Robert J Bigelow

US Patent:

6467221, Oct 22, 2002

Filed:

Aug 23, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/644935

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV

Assignee:

Bigelow Development Aerospace - Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

E04B 134

US Classification:

52 217, 52 211, 52 791, 244158 R, 244159

Abstract:

The present invention provides an improved sleeping berth for space modules that can be expanded from a collapsed position to provide greater passenger comfort in a larger living space. The extension of the berth is accomplished using expandable gas inflated bellows between two hard surface housings. The berth can be retracted into its closed position simply by removing the air pressure from the bellows. The berths retracted position may still accommodate a passenger and may be used in this position when space is unavailable for the berths extension.

US Patent:

6481670, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Oct 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/693534

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV
Russell J. Common - Henderson NV
John Mezits - Las Vegas NV
David A. Cavaleri - Henderson NV

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace Division, LLC - Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

B64G 146

US Classification:

244163, 244158 R, 165 41

Abstract:

The present invention provides a thermal, and if desired, a radiation barrier to protect the exterior surface of a spacecraft. In particular, the present invention protects the polymeric materials of construction utilized in inflatable and expandable spacecraft from the deleterious effects of both thermal and radiation aging. The protective barrier is formed from a tube or tubes through which a fluid circulates. The tube segment substantially enclose the spacecraft, and in particular, the critical layers that are desired to be protected. This protective barrier provides a thermal heat sink, temperature equalization, and a waste heat rejection system, that can moderate the temperature extremes encountered by spacecraft. In addition, dependent on the fluid selected, substantial radiation shielding can be provided that can protect the entire spacecraft.

US Patent:

6874434, Apr 5, 2005

Filed:

Apr 18, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/418847

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV, US
Martin S. Piltch - Los Alamos NM, US

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace - North Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

F23K001/00
F23G005/02

US Classification:

110222, 110218

Abstract:

An apparatus is disclosed for disposing of biomass material. The apparatus may include a receiving chamber for receiving a biomass, a maceration chamber for macerating the biomass received from the receiving chamber and producing macerated biomass, and an incinerating chamber incinerating the macerated biomass into a incinerated biomass. The apparatus is particularly suited to operate in remote or zero-gravity environments.

US Patent:

6899301, May 31, 2005

Filed:

Sep 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/668457

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace - North Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

B64G001/12

US Classification:

244159, 5274515

Abstract:

A method for making an opening in the bladder of an inflatable modular structure. The structure has a core comprised of a fore and aft assembly separated by a longeron. There is an inflatable bladder and a restraint layer that are secured to the core. The restraint layer is comprised of two circumferential strap assemblies; each attachedly fastened at opposing ends of a radial strap assembly, and has an opening for a window. The restraint layer fits over the bladder. The bladder is inflated and the restraint layer is used along with a window template to locate the position of the window on the bladder. The bladder is deflated, the template is removed, and the identified portion of the bladder is cut away. The method may then be repeated.

US Patent:

6962310, Nov 8, 2005

Filed:

Nov 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/981195

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace - North Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

B64G001/00

US Classification:

244158R

Abstract:

An inflatable satellite bus is claimed for use with a mission payload. The inflatable satellite bus is comprised of a core adapted to receive a mission payload. There is an expandable shell attached to the core and substantially enclosing the core. The core has an attitude control device and a power system attached to the core and operated by a controller.

US Patent:

7100874, Sep 5, 2006

Filed:

Nov 25, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/722904

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV, US
Aiken Brian - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace - North Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

E04B 1/34
B64G 1/12

US Classification:

2441583, 52 219, 52 224

Abstract:

A flexible structural restraint layer for use with an inflatable modular structure, having a fore and aft assembly separated by a longeron and an inflatable bladder. The restraint layer is comprised of two circumferential strap assemblies, each attachedly fastened at opposing ends of a radial strap assembly. There are a plurality of axial straps that are secured in place to the circumferential strap assemblies and the radial strap assembly. The restraint layer surrounds the bladder and the ends of the axial straps are secured in place at the fore and aft end of the modular structure. When the bladder is inflated, the structural restraint layer distributes the load created by the inflated bladder.

US Patent:

7204460, Apr 17, 2007

Filed:

Jun 24, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/875710

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace - North Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

B64G 1/40

US Classification:

2441711

Abstract:

An orbital debris shield for protecting the hull of a spacecraft is claimed. The shield is comprised of a number of flexible and releasably attached gores that substantially cover the hull. Interleafed between layers of the gores are layers of a spacing material. As debris collides with the gores, the material is shocked and breaks up to some degree. As the shocked debris disperses through a layer of the gore, the spacing material interacts with the debris. After dispersing through a number of layers of the gores and the spacing material, the debris transfers a significant portion of kinetic energy and the probability of the remaining particles piercing the hull is significantly decreased.

US Patent:

7309049, Dec 18, 2007

Filed:

Aug 3, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/498659

Inventors:

Robert T. Bigelow - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace - North Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

B64G 1/56

US Classification:

2441717, 2441583, 428 58

Abstract:

An orbital debris shield for protecting the hull of a spacecraft. The shield is comprised of a number of flexible and releasably attached gores that substantially cover the hull. Interleafed between layers of the gores are layers of a spacing material. As debris collides with the gores, the material is shocked and breaks up to some degree. As the shocked debris disperses through a layer of the gore, the spacing material interacts with the debris. After dispersing through a number of layers of the gores and the spacing material, the debris transfers a significant portion of kinetic energy and the probability of the remaining particles piercing the hull is significantly decreased.