US3785595A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for sensing and compensating for the disturbance forces on a spacecraft
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1972-11-13
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1992-11-13
Abstract
Abstract An improved system for sensing the disturbance forces on a spacecraft. An unsupported mass is shielded by the spacecraft from external non-gravitational forces, allowing the mass to travel in a purely gravitational orbit. A sensor system responds to motion of the spacecraft relative to the unsupported mass and activates thrusters which force the spacecraft to follow the unsupported mass without touching it. Movable masses or chargeable magnets on three orthogonal axes are mounted in the spacecraft to compensate for the attraction between the mass and other components located within the spacecraft.
Inventors
- 👤 R Fischell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:16
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for offsetting the disturbance forces on a spacecraft having components mounted therein, said system comprising: an unsupported proof mass within the spacecraft; means mounted within the spacecraft for sensing the position of the proof mass relative to the spacecraft; means mounted on the spacecraft for propelling the spacecraft in response to signals from said sensing means and maintaining the spacecraft in the same position relative to said proof mass; and means mounted within the spacecraft for eliminating the effect of the attractive forces between said components and said proof mass.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for offsetting the disturbance forces on a spacecraft having components mounted therein, said system comprising: an unsupported proof mass within the spacecraft; means mounted within the spacecraft for sensing the position of the proof mass relative to the spacecraft; means mounted on the spacecraft for propelling the spacecraft in response to signals from said sensing means and maintaining the spacecraft in the same position relative to said proof mass; and means mounted within the spacecraft for eliminating the effect of the attractive forces between said components and said proof mass.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the eliminating means comprises: a plurality of rotatable, threaded rods; a plurality of masses movably mounted on said rods; and means for rotating said rods.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the eliminating means comprises a plurality of masses movably mounted within the spacecraft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system as recited in claim 3 wherein the eliminating means further comprises means for individually moving said masses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the eliminating means comprises a plurality of chargeable magnets and said proof mass in diamagnetic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the eliminating means further comprises means for variably charging said magnets.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3073550A
Cited
US3233848A
Cited
US3258223A
Cited
US3225608A
Cited
US3369770A
Cited
US3370205A
Cited
US3421715A
Cited
US3519222A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |