Patents by Inventor Chris Voorhees

Chris Voorhees 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).

  • Integrated propulsion and primary structure module for microsatellites
    Patent number: 9796486
    Abstract: A modular device for a spacecraft includes a propulsion system having a tank, a plenum, and a manifold, wherein the propulsion system is integrally formed with a structural frame of the spacecraft. A method of manufacturing the modular device is also discussed, the method including utilizing an additive manufacturing process to construct the propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Planetary Resources Development Corp.
    Inventors: Peter Illsley, Hannah Goldberg, Spencer Anunsen, Chris Voorhees
  • Dual use imaging and optical communications system for microsatellites
    Patent number: 9499284
    Abstract: A multi-functional optical subsystem for a spacecraft includes a laser diode module having output optics; an imaging and communication detector assembly; and a forward metering structure. The multi-functional optical subsystem is adapted for laser-based optical communication and attitude determination. According to embodiments, the subsystem fits within a small satellite having less than about 20 kg mass and less than about 10,000 cm3 total volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Planetary Resources Development Corp.
    Inventors: Chris Voorhees, Chris Lewicki
  • Space-based structures and methods of delivering space-sourced materials
    Patent number: 9409658
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing extraterrestrial metal into a metal foam or gossamer structure in space, and delivering the metal foam or gossamer structure intact to the Earth's surface. Additionally, a structure is provided that is formed in space and consists essentially of an extraterrestrial metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Planetary Resources Development Corp.
    Inventors: Peter H. Diamandis, Eric Anderson, Chris Lewicki, Chris Voorhees
  • Method, apparatus, and system for asteroid prospecting and mining
    Patent number: 9266627
    Abstract: A method of prospecting asteroids for mining includes (a) launching at least one spacecraft, the spacecraft including a space telescope; (b) examining a plurality of asteroids using the space telescope to gather scientific data on the asteroids for characterization and cataloging; and (c) selecting one or more asteroids to mine from the plurality of asteroids examined by the space telescope and contained within the catalog. A system for prospecting asteroids for mining is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Planetary Resources Development Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Anderson, Peter H. Diamandis, Chris Lewicki, Chris Voorhees
  • Spacecraft system
    Patent number: D756886
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Planetary Resources Development Corp.
    Inventors: Chris Lewicki, Chris Voorhees, Peter Illsley, Ray Ramadorai, Hannah Goldberg