US3640487A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vertical orientation device
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1967-07-13
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Granted: 1972-02-08
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Expires: 1987-07-13
Abstract
Abstract ''''Gravity-gradient'''' rod is connected to satellite by powered angular drive means controlled by attitude sensors which displace ''''gravity-gradient'''' rod in proper direction to produce increased torque by interaction with gravitational field to maintain satellite in desired attitude toward local gravitational gradient.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert P Wanger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:52
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/24; B64G1/36; B64G1/244; B64G1/26; B64G1/34; B64G1/368
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
In a space vehicle comprising: a vehicle body having a given mass and a gravity-gradient rod of mass less than the said given mass, connected at one of its ends to the said vehicle body, of length greater than any dimension of the vehicle body, extending away from the vehicle, and adapted to align itself with the local gradient of gravity, the improvement comprising: attitude sensing means to sense the attitude of the vehicle body with respect to a reference; powered torque means forming the connection between the said vehicle body and the said one end of the gravity-gradient rod, operatively connected to the said attitude sensing means to displace the said gravity-gradient rOd angularly with respect to the said vehicle body responsively to and in the direction of an attitude deviation of the vehicle body with respect to the said reference sensed by the said attitude sensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a space vehicle comprising: a vehicle body having a given mass and a gravity-gradient rod of mass less than the said given mass, connected at one of its ends to the said vehicle body, of length greater than any dimension of the vehicle body, extending away from the vehicle, and adapted to align itself with the local gradient of gravity, the improvement comprising: attitude sensing means to sense the attitude of the vehicle body with respect to a reference; powered torque means forming the connection between the said vehicle body and the said one end of the gravity-gradient rod, operatively connected to the said attitude sensing means to displace the said gravity-gradient rOd angularly with respect to the said vehicle body responsively to and in the direction of an attitude deviation of the vehicle body with respect to the said reference sensed by the said attitude sensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device claimed in claim 1 in which the said powered torque means comprises a pair of separately powered torque devices producing opposing torques.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device claimed in claim 2 in which each said opposed torque device is connected to be separately responsive to the indication of one of a pair of oppositely directed sensors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
An orientation changing and momentum control apparatus for a satellite body comprising: an elongated rigid gravity-gradient rod having a pivotal connection with said satellite body, and torque motor means for effecting relative angular movement between said elongated rigid rod and said satellite body about said pivotal connection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
An orientation changing and momentum control apparatus for a satellite body comprising: an elongated rigid gravity-gradient rod having a pivotal connection with said satellite body, and torque motor means for effecting relative angular movement between said elongated rigid rod and said satellite body about said pivotal connection.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3239165A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-07 | 1975-08-09 | 1976-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-07 | 1979-08-09 | 1980-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-07 | 1983-08-09 | 1984-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |