Motion damping system for tank of liquid

US11618535B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

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

Inventors

• Rebecca L. Williams · Fort Myers, US
• Robert E. Berry · Marion, US
• Frederick Scott Gant · Huntsville, US
• Jeffrey L. Lindner · Madison, US
• John S. Townsend · Union Grove, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 28, 2022
• Grant date: Apr 4, 2023
• Expiry date: Sep 28, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B43/06
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A motion damping system includes a tank compartmentalized to have a first compartment having a first opening, a second compartment having a second opening, and a third compartment disposed between the first and second compartments. The third compartment is in fluid communication with the first and second openings. A first piston is movably sealed within the first compartment and is in fluid communication with its first opening. A second piston is movably sealed within the second compartment and is in fluid communication with its second opening. A liquid fills the third compartment, a portion of the first compartment up to the first piston, and a portion of the second compartment up to the second piston. A coupling fixedly attached to the first and second pistons moves in correspondence with the first and second pistons. Motion damper(s) coupled to the coupling resist movements of the first and second pistons.