The Boeing Company

Rockwell International Corporation

John K Pulley

Victor John Barackman

George W Stacher

Xavier D Simon

Sandra D McKee

A two-part seat () providing full body support that is specific for each crew member () on an individual basis. The two-part construction for the seat () can accommodate many sizes and shapes for crewmembers () because it is reconfigurable and therefore reusable for subsequent flights. The first component of the two-part seat construction is a composite shell () that surrounds the crewmember's entire body and is generically fitted to their general size in height and weight. The second component of the two-part seat () is a cushion () that conforms exactly to the specific crewmember's entire body and gives total body support in more complex environment.

Composite shell spacecraft seat

The invention resides in the fabrication of a structural element comprising a laminated composite having one portion or layer comprising alpha-phase titanium aluminide and another adjacent portion or layer comprising gamma-phase titanium aluminide. Preferably, the gamma-phase portion or layer is joined with the alpha-phase portion or layer by such processes as hot-spraying, diffusion bonding, or vapor deposition. The invention contemplates the utilization of the structural element in the fabrication of the wall of a container or tank for storage of the hydrogen fuel material, where the gamma-phase titanium aluminide portion or layer is oriented so as to be placed in direct contact with the hydrogen fuel material, or at the least be oriented toward any hydrogen leak path.

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Huntington Beach, CA, United States of America

John K Pulley