Patents by Inventor Torger J. Totusek

Torger J. Totusek 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).

  • Spacecraft low tumble linear release system
    Patent number: 7644891
    Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing a spacecraft payload at a substantially constant velocity are disclosed. A linear actuator is used that includes a spring loaded and fluid filled chamber. The spring drives against a piston within the chamber that includes a control orifice that restricts the fluid flowing from one side of the piston to the other and results in a substantially constant damped motion of the piston. The piston drives a rod from the chamber that is attached to a capture device that holds a flange of the spacecraft payload. The capture device moves along a linear guide toward an open end. Spring loaded latches are held in a closed position by the side walls of the guide as the capture device moves. The latches release the flange as exit the open end of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Aston, Michael Langmack, Torger J. Totusek
  • SPACECRAFT LOW TUMBLE LINEAR RELEASE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20080290222
    Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing a spacecraft payload at a substantially constant velocity are disclosed. A linear actuator is used that includes a spring loaded and fluid filled chamber. The spring drives against a piston within the chamber that includes a control orifice that restricts the fluid flowing from one side of the piston to the other and results in a substantially constant damped motion of the piston. The piston drives a rod from the chamber that is attached to a capture device that holds a flange of the spacecraft payload. The capture device moves along a linear guide toward an open end. Spring loaded latches are held in a closed position by the side walls of the guide as the capture device moves. The latches release the flange as exit the open end of the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Aston, Michael Langmack, Torger J. Totusek