Search Patents
  • INTERIOR CHANNEL CABLE AND TUBE MANAGEMENT BRACKET
    Publication number: 20170292634
    Abstract: A cable bracket having at least one cable support member and a subtending continuous fastener passageway with a first open end and a second open end spaced from the first open end is disclosed. The first and second open ends are oriented on the same side of the cable bracket to facilitate installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: ANTHONY PAUL NGUYEN
  • Self-preserved amphibious landing of space hardware
    Patent number: 11305895
    Abstract: A method for preserving and recovering the main engine of the first stage of a multistage launch vehicle involves utilizing a portion of a first stage propellant tank together with a parachute and a deployed buoyancy device to float the engine in a body of water until the engine can be recovered. Controlled explosions remove portions of the propellant tank to permit it to stabilize the position of the engine relative to the water following splash down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brendan M. Coyne, James Lampariello, Daniel A. Wehrwein
  • Flexible composite duct for the transport of cryogenic fuels and oxidizers
    Patent number: 10612716
    Abstract: A multi-ply composite duct comprised of polymeric materials, inter-ply cryogenic epoxy or sealing agent, and structural reinforcement material and methods of making the duct are disclosed. Ducts according to the present disclosure demonstrate the ability to satisfy performance requirements for transfer of single and multiphase fluids at cryogenic temperatures, and resist perforation, occlusion, combustion and galvanic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Connor W. Campbell, Guy Brendan Kayne, James A. Krajnak
  • Orbital rendezvous techniques
    Patent number: 11377237
    Abstract: A method of achieving orbital rendezvous with a target satellite includes launching a spacecraft with a launch vehicle at an optimal time; steering the launch vehicle out-of-plane based on the orbital elements of the target satellite's orbit; and entering a predetermined rendezvous envelope of the target satellite before the target satellite completes one complete orbit from the target satellite's position at the optimal time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eric W. Monda, Bernard F. Kutter
  • Tensioning apparatus and system for clamping joints
    Patent number: 9828117
    Abstract: A new system and apparatus for detachably joining a first component to a second component is disclosed, along with a method for detachably joining two components. Embodiments of the present invention include a tensioning apparatus and system for clamping joints. The tensioning apparatus may include a wedge block and a fastening device. The clamping joint may be a tongue and groove joint that is tightened using the tensioning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip M. Echelman, Edwin W. Walton
  • Asymmetrically-shaped isolator
    Patent number: 10570984
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing an isolator for components and instrumentation to isolate vibrations, shock, static or quasi-static loads, thermal loads, and electrical currents. The novel isolator has an asymmetrical shape, experiences uniform motion under quasi-static loading, and reduces the effective modal mass across a range of frequencies. The novel isolator outperforms conventional vibration isolators in terms of cost, schedule (manufacturing time and lead time), heat dissipation, and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ryan Lee Shannon
  • White room modular system for launch vehicles
    Patent number: 10974853
    Abstract: A universal white room disposed at the distal end of an access arm of a launch pad service tower utilizes multiple interchangeable modular rooms of varying shapes, sizes and configurations to interface with access points on multiple differently configured launch vehicles and/or payload(s). The interchangeable modular rooms attach to a common portal in the white room allowing a single white room to be used. The modular rooms may be stationary relative to the white room or movable relative to the white room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Burcar, Michael S. Gerlach
  • Asymmetrically-shaped isolator
    Patent number: 11073192
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing an isolator for components and instrumentation to isolate vibrations, shock, static or quasi-static loads, thermal loads, and electrical currents. The novel isolator has an asymmetrical shape, experiences uniform motion under quasi-static loading, and reduces the effective modal mass across a range of frequencies. The novel isolator outperforms conventional vibration isolators in terms of cost, schedule (manufacturing time and lead time), heat dissipation, and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ryan Lee Shannon
  • Self-preserved amphibious landing of space hardware
    Patent number: 10569908
    Abstract: A method for preserving and recovering the main engine of the first stage of a multistage launch vehicle involves utilizing a portion of a first stage propellant tank together with a parachute and a deployed buoyancy device to float the engine in a body of water until the engine can be recovered. Controlled explosions remove portions of the propellant tank to permit it to stabilize the position of the engine relative to the water following splash down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brendan M. Coyne, James Lampariello, Daniel A. Wehrwein
  • Mechanism for increasing jettison clearance
    Patent number: 10946986
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing a one-way locking mechanism that changes the shape or stiffness of a structure. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mechanism for increasing fairing jettison clearance. Embodiments of the present invention permit outward breathing displacement by the fairing, but reduce the inward breathing displacement by the fairing such that the fairing does not hit and damage the spacecraft or vehicle as it is jettisoned from the spacecraft or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance L.L.C.
    Inventors: Trevor M. Tanner, Michael W. Clarke, Philip M. Echelman
  • Integrated vehicle fluids
    Patent number: 11846248
    Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed for an upper stage space launch vehicle that uses gases from the propellant tanks to power an internal combustion engine that produces mechanical power for driving other components including a generator for generation of electrical current for operating compressors and fluid pumps and for charging batteries. These components and others comprise a thermodynamic system from which system enthalpy may be leveraged by extracting and moving heat to increase the efficient use of propellant and the longevity and performance of the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Charles Zegler
  • Self-cleaning inline filter
    Patent number: 11071931
    Abstract: Self-cleaning inline filters that utilize sensors to measure pressure differential and activate a self-cleaning mode are disclosed. In the self-cleaning mode, the self-cleaning inline filters of the present disclosure utilize back, reverse, and/or counter-current fluid flow to separate two filter elements. The back, reverse, and/or counter-current fluid flow also flushes particulates out of the filter, such that the particulates are captured by a mechanical trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jay J. Breidenbach
  • Efficient solar panel wing-stowage on a space launch vehicle
    Patent number: 8720830
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for interconnection with a launch vehicle is provided. Generally, the adapter assembly is positioned between two separable components of a launch vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle to structurally interconnect the components. In an embodiment, a solar panel having a stowed state and a deployed state is interconnected to the adapter assembly. In a stowed state, the solar panel can be positioned within the interior space of the adapter assembly to utilize space within the launch vehicle that would otherwise not be fully utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gerard P. Szatkowski
  • Vapor retention device
    Patent number: 11092111
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a vapor retention device and methods of using a vapor retention device to manage propellant for upper stage space vehicles. The use of a vapor retention device, in combination with controlled acceleration, drives liquid propellant from a propellant supply line communicating with an upper stage main engine back into a propellant tank and establishes an insulating liquid/gas propellant interface that prevents the exchange of gaseous propellant across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bridges, Bernard Friedrich Kutter, Frank C. Zegler
  • Vapor retention device
    Patent number: 11680544
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a vapor retention device and methods of using a vapor retention device to manage propellant for upper stage space vehicles. The use of a vapor retention device, in combination with controlled acceleration, drives liquid propellant from a propellant supply line communicating with an upper stage main engine back into a propellant tank and establishes an insulating liquid/gas propellant interface that prevents the exchange of gaseous propellant across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bridges, Bernard Friedrich Kutter, Frank C. Zegler
  • Mechanism for increasing jettison clearance
    Patent number: 10669048
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing a one-way locking mechanism that changes the shape or stiffness of a structure. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mechanism for increasing fairing jettison clearance. Embodiments of the present invention permit outward breathing displacement by the fairing, but reduce the inward breathing displacement by the fairing such that the fairing does not hit and damage the spacecraft or vehicle as it is jettisoned from the spacecraft or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Trevor M. Tanner, Michael W. Clarke, Philip M. Echelman
  • Apparatus and method of transferring and utilizing residual fuel of a launch vehicle upper stage
    Patent number: 8393582
    Abstract: A launch system is provided which includes a secondary payload. The secondary payload includes a propellant tank and at least one module that is supported by an adapter ring that is commonly used to secure an upper stage to a primary payload. The propellant tank is launched empty and subsequently filled with residual propellant from the upper stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bernard Friedrich Kutter, Jonathan D. Barr, Mari E. Gravlee, Gerard P. Szatkowski, Frank C. Zegler
  • Asymmetrically-shaped isolator
    Patent number: 11686368
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing an isolator for components and instrumentation to isolate vibrations, shock, static or quasi-static loads, thermal loads, and electrical currents. The novel isolator has an asymmetrical shape, experiences uniform motion under quasi-static loading, and reduces the effective modal mass across a range of frequencies. The novel isolator outperforms conventional vibration isolators in terms of cost, schedule (manufacturing time and lead time), heat dissipation, and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ryan Lee Shannon
  • Polar-oriented lattice isogrid for circular structures
    Patent number: 9234351
    Abstract: A new adaptable grid or lattice structure identified by the coined term “polargrid” is disclosed. A polargrid may be designed or engineered to fill any space between two generally circular structures and where the ribs will intersect with both circular structures at a node. The intersection of a polargrid with a circular structure will not occur mid-rib. Rather, a polargrid can be designed to always have ribs terminate at an inner or outer circular structure at a node. Polargrids have particular applicability in cylindrical structures or when interconnecting concentric circular or cylindrical structures that may or may not be co-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Philip M. Echelman
  • Integrated vehicle fluids
    Patent number: 10718294
    Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed for an upper stage space launch vehicle that uses gases from the propellant tanks to power an internal combustion engine that produces mechanical power for driving other components including a generator for generation of electrical current for operating compressors and fluid pumps and for charging batteries. These components and others comprise a thermodynamic system from which system enthalpy may be leveraged by extracting and moving heat to increase the efficient use of propellant and the longevity and performance of the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Charles Zegler
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