Patents by Inventor Lee E. Stillman

Lee E. Stillman 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).

  • Deployable support structure for spacecrafts
    Patent number: 4373690
    Abstract: A spacecraft associated deployable support structure which incorporates a ssive mechanism for extending an elongated arm, having a supporting surface, from a position adjacent to the spacecraft into a position extensive in relation to the spacecraft, whereby solar cells or instrumentation mounted on the supporting surface can be employed for their intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Lee E. Stillman, Thomas G. Coughlin
  • Deployable ground plane antenna
    Patent number: 4115784
    Abstract: A deployable ground plane antenna for use aboard a satellite or the like, with the antenna and erection mechanism being compactly stowable within the confines of a launch vehicle prior to and during launch thereof. After ejection of the satellite from the launch vehicle, the ground plane antenna self-deploys on removal of a single cable restraint. The mesh-like ground plane or reflector is pulled into a deployed planar configuration by flexible rods which carry the ground plane and which are spring-loaded to provide erection force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Lee Schwerdtfeger, Lee E. Stillman, William E. Frain