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:
Oct. 13, 2009
Filed:
Sep. 14, 2005
Thomas O. Leimkuehler, League City, TX (US);
Vipul P. Patel, Irvine, CA (US);
Patrick J. Hughes, Bellflower, CA (US);
Thomas O. Leimkuehler, League City, TX (US);
Vipul P. Patel, Irvine, CA (US);
Patrick J. Hughes, Bellflower, CA (US);
Honeywell International Inc., Morristown, NJ (US);
Abstract
Space vehicles such as space stations are often constructed as segmented inflatable structures which are susceptible to being punctured by small meteoric materials, resulting in small insidious leaks which are difficult to locate and repair. A method and apparatus are described in which a differential pressure transducer is positioned between segments of the space vehicle. Atmospheric gas pressure of all segments is continuously monitored. Analysis is performed on any pressure differentials which are determined to exist between adjacent segments. Detection of small leaks initiates an automatic isolation of the leaking segment. Detection of catastrophic leaks initiates an emergency evacuation of personnel from the affected segment.