Patents by Inventor Gilbert H. Walker

Gilbert H. Walker 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).

  • Method for remotely powering a device such as a lunar rover
    Patent number: 5260639
    Abstract: A method of supplying power to a device such as a lunar rover located on a planetary surface is provided according to the present invention. At least one, and preferably three, laser satellites are set in orbit around the planet. Each satellite contains a nuclear reactor for generating electrical power. This electrical power is converted into a laser beam which is passed through an amplifying array and directed toward the device such as a lunar rover. The received laser beam is then converted into electrical power for use by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Russell J. De Young, Michael D. Williams, Gilbert H. Walker, Gregory L. Schuster, Ja H. Lee