Patent US3582020A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3582020A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Gravity gradient satellite orientation system for high pointing accuracy
Assignee: General Dynamics Corp
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Filing: 1969-12-01
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Granted: 1971-06-01
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Expires: 1989-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A gravity gradient satellite orientation system in which tip weights that may be satellite halves, are held in spaced separation by a flexible cable under tension of a resilient means that biases the tip weights apart, which system preserves the stiffness of the dumbbell configuration against magnetic torque and thermal distortions to reduce error in pointing accuracy because of tip deflections in the dumbbell configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Edwin H Wrench
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 08:12
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/24; B64G1/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system comprising, a pair of bodies for being positioned in space, line means for connecting said bodies together when separated in space, resilient biasing means for biasing said bodies in opposite directions and for holding said line means taut, and positioning means responsive to said line means and said biasing means for positioning said bodies in axial alignment with said line means and with each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system comprising, a pair of bodies for being positioned in space, line means for connecting said bodies together when separated in space, resilient biasing means for biasing said bodies in opposite directions and for holding said line means taut, and positioning means responsive to said line means and said biasing means for positioning said bodies in axial alignment with said line means and with each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 1 including, damper means for being positioned midway the length of said line means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 2 in which, said line means comprises a flexible cable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 3 in which, said positioning means includes joint means connecting said bodies to said biasing means for allowing pivotal movement of said bodies relative to said biasing means, and connector means for connecting the ends of said cable directly to said bodies.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 4 in which, said joint means comprises a gimbal joint at each of said bodies, and said cable passes through each of said gimbals without contact therewith.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 5 including, a tension rod at each end of said cable for directly connecting the ends of said cable to said bodies.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 4 in which, each of said bodies comprising substantially one half of a satellite.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 7 including, means for conducting electrical current between said satellite halves through said cable, and an antenna positioned on one of said satellite halves on the side opposite said cable connection.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 1 including, means for connecting said satellite halves together, and means for releasing said connecting means, whereby said resilient biasing means moves said satellite halves in said opposite directions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 1 in which, said resilient biasing means comprises a hoop that is expansible radially outward.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 10 including, means for holding said hoop in a retracted compact unit and releasing said hoop in expansion radially outward upon command.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 10 in which, said hoop comprises a tube, and reel means for storing said tube in a flat, rolled condition.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
61 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 12 in which, said positioning means includes joint means connected between the ends of semicircular halves of said hoop for allowing pivotal movement of said bodies relative to said hoop, and said line means comprises a flexible cable that interconnects said bodies and is tensioned by the expansion of said hoop.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 13 in which, said resilient biasing means comprises an expansible truss structure.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
A gravity gradient satellite orientation system as claimed in claim 14 in which, said positioning means includes joint means connected between the ends of said truss structure for allowing pivotal movement of said bodies, and said line means comprises a flexible cable that interconnects said bodies and is tensioned by the expansion of said hoop.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |