Patents by Inventor Frank M. Kustas

Frank M. Kustas 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).

  • Oxidation resistant insulating sandwich tiles
    Patent number: 6592981
    Abstract: A lightweight insulating sandwich tile (110) having applications such as spacecraft and reusable launch vehicle thermal protection is disclosed. In one embodiment, the lightweight insulating sandwich tile (110) includes an outer structural facesheet (120) that is bonded or co-cured with an inner insulating core (130). The outer structural facesheet (120) is comprised of carbon-carbon and includes an oxidation resistant layer (140) on an outer surface thereof. The oxidation resistant layer (140) may comprise a coating or surface treatment of, for example, MoSi2, amorphous SiCN, amorphous SiCBN, Ti3SiC2, HfC, HfO2, HfB2, SiC, Ir, and ZrB2. The inner insulating core (130) is comprised of bonded discontinuous carbon fibers, a network of vitreous carbon ligaments, carbon aerogel, or graphite felt or a hybrid combination of these materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Suraj P. Rawal, Frank M. Kustas
  • Spacecraft with integrated pulsed-plasma thrusters
    Patent number: 6585193
    Abstract: Various ways of integrating pulsed plasma thrusters with a spacecraft. In one embodiment, pulsed plasma thrusters are mounted on inflatable struts/booms. In another embodiment, pulsed plasma thrusters are mounted within a recess formed on an exterior surface of the spacecraft body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Frank M. Kustas, David M. Barnett