Patents by Inventor Christsopher J. Hickey

Christsopher J. Hickey 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).

  • System, apparatus, and method for active debris removal
    Patent number: 9187189
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for removal of orbital debris are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a spacecraft control unit configured to guide and navigate the apparatus to a target. The apparatus also includes a dynamic object characterization unit configured to characterize movement, and a capture feature, of the target. The apparatus further includes a capture and release unit configured to capture a target and deorbit or release the target. The collection of these apparatuses is then employed as multiple, independent and individually operated vehicles launched from a single launch vehicle for the purpose of disposing of multiple debris objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: The Aerospace Corporation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Anthony D. Griffith, Sr., Rajiv Kohli, Susan H. Burns, Stephen J. Damico, David J. Gruber, Christsopher J. Hickey, David E. Lee, Travis M. Robinson, Jason T. Smith, Peter T. Spehar, David S. Adlis, Brian M. Kent
  • SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20140107865
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for removal of orbital debris are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a spacecraft control unit configured to guide and navigate the apparatus to a target. The apparatus also includes a dynamic object characterization unit configured to characterize movement, and a capture feature, of the target. The apparatus further includes a capture and release unit configured to capture a target and deorbit or release the target. The collection of these apparatuses is then employed as multiple, independent and individually operated vehicles launched from a single launch vehicle for the purpose of disposing of multiple debris objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION, THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony D. Griffith, SR., Rajiv Kohli, Susan H. Burns, Stephen J. Damico, David J. Gruber, Christsopher J. Hickey, David E. Lee, Travis M. Robinson, Jason T. Smith, Peter T. Spehar, David S. Adlis, Brian M. Kent