Patents by Inventor John Cameron Ower

John Cameron Ower 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: 8181911
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refueling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refueling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft or space station in which the refueling satellite is ferried into space in the case of the larger space craft or it may be stored on the space station until needed from which it can be launched. The system includes a robotic arm, suitable tools which can be affixed to the end effector of the robotic arm required for accessing, opening and closing the fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The system is under teleoperation by a remotely located operator, for example located on earth, in the mother station or in the space station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Gryniewski, Derry Crymble, John Cameron Ower
  • Publication number: 20120112009
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refuelling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refuelling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft or space station in which the refuelling satellite is ferried into space in the case of the larger space craft or it may be stored on the space station until needed from which it can be launched. The system includes a robotic arm, suitable tools which can be affixed to the end effector of the robotic arm required for accessing, opening and closing the fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The system is under teleoperation by a remotely located operator, for example located on earth, in the mother station or in the space station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence GRYNIEWSKI, Derry CRYMBLE, John Cameron OWER
  • Patent number: 8074935
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refueling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refueling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft or space station in which the refueling satellite is ferried into space in the case of the larger space craft or it may be stored on the space station until needed from which it can be launched. The system includes a robotic arm, suitable tools which can be affixed to the end effector of the robotic arm required for accessing, opening and closing the fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The system is under teleoperation by a remotely located operator, for example located on earth, in the mother station or in the space station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Gryniewski, Derry Crymble, John Cameron Ower