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US5848766A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Integrated cargo carrier for space applications
Assignee: Airbus DS GmbH
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Filing: 1996-06-18
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Granted: 1998-12-15
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Expires: 2016-06-18
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides an integrated cargo carrier assembly that is compatible with the NSTS Orbiter and space stations located, in Earth orbit. The integrated cargo carrier assembly is capable of carrying various cargo panels on a pallet assembly and includes a pressurized tunnel that provides a translation path for crew members between the crew compartment of the NSTS Orbiter and a pressurized module located in the cargo bay. In addition, the pressurized tunnel can be utilized to carry payloads required to be maintained in a pressurized environment. The combination of the cargo carrying and connectivity features of the integrated cargo carrier assembly eases manifesting and on-orbit operations and greatly reduces the effort required to ground process various cargo. Further, the integrated cargo carrier assembly also eliminates difficulties in mating and de-mating payload to the NSTS Orbiter by providing integral latching means that permits payloads to be easily removed from the carrier on-orbit.
Inventors
- 👤 Clark Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:23
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/60; B64G1/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly comprising: a pallet assembly; a tunnel assembly including means for securing the tunnel assembly within a cargo bay of a space vehicle; and fastening means for coupling the pallet assembly to the tunnel assembly such that said pallet assembly can be attached and detached from the tunnel assembly; wherein the tunnel assembly supports the pallet assembly when the pallet assembly is attached to the tunnel assembly and the tunnel assembly is secured in the cargo bay; and wherein the pallet assembly extends across substantially an entire length of the tunnel assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly comprising: a pallet assembly; a tunnel assembly including means for securing the tunnel assembly within a cargo bay of a space vehicle; and fastening means for coupling the pallet assembly to the tunnel assembly such that said pallet assembly can be attached and detached from the tunnel assembly; wherein the tunnel assembly supports the pallet assembly when the pallet assembly is attached to the tunnel assembly and the tunnel assembly is secured in the cargo bay; and wherein the pallet assembly extends across substantially an entire length of the tunnel assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pallet assembly includes a grid including a plurality of structural members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pallet assembly further includes a plurality of payload panels releasable coupled to the grid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said plurality of payload panels include upper payload panels and lower payload panels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pallet assembly includes at least one of a grapple fixture and a capture latch assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for securing the tunnel assembly includes at least one bulkhead including trunnion pins and a keel pin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fastening means includes power driven latches located on the bulkhead.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tunnel assembly further comprises a tunnel section that passes through the bulkhead.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tunnel assembly further comprises endcaps releasably coupled to the tunnel section.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said endcaps include a pressurized hatch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bulkhead includes at least one attachment point.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tunnel section includes at least one attachment point located on an outside surface of the tunnel section.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
95 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly comprising: a first bulkhead; a second bulkhead; and a tunnel section extending between said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead; wherein said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead include locating means for locating said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead within a cargo bay of an orbiter vehicle; and wherein at least one of said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead includes means for coupling and decoupling a payload pallet to said first and second bulkheads such that said payload pallet extends from said first bulkhead to said second bulkhead.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
95 words
An integrated cargo carrier assembly comprising: a first bulkhead; a second bulkhead; and a tunnel section extending between said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead; wherein said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead include locating means for locating said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead within a cargo bay of an orbiter vehicle; and wherein at least one of said first bulkhead and said second bulkhead includes means for coupling and decoupling a payload pallet to said first and second bulkheads such that said payload pallet extends from said first bulkhead to said second bulkhead.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
An integrated cargo carrier as claimed in claim 13, wherein the locating means includes a trunnion pins and keel pins.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
An integrated cargo carrier as claimed in claim 13, wherein the tunnel section includes first and second endcaps.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
An integrated cargo carrier as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of said first and second endcaps is removable.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
An integrated cargo carrier as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one of said first and second endcaps comprises a pressurized hatch.
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) | 2001-12-14 | 2002-06-15 | 2002-12-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-14 | 2006-06-15 | 2006-12-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-14 | 2010-06-15 | 2010-12-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |