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:
Feb. 04, 2003
Filed:
Dec. 11, 2000
George E. Mueller, Kirkland, WA (US);
Richard H. Kohrs, Kirkland, WA (US);
David B. Cochran, Bellevue, WA (US);
Joseph W. Cuzzupoli, Kirkland, WA (US);
Charles D. Limerick, Issaquah, WA (US);
Richard A. Bailey, Canyon Country, CA (US);
Thomas G. Johnson, Bellevue, WA (US);
Steven C. Knowles, Puyallup, WA (US);
Kistler Aerospace Corporation, Kirkland, WA (US);
Abstract
An orbital vehicle ( ) having a propulsion module ( ) and a logistics module ( ). The logistics module includes a generally cylindrical outer shell ( ) with first and second ends. An openable cover ( ) is coupled with the outer shell at the first end, thereby providing access to the interior of the logistics module. The second end is adapted to couple to the propulsion module. A cargo container ( ) is disposed generally within the outer shell, the cargo container including a berthing mechanism ( ) disposed to be accessible when the cover is opened. A retractable grapple fixture ( ) is provided on the logistics module, selectively positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the grapple fixture is in the extended position a grapple shaft ( ) can be accessed to secure the orbital vehicle. When the grapple fixture is retracted, it is enclosed within the orbital vehicle.