Inflatable nested toroid structure

US8070105B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Christopher J. Johnson · London, GB
• Jasen L. Raboin · League City, US
• Gary R. Spexarth · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 14, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 6, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2030

Classification

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

Abstract

An inflatable structure comprises at least two generally toroidal, inflatable modules. When in a deployed mode, the first, inner module has a major diameter less than that of a second, outer module and is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer module such that the first module is nested circumferentially alongside the second module. The inflatable structure, in a non-deployed, non-inflated mode, is of compact configuration and adapted to be transported to a site of deployment. When deployed, the inflatable structure is of substantially increased interior volume. In one embodiment, access between the interior of the first module and the second module is provided by at least one port or structural pass-through. In another embodiment, the inflatable structure includes at least one additional generally toroidal module external of and circumferentially surrounding the second module.