Patents by Inventor Eugene L. Williams

Eugene L. Williams 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).

  • Steered perigee velocity augmentation
    Patent number: 5568904
    Abstract: A satellite perigee velocity augmentation method wherein a satellite is steered throughout the perigee velocity augmentation maneuver such that its thrust vector is always oriented approximately opposite to the direction of motion of the satellite. The satellite is pitched around a predetermined axis (e.g. the Y-axis) such that the thrust vector is always pointing approximately opposite to the direction of motion of the satellite. The satellite is steered during the perigee velocity augmentation maneuver in order to achieve the desired attitude wherein the thrust vector is always oriented approximately opposite to the direction of motion of the satellite is accomplished by pitching the satellite around the predetermined axis such that the thrust vector is always pointing approximately opposite to the direction of motion of the satellite. By steering the satellite in accordance with the present perigee velocity augmentation method, overall efficiency achieved is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Kurt Brock, Darren R. Stratemeier, Eugene L. Williams