Patents Assigned to Honeywell International, Law Dept. AB2
  • Publication number: 20020190161
    Abstract: The deployable flexible airlock and method for space vehicles, modules, and other structures has a flexible conduit attached between a vehicle frame member and a distal frame member. The airlock may be integrated into the hatch of a space vehicle. In the stowed configuration the airlock occupies a small volume to minimize the usable space impact to the space vehicle. The airlock is deployed by introducing vehicle cabin air into a number of support columns or tubes, which thereby inflate and cause the distal frame member to be pushed away from the vehicle frame member. When deployed, a chamber is formed for a user to transition through the airlock. The airlock is pressurized using cabin air and depressurized by evacuating the cabin air. Retraction of the airlock for stowage is accomplished by use of cables attached to the distal frame member, and controlled by actuator assemblies attached to the vehicle frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Law Dept. AB2
    Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Al MacKnight