Space-based gas supply system
US11053027B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/646
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas. The method includes coupling a second end of a transfer line in flow communication with the receiving tank. The transfer line extends from a first end to the second end. The first end is coupled to a transfer tank disposed on a supply spacecraft. The transfer tank holds a transfer quantity of the supply gas. The supply spacecraft includes a heating system coupled in thermal communication with the transfer tank and a transfer valve operatively coupled to the transfer line. The method also includes activating the heating system while the transfer valve is closed such that a pressure of the transfer quantity of the supply gas is increased. The method further includes opening the transfer valve, wherein a difference between the increased pressure of the supply gas in the transfer tank and a pressure in the receiving tank causes a portion of the transfer quantity of the supply gas to flow through the transfer line to the receiving tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.