Patents by Inventor Pierre J. Madon

Pierre J. Madon 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: 4911385
    Abstract: A system and method for attitude control in a geosynchronous satellite to compensate for roll and yaw pointing errors consequent to orbit inclination variation from the nominal equatorial orbit plane provides for an inertially fixed momentum vector coupled to the satellite through a gimbal system providing a one and preferably two degree-of-freedom relationship with the momentum vector. In a two degree-of-freedom embodiment, the momentum vector is established by spinning the satellite about an axis or providing an independent momentum wheel with the gimbal axes provided along the roll and yaw axes. Gimbal torquers torque the satellite about the inertially fixed momentum vector in a time-varying manner to effect correction of the roll and yaw pointing errors. Roll and yaw pointing errors consequent to orbit inclination drift from the nominal equatorial orbit are corrected in a fuel-efficient manner to extend the operating life of the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventors: Brij N. Agrawal, Pierre J. Madon