Patents by Inventor Christopher L. Bridges

Christopher L. Bridges 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).

  • Vapor retention device
    Patent number: 11680544
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a vapor retention device and methods of using a vapor retention device to manage propellant for upper stage space vehicles. The use of a vapor retention device, in combination with controlled acceleration, drives liquid propellant from a propellant supply line communicating with an upper stage main engine back into a propellant tank and establishes an insulating liquid/gas propellant interface that prevents the exchange of gaseous propellant across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bridges, Bernard Friedrich Kutter, Frank C. Zegler
  • Vapor retention device
    Patent number: 11092111
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a vapor retention device and methods of using a vapor retention device to manage propellant for upper stage space vehicles. The use of a vapor retention device, in combination with controlled acceleration, drives liquid propellant from a propellant supply line communicating with an upper stage main engine back into a propellant tank and establishes an insulating liquid/gas propellant interface that prevents the exchange of gaseous propellant across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bridges, Bernard Friedrich Kutter, Frank C. Zegler