Patents by Inventor Tony L. Toulouse

Tony L. Toulouse 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).

  • Spacecraft dispensing system
    Patent number: 6138951
    Abstract: A dispensing system for releasing a number of spacecraft from a launch vehicle. The dispensing system includes a base support structure securely fastened to a launch vehicle and a number of stacked frame assemblies. Each frame assembly includes a number of substantially parallel load bearing elongated post elements and a shear load transferring structure. The post elements are so arranged and spaced so as to define a geometry having a centerline. Each post element has a first end portion and a second end portion. Each first end portion is connected to either another frame assembly or the base support structure of the launch vehicle. The post elements support a number of spacecraft. The spacecraft are supported between adjacent post elements. The shear load transferring structure is connected to the post elements for transferring shear loads between the post elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: George J. Budris, Peter A. McGrath, II, Tony L. Toulouse, Richard J. Catalano, Michael B. Diverde