Inflatable habitation volumes in space
US6439508B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/2227
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved inflatable habitation volume in space comprising reduced cost, improved debris impact protection, enhanced penetration resistance, self sealing qualities, innovative flat end caps, industry accepted commercial design/manufacturing techniques, enhanced inflatable assembly techniques and expanded interior volume. Costs are reduced by compressing the launch package, removing the three gravity launch load requirements from the transportation process and inflating in microgravity. The inflatable habitation volume unit can be connected to either existing orbital facilities or connected to similar units to create expanded volumes and space tourist torus structures rotated for partial gravity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.