Patents Assigned to Space Systems
  • Spacecraft momentum management
    Patent number: 9108749
    Abstract: Three-axis spacecraft momentum management is performed for a spacecraft traveling along a trajectory, by an actuator including at least one thruster disposed on a single positioning mechanism. As the spacecraft travels along the trajectory, a desired line of thrust undergoes a substantial rotation in inertial space. When the spacecraft is located at a first location on the trajectory, the single positioning mechanism orients the thruster so as to produce a first torque to manage stored momentum in at least one of a first and a second of the three inertial spacecraft axes. When the spacecraft is located at a second location on the trajectory, the single positioning mechanism orients the thruster so as to produce a second torque to manage stored momentum in at least a third of the three inertial spacecraft axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Byoungsam Woo, Mohammad Saghir Munir, Kam K. Chan
  • HEAT SWITCH RADIATORS FOR VARIABLE RATE HEAT REJECTION
    Publication number: 20150211814
    Abstract: A heat switch includes a heat sink, a coolant tube, and an actuator. The coolant tube is movable with respect to the heat sink. The actuator couples between the heat sink and the coolant tube and configured to move the coolant tube between a first position and a second position. Heat flow from the coolant tube into the heat sink is greater in the second position than in the first position for enhanced heat transfer from the coolant tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Quinn, Mark A. Zaffetti, James R. O' Coin
  • Vortex separator and separation method
    Patent number: 9084946
    Abstract: A vortex separator includes a vortex chamber having a circular cross section, an inlet for delivering a fluid to the vortex chamber, a gas outlet through which gas present in the fluid exits the vortex chamber, a membrane positioned to substantially prevent liquid from passing through the gas outlet, and a liquid outlet through which liquid present in the fluid exits the vortex chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Stapleton
  • Fast grasp contact computation for a serial robot
    Patent number: 9067319
    Abstract: A system includes a controller and a serial robot having links that are interconnected by a joint, wherein the robot can grasp a three-dimensional (3D) object in response to a commanded grasp pose. The controller receives input information, including the commanded grasp pose, a first set of information describing the kinematics of the robot, and a second set of information describing the position of the object to be grasped. The controller also calculates, in a two-dimensional (2D) plane, a set of contact points between the serial robot and a surface of the 3D object needed for the serial robot to achieve the commanded grasp pose. A required joint angle is then calculated in the 2D plane between the pair of links using the set of contact points. A control action is then executed with respect to the motion of the serial robot using the required joint angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administrator, Oceaneering Space Systems
    Inventors: Jianying Shi, Brian Hargrave, Myron A Diftler
  • CONDENSATION REDUCTION AROUND CRYOGENIC SERVICE CONNECTION
    Publication number: 20150176767
    Abstract: The system has a cryogenic tank and a connection for supplying a first fluid to the cryogenic tank. The fluid connection is provided with at least one valve which may be selectively opened to receive the fluid and one valve for venting. A vacuum chamber housing is positioned on an opposed side of the valve from the tank. A vacuum source is operated to remove leaking fluid from the vacuum housing while the first fluid is being supplied through the valve to the tank in order to minimize heat leaks to the transfer tube. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge E. Hidalgo
  • Catalyst for life support system
    Patent number: 9061243
    Abstract: A catalyst for a life support system includes a plurality of titania support particles that define an average particle surface area. Platinum metal is disposed on the plurality of titania support particles such that a ratio of the average particle surface area to the percentage amount of the platinum metal is between 5 and 50 m2/% Pt g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Nalette, Christopher Eldridge
  • Spacecraft payload orientation steering
    Patent number: 9045239
    Abstract: Spacecraft payload orientation steering is provided for an orbiting spacecraft in motion along an orbit track around a celestial body, the orbit track having a nominal inclination with respect to an equatorial orbit, a substantial eccentricity, and a drift angle with respect to the nominal inclination. Coordinates of an optimal payload target location as a function of a spacecraft position along the orbit track are determined, the target location being on the surface of the celestial body and having a substantial motion with respect to the surface and with respect to a spacecraft nadir. A payload of the spacecraft is substantially aligned with the determined coordinates by steering the satellite body to correct for at least one of the inclination drift angle, and the eccentricity, thereby adjusting the spacecraft orientation as a function of the spacecraft position along the orbit track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Saghir Munir, Xen Price, Matthew Machlis
  • INTEGRAL CORNER BYPASS DIODE INTERCONNECTING CONFIGURATION FOR MULTIPLE SOLAR CELLS
    Publication number: 20150144173
    Abstract: A photovoltaic solar cell assembly includes a bypass diode, a first and a second planar solar cell. Each of the first and the second solar cell includes a front facing side and a rear facing side, each rear facing side including a respective conductive surface, each front facing side including a respective current collector bar, and corresponding grid of metallic lines conductively coupled with the current collector bar. A first terminal of the bypass diode is electrically coupled with the conductive surface of the first solar cell. A second terminal of the bypass diode is electrically coupled with the current collector bar of the second solar cell. Electrical coupling of the bypass diode with the first solar cell and the second solar cell excludes any external wiring or busbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Bao Hoang, Samuel Geto Beyene
  • Microstrip manifold coupled multiplexer
    Patent number: 9030271
    Abstract: A multiplexer includes a microstrip manifold, and a filter bank having at least two output filters. The multiplexer channelizes an input radio frequency (RF) band of electromagnetic energy into a set of output channels by way of the filter bank. The microstrip manifold has an input port that receives an input RF signal, and at least two output ports. The microstrip manifold distributes the input RF signal to each output port, each said output port being coupled to a respective one of the at least two output filters. The multiplexer may be an input multiplexer for a spacecraft communications payload system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Holme, Stephen D. Berry, Lawrence Alan Carastro
  • Spring-loaded heat exchanger fins
    Patent number: 9018511
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first plate and a second plate connected to the first plate to define a duct between the first plate and the second plate. At least one elastic cooling fin is disposed inside the duct between the first plate and the second plate. The at least one elastic fin exerts a load on the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Converse, Thomas J. Stapleton
  • Frequency and bandwidth tunable microwave filter
    Patent number: 9019039
    Abstract: An RF bandpass filter includes a cascaded series of a first subfilter and a second subfilter. Each subfilter includes a respective inverter, voltage-controlled capacitor and inductor. A first selected one of the first subfilter and the second subfilter is a pseudo low pass filter and a second selected one of the first subfilter and the second subfilter is a pseudo high pass filter. The RF bandpass filter is configured to separately control a bandwidth and center frequency of output RF energy. The bandwidth may be controlled to be substantially fixed over a significant substantial range. The center frequency and bandwidth are controlled by adjusting a voltage input to one or more of the voltage-controlled capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Slawomir J. Fiedziuszko, Stephen C. Holme, Stephen D. Berry
  • SIDE-BY-SIDE MULTIPLE LAUNCH CONFIGURATION
    Publication number: 20150102174
    Abstract: A launch vehicle payload that includes at least two spacecraft is disclosed. The launch vehicle includes a single payload adapter. Each spacecraft has a launch vehicle adapter structure providing a respectively coplanar structural interface directly with the single launch vehicle payload adapter. The spacecraft share a launch vehicle payload fairing volume substantially side-by-side and are detachably coupled together such that a positive clearance is provided between adjacent, non-abutting structural body surfaces of each spacecraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Y. Chu
  • Extendable antenna reflector deployment techniques
    Patent number: 9004409
    Abstract: A high capacity satellite having a launch configuration in which one or more antenna reflectors may be stored forward of a forward surface of the spacecraft and an on-orbit configuration in which a reflector boom may be extended forward and rotated to place the one or more antenna reflectors outboard of the spacecraft main body and further forward of the forward surface of the spacecraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventor: Varouj G. Baghdasarian
  • Voltage sensing in isolated converters
    Patent number: 9007052
    Abstract: A system for sensing voltage in an isolated converter includes an input circuit isolated from an output circuit using a first transformer, the first transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil, wherein the output circuit includes an output inductor and an output capacitor, and wherein the input circuit includes a power source that provides power to the output circuit through the first transformer; a feedback winding coupled to the output inductor to form a second transformer; and a monitor circuit that calculates a voltage across the output capacitor using a voltage across the feedback winding, a voltage across the primary coil of the first transformer, a turns ratio of the first transformer, and a turns ratio of the second transformer in order to provide feedback to control the input circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Ohnemus, David A. Fox
  • Current collector bar and grid pattern for a photovoltaic solar cell
    Patent number: 9000288
    Abstract: A solar panel has a number of rectilinear photovoltaic solar cells. Each solar cell has four edges, a current collector bar having at least two conductively coupled collector bar segments, and a grid of electrodes conductively coupled to the collector bar. A first collector bar segment is substantially parallel to and proximate to a first edge of the solar cell, a second collector bar segment is substantially parallel to and proximate to a second edge of the solar cell, the second edge being orthogonal with respect to the first edge. In some disclosed techniques, the solar panel has a string of solar cells disposed on a surface of the solar panel in a substantially spiral or serpentine manner and no solar cell within the string is electrically connected to another solar cell in the string by any means other than a cell interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Bao Hoang, Samuel Geto Beyene
  • Spacecraft momentum unload and station-keeping techniques
    Patent number: 8998146
    Abstract: Spacecraft momentum management techniques are coordinated with station-keeping maneuvers or other delta-V maneuvers. A body stabilized spacecraft attitude is controlled, the spacecraft including at least one momentum/reaction wheel, and a set of thrusters. A first momentum storage deadband limit is adjusted, the adjustment being related to a first delta-V maneuver window. A momentum management strategy is executed with the adjusted first momentum storage deadband limit such that a first thruster firing that performs desaturation of the momentum/reaction wheel also provides velocity change beneficial to the first delta-V maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Byoungsam Woo, Farid Ganji, John Hutton Cooper
  • Compact two sided cold plate with transfer tubes
    Patent number: 8991478
    Abstract: A structural cold plate assembly includes cold plates mounted to opposing sides of a panel and in fluid communication through fluid passages that extend through the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Zaffetti, Michael B. Laurin
  • Satellite system resource allocation optimization
    Patent number: 8996051
    Abstract: Resource allocation to user terminals of a satellite system is optimized, the user terminals configured for data communication with a satellite via a common antenna beam. A resource is allocated, within the common antenna beam, to each user terminal i such that, when total available bandwidth A of the common antenna beam is not less than the total desired bandwidth ?=?i=1n ?i of the antenna beam, bi is no less than ?i, where: ?i is bandwidth demand at user terminal i, approximately equal to Ti-des/si; Ti-des is proportional to a throughput requirement by user terminal i; and si is an estimated spectral efficiency of user terminal i. When A is less than ?, bandwidth bi is allocated to each user terminal such that a number of user terminals supplied respective bandwidth not less than ?i is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventor: Erin Gemelos
  • LOW PROFILE LAMINATE ASSEMBLIES
    Publication number: 20150068416
    Abstract: An assembly has a plurality of laminate components aligned atop each other. A first endplate is at one end of the assembly of components and a second endplate is at an opposed end. The first and second endplates have outer surfaces facing away from the components. A spring force applies a compressive force to bias the first and second endplates together and, in turn, apply a force across the laminate components. The spring force is provided by a spring mounted between the outer surfaces of the first and second endplates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge E. Hidalgo
  • Roll-up contamination cover
    Patent number: 8973641
    Abstract: Various roll-up contamination covers for shielding sensors and other sensitive equipment from particulate contamination are provided. Such covers may be provided by using a sheet of flexible material that has an elastically stable state of a spiral torsion spring, e.g., a clock spring shape. The spiral torsion spring may be anchored to a frame along one end that is substantially parallel to the center axis of the spiral torsion spring, and may be unrolled into a substantially unrolled state so as to cover an aperture in the frame. A movable release mechanism may be engaged with the unrolled end of the spiral torsion spring to prevent the spiral torsion spring from returning to the elastically stable state. When the release mechanism is moved to release the unrolled end of the spiral torsion spring, the spiral torsion spring may roll back into the elastically stable state and uncover the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventor: Varouj G. Baghdasarian