Patents Assigned to Space
  • Patent number: 10311239
    Abstract: An object is to enable to search genetic information in an encrypted state. An encryption apparatus (200) encrypts a target gene which is genetic information to be stored in a storage apparatus and generates an encrypted gene, as well compares a reference gene which is predefined genetic information with the target gene to generate differential information, and generates an encrypted tag which is encrypted by embedding the generated differential information. A data center (400) stores the encrypted gene with related to the encrypted tag in the storage apparatus. A search apparatus (300) generates a search query which is encrypted by embedding the differential information as a search keyword, and sends the generated search query to a data center (400). The data center (400) specifies the encrypted tag including the differential information specified in the search query, extracts the related encrypted gene, and sends the encrypted gene to the search apparatus (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Space Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Tanishima, Nori Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10307970
    Abstract: Methods of collecting in-situ materials on a celestial body for return to Earth or another location and associated devices are described. These devices and methods facilitate collection of samples and creation of portions of the return spacecraft via an additive manufacturing device contained within the lander craft. The additive manufacturing device is configured to produce portions of the return spacecraft (e.g., sample return container, spacecraft structure, heat shield) and may also be configured to place samples within the spacecraft for return and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: MADE IN SPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Snyder, Jason Dunn
  • Patent number: 10313001
    Abstract: A hybrid processor system for use on board a telecommunications multi-beam satellite is provided that is controllable by a network control center via one or more control channels. The system links to ground terminals by: providing uplink and downlink traffic channels on several satellite beams; routing atomic switched information blocks from the uplink traffic channels to the downlink traffic channels; and exchanging signaling data with the ground terminals on one or more uplink signaling channels and one or more downlink signaling channels. The atomic switched information blocks have the same given time duration and the same given baseband bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Giuseppe Tomasicchio, Gaetano Pastore, Guglielmo Lulli, Domenico Giancristofaro, Cinzia Moca
  • Publication number: 20190165481
    Abstract: An expandable antenna includes: a plurality of ribs arranged with a regulated angular pitch at an outer circumferential portion of a hub; and a metal mesh installed between the plurality of adjacent ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is formed in a horizontally elongated thin flat plate shape with elasticity, and a segment to which the metal mesh is attached is formed in a parabolic shape. A flat plane of each of the plurality of ribs is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to a central axis of the hub. The object of the present invention is to provide the expandable antenna which can be easily expanded in outer space with a simple structure and can realize a desired shape after expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: INSTITUTE FOR Q-SHU PIONEER OF SPACE INC.
    Inventors: Shunsuke ONISHI, Tetsuo YASAKA, Kazuo KUNO, Yohei KOGA
  • Patent number: 10305195
    Abstract: An imaging array fed reflector for a spacecraft is included in a spacecraft payload subsystem. The payload subsystem includes a multi-beam antenna including a reflector, a plurality of amplifiers, and a plurality of radiating feed elements, the feed elements configured as a phased array, illuminating the reflector, operable at a frequency having a characteristic wavelength (?), and configured to produce, in a far field at the reflector, a set of contiguous abutting beams. The amplifiers are disposed proximate to the plurality of radiating feed elements. Each radiating feed element has a respective coupling with at least one respective amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers. Each radiating feed element, together with the at least one respective amplifier, is disposed in a closely packed triangular lattice such that separation between adjacent radiating feed elements is not greater than 1.5?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G. Burr, Seyed A. Tabatabaei, James J. Sowers, Walter S. Gelon, Peter S. Simon
  • Patent number: 10302759
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) architecture and process, in which priority aircraft and ADS-B IN and radar traffic information are included in the transmission of data through the telemetry communications to a remote ground control station. The present invention further proposes methods for displaying general aviation traffic information in three and/or four dimension trajectories using an industry standard Earth browser for increased situation awareness and enhanced visual acquisition of traffic for conflict detection. The present invention enable the applications of enhanced visual acquisition of traffic, traffic alerts, and en-route and terminal surveillance used to augment pilot situational awareness through ADS-B IN display and information in three or four dimensions for self-separation awareness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Ricardo A Arteaga
  • Patent number: 10302398
    Abstract: A Vehicle Based Independent Range System (VBIRS) (10) comprised of individual stacked chambered modules that function as a single integrated system that provides a self-contained space based range capability, and is comprised of a power module (12), an artificial intelligence/autonomous engagement/flight termination system module (20), a satellite data modem module system (30) and a navigation, communications and control module system (40), all of which interface with a VBIRS test and checkout system (52) and a weather data system (116). The artificial intelligence/autonomous engagement/flight termination system module (20) is comprised of an inherent artificial intelligence capability that envelopes and interchanges data with an autonomous engagement controller (22) that contains all missile/rocket autonomous cooperative engagement, destruct decision software and range safety algorithm parameters required for optimum mission planning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SPACE INFORMATION LaBoratories, LLC
    Inventors: Edmund David Burke, Martin Stewart Waldman
  • Patent number: 10306155
    Abstract: A dual band infrared imaging system self-contained to fit within a small spacecraft is provided. The imaging system uses a detector array cooled by a mini cryocooler, and includes telescope optics and two bandpass filters for fire detection and thermal and evapotranspiration Earth science.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Murzban D. Jhabvala, Donald E. Jennings, Compton J. Tucker
  • Patent number: 10305646
    Abstract: A communication platform such as a spacecraft, airborne platform, or terrestrial line of site wireless platform is provided with adaptive digital beamforming. The satellite digitizes a full spectrum allocation for digital channelization. A channelization engine can determine a particular user or user group associated with an uplink signal. In this manner, the communication platform can apply different processing based on the user or group associated with a signal. For example, the communication platform receives uplink signals associated with a first user group and a second user group in one embodiment. The platform dynamically generates one or more spot beams for the first user group and the second group. The platform discriminates the uplink signals to apply frequency hopping for the downlink frequency channel assignments to the second user group while the downlink frequency channel assignments for the first user group remain fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral LLC
    Inventors: William Hreha, David Grybos
  • Patent number: 10294160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a ceramic article (3) from a metal or metal matrix composite preform (1) provided by 3D-printing or by 3D-weaving. The preform (1) is placed in a heating chamber (2), and a predetermined time-temperature profile is applied in order to controllably react the preform (1) with a gas introduced into the heating chamber (2). The metal, the gas and the time-temperature profile are chosen so as to induce a metal-gas reaction resulting in at least a part of the preform (1) transforming into a ceramic. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprises a first oxidation stage involving a metal-gas reaction in order to form a supporting oxide layer (5) at the surface of the metal, followed by a second stage in which the heating chamber (2) is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the metal to increase the kinetics of the chemical reaction. The invention also relates to a number of advantageous uses of a ceramic article manufactured as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: European Space Agency
    Inventors: David John Jarvis, Wayne Eric Voice, Nicholas John Elsworth Adkins, Hany Salamam Sayed Ali Hassanin
  • Patent number: 10298060
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of wirelessly powering an aerospace vehicle while the vehicle is on the ground is provided to solve a problem of supplying electric power for aircraft while idling on taxiways. Present systems typically require fuel-driven auxiliary power units (APU's) to generate electricity. Running APU's to power aircraft while idling requires over 443 million gallons of jet fuel annually at a cost of $1.3 billion dollars. This results in an estimated 4.7 megatons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. At the gate, shore power is provided via hardline connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Michael R. Wright
  • Patent number: 10294099
    Abstract: A microsensor and its method of manufacture are disclosed based on templated metal or metal oxide nanostructures. The microsensor includes an electrode that in one embodiment may be configured as a first sawtooth patterned electrode having a series of first peaks and first valleys and a second electrode that by be configured as a second sawtooth patterned electrode having a series of second peaks and second valleys where the second peaks generally align with the first peaks of the first electrode. A plurality of templated metal or metal oxide nanostructures connect on one side to the first electrode and on another side to the second electrode, where an electrical property of the microsensor changes in response to exposure to an environment to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Azlin M. Biaggi-Labiosa, Gary W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 10293481
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a relative deflection detector may include at least two structural arcs, and a predetermined number of means for measuring position capable of determining the relative deflection in a first component. The at least two structural arcs may be for example, comprised of a first and second structural arc whereby the first and second structural arcs are attached to the first component at respective first and second predetermined locations and whereby each arc is comprised of a respective sequence of indicators, such as, for example, codes inscribed on the outer circumference of each arc. The first and second structural arcs may be positioned in concentric and coplanar relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Roger Rovekamp, Adam H. Parsons, Nicolaus A. Radford, Carolynn J Kanelakos, Peter Neuhaus, Joshua S. Mehling
  • Patent number: 10293939
    Abstract: An anti-rattling restraint device and system for pallets in the cargo hold of an aircraft comprising a frame body with an upper side, lateral sides, a first and a second slot sets positioned on said lateral sides, a first and a second shaft, configured to slide along the first and second slot sets respectively, a threaded stud, a lever, comprising a first end, a second end and a lever slot substantially positioned on the second end of the lever, and lock positioned on the upper side of the frame body, wherein the threaded stud is connected to the second shaft, and further connected to the frame body by the lock, and the lever is connected to the frame body by the first and second shafts, and further connected to the threaded stud by the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Federico Conejero Moreno, Unai GarcĂ­a Feijoo
  • Publication number: 20190146467
    Abstract: A test system is includes a management server which is configured to provide predefined test instructions, a monitoring system, and at least one execution entity. The monitoring system is configured to convert test instructions provided by the management server into operating instructions for setting a test configuration on a control unit of a system using predefined assignment logic. The at least one execution entity is configured to set the test configuration on the control unit of the system on the basis of operating instructions transmitted by the monitoring system to the at least one execution entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Arnd Schirrmann, Omid Omidwar
  • Publication number: 20190146798
    Abstract: A test system for testing a control unit of a system includes a management server which is configured to provide predefined test instructions, a monitoring system, and a number of output units. The monitoring system is configured to convert test instructions provided by the management server into operating instructions for setting a test configuration on a control unit of a system using predefined assignment logic. The monitoring system is also configured to divide operating instructions for setting the test configuration into partial instructions for setting a partial configuration on the control unit and to temporally and/or logically classify the partial instructions. Respective output units of the number of output units are configured to output the partial instructions transmitted by the monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Arnd Schirrmann, Omid Omidwar
  • Patent number: 10287719
    Abstract: A device for providing reinforcement strand loops for a multi-needle system for mechanically reinforcing a component made of a foamed plastics material, has a profile body, at least two clamps positioned on the periphery and/or end face of the profile body for fixing a reinforcement strand to the profile body, at least one slider which can be moved in parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the profile body to produce a reinforcement strand loop, at least two separators positioned in the periphery and/or end face of the profile body for separating the reinforcement strand loop from the reinforcement strand and a feeder for feeding the reinforcement strand loop. As a result, reinforcement strand loops can be produced with high precision and individually presented to the needles and/or grippers of a multi-needle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Endres, Hans-Juergen Weber
  • Patent number: 10286613
    Abstract: A method to produce a fibrous body that includes structures crosslinked in a fluid-permeable manner. The method includes constructing the fibrous body in layers by alternately applying a fiber-matrix material to a layer substrate and fusing each applied layer of the fiber-matrix material. The fiber-matrix material contains a matrix material and a plurality of short fibers and/or fiber particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Weimer, Franz Engel
  • Patent number: 10288110
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure having a first pin aperture and at least one first fastener aperture adjacent the first pin aperture and a second structure to attached to the first structure having a second pin aperture and at least one second fastener aperture adjacent the second pin aperture. At least one fastener is configured to pass through the first and second fastener apertures and attach the first structure to the second structure. An assembly pin passes through the first and second pin apertures and is trapped within the first and second pin apertures. A pin-securing washer having a fastener surface defining at least one fastener aperture and a pin-securing surface to secure the assembly pin within the pin apertures. The at least one fastener passes through the at least one fastener aperture of the pin-securing washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark A. Zaffetti
  • Patent number: 10289092
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for performing stability analysis for a digital motor controller includes receiving a reference signal to be injected into a digital speed control loop and controlling, by a hardware description language (VHDL) component, the injection of the reference signal into the digital control loop through a field programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware interface. The method also includes providing the reference signal to the digital speed control loop to determine a performance of the digital motor controller and receiving a feedback signal, at the FPGA hardware interface, from the digital speed control loop based on the reference signal. The method includes comparing the reference signal to the feedback signal to evaluate the performance of the digital motor controller and exporting a result of the comparing by the FPGA hardware interface to indicate the performance of the digital motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Robert P. Wichowski, Kevin G. Hawes, Michael A. O'Toole