Patents by Inventor Jean-Pierre Schoeffter

Jean-Pierre Schoeffter 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: 5261632
    Abstract: A rotary mechanism for use on space vehicles is provided, which mechanism comprises one or more bearings and stacking means. The bearings and stacking means join an inner and outer part so as to prevent the parts' rotary motion relative to each other, during launch phase, but permit such rotary motion thereafter. The use of the instant invention advantageously make it possible for forces produced during launch of the vehicle to be transmitted directly from one part to the other without loading the bearings, thereby permitting reduction in the size and weight of the bearings without any corresponding diminution of functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Schoeffter
  • Patent number: 5030016
    Abstract: In space vehicles, mechanisms such as ball bearings (14, 14') are subject to an initial preload or prestress enabling them to withstand the vibrations caused by the launch and without leading to any clearance or play. A member (34) made from a shape memory material e.g. makes it possible under the effect of its elongation, to release said preload when the vehicle is in the operational mode. The control of the release can take place by means of a heating resistor (36), whose energization leads to the member (34) clearing its shape change temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et Aerospatiale
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Schoeffter