Patents by Inventor Peter Cerna

Peter Cerna 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).

  • Aerospike for attachment to space vehicle system
    Patent number: 4790499
    Abstract: An aerospike is adapted to be attached to the front nose of an aerodynamically asymmetric space vehicle system, such as the external tank and orbiter of the space shuttle. The aerospike basically comprises a tapered elongated portion having a first end which is adapted to be attached to the nose of the space vehicle, and a second free end terminating in a substantially rounded disc-like tip member. Use of the spike reduces aerodynamic heating and drag during ascent of the space vehicle into its orbital position, provides an attachment point for tether operations and for propellant recovery, and permits transportion of an external tank into its orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventors: Thomas C. Taylor, Peter Cerna
  • Aerospike for attachment to space vehicle system
    Patent number: 4650139
    Abstract: An aerospike is adapted to be attached to the front nose of an aerodynamically asymmetric space vehicle system, such as the external tank and orbiter of the space shuttle. The aerospike basically comprises a tapered elongated portion having a first end which is adapted to be attached to the nose of the space vehicle, and a second free end terminating in a substantially rounded disc-like tip member. Use of the spike reduces aerodynamic heating and drag during ascent of the space vehicle into its orbital position, provides an attachment point for tether operations and for propellant recovery, and permits transportion of an external tank into its orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventors: Thomas C. Taylor, Peter Cerna