Patents by Inventor Darrell F. Zimbelman

Darrell F. Zimbelman 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).

  • Patent number: 5211360
    Abstract: A spacecraft thermal disturbance control system for controlling the torque exerted on the main portion of a spacecraft as a result of a thermal gradient being applied to a portion of the spacecraft that projects from the spacecraft's main portion. The spacecraft thermal disturbance control system includes a network of distributed temperature sensors located on the surfaces of the projecting portion of the spacecraft, a microcomputer operatively connected to the temperature sensors for receiving temperature information from the temperature sensors and a reaction wheel assembly operatively connected to the microcomputer. The microcomputer provides command signals to the reaction wheel assembly based upon temperature information received from the temperature sensors to cause the reaction wheel assembly to generate a torque that counteracts the torque exerted on the main portion of the spacecraft as a result of the thermal gradient applied to the projecting portion of the spacecraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Fairchild Space and Defense Corporation
    Inventor: Darrell F. Zimbelman