Abstract: Systems for insulating a space vehicle or space borne container from an external environment as well as cryogens from heat sources. Such systems also protect the vehicle from the high dynamic pressures, the high heat loads encountered in atmospheric flight, and provide storage capability that strongly limits, or effectively eliminates, cryogenic boil-off losses once in space. Such systems include an expandable structure having a plurality of contiguously adjacent expandable layers. The layers are connected by a plurality of tension connectors between successive layers. For launch and flight the layers can be restrained in a collapsed position. Whereupon exiting a free stream environment, the layers are expanded where they can lock into place or otherwise remain in an expanded state. The expansion creates separation between the layers with minimal conduction paths providing near theoretically perfect multi-layer insulation and extremely effective debris protection.

Abstract: Systems for insulating a space vehicle or space borne container from an external environment as well as cryogens from heat sources. Such systems also protect the vehicle from the high dynamic pressures, the high heat loads encountered in atmospheric flight, and provide storage capability that strongly limits, or effectively eliminates, cryogenic boil-off losses once in space. Such systems include an expandable structure having a plurality of contiguously adjacent expandable layers. The layers are connected by a plurality of tension connectors between successive layers. For launch and flight the layers can be restrained in a collapsed position. Whereupon exiting a free stream environment, the layers are expanded where they can lock into place or otherwise remain in an expanded state. The expansion creates separation between the layers with minimal conduction paths providing near theoretically perfect multi-layer insulation and extremely effective debris protection.

Abstract: A system for elevation control. The system comprises a substantially gastight envelope containing lifting gas wherein the envelope further comprises a plurality of envelope segments in fluid communication with one another. At least one tension cable connects at least two of the envelope segments. A control device including a motor adjusts the length of the tension cable to change the pressure within the envelope to thereby facilitate ascent and descent of the system. The control device causes the system to operate in ascent, descent, or vertically stationary modes.

Abstract: A system for elevation control. The system comprises a substantially gastight envelope containing lifting gas wherein the envelope further comprises a plurality of envelope segments in fluid communication with one another. At least one tension cable connects at least two of the envelope segments. A control device including a motor adjusts the length of the tension cable to change the pressure within the envelope to thereby facilitate ascent and descent of the system. The control device causes the system to operate in ascent, descent, or vertically stationary modes.

Abstract: A flexible vessel includes a restraint structure and a barrier structure. The restraint structure further includes a first portion, and a second substantially rounded end cap portion that is attached to the first portion. The restraint structure also includes an array of tendons. The barrier structure is positioned within the restraint structure. When the barrier contains a fluid, a portion of the load is carried by the restraint structure and another portion of the load is carried by the barrier structure. The flexible vessel is collapsible to occupy a first volume and distended to occupy a second volume. The flexible vessel is part of a system when used in various applications with respect to a craft.

Abstract: This document discloses, among other things, an inflatable apparatus having a plurality of attachment points. The apparatus can be collapsed, and when distended, the attachment points are dimensionally stable with varying applied pressure.