Patents by Inventor Peter T. Zell

Peter T. Zell 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).

  • Versatile honeycomb matrix heat shield
    Patent number: 7662459
    Abstract: A thermal protection system for atmospheric entry of a vehicle, the system including a honeycomb structure with selected cross sectional shapes that receives and holds thermally cured thermal protection (TP) blocks that have corresponding cross sectional shapes. Material composition for TP blocks in different locations can be varied to account for different atmospheric heating characteristics at the different locations. TP block side walls may be attached to all, or to less than all, the corresponding honeycomb structure side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    Inventor: Peter T. Zell
  • Aerodynamic surface distension system for high angle of attack forebody vortex control
    Patent number: 5326050
    Abstract: A deployable system for assisting flight control under certain flight conditions, such as at high angles of attack, whereby two inflatable membranes are located on the forebody portion of an aircraft on opposite sides thereof. The members form control surfaces for effecting lateral control forces if one is inflated and longitudinal control forces if both are inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Peter T. Zell