Patents by Inventor William E. Skullney

William E. Skullney 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).

  • Patent number: 6373449
    Abstract: An inflatable antenna system combining a fixed aperture with an inflatable aperture that greatly increases the reflector size of the antenna system. The fixed portion provides a “risk buffer” in that a moderate gain capability is retained in the event of an inflation failure. In a parabolic dish embodiment, an inflatable annulus is stowed compactly under a fixed dish to fit a variety of spacecraft and launch vehicle envelopes. Moderate gas pressure deploys the inflatable portion, which forms a larger reflector surface. After inflation, the materials that form the inflated reflector surface can be made rigid. A fixed feed system for the smaller fixed dish assures operation of the smaller fixed dish throughout the mission. Moreover, the smaller fixed antenna can receive signals that can be used to derive pointing information used to point the larger inflated antenna in a particular direction thus providing a dual-use capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Robert S. Bokulic, Cliff E. Willey, William E. Skullney, Ronald C. Schulze