Deformable closure mechanism

US10858126B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA · US

Inventors

• William R. Doggett · Poquoson, US
• Timothy S. Roach · Norfolk, US
• Gerard D. Valle · Pearland, US
• Molly M. Selig · League City, US
• Winfred S. Kenner · Yorktown, US
• Thomas C. Jones · Columbia, US
• Judith J. Watson · Yorktown, US
• Lynn M. Bowman · Chesapeake, US
• Mary Jane E. O'Rourke · Seabrook, US
• Bryan C. Yount · Sunnyvale, US
• Alberto Makino · Stanford, US
• John T. Dorsey · Hampton, US
• Russell W. Smith · Hampton, US
• Clarence E. Stanfield · Hampton, US
• Jasen L. Raboin · League City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 24, 2017
• Grant date: Dec 8, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 29, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/2227
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A deformable closure mechanism for an aperture that may include an aperture seal that has a seal seat between an internal support structure and an external support structure. A barrier structure may be configured to resealably close the aperture, and have a central membrane and a barrier sealed that is inflatable in order to engage the barrier structure with the aperture seal.