Patents by Inventor William Dean Perry

William Dean Perry 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).

  • Large reflector inflatable space-based telescope
    Patent number: 11414217
    Abstract: A large reflector inflatable telescope. The telescope has an inflatable hull with a conical lower portion and a hemispherical upper portion. The conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves so that radio or light waves can reach an inner reflector, which is interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion. The presence of the inner reflector allows the conical portion and the hemispherical portion to be inflated at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic. If desired, the reflector can be made adjustable with a membrane behind the reflector that provides electro-static force to shape the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: William Dean Perry, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
  • Large Reflector Inflatable Space-Based Telescope
    Publication number: 20210214106
    Abstract: A large reflector inflatable telescope. The telescope has an inflatable hull with a conical lower portion and a hemispherical upper portion. The conical portion is transparent to electromagnetic waves so that radio or light waves can reach an inner reflector, which is interposed between the conical portion and the hemispherical portion. The presence of the inner reflector allows the conical portion and the hemispherical portion to be inflated at different pressures such that the reflector becomes spherical or parabolic. If desired, the reflector can be made adjustable with a membrane behind the reflector that provides electro-static force to shape the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: William Dean Perry, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
  • High altitude airships
    Patent number: 6609680
    Abstract: A high-altitude airship has a non-rigid hull. On launch, the airship is partially inflated with a lifting gas. The partially inflated hull is less susceptible to buffeting and turbulence from lower atmosphere air currents during ascent. A ballast rotates the airship into a flight attitude (e.g., near horizontal) upon reaching a desired altitude. A low-powered propulsion system may be included to propel the airship at the desired altitude. Upon completion of its mission, the airship may be deflated and returned using aerodynamic deceleration such as a parachute, a parafoil and a ballute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: William Dean Perry, Thomas Howard Jaeckle, Allan Bernard Black, Lawrence Ernest Epley
  • High altitude airships
    Publication number: 20020175243
    Abstract: A high-altitude airship has a non-rigid hull. On launch, the airship is partially inflated with a lifting gas. The partially inflated hull is less susceptible to buffeting and turbulence from lower atmosphere air currents during ascent. A ballast rotates the airship into a flight attitude (e.g., near horizontal) upon reaching a desired altitude. A low-powered propulsion system may be included to propel the airship at the desired altitude. Upon completion of its mission, the airship may be deflated and returned using aerodynamic deceleration such as a parachute, a parafoil and a ballute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Allan Bernard Black, Thomas Howard Jaeckle, William Dean Perry, Lawrence Ernest Epley