Patents by Inventor MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.

MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC. 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).

  • Publication number: 20130153710
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a tool, system and method for refueling on-orbit spacecraft. The tool and system are configured to allow for resupply of spacecraft configured to be propelled by either a bipropellant (oxidizer and fuel) or a monopropellant (typically hydrazine). The refueling tool is particularly suited for resupply of satellites not originally prepared for refueling but the system may also be used for satellites specifically designed for refueling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventor: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
  • Publication number: 20130119204
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a propellant transfer system and method for refueling on-orbit spacecraft. The system and method are configured to allow for resupply of spacecraft configured to be fueled by either a bipropellant (oxidizer and fuel) or a monopropellant (typically hydrazine). The system and method are particularly suited for resupply of satellites not originally prepared for refueling as well but the system may also be used for as satellites specifically designed for refueling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventor: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
  • Publication number: 20130103193
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a multifunctional tool with replaceable tool tips. The disclosed multifunctional tool may be used as an end-effector on a robotic arm in space. Each tool tip, when in the tool holder, is driven by a common motor. The same motor can also be used to control the orientation of the tool tip about an axis. The tool tips are replaceable in the tool holder by simple and robust means, resulting in a lighter and cheaper multifunctional tool. The tool tips can be variously adapted to perform a variety of functions, including cutting, grasping, drilling, driving, etc. Since the tool may be driven by only one actuator, and the single actuator may be used to drive both the tool and rotation of the tool, mass can be saved. Use of such a multifunctional tool also reduces overall system power requirements, and system complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventor: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.