Research/Patents/US 5279323
US 5279323Tier 1 — UAP Program Assignee

LIQUID MANAGEMENT APPARATUS FOR SPACECRAFT

Assignee

Lockheed/Skunk Works

Filed as: LOCKHEED MISSILES & SPACE COMPANY, INC.

Filed

Dec 19, 1991

Granted

Jan 18, 1994

Location

Sunnyvale CA (Lockheed Missiles & Space)

Abstract

In a liquid storage tank 10 for use on a spacecraft, a transfer apparatus 15 (comprising gathering vanes 33, an elongate array of fins 32, and a sponge structure formed from panels 31) functions to transfer liquid from the inner surface of the tank 10 to the vicinity of an outlet line 40. A screen 23 is disposed between the panels 31 and the outlet line 40. When wetted with liquid, the screen 23 prevents gas and/or vapor in the tank 10 from passing to the outlet line 40. A perforated plate 22 disposed between the screen 23 and the outlet line 40 causes liquid to pass from the tank 10 to the outlet line 40 in a regular and generally unbroken flow.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Imposed

Jul 16, 1992

Rescinded

Apr 5, 1993

Duration

8 months

Inventor

  • 1R. K. GROVE

Sensitive facility: Sunnyvale CA (Lockheed Missiles & Space)

Back to patent indexSource: USPTO 35 USC §181 secrecy order records