Patents by Inventor Lloyd R. Purves

Lloyd R. Purves 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: 5145130
    Abstract: A robot serviced space facility includes multiple modules which are identical in physical structure, but selectively differing in function and purpose. Each module includes multiple like attachment points which are identically placed on each module so as to permit interconnection with immediately adjacent modules. Connection is made through like outwardly extending flange assemblies having identical male and female configurations for interconnecting to and locking to a complementary side of another flange. Multiple rows of interconnected modules permit force, fluid, data and power transfer to be accomplished by redundant circuit paths. Redundant modules of critical subsystems are included. Redundancy of modules and of interconnections results in a space complex with any module being removable upon demand, either for module replacement or facility reconfiguration, without eliminating any vital functions of the complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration
    Inventor: Lloyd R. Purves