Microgravity fabrication and metalization of large, lightweight polymeric bubbles and films for space system applications
US9108370B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
7References
15Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/1355
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming a metalized polymeric bubble in a space, microgravity environment is described. A liquid polymer bubble having a predetermined diameter is formed from a mixture comprising a liquid polymer and at least one of a UV curing material, a stabilizer, a UV absorber, or a surfactant. The liquid polymer bubble is cured with radiation to form a rigid polymer bubble. The rigid polymer bubble is then metalized with a metal to form the metalized polymeric bubble.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.