Patents by Inventor Brian R. Lindley

Brian R. Lindley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6666409
    Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift the the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030183727
    Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6568639
    Abstract: An orbit transfer vehicle for transporting cargo between a low Earth orbit and a higher Earth orbit having a body and an engine operably coupled to the body. A reaction control system is further provided and is operably coupled to the body. The reaction control system having a plurality of thrusters capable of maneuvering the orbit transfer vehicle. The orbit transfer vehicle further includes an energy absorbing panel operable to gather energy and an energy storage device operable to store the energy. Still further, a payload interface mechanism is provided having a payload container area and a payload retaining device. The payload retaining device is connectable to the cargo. Lastly, a controller for autonomously controlling the engine, the reaction control system, and the payload interface mechanism to control the orbit transfer vehicle so as to transport the cargo between a low Earth orbit to a higher Earth orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler
  • Patent number: 6557803
    Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030042367
    Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030042369
    Abstract: An orbit transfer vehicle for transporting cargo between a low Earth orbit and a higher Earth orbit having a body and an engine operably coupled to the body. A reaction control system is further provided and is operably coupled to the body. The reaction control system having a plurality of thrusters capable of maneuvering the orbit transfer vehicle. The orbit transfer vehicle further includes an energy absorbing panel operable to gather energy and an energy storage device operable to store the energy. Still further, a payload interface mechanism is provided having a payload container area and a payload retaining device. The payload retaining device is connectable to the cargo. Lastly, a controller for autonomously controlling the engine, the reaction control system, and the payload interface mechanism to control the orbit transfer vehicle so as to transport the cargo between a low Earth orbit to a higher Earth orbit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler
  • Patent number: D295796
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: La Shea Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Wadsworth, Carl A. Meisterlin, Richard K. O'Neill, Richard P. Grogan, Brian R. Lindley