Patent US4166598A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4166598A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle enshrouding apparatus
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1974-05-30
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Granted: 1979-09-04
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Expires: 1994-05-30
Abstract
Abstract Stowable and inflatable apparatus for enshrouding a vehicle. The apparatus, in its most generic and most basic embodiment, includes an inflatable framework external of which is attached a multilayer superinsulating blanket shroud. The inflatable tubular framework includes a plurality of inflatable tubular-shaped longitudinal members in spaced-apart relationship, and a plurality of inflatable toroidal-shaped members also in spaced-apart relationship. Each of the toroidal-shaped members is positioned essentially perpendicular to, and in contact with, each of the tubular-shaped longitudinal members. The inventive apparatus solves the problems which are inherent in enclosing a large, relatively hot space vehicle to retain the heat therefrom, and in folding (and stowing) and in unfolding an apparatus in a space environment.
Inventors
- 👤 Clair F. Seifert
- 👤 Harvey S. Seapy
- 👤 David E. Dunlap
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:56
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/52; B64G1/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A stowable apparatus for enshrouding a large, relatively hot space vehicle, comprising: a. an inflatable frame which includes: (1) a plurality of inflatable tubular-shaped longitudinal members in spaced-apart relationship; (2) and, a plurality of inflatable toroidal-shaped members in spaced-apart relationship; wherein each of said plurality of inflatable toroidal-shaped members is positioned essentially perpendicular to, and in contact with, each of said plurality of inflatable tubular-shaped longitudinal members; b. and, a multilayer thermal superinsulating blanket shroud external of, and attached to, said inflatable frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A stowable apparatus for enshrouding a large, relatively hot space vehicle, comprising: a. an inflatable frame which includes: (1) a plurality of inflatable tubular-shaped longitudinal members in spaced-apart relationship; (2) and, a plurality of inflatable toroidal-shaped members in spaced-apart relationship; wherein each of said plurality of inflatable toroidal-shaped members is positioned essentially perpendicular to, and in contact with, each of said plurality of inflatable tubular-shaped longitudinal members; b. and, a multilayer thermal superinsulating blanket shroud external of, and attached to, said inflatable frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of inflatable tubular-shaped longitudinal members is made of a plurality of 0.35 mil polyester film sheets bonded to each other and to a reinforcing net of polyester fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of inflatable toroidal-shaped members is made of a plurality of 0.35 mil polyester film sheets bonded to each other and to a reinforcing net of polyester fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said multilayer thermal superinsulating blanket shroud is made of a plurality of laminates, with each said laminate made of a 0.25 mil a polyimide film interposed between and bonded to two 0.18 mil sheets of aluminum foil, and with each said laminate of said plurality of laminates separated from each other by a 0.25 mil a polyester fiber net element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said multilayer thermal superinsulating blanket shroud includes a plurality of outer layers, with said outer layers being perforated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3220004A
Cited
US3405886A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-09-03 | 1983-03-05 | 1983-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-09-03 | 1987-03-05 | 1987-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-09-03 | 1991-03-05 | 1991-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |