US3768756A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Commandable satellite attitude control apparatus
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1967-09-21
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Granted: 1973-10-30
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Expires: 1987-09-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for changing the attitude of a satellite to obtain selective pointing responsively to input commands. A long thinwalled rigid vertical gravity gradient boom or rod is pivotally connected to the satellite body via an electrical torque motor which operates to introduce angular movement between the boom and the satellite body and thereby obtain a change in attitude of such satellite body with respect to a celestial reference. Employment of a two-axis torque motor provides for aiming of the satellite body with two degrees of freedom.
Inventors
- 👤 A Buckingham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 14:41
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/24; B64G1/32; B64G1/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
Control apparatus for selective pointing a satellite body comprising: an elongated rigid normally vertical gravity gradient rod having a bi-axial pivotal connection with said satellite body, and torque motor means interconnected between said elongated rigid gravity gradient rod and said satellite body for effecting aiming of said satellite body selectively to different angulated positions relative to the local vertical in response to input commands.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
Control apparatus for selective pointing a satellite body comprising: an elongated rigid normally vertical gravity gradient rod having a bi-axial pivotal connection with said satellite body, and torque motor means interconnected between said elongated rigid gravity gradient rod and said satellite body for effecting aiming of said satellite body selectively to different angulated positions relative to the local vertical in response to input commands.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the torque motor means is operable to produce a yieldable bias force in a general direction while permitting oscillatory movement about such pivotal connection relative to such general direction, and the apparatus further comprises damping means affiliated with such pivotal connection to remove such oscillatory movement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the pivotal connection forms a part of said torque motor means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, said torque motor means comprises electromagnetic means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, said pivotal connection acts as a simple hinge and said gravity gradient rod tends to become aligned along the local vertical in the relaxed state of said torque motor means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |