Patents Assigned to Space
  • Publication number: 20200350408
    Abstract: A stacked high barrier III-V power semiconductor diode having an at least regionally formed first metallic terminal contact layer and a heavily doped semiconductor contact region of a first conductivity type with a first lattice constant, a drift layer of a second conductivity type, a heavily doped metamorphic buffer layer sequence of the second conductivity type is formed. The metamorphic buffer layer sequence has an upper side with the first lattice constant and a lower side with a second lattice constant. The first lattice constant is greater than the second lattice constant. The upper side of the metamorphic buffer layer sequence is arranged in the direction of the drift layer. A second metallic terminal contact layer is arranged below the lower side of the metamorphic buffer layer sequence. The second metallic terminal contact layer is integrally bonded with a semiconductor contact layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel FUHRMANN, Gregor KELLER, Clemens WAECHTER
  • Patent number: 10823864
    Abstract: Gas migration rate(s) are determined using gas measurements from gas migration measurement devices. In response to the gas migration rate increasing, at least one of: air ionization measurements are collected from air ionization measurement device(s), and meteorological measurements collected from air temperature sensor(s), relative humidity sensor(s), and air pressure sensor(s). A latent heat energy release rate is determined using at least two of: the air ionization measurements, the meteorological measurements, and a numerical assimilation model. In response to the latent heat energy release rate increasing, at least one transient outgoing long wave radiation (OLR) anomaly is looked for using atmospheric measurements. In response to observing the transient OLR, at least one ionospheric anomaly is looked for using ionosphere measurements. In response to observing the at least one ionospheric anomaly, a forecast alert that an earthquake is likely to occur within one to four days is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ertha Space Technologies
    Inventors: Dimitar Ouzounov, Sergey Pulinets
  • Patent number: 10825715
    Abstract: Structures and processes for improving radiation hardness and eliminating latch-up in integrated circuits are provided. An example process includes forming a first doped buried layer, a first well, and a second well, and using a first mask, forming a second doped buried layer only in a first region above the first doped buried layer and between at least the first well and the second well, where the first mask is configured to control spacing between the wells and the doped buried layers. The process further includes using a second mask, forming a vertical conductor located only in a second region above the first region and between at least the first well and the second well, where the vertical conductor is doped to provide a low resistance link between the second doped buried layer and at least a top surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Silicon Space Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Gifford, Patrice M. Parris
  • Patent number: 10821486
    Abstract: A microelectronic module for cleaning a surface is described. The microelectronic module comprises at least one voltage converter for converting a provided first voltage into a higher, lower, or identical second voltage. The module also comprises at least one actuator. The actuator comprises at least one generator for generating an ionic current, an electrical plasma, harmonic components and/or an electrostatic field from the second voltage which is provided by the voltage converter. At least the voltage converter and the actuator are disposed on a thin-film, planar substrate. At least most of at least one object adhering to the surface is removed by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignees: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Caspari, Robert Weichwald, Emanuel Ermann, Gerd Heller
  • Patent number: 10822686
    Abstract: A structure for high temperature applications includes a base structure which includes a ceramic composite material, and a coating of a metal-semimetal compound, a metal boride, a metal carbide and/or a metal nitride. Furthermore, a production method and a coating device produces structures which resist high temperature applications with higher process temperatures and difficult chemical conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH
    Inventors: Jürgen Steinwandel, Christian Wilhelmi, Franziska Uhlmann, Stefan Laure
  • Patent number: 10816420
    Abstract: A tension-measurement device configured to determine a tension in a line includes a body. The body includes a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion of the body, and a third portion extending from the first portion of the body. The line is configured to extend at least partially through the second and third portions of the body. A first sensor is coupled to the body and is configured to measure a strain on the body when a first portion of the line is placed under tension. The tension in the first portion of the line is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Douglas A Litteken, Jared S Daum
  • Patent number: 10819454
    Abstract: Vortex radiometers (VRs) for cognitive antenna applications and fade prediction techniques are disclosed. A VR may act as an early warning system for communication antennas by of measuring: (1) when a fade causing interference with or complete loss of communication signal will occur; (2) how long the fade will persist; and/or (3) how intense the fade will be. This may be accomplished by measuring atmospheric noise temperature with concentric annular antenna beam patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Adminstrator of National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration
    Inventor: Peter J. Schemmel
  • Patent number: 10807912
    Abstract: Advanced environmental barrier coating bond coat systems with higher temperature capabilities and environmental resistance are disclosed. These bond coat systems can be applied to ceramic substrates such as SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite substrates, and can provide protection from extreme temperature, mechanical loading and environmental conditions, such as in high temperature gas turbines. Example bond coat systems can include either an advanced silicon/silicide component, an oxide/silicate component, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Dongming Zhu, Janet B. Hurst
  • Patent number: 10807323
    Abstract: A method suitable for manufacturing complex and stable objects of a wide range of sizes. The method involves producing an object structure by a generative production method and/or by an injection molding method, and producing a fiber-reinforced resin layer in at least one sub-region of the object structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventor: Maxime Coquel
  • Patent number: 10807741
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a propulsion system comprising: a solid conductive or semiconductive cathode (130); an anode (110) having a potential difference relative to said cathode (130), said potential difference creating an electric field between said anode (110) and said cathode (130); and an insulated trigger (150) adapted to trigger an arc discharge from a point on a upper surface of said cathode (130) in pulses, when said trigger (150) and cathode (130) are substantially in a vacuum, said trigger being bounded within the cathode so that the point at which the arc is triggered is located on the upper surface of said cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Neumann Space Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Patrick Neumann, Marcela Bilek, David McKenzie
  • Patent number: 10807321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the infiltration of fibrous material with resin for the production of a fiber composite component, comprising a mold tool with a cavity enclosed by at least two tool parts, wherein the mold tool is designed for a relative movement of the at least two tool parts, in such a manner that space can be provided inside the cavity, in a first tool position, to hold the fibrous material, and additional space can be provided to accommodate resin, and the size of the cavity can then be reduced by a movement of the mold tool from the first tool position into a second tool position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Weimer, Juergen Filsinger
  • Publication number: 20200327766
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods relating to remote vending techniques. In an example, a vending device stocks one or more products to dispense to a user. A user computing device is used to communicate with a vending platform. The vending platform causes the vending device to dispense a product to the user. Since the user interacts with the vending platform and, in some instances, confirms his or her proximity to the vending device, the vending platform is able to gather and validate user information relating to the user and/or the user device. For example, the vending platform may collect a phone number, an email address, a device type, and/or a user location. Thus, such information gathered by the vending platform is usable to contact the user in the future, identify leads, and/or determine whether the vending platform assisted in converting a lead into a customer, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Space Station Limited
    Inventors: Boyd Ethan Wilkinson, William Troy Widgery, Sergii Skorostetskyi
  • Patent number: 10802138
    Abstract: A system for determining the position of a transmitting unit has an arrangement of at least four transmitting units. A first transmitting unit is designed to emit a first transmission signal to each of the three remaining units, each of which is designed to receive the first transmission signal and, thereafter, to return a first response signal to the first unit. The three remaining units each have stored position data relating to desired positions of the arrangement. The first unit is designed to: determine its relative position data relative to the three remaining units based on the returned first response signals, obtain the stored position data relating to the desired positions from the three remaining units, and assign the determined relative position data to the obtained position data relating to a single desired position to determine the position of the first unit within the arrangement based on the assignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Kittmann, Simon Burns
  • Patent number: 10800551
    Abstract: A spacecraft includes a structural interface adapter for mating to a launch vehicle, an aft surface disposed proximate thereto, and a forward surface disposed opposite thereto, a main body structure, including a plurality of sidewalls, disposed between the aft surface and the forward surface and a plurality of unfurlable antenna reflectors. At least one unfurlable antenna reflector is configured to be illuminated, in an on-orbit configuration, by a respective feed array. The spacecraft is reconfigurable from a launch configuration to the on-orbit configuration. In the launch configuration, the at least one unfurlable antenna reflector is disposed, undeployed, forward of the respective feed array, proximate to and outboard of one of the plurality of sidewalls. In the on-orbit configuration, the forward surface is substantially earth-facing and the at least one unfurlable antenna reflector is disposed, deployed, so as to be earth-facing from a position aft of the respective feed array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Wu, Philip Alley, David Marlow
  • Patent number: 10800554
    Abstract: A space system including a layered structure on an outer surface of the space system, the layered structure including a conductive veil or nonwoven comprising conductive fibers, and a non-conductive sheet arranged on a surface of the conductive veil or nonwoven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Uebner, Daniel Quabis
  • Patent number: 10800883
    Abstract: Processes and precursors may be used to produce a highly porous, extremely large surface area polyimide aerogel with optical translucency and diminished heat transfer. The resulting material maintains or exceeds structural integrity and low thermal conductivity seen in the high opacity polyimide aerogels of similar porosity and density. The formulations used for fabrication of aerogels may include combinations of fluorinated dianhydride and diamine fractions and non-fluorinated dianhydrides and diamines with various aliphatic and aromatic bridgehead components as precursors to the condensation polymerization of polyimide aerogels with polyamide crosslinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephanie L. Vivod, Mary Ann B. Meador, Andrew Shinko, Sadan C. Jana, Coleen Pugh
  • Publication number: 20200319026
    Abstract: A multi-angle imager (10) comprises an imaging array (Mij) configured to receive light beams (Li) via one or more entrance pupils (A1) according to distinct fields of view (Vi) of an object (P0) along each of multiple entry angles (?i). The imaging array (Mij) comprises multiple imaging branches (M1j, M2j) configured to form respective optical paths for the light beams (L1,L2) through the imager (10) for imaging respective subsections (S1,S2) of the object (P0). Each imaging branch (M1j) comprises a distinct set of optical elements (M11,M21) configured to receive the respective light beam (L1) along the respective entry angle (?1) and redirect the respective light beam (L1) towards the imaging plane (P1). The light beams (L 1,L2) from each of the multiple imaging branches (M1j ,M2j) are redirected to travel in a common direction (y) between the imaging array (Mij) and the imaging plane (P1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2018
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicants: Stichting Nederlandse Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Instituten, Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Aaldert Hidde VAN AMERONGEN, Ersin DOGAN, Jeroen Henricus Hubertus RIETJENS
  • Patent number: 10793249
    Abstract: An aircraft comprises at least one thermal insulation component, which is made of a nano-porous material, the pore structure of which is open-pored such that when the aircraft is in flight operation, a pressure in the pores of the thermal insulation component corresponds to the ambient pressure at the flight altitude of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH
    Inventor: Florian Kurfiss
  • Patent number: 10797784
    Abstract: A satellite system that includes a gateway, a satellite, and a user terminal. The gateway determines a modulation scheme based on a function of uplink and downlink signal quality and a defined relationship between the downlink modulation to the uplink modulation. The satellite includes an input demodulator configured to apply an input modulation and coding (modcod) scheme; an output modulator configured to apply an output modcod scheme; and an output modcod scheme selector configured to select an output modcod scheme for the output modulator based on the input modcod scheme according a predetermined relationship between input modcod schemes and output modcod schemes. The user terminal providing the gateway a measure of downlink signal quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: William Hreha, Edmond Ahad, Guillaume Lamontagne
  • Patent number: 10797787
    Abstract: A network node is described which is configured for use in space, comprising a transmission interface for transmitting radio frequency signals, a reception interface for receiving radio frequency signals, a network management module for determining communication session information, a controller arranged to control the transmission interface and the reception interface in accordance with session information provided by the network management interface, wherein the transmission and reception interfaces are for receiving data from terrestrial nodes and space-borne nodes. Also described are a network entity comprising the network note and a plurality of adaptive antennas, a satellite containing the network entity and a user equipment device configured for communication with the network node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENSE AND SPACE LIMITED
    Inventor: Shahruzi Irani