynamics and electrodynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Tether Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene M. Levin, Joseph A. Carroll
  • Apparatus for observing and stabilizing electrodynamic tethers
    Patent number: 6755377
    Abstract: A tether system for space applications includes at least one electron collector, at least one electron emitter, a power system, and at least one electrodynamic tether electrically coupled to the power system. The electrodynamic tether conducts electrical current between at least one electron collector and at least one electron emitter. Electric current and voltage are measured. Selected tether dynamics and electrodynamics based on the measured electric current and voltage are ascertained. The electric current and/or current distribution is adjusted to thereby control at least one tether system state based on the ascertained selected tether dynamics and electrodynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Tether Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene M. Levin, Joseph A. Carroll