Patents by Inventor Donald Merrifield

Donald Merrifield 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: 7963084
    Abstract: A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Merrifield, James W. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20070044415
    Abstract: A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Merrifield, James Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20060107611
    Abstract: A deployable rectangular truss with folding or removable chordal members and diagonals and orthogonal hinge joints for continuous and synchronous retraction and extension. The truss is rectangular in cross section, with four common chords on the corners. Two opposing sides of the truss have diagonals that meet at side joints. One or more end frames may be used to close off or mount one of more ends of the deployable truss. A plurality of telescoping transverse struts may extend between major joints on one side of the truss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Donald Merrifield