Patents by Inventor Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson

Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson 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 and methods for integrating a payload with a launch vehicle
    Patent number: 7093805
    Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson, John A. Graves, Anita E. Gale
  • Launch vehicle payload carrier and related methods
    Patent number: 6905097
    Abstract: A modular payload carrier for use in a launch vehicle includes at least one module configured to fit in a payload bay of the vehicle and attachable to at least one other module configured to fit in the bay. The module includes an outer wall contoured generally to fit a bottom surface contour of the bay. The carrier can be used for the manifesting of both deployable and non-deployable payloads. Processing of payloads with the carrier can be performed, in large part, separately from launch vehicle processing. Thus launch costs and turnaround times can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson, John A. Graves, Anita E. Gale, Dilip K. Darooka, Cory Bird
  • System and methods for integrating a payload with a launch vehicle
    Patent number: 6845949
    Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson, John A. Graves, Anita E. Gale
  • System and methods for integrating a payload with a launch vehicle
    Publication number: 20040245399
    Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson, John A. Graves, Anita E. Gale
  • System and methods for integrating a payload with a launch vehicle
    Publication number: 20040016852
    Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson, John A. Graves, Anita E. Gale
  • Launch vehicle payload carrier and related methods
    Publication number: 20040016846
    Abstract: A modular payload carrier for use in a launch vehicle includes at least one module configured to fit in a payload bay of the vehicle and attachable to at least one other module configured to fit in the bay. The module includes an outer wall contoured generally to fit a bottom surface contour of the bay. The carrier can be used for the manifesting of both deployable and non-deployable payloads. Processing of payloads with the carrier can be performed, in large part, separately from launch vehicle processing. Thus launch costs and turnaround times can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Judith C. Blackwell-Thompson, John A. Graves, Anita E. Gale, Dilip K. Darooka, Cory Bird