Patents by Inventor John V. Rivers

John V. Rivers 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: 5407152
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus relating to design, construction, integration and assembly of a space station. The present invention uses pre-integrated open (unpressurized) truss segments for modular construction of the space station. Each segment includes a truss structure and utility subsystems which may be fully assembled and tested on Earth. The segments may be latched together on orbit using a remote latching system. Utility subsystems, such as solar panels and radiators, are pre-integrated into the appropriate truss segment, and are deployable from the respective truss segment on orbit. Rails run lengthwise along the assembled truss. The rails may be used with a mobile transporter for translating truss segments with respect to the spacecraft as part of the space station assembly process. The rails may also be used with a mobile transporter for carrying crew personnel, a robotic arm, and other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics & Space Administration
    Inventors: Timothy E. Pelischek, Edgar O. Castro, Gregg A. Edeen, David A. Hamilton, Jon B. Kahn, James B. McDede, Kornel Nagy, John V. Rivers, Irene E. Verinder, Donald C. Wade, Clarence J. Wesselski