The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 27, 2025
Filed:
Jul. 16, 2024
Applicant:
United Launch Alliance, L.l.c., Centennial, CO (US);
Inventor:
Frank Charles Zegler, Idledale, CO (US);
Assignee:
United Launch Alliance, L.L.C., Centennial, CO (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
F02K 9/58 (2006.01); B64G 1/40 (2006.01); B64G 1/42 (2006.01); F02K 9/42 (2006.01); F02K 9/44 (2006.01); F02K 9/50 (2006.01); F02K 9/60 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
F02K 9/58 (2013.01); B64G 1/402 (2013.01); B64G 1/421 (2013.01); F02K 9/42 (2013.01); F02K 9/44 (2013.01); F02K 9/50 (2013.01); F02K 9/60 (2013.01); B64G 1/401 (2013.01); F02K 9/425 (2013.01);
Abstract
A system and methods are disclosed for an upper stage space launch vehicle that uses gases from the propellant tanks to power an internal combustion engine that produces mechanical power for driving other components including a generator for generation of electrical current for operating compressors and fluid pumps and for charging batteries. These components and others comprise a thermodynamic system from which system enthalpy may be leveraged by extracting and moving heat to increase the efficient use of propellant and the longevity and performance of the launch vehicle.