Patents by Inventor Norman B. Zimmerman

Norman B. Zimmerman 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).

  • Ceramic/ceramic shell tile thermal protection system and method thereof
    Patent number: 4713275
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a ceramic reusable externally applied thermal protection system (TPS). The system functions by using the composite device created by combining an upper shell, thermal insulation and lower tile components shown in FIG. 2. The upper shell effectively separates its primary functions as a toughened outer-surface and load carrier. In a preferred embodiment, a structurally strong ceramic/ceramic upper shell is manufactured from ceramic cloth upon which additional ceramic material has been deposited and maintains the configuration of the upper shell. The lower tile is composed of lightweight ceramic normally acceptable in this application. One or more lightweight rigid or flexible insulation materials are used in the cavity created by combining the upper shell and lower tile. The assembly of the overall tile is facilitated by attachment means effective to withstand the temperature and stress conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Salvatore R. Riccitiello, Marnell Smith, Howard E. Goldstein, Norman B. Zimmerman