Patents by Inventor William B. Duncan

William B. Duncan 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: 20100051751
    Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV, aerodynamic characteristics, and mounting configurations to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. The module may be a cargo module, a satellite payload module or a passenger module. The passenger module is provided in a variety of configurations to accommodate a different number of passengers and cargo based on mission parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: George E. Mueller, Richard H. Kohrs, Dean L. Misterek, David B. Cochran, William B. Duncan, Charles D. Limerick
  • Publication number: 20090140100
    Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Kistler Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Mueller, Richard H. Kohrs, William B. Duncan, David B. Cochran, Dean L. Misterek, Terrill L. Burlison, Ryan M. Curtis, Thomas Johnson, Richard A. Bailey, Charles D. Limerick
  • Patent number: 7198233
    Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Kistler Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Mueller, Richard H. Kohrs, William B. Duncan, David B. Cochran, Dean L. Misterek, Terill L. Burlison, Ryan M. Curtis, Thomas Johnson, Richard A. Bailey, Charles D. Limerick
  • Patent number: 4735018
    Abstract: An automatic gate opening device consisting of two arm members pivotally attached to form a link. One end of the link is pivotally attached to one end of a standoff. The second end of the standoff is fixedly attached to a hinge post supporting the gate. The second end of the link is pivotally attached to the gate. An electrically powered linear actuator is pivotally attached to the post arm and gate arm through levers. The solar panel charges a battery which, through a receiver unit, powers the actuator. Gate operator actuates gate with a portable transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventors: William B. Duncan, Richard J. Loos