Russell J Common

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:

6974109, Dec 13, 2005

Filed:

Jan 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/775257

Inventors:

John Mezits - Las Vegas NV, US
Russell J. Common - Henderson NV, US
John A. Rusi - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

Bigelow Aerospace - North Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

B64G001/52

US Classification:

2441583, 244158 R, 2441717

Abstract:

The present invention provides a sealing and restraint apparatus to establish a pressure boundary for inflatable or expandable spacecraft. The apparatus is capable of connecting the flexible pressure boundary of an inflatable spacecraft to the rigid structure of the spacecraft. The flexible pressure boundary of the present invention comprises a gas membrane and a restraint layer. The gas membrane minimizes air leakage. The restraint layer carries the forces created by the internal pressurization of the spacecraft. This apparatus provides a hermetic seal and the structural integrity necessary to resist internal pressurization forces.