David Earl Cochran

US Patent:

6513760, Feb 4, 2003

Filed:

Dec 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/735201

Inventors:

George E. Mueller - Kirkland WA
Richard H. Kohrs - Kirkland WA
David B. Cochran - Bellevue WA
Joseph W. Cuzzupoli - Kirkland WA
Charles D. Limerick - Issaquah WA
Richard A. Bailey - Canyon Country CA
Thomas G. Johnson - Bellevue WA
Steven C. Knowles - Puyallup WA

Assignee:

Kistler Aerospace Corporation - Kirkland WA

International Classification:

F03H 500

US Classification:

244172, 244158 R, 244161

Abstract:

An orbital vehicle ( ) having a propulsion module ( ) and a logistics module ( ). The logistics module includes a generally cylindrical outer shell ( ) with first and second ends. An openable cover ( ) is coupled with the outer shell at the first end, thereby providing access to the interior of the logistics module. The second end is adapted to couple to the propulsion module. A cargo container ( ) is disposed generally within the outer shell, the cargo container including a berthing mechanism ( ) disposed to be accessible when the cover is opened. A retractable grapple fixture ( ) is provided on the logistics module, selectively positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the grapple fixture is in the extended position a grapple shaft ( ) can be accessed to secure the orbital vehicle. When the grapple fixture is retracted, it is enclosed within the orbital vehicle.

US Patent:

6789767, Sep 14, 2004

Filed:

Apr 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/132083

Inventors:

George E. Mueller - Kirkland WA
David B. Cochran - Bellevue WA
Richard H. Kohrs - Kirkland WA

Assignee:

Kistler Aerospace Corporation - Kirkland WA

International Classification:

B64G 164

US Classification:

244161

Abstract:

An active satellite dispenser is preferably attachable to a reusable launch vehicle for deployment of one or more satellites into one or more desired orbits. The active satellite dispenser includes a center mast that releasably receives the satellite(s), a liquid propellant rocket, and an orbital control system on an avionics pallet. In the preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas selectively pressurizes the propellant tanks (which may include fuel and oxidizer tanks), to provide propellant to the rocket. In operation, the launch vehicle releases the satellite dispenser in a first deployment orbit. The active dispenser rocket and orbital control system then transport the active dispenser and satellite(s) into the final deployment orbit. In the preferred embodiment the active dispenser can operate multiple times to place individual satellites in different orbits.

US Patent:

7198233, Apr 3, 2007

Filed:

Sep 19, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/230051

Inventors:

George E. Mueller - Kirkland WA, US
Richard H. Kohrs - Kirkland WA, US
William B. Duncan - Kirkland WA, US
David B. Cochran - Duvall WA, US
Dean L. Misterek - Seattle WA, US
Terill L. Burlison - Kent WA, US
Ryan M. Curtis - Seattle WA, US
Thomas Johnson - Bothell WA, US
Richard A. Bailey - Canyon Country CA, US
Charles D. Limerick - Issaquah WA, US

Assignee:

Kistler Aerospace Corporation - Kirkland WA

International Classification:

F03H 5/00

US Classification:

244172

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.

US Patent:

20070063107, Mar 22, 2007

Filed:

May 10, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/382557

Inventors:

George Mueller - Kirkland WA, US
Richard Kohrs - Kirkland WA, US
William Duncan - Kirkland WA, US
David Cochran - Duvall WA, US
Dean Misterek - Seattle WA, US
Terrill Burlison - Kent WA, US
Ryan Curtis - Seattle WA, US
Thomas Johnson - Bothell WA, US
Richard Bailey - Canyon Country CA, US
Charles Limerick - Issaquah WA, US

Assignee:

Kistler Aerospace Corporation - Kirkland WA

International Classification:

B64G 1/00

US Classification:

244173100

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.

US Patent:

20090140100, Jun 4, 2009

Filed:

Nov 26, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/324746

Inventors:

George E. Mueller - Kirkland WA, US
Richard H. Kohrs - Kirkland WA, US
William B. Duncan - Kirkland WA, US
David B. Cochran - Duvall WA, US
Dean L. Misterek - Seattle WA, US
Terrill L. Burlison - Kent WA, US
Ryan M. Curtis - Seattle WA, US
Thomas Johnson - Bothell WA, US
Richard A. Bailey - Canyon County CA, US
Charles D. Limerick - Issaquah WA, US

Assignee:

Kistler Aerospace Corporation - Kirkland WA

International Classification:

B64G 1/00

US Classification:

2441589, 2441724

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.

US Patent:

20100051751, Mar 4, 2010

Filed:

Nov 10, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/615892

Inventors:

George E. Mueller - Kirkland WA, US
Richard H. Kohrs - Kirkland WA, US
Dean L. Misterek - Seattle WA, US
David B. Cochran - Duvall WA, US
William B. Duncan - Kirkland WA, US
Charles D. Limerick - Issaquah WA, US

International Classification:

B64G 1/60
B64G 1/24
B64G 1/64
B64G 1/46
B64G 1/52
B64G 1/66

US Classification:

2441589

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.

US Patent:

6113032, Sep 5, 2000

Filed:

Feb 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/030645

Inventors:

David B. Cochran - Bellevue WA
Charles D. Limerick - Bellevue WA

Assignee:

Kistler Aerospace Corporation - Kirkland WA

International Classification:

B64G 122

US Classification:

244135R

Abstract:

A system is provided for delivering liquid propellant in a booster stage of a launch vehicle. The system includes an arrangement of tanks and valves to direct a first supply of liquid propellant during ascent of the booster stage and a second supply during descent of the booster stage. In disclosed embodiments, tanks may be arranged in series or parallel.

US Patent:

60826762, Jul 4, 2000

Filed:

Feb 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/030662

Inventors:

David B. Cochran - Bellevue WA

Assignee:

Kistler Aerospace Corporation - Kirkland WA

International Classification:

B64G 100

US Classification:

244158R

Abstract:

An aluminum cryogenic tank for launch vehicles has aluminum skirts that extend from each end of a peripheral wall of a tank body. The skirts provide a temperature differential between the tank body and the ends of the skirts so that composite panels can be used in locations longitudinally proximate to the tank body without over stressing either the skirts or the composite panels in regions near their junctures and without sacrificing structural integrity of the composite panels due to an excessively low temperature. The peripheral wall of the tank and the skirts provide a portion of a structural/aerodynamic wall or shell of the launch vehicle.