Patents by Inventor Steven L. Branscombe

Steven L. Branscombe 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).

  • Method of configuring satellite constellation design using multiple discrete switchable spot beams
    Patent number: 6653975
    Abstract: A method and computer program to configure feeds on a satellite (300, 310, 320) to provide for redundant coverage when a satellite (300, 310, 320) fails. Further, this method and computer program can enable the switching of feeds from commands from a ground station (30) to activate certain feeds and deactivate other feeds when demand for service changes. In addition, this method and computer program allow for repositioning of satellites so that when one satellite fails another satellite may take over its area of coverage by switching active feeds without the need for placing another satellite in orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Branscombe, William F. Courtney, Michael S. Munoz, Ray M. Nuber, Fritz B. Mezger
  • Attitude sensor for spacecraft
    Patent number: 6634601
    Abstract: A spacecraft is provided that includes a communications payload having an antenna support structure and an antenna boom coupled to the antenna support structure. An attitude sensor may be mounted to the antenna boom. The attitude sensor (such as an Earth sensor, a star tracker and/or a sun sensor) may be mounted at a root of the antenna boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Thanh D. Hoang, Guy D. Renard, Jon K. Spain, Steven L. Branscombe
  • Attitude sensor for spacecraft
    Publication number: 20030132349
    Abstract: A spacecraft is provided that includes a communications payload having an antenna support structure and an antenna boom coupled to the antenna support structure. An attitude sensor may be mounted to the antenna boom. The attitude sensor (such as an Earth sensor, a star tracker and/or a sun sensor) may be mounted at a root of the antenna boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Thanh D. Hoang, Guy D. Renard, Jon K. Spain, Steven L. Branscombe
  • Method of configuring satellite constellation design using multiple discrete switchable spot beams
    Publication number: 20030095064
    Abstract: A method and computer program to configure feeds on a satellite (300, 310, 320) to provide for redundant coverage when a satellite (300, 310, 320) fails. Further, this method and computer program can enable the switching of feeds from commands from a ground station (30) to activate certain feeds and deactivate other feeds when demand for service changes. In addition, this method and computer program allow for repositioning of satellites so that when one satellite fails another satellite may take over its area of coverage by switching active feeds without the need for placing another satellite in orbit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Steven L. Branscombe, William F. Courtney, Michael S. Munoz, Ray M. Nuber, Fritz B. Mezger