Patents by Inventor George E. Mueller
George E. Mueller 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).
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Publication number: 20100051751Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV, aerodynamic characteristics, and mounting configurations to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. The module may be a cargo module, a satellite payload module or a passenger module. The passenger module is provided in a variety of configurations to accommodate a different number of passengers and cargo based on mission parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: George E. Mueller, Richard H. Kohrs, Dean L. Misterek, David B. Cochran, William B. Duncan, Charles D. Limerick
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Publication number: 20090140100Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Richard H. Kohrs, William B. Duncan, David B. Cochran, Dean L. Misterek, Terrill L. Burlison, Ryan M. Curtis, Thomas Johnson, Richard A. Bailey, Charles D. Limerick
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Publication number: 20090127399Abstract: An experiment system with six different re-entry experiment locations for testing high temperature re-entry materials, creating new thermal protection systems, proving innovative new concepts for spacecraft exterior surfaces and the incremental development of next generation aerospace materials. A commercial transportation system to and from orbit provides a 24-hour return cycle for the experiments on a surface actually re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Now using existing doors, hatches and other points on the reusable launch vehicle's exterior, the actual re-entry environment is experienced by test specimens with quick turn around for a wide variety of different re-entry temperatures ranges for broad testing and development purposes. The reusable launch vehicle launches, remains in orbit for 24 hours and returns to provide an actual test environment for the exterior experiment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Gary Lai, Thomas C. Taylor
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Publication number: 20090050745Abstract: An experiment system with six different re-entry experiment locations for testing high temperature re-entry materials, creating new thermal protection systems, proving innovative new concepts for spacecraft exterior surfaces and the incremental development of next generation aerospace materials. A commercial transportation system to and from orbit provides a 24-hour return cycle for the experiments on a surface actually re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Previously expensive arc jet wind tunnels attempted to simulate the re-entry temperatures and ever changing re-entry flow environment for researchers. Now using existing doors, hatches and other points on the reusable launch vehicle's exterior, the actual re-entry environment is experienced by test specimens with quick turn around for a wide variety of different re-entry temperatures ranges for broad testing and development purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Gary Lai, Thomas C. Taylor
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Patent number: 7354020Abstract: An experiment system with six different re-entry experiment locations for testing high temperature re-entry materials, creating new thermal protection systems, proving innovative new concepts for spacecraft exterior surfaces and the incremental development of next generation aerospace materials. A commercial transportation system to and from orbit provides a 24-hour return cycle for the experiments on a surface actually re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Now using existing doors, hatches and other points on the reusable launch vehicle's exterior, the actual re-entry environment is experienced by test specimens with quick turn around for a wide variety of different re-entry temperatures ranges for broad testing and development purposes. The reusable launch vehicle launches, remains in orbit for 24 hours and returns to provide an actual test environment for the exterior experiment system.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Gary Lai, Thomas C. Taylor
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Patent number: 7198233Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Richard H. Kohrs, William B. Duncan, David B. Cochran, Dean L. Misterek, Terill L. Burlison, Ryan M. Curtis, Thomas Johnson, Richard A. Bailey, Charles D. Limerick
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Patent number: 7004185Abstract: An improved method for loading propellants into separate tanks on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) uses three innovative methods. The liquid loading provides three liquid transfer methods, integrated and coordinated to provide less complicated loading and unloading operations, transfers, and cools and controls the liquids to provide a safe, cost effective solution to reusable vehicle tanking and de-tanking under commercial conditions. To insure the density of the propellant is maximized by cooling in a quick liquid loading environment, pre-cooling may be used.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventor: George E. Mueller
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Patent number: 6945498Abstract: An orbital experiment system with different internal experiment locations within a reusable launch vehicle making daylong delivery trips to space. The experiments get access to the attributes of low earth orbit, the reusable launch vehicle's power and other subsystems. The experimenter utilizes uniform experiment trays having a uniform connector for connection to an experiment management unit mounted on the orbital vehicle. The experiment management unit provides power and data from the orbital vehicle related to the operation of the orbital vehicle and permits an experiment check simulation prior to integration into the launch vehicle. The uniform size and connectivity requirements provide low cost options for the delivery of an experiment into space and the return of the experiment from space.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Gary Lai, Thomas C. Taylor
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Publication number: 20040188562Abstract: An orbital experiment system with different internal experiment locations within a reusable launch vehicle making daylong delivery trips to space. The experiments get access to the attributes of low earth orbit, the reusable launch vehicle's power and other subsystems. The experimenter utilizes uniform experiment trays having a uniform connector for connection to an experiment management unit mounted on the orbital vehicle. The experiment management unit provides power and data from the orbital vehicle related to the operation of the orbital vehicle and permits an experiment check simulation prior to integration into the launch vehicle. The uniform size and connectivity requirements provide low cost options for the delivery of an experiment into space and the return of the experiment from space.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Gary Lai, Thomas C. Taylor
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Patent number: 6789767Abstract: An active satellite dispenser is preferably attachable to a reusable launch vehicle for deployment of one or more satellites into one or more desired orbits. The active satellite dispenser includes a center mast that releasably receives the satellite(s), a liquid propellant rocket, and an orbital control system on an avionics pallet. In the preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas selectively pressurizes the propellant tanks (which may include fuel and oxidizer tanks), to provide propellant to the rocket. In operation, the launch vehicle releases the satellite dispenser in a first deployment orbit. The active dispenser rocket and orbital control system then transport the active dispenser and satellite(s) into the final deployment orbit. In the preferred embodiment the active dispenser can operate multiple times to place individual satellites in different orbits.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, David B. Cochran, Richard H. Kohrs
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Publication number: 20040124312Abstract: An experiment system with six different re-entry experiment locations for testing high temperature re-entry materials, creating new thermal protection systems, proving innovative new concepts for spacecraft exterior surfaces and the incremental development of next generation aerospace materials. A commercial transportation system to and from orbit provides a 24-hour return cycle for the experiments on a surface actually re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Now using existing doors, hatches and other points on the reusable launch vehicle's exterior, the actual re-entry environment is experienced by test specimens with quick turn around for a wide variety of different re-entry temperatures ranges for broad testing and development purposes. The reusable launch vehicle launches, remains in orbit for 24 hours and returns to provide an actual test environment for the exterior experiment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Gary Lai, Thomas C. Taylor
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Publication number: 20030037819Abstract: An improved method for loading propellants into separate tanks on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) uses three innovative methods. The liquid loading provides three liquid transfer methods, integrated and coordinated to provide less complicated loading and unloading operations, transfers, and cools and controls the liquids to provide a safe, cost effective solution to reusable vehicle tanking and de-tanking under commercial conditions. To insure the density of the propellant is maximized by cooling in a quick liquid loading environment, pre-cooling may be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: George E. Mueller
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Patent number: 6513760Abstract: An orbital vehicle (34) having a propulsion module (33) and a logistics module (36). The logistics module includes a generally cylindrical outer shell (56, 541, 542) with first and second ends. An openable cover (58) is coupled with the outer shell at the first end, thereby providing access to the interior of the logistics module. The second end is adapted to couple to the propulsion module. A cargo container (54) is disposed generally within the outer shell, the cargo container including a berthing mechanism (70) disposed to be accessible when the cover is opened. A retractable grapple fixture (176) is provided on the logistics module, selectively positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the grapple fixture is in the extended position a grapple shaft (78) can be accessed to secure the orbital vehicle. When the grapple fixture is retracted, it is enclosed within the orbital vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Richard H. Kohrs, David B. Cochran, Joseph W. Cuzzupoli, Charles D. Limerick, Richard A. Bailey, Thomas G. Johnson, Steven C. Knowles
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Publication number: 20020179776Abstract: An active satellite dispenser is preferably attachable to a reusable launch vehicle for deployment of one or more satellites into one or more desired orbits. The active satellite dispenser includes a center mast that releasably receives the satellite(s), a liquid propellant rocket, and an orbital control system on an avionics pallet. In the preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas selectively pressurizes the propellant tanks (which may include fuel and oxidizer tanks), to provide propellant to the rocket. In operation, the launch vehicle releases the satellite dispenser in a first deployment orbit. The active dispenser rocket and orbital control system then transport the active dispenser and satellite(s) into the final deployment orbit. In the preferred embodiment the active dispenser can operate multiple times to place individual satellites in different orbits.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, David B. Cochran, Richard H. Kohrs
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Patent number: 6289818Abstract: An aerospace vehicle for delivering a payload into space includes a first stage and a second stage with a plurality of separation assemblies coupling the first stage to the second stage. At least one container charged with pressurized gas in fluid communication with the separation assemblies provides pressurized gas to the separation assemblies to cause separation of the first stage and the second stage.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, David B. Cochran
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Patent number: 6186039Abstract: A spacecraft launch system includes a support assembly and a seat coupled to a hinge having a hinge axis. In operation, the support assembly and the seat rotate about the hinge axis to move the spacecraft from a horizontal position to a vertical position for launching. The launch system may incorporate an alignment technique that includes alignment members and actuators.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Aaron Cohen, Dale D. Myers, Henry O. Pohl
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Patent number: 6158693Abstract: A recoverable/reusable booster stage has a restartable center liquid-fueled rocket engine mounted in the aft portion of a vehicle body in alignment with the center axis of the body. The booster stage may also include two side liquid-fueled rocket engines mounted in the aft portion of the body in symmetrical relation to the center rocket engine. After booster stage separation, the center engine is restarted to direct the booster stage towards a recovery site.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Henry O. Pohl
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Patent number: 6059234Abstract: A payload module couples to a forward end of a re-entry vehicle. The payload module includes a cap and a fairing to contain a payload during ascent of the vehicle and to withstand aerodynamic heating from the atmosphere upon re-entry of the vehicle. In a particular embodiment, the fairing has an extended position to contain the payload and a retracted position for re-entry into the atmosphere after payload deployment.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, David B. Cochran
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Patent number: 5927653Abstract: A two-stage wingless reusable aerospace vehicle having upper and lower stages that take off from a take-off area and separate at a separation point along a first trajectory. The separation forces are generated by air retained between the upper and lower stages, which is at a pressure higher than ambient pressure at the separation point. The lower stage is then propelled along a return trajectory to a landing area. After separation from the lower stage, the upper stage continues to an Earth orbit for deployment of a payload. After deploying the payload, the upper stage moves out of the Earth orbit, re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, and returns to the take-off and landing area. The upper and lower stages are powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene engines.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventors: George E. Mueller, Walter P. Kistler, Thomas G. Johnson, Henry O. Pohl, Chris McLain, Allan S. Hill, Jason E. Andrews, Thomas C. Taylor, Aaron Cohen, Dale Myers, Adam P. Bruckner, Steven C. Knowles, Richard Warwick