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:
Apr. 18, 1995
Filed:
Dec. 24, 1992
Timothy E Pelischek, League City, TX (US);
Edgar O Castro, Houston, TX (US);
Gregg A Edeen, Friendswood, TX (US);
David A Hamilton, Houston, TX (US);
Jon B Kahn, League City, TX (US);
James B McDede, League City, TX (US);
Kornel Nagy, Houston, TX (US);
John V Rivers, Houston, TX (US);
Irene E Verinder, Dickinson, TX (US);
Donald C Wade, Friendswood, TX (US);
Clarence J Wesselski, Alvin, TX (US);
Abstract
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus relating to design, construction, integration and assembly of a space station. The present invention uses pre-integrated open (unpressurized) truss segments for modular construction of the space station. Each segment includes a truss structure and utility subsystems which may be fully assembled and tested on Earth. The segments may be latched together on orbit using a remote latching system. Utility subsystems, such as solar panels and radiators, are pre-integrated into the appropriate truss segment, and are deployable from the respective truss segment on orbit. Rails run lengthwise along the assembled truss. The rails may be used with a mobile transporter for translating truss segments with respect to the spacecraft as part of the space station assembly process. The rails may also be used with a mobile transporter for carrying crew personnel, a robotic arm, and other equipment.