US3915416A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Annular momentum control device used for stabilization of space vehicles and the like
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1973-08-01
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1993-08-01
Abstract
Abstract A gyrostabilized space vehicle which is disclosed having its body mounted coaxial with the axis of rotation of an annularshaped inertial mass and within the annulus thereof. A linear induction motor drives the inertial mass. A plurality of magnetic bearings rotatably supports the inertial mass within a housing enclosing the inertial mass. Suitable mounting members join the centrally positioned body of the vehicle with the housing.
Inventors
- 👤 Willard W Anderson
- 👤 Nelson J Groom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:44
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/24; B64G1/32; B64G1/28; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/12; Y10T74/1282
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
In a vehicle of the type having an annular momentum storage device used for stabilization about at least two axes perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the annular momentum storage device, the combination comprising: a flight vehicle, an annular momentum storage device for said vehicle and including a rotor having an annulus therein; a plurality of bearing surfaces disposed in close proximity with said rotor for rotatably supporting the same; means for imparting rotary motion to said rotor; an annular housing enclosing said rotor, said plurality of bearing surfaces, and said means for imparting rotary motion to said rotor; a surface defining the body of said vehicle, said body being disposed within the annulus of said housing and coaxial with the axis of rotation of said rotor; and means attaching said housing to said surface defining the body of said vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a vehicle of the type having an annular momentum storage device used for stabilization about at least two axes perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the annular momentum storage device, the combination comprising: a flight vehicle, an annular momentum storage device for said vehicle and including a rotor having an annulus therein; a plurality of bearing surfaces disposed in close proximity with said rotor for rotatably supporting the same; means for imparting rotary motion to said rotor; an annular housing enclosing said rotor, said plurality of bearing surfaces, and said means for imparting rotary motion to said rotor; a surface defining the body of said vehicle, said body being disposed within the annulus of said housing and coaxial with the axis of rotation of said rotor; and means attaching said housing to said surface defining the body of said vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A vehicle of the type as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for imparting rotary motion to said rotor comprises a linear induction motor having a segmented stator comprising at least one segment disposed equidistant from said rotor and outside the annulus of said rotor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A vehicle of the type recited in claim 2 further comprising a gimbal ring disposed between said vehicle body and said housing to permit active control of the vehicle about two axes perpendicular to said axis of rotation of said rotor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A vehicle of the type as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for imparting rotary motion to said rotor comprises a linear induction motor having a segmented stator comprising at least one segment having a convex surface disposed equidistant from said rotor and within the annulus of said rotor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A vehicle of the type recited in claim 4 further comprising a gimbal ring disposed between said vehicle body and said housing to permit active control of the vehicle about two axes perpendicular to said axis of rotation of said rotor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
An annular momentum control device as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of bearing surfaces comprise three continuous circular projections mounted on said rotor and first, second and third annular channels mounted on said housing for receiving a different one of said circular projections.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
86 words
A vehicle of the type as recited in claim 6 further comprising: a pluRality of sensors disposed in close proximity to said rotor for producing a control signal which is a function of the spacing of the sensors with respect to said rotor; amplifying means coupled to said position sensors and said electromagnets whereby variation in the position of said rotor with respect to said sensors is corrected by variable magnetization of said electromagnets; and each of said channels containing a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vehicle of the type as recited in claim 6 wherein each of said channels comprises a plurality of discontinuous arcuate sections forming a circular track for a different one of said circular projections.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A vehicle of the type as recited in claim 6 wherein each of said channels comprises a continuous circular track for a different one of said circular projections.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |