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:
Aug. 22, 2006
Filed:
Feb. 10, 2004
Jeremiah O. Salvatore, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Stephen C. Jennings, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Tuan Pham, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Jeremiah O. Salvatore, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Stephen C. Jennings, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Tuan Pham, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A method for operating a satellite () so that a predetermined amount of propellant is left to perform end-of-life maneuvers is provided. A first pressure differential is established between a first propellant tank () and a second propellant tank () by pressurizing the first tank () with a pressurant. Propellant is transferred from the first tank () to the second tank (). Using precise control during transfer the amount of propellant in the tanks may be determined. The second tank is used for orbit maintenance. The first tank is used for end-of-life maneuvers. Propellant may be transferred between the tanks using a latching process so that a predetermined amount of propellant may be transferred from a non-empty tank to a full tank.