Patents by Inventor H. Neale Kelly

H. Neale Kelly 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).

  • Shell tile thermal protection system
    Patent number: 4456208
    Abstract: A reusable, externally applied thermal protection system is disclosed and functions by utilizing shell tile structure 10 which effectively separates its primary functions as an insulator and load absorber. Tile 10 consists of structurally strong upper and lower metallic shells 12,16 manufactured from materials meeting the thermal and structural requirements incident to tile 10 placement on the spacecraft. A lightweight, high temperature package of insulation 26 is utilized in upper shell 12, while a lightweight, low temperature insulation 28 is utilized in lower shell 16. Assembly of tile 10, which is facilitated by self-locking mechanism 20, may occur subsequent to installation of lower shell 16 on the spacecraft structural skin 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Ian O. MacConochie, Ashby G. Lawson, H. Neale Kelly