Patents by Inventor Chauncey W. Uphoff

Chauncey W. Uphoff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • In orbit space transportation and recovery system
    Patent number: 7070151
    Abstract: 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 propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: IOSTAR Corporation
    Inventors: Robert F. D'Ausilio, Roger X. Lenard, Chauncey W. Uphoff, Franklin H. Williams, Jr.