IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 |
US-0076926
(2005-03-11)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Kistler,Walter P.
- Citron,Robert A.
- Taylor,Thomas C.
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출원인 / 주소 |
- Kistler,Walter P.
- Citron,Robert A.
- Taylor,Thomas C.
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대리인 / 주소 |
Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L. C.
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
16 인용 특허 :
37 |
초록
▼
A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space includes frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in storage positions, and transfer mechanisms configured to transfer propellant tanks to and from the storage positions. The platform includes a central structure
A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space includes frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in storage positions, and transfer mechanisms configured to transfer propellant tanks to and from the storage positions. The platform includes a central structure to which the plural frames are connected at predetermined spaced intervals. The transfer mechanisms include extendable telescoping arms mounted to the central structure. The arms have end effectors configured to grip bands on propellant tanks. Two platforms may be positioned adjacent each other for the transfer of propellant tanks therebetween.
대표청구항
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What is claimed is: 1. A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space, comprising: a plurality of frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in predetermined storage positions; and at least one transfer mechanism configured to transfer a propellant tank to and
What is claimed is: 1. A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space, comprising: a plurality of frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in predetermined storage positions; and at least one transfer mechanism configured to transfer a propellant tank to and from at least one of the predetermined storage positions; wherein the predetermined storage positions are defined by spacer elements on said frames, said spacer elements being located between propellant tanks. 2. The platform according to claim 1, wherein the plural propellant tanks include fuel tanks and oxidizer tanks. 3. The platform according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined storage positions are located between respective ones of said frames. 4. The platform according to claim 1, wherein each of said frames is a substantially circular disk. 5. The platform according to claim 1, wherein each of said frames is a substantially hexagonal disk. 6. The platform according to claim 1, wherein said at least one transfer mechanism includes an extendable arm. 7. The platform according to claim 6, wherein said extendable arm is an axially extendable telescoping arm. 8. The platform according to claim 6, wherein said extendable arm includes an end effector configured to grip a band on a propellant tank during transfer to and from the at least one predetermined storage position. 9. The platform according to claim 6, wherein said extendable arm includes an insertion pin having a tip portion configured to be received in a hole in a propellant tank, the tip portion of the insertion pin being configured to expand within the hole in order to grip a propellant tank during transfer to and from the at least one predetermined storage position. 10. The platform according to claim 1, wherein said at least one transfer mechanism includes a plurality of said transfer mechanisms. 11. The platform according to claim 10, wherein said transfer mechanisms correspond to the predetermined storage positions, such that each of said transfer mechanisms is configured to transfer a propellant tank to and from a corresponding one of the predetermined storage positions. 12. The platform according to claim 10, wherein said transfer mechanisms include extendable arms. 13. The platform according to claim 12, wherein said extendable arms are axially extendable telescoping arms. 14. The platform according to claim 12, wherein said extendable arms include end effectors configured to grip a band on a propellant tank during transfer to and from the predetermined storage positions. 15. The platform according to claim 12, wherein said extendable arms include insertion pins having tip portions configured to be received in a hole in a propellant tank, the tip portions of the insertion pins being configured to expand within the hole in order to grip a propellant tank during transfer to and from the predetermined storage positions. 16. The platform according to claim 1, further comprising an attitude control system including thrusters for positioning the platform. 17. The platform according to claim 1, wherein the platform is configured to be positioned in orbit around a celestial body. 18. The platform according to claim 1, wherein the platform is a transportation platform for transportation and storage of cargo in space, the platform further comprising a motor for moving the platform through space. 19. The platform according to claim 18, further comprising a transfer interface through which propellant contained in a propellant tank releasably supported in one of the predetermined storage positions is transferred from the propellant tank for use in operating the motor. 20. The platform according to claim 18, wherein the platform is configured to transport cargo from an Earth orbit to lunar orbit. 21. A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space, comprising: a plurality of frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in predetermined storage positions; at least one transfer mechanism configured to transfer a propellant tank to and from at least one of the predetermined storage positions; and a central structure, wherein said frames are connected to said central structure at predetermined spaced intervals. 22. The platform according to claim 21, wherein said at least one transfer mechanism includes a plurality of transfer mechanisms; and wherein said transfer mechanisms are mounted to said central structure. 23. A system for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space, said system comprising: a plurality of platforms comprising at least one frame configured to releasably support propellant tanks in predetermined storage positions, and at least one transfer mechanism configured to transfer a propellant tank to and from at least one of the predetermined storage positions; wherein a first of the platforms and a second of the platforms are configured to be positioned adjacent to each other in such a manner that one of the predetermined storage positions of the first platform is aligned with one of the predetermined storage positions of the second platform. 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the transfer mechanism of the first platform transfers a propellant tank from the one predetermined storage position of the first platform toward the second platform, and the transfer mechanism of the second platform transfers the propellant tank received from the first platform to the one predetermined storage position of the second platform. 25. The system according to claim 23, wherein the first and second platforms are configured to be repositioned in such a manner that another of the predetermined storage positions of the first platform is aligned with another of the predetermined storage positions of the second platform. 26. The system according to claim 23, wherein the transfer mechanisms include extendable arms. 27. The system according to claim 26, wherein said extendable arms are axially extendable telescoping arms. 28. The system according to claim 26, wherein said extendable arms include end effectors configured to grip a band on a propellant tank during transfer to and from the predetermined storage positions. 29. The system according to claim 26, wherein said extendable arms include insertion pins having tip portions configured to be received in a hole in a propellant tank, the tip portions of the insertion pins being configured to expand within the hole in order to grip a propellant tank during transfer to and from the predetermined storage positions. 30. The system according to claim 23, wherein each of the platforms further comprises an attitude control system including thrusters for positioning the platform. 31. The system according to claim 23, wherein at least one of the platforms includes a motor for moving the platform through space.
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