Ronald Kent Thomas

US Patent:

8352101, Jan 8, 2013

Filed:

Dec 22, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/645296

Inventors:

Ronald Shawn Thomas - Brea CA, US
Richard I. Milford - Redondo Beach CA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B64G 1/24
G05D 1/00

US Classification:

701 13, 244164

Abstract:

A system and method are disclosed for simultaneous attitude maneuver and momentum dumping. The attitude maneuver is performed using nominal wheel control to minimize propellant usage, while applying a momentum management command to the thruster control loop in order for the wheels to accomplish the desired spacecraft maneuver while simultaneously being reset to a de-saturated target state. The system and method involve a wheel system comprised of reaction wheels and/or a control moment gyroscope (CMG), at least one thruster, and control logic that is in communication with the wheel system and thruster(s). If a spacecraft maneuver is in progress, the control logic biases an error input signal to a thruster control loop to track the wheel maneuver to prevent unnecessary propellant consumption. The control logic is further operable to output thruster torque commands and wheel torque commands that accomplish the maneuver while achieving the desired final momentum target.

US Patent:

55881530, Dec 31, 1996

Filed:

Apr 28, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/440495

Inventors:

Roger G. Ignon - Palos Verdes Estates CA
Ronald E Thomas - Alta Loma CA

Assignee:

Stackhouse, Inc. - Riverside CA

International Classification:

A41D 1300

US Classification:

2457

Abstract:

A surgical gown is adapted to be operatively disposed to substantially cover a surgeon wearing a ventilator having a waist-mounted power unit, a head-mounted manifold structure, and at least one tube extending therebetween. The gown includes a head section, a waist section, and a shoulder section appropriately configured to cover analogous portions of the surgeon's body. A ventilator section, disposed between the head section and the waist section when the gown is operatively disposed on the surgeon, defines tube channel to receive the tube of the ventilator. This ventilator section forms an enlargement which facilitates movement of the head of the surgeon without substantial restriction by the head section of the gown. An interior tie gathers a front section of the gown around the neck of the surgeon to isolate movement between the head section and shoulder section. The front section of the gown is covered with a plastic laminate to render the gown impermeable to fluids emanating from the front of the surgeon.

US Patent:

50091115, Apr 23, 1991

Filed:

Aug 31, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/239365

Inventors:

Paul West - Glendale CA
Mirik Hovsepian - Pasadena CA
Ronald Thomas - Pasadena CA

Assignee:

Quanscan, Inc. - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

G01L 108
G01P 1513

US Classification:

7386261

Abstract:

A force measurement apparatus that provides means to compensate for thermal or other disturbances. The apparatus utilizes non-contact electron transfer mechanisms to provide indications of force sensed on a test mass. A plurality of electrodes are used in a differential measurement mode to provide self-zeroing and distortion compensation.