Patents by Inventor Margaret E. Grimaldi

Margaret E. Grimaldi 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).

  • Thermally activated retainer means utilizing shape memory alloy
    Patent number: 5254837
    Abstract: A retainer member (2) suitable for retaining a gap filler (1) placed in gaps (20) between adjacent tile members (21, 22). One edge of the retainer member (2) may be attached to the gap filler (1) and another edge may be provided with a plurality of tab members (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) which in an intermediate position do not interfere with placement or removal of the gap filler (1) between tile members (21, 22). The retainer member may be fabricated from a shape memory alloy which when heated to a specified memory temperature will thermally activate the tab members (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to predetermined memory positions engaging the tile members (21, 22) to retain the gap filler (1) in the gap (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Margaret E. Grimaldi, Leslie S. Hartz
  • Orbiter escape pole
    Patent number: 4887780
    Abstract: A Shuttle type of aircraft (10) with an escape hatch (12) has an arcuately shaped pole housing (16) attachable to an interior wall and ceiling with its open end adjacent to the escape hatch. The pole housing 16 contains a telescopically arranged and arcuately shaped primary pole member (22) and extension pole member (23) which are guided by roller assemblies (30,35). The extension pole member (23) is slidable and extendable relative to the primary pole member (22). For actuation, a spring actuated system includes a spring (52) in the pole housing. A locking member (90) engages both pole members (22,23) through notch portions (85,86) in the pole members. The locking member selectively releases the extension pole member (23) and the primary pole member (22). An internal one-way clutch or anti-return mechanism prevents retraction of the extension pole member from an extended position. Shock absorbers (54)(150,152) are for absoring the energy of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Winston D. Goodrich, Clarence J. Wesselski, Timothy E. Pelischek, Bruce H. Becker, Jon B. Kahn, Margaret E. Grimaldi, John P. McManamen, Edgar O. Castro
  • Space station erectable manipulator placement system
    Patent number: 4772175
    Abstract: An erectable manipulator placement system for use on a space station and comprising an elongate lattice-like boom having dual guide tracks attached to parallel chords thereof, a carriage-like dolly movable along said tracks, and a segmented maneuvering arm-like assembly pivotally mounted on and extending from said dolly. The system further includes a turntable base pivotally interconnected with the proximal end of the boom and positioned either on a part of a transferring vehicle, or on another payload component being carried by said transferring vehicle, or on the space station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Margaret E. Grimaldi