Location History:
- Boulder, CO (US) (2010 - 2011)
- Lyons, CO (US) (2012)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2010-2012
Title: The Innovative Mind of Will Francis: Pioneering Advances in Space Technology
Introduction
Will Francis is a prominent inventor based in Boulder, Colorado, known for his innovative contributions to the field of space technology. With a total of four patents to his name, Francis has made significant strides in developing advanced deployable structures designed for various applications in aerospace.
Latest Patents
Among his most notable inventions is the **Furlable Shape-Memory Spacecraft Reflector with Offset Feed and a Method for Packaging and Managing the Deployment of Same**. This shape-memory reflector is designed to transition between a stowed configuration and a deployed state through the application of heat, featuring various shapes, such as off-axis paraboloids. The invention includes intricate mechanisms involving panel shape-memory stiffeners that unfold when deployed.
Another recent patent is the **Large-Scale Deployable Solar Array**, which utilizes slit-tube longerons and flat sheets that can be stowed by rolling them together. This innovative design allows components made from shape memory materials to unroll and restore to a straight configuration when exposed to heat, enhancing the efficiency of solar arrays in space applications.
Career Highlights
Will Francis has had a remarkable career at Composite Technology Development, Inc. His expertise and innovative spirit have led him to develop groundbreaking technologies that aim to improve the functionality of spacecraft and renewable energy solutions in outer space.
Collaborations
Throughout his journey, Francis has collaborated with talented individuals such as Robert Taylor and Rory Barrett. These partnerships have fostered an environment of collective innovation, propelling further advancements in aerospace technology.
Conclusion
With his impressive portfolio and commitment to innovation, Will Francis continues to inspire the aerospace community. His patents not only demonstrate his technical ability but also highlight his visionary approach to solving complex challenges in space technology. As developments continue in this dynamic field, Will Francis is undoubtedly a key figure to watch.