Patents by Inventor Gayle Kestell

Gayle Kestell 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: 10351266
    Abstract: An ADCS module may be configured to use coordinate data from 2D photodiodes in one or more sun sensors to determine a sun vector. The ADCS module may then use the sun vector in reference to its own body faced (BF) coordinate system to calculate a change in the orientation of the space vehicle. The change in orientation mechanism may be accomplished by reaction wheels, ion thrusters, or other orientation altering mechanisms. A miniature, intelligent star tracker may be included that improves satellite attitude determination and pointing accuracy. An improved reaction wheel assembly may be included that is more robust and suitable for inclusion in small space vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Triad National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz, Paul Stein, John Martinez, Gayle Kestell, Adam Warniment, Steven Storms
  • Patent number: 10059468
    Abstract: A modular space vehicle chassis may facilitate convenient access to internal components of the space vehicle. Each module may be removable from the others such that each module may be worked on individually. Multiple panels of at least one of the modules may swing open or otherwise be removable, exposing large portions of the internal components of the space vehicle. Such chassis architectures may reduce the time required for and difficulty of performing maintenance or modifications, may allow multiple space vehicles to take advantage of a common chassis design, and may further allow for highly customizable space vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms, Gayle Kestell
  • Patent number: 9708080
    Abstract: A modular space vehicle chassis may facilitate convenient access to internal components of the space vehicle. Each module may be removable from the others such that each module may be worked on individually. Multiple panels of at least one of the modules may swing open or otherwise be removable, exposing large portions of the internal components of the space vehicle. Such chassis architectures may reduce the time required for and difficulty of performing maintenance or modifications, may allow multiple space vehicles to take advantage of a common chassis design, and may further allow for highly customizable space vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms, Gayle Kestell
  • Publication number: 20150367966
    Abstract: An ADCS module may be configured to use coordinate data from 2D photodiodes in one or more sun sensors to determine a sun vector. The ADCS module may then use the sun vector in reference to its own body faced (BF) coordinate system to calculate a change in the orientation of the space vehicle. The change in orientation mechanism may be accomplished by reaction wheels, ion thrusters, or other orientation altering mechanisms. A miniature, intelligent star tracker may be included that improves satellite attitude determination and pointing accuracy. An improved reaction wheel assembly may be included that is more robust and suitable for inclusion in small space vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz, Paul Stein, John Martinez, Gayle Kestell, Adam Warniment, Steven Storms
  • Publication number: 20150367964
    Abstract: A modular space vehicle chassis may facilitate convenient access to internal components of the space vehicle. Each module may be removable from the others such that each module may be worked on individually. Multiple panels of at least one of the modules may swing open or otherwise be removable, exposing large portions of the internal components of the space vehicle. Such chassis architectures may reduce the time required for and difficulty of performing maintenance or modifications, may allow multiple space vehicles to take advantage of a common chassis design, and may further allow for highly customizable space vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms, Gayle Kestell