Bruce D Hopkins

Title: Innovations by Bruce D Hopkins

Introduction

Bruce D Hopkins is an accomplished inventor based in Salt Lake City, UT (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering, particularly in the design of payload fairings for launch vehicles. With a total of 2 patents, his work focuses on enhancing the protection of payloads during launch.

Latest Patents

Hopkins' latest patents include innovative designs for payload fairings that provide improved acoustic suppression. The first patent, titled "Payload fairing with jettisonable mass acoustic suppression," describes a fairing that surrounds a payload and absorbs excessive acoustic energy during launch. This design ensures that the noise levels remain within acceptable limits, preventing damage to the payload. The fairing features a two-dimensional honeycomb core with composite face sheets and load skins, along with a water barrier to protect the payload area from moisture. Additionally, a liquid is incorporated into the honeycomb layer, which is jettisoned at a predetermined time during launch when its acoustic suppression is no longer necessary. The second patent, "Payload fairing with improved acoustic suppression," shares similar features, emphasizing the importance of energy absorption to safeguard payloads.

Career Highlights

Bruce D Hopkins is currently employed at Alliant Techsystems Inc., where he continues to innovate in aerospace technology. His work has been instrumental in advancing the design and functionality of payload fairings, contributing to the success of various launch missions.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hopkins has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Patrick R Oyler and Richard L Raun. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas.

Conclusion

In summary, Bruce D Hopkins is a prominent inventor whose work in payload fairings has significantly impacted the aerospace industry. His innovative designs enhance the protection of payloads during launch, ensuring their successful deployment.