Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Reusable or returnable
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-08
2003-02-25
Swiatek, Robert P. (Department: 3643)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Reusable or returnable
Reexamination Certificate
active
06523782
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a centrifugal sleeping system which is particularly adapted for use in a weightless environment, such as exists in outer space, or in an environment where there is less gravitational force than on earth. More particularly, this relates to an apparatus, system and method where centrifugal force is used to produce the effects of the force of gravity, and the person can be positioned and located so that the gravity simulated forces can be imposed on the person's body when the person is asleep. Further, the person can be positioned in a variety of ways so that the gravity simulated forces can be optimized to maximize the benefits of such “artificial gravity”, with this also being able to be accomplished while the person is asleep.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The physiological problems of the effect of a weightless environment on astronauts have long been recognized. This is discussed in the 1986 summer issue of the newsletter entitled “Lifelines”, which is identified as the “Newsletter of life sciences at Ames research center”. In this issue of the newsletter, there is discussed various exercise regimes which might be used in the weightless space environment.
In this same news article, there is also a discussion of the long-term health of astronauts in a weightless environment, and a need for the understanding of the role of gravity on the basic biological processes. At the bottom of the second column of page 8, there is a discussion of the uses of a space centrifuge. On page 9, column 1, (first full paragraph) we find the following language:
“The need for space centrifuges by scientists have been recognized for years. This need has been expressed by the Space Sciences Board of the National Research Council since 1971 and by the NASA Life Sciences Advisory Committee since 1978.”
In that same article, it is pointed out that the Soviets have used centrifuges since the late 1970's to study rat and plant physiology on their Cosmos biosatellites and on their Salyut space station. It is also stated that in 1985 that the ESA flew their first small centrifuge on Space lab.
Also, in the second full paragraph of column 1 on page 9 of that article, we find the following:
“The development of effective counter measures to astronaut deconditioning requires experimentation at gravity levels from one g to near zero. Many threshold effects are expected to occur within this range, and precise gravity levels may be required to stabilize human metabolism, and to understand gravity's role in a whole variety of organisms. Variable gravity levels less than one can also open new vistas in materials, science experimentation, and later aid in batch processing materials in orbit.”
“It is recommended that a 1.8 m.dia. centrifuge be incorporated at the initial Operating Capability of the Space Station, with a growth potential to 4 m.dia. Perhaps after initial gravitational research on the Space Station, tethered platforms can be studied to provide very large diameters.”
“The centrifuge would use the latest advances in space technology. It would be magnetically suspended and balanced so as not to interfere with the microgravity experimental environment. Magnetic suspension and propulsion would be similar to that used in satellite control moment giros and would be within electromagnetic interference requirements established for Shuttle, a counter-rotating inertia wheel would absorb gyroscopic, staring and stopping torks. It would rotate slowly at about 22 rpm and would be enclosed with fail safe control devices.”
Also, in
The Physiologist,
Volume 34, No. 1 Supplement, published in 1991, pages S224 to S225 there is an article entitled “Progress in the Development of an Artificial Gravity Stimulator (AGS)”, authored by David Cardus, Westly G. McTaggard and Scott Campbell.
This AGS is described as comprising a turntable, a traction system, a platform, four beds and a daily communication system. This is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and the beds are arranged so as to be radially aligned with the head portion near the center of rotation and the foot portion at the perimeter of the turn table. The resting surface of the bed is horizontally aligned, and the four beds are evenly spaced from one another at 90 degree angles. The beds are mounted on “Genoa Traveler Tract” that allows radial displacement of the beds and also the removal if necessary. Also, the foot rest is adjustable. Further, the beds can be tilted to 6 degrees for head down tilt experiments.
Also a search of the patent literature has disclosed two patents in which there are centrifuge systems for creating artificial gravity in space. These are the following:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,375 (Allen) shows a crew quarters for a space ship positioned in a drum shaped enclosure. The drum is entered from a side port at the center of rotation of the drum. Ladders are provided to reach the circumferential walls which support the sleeping mats
59
. To support the drum, there are circumferential guide ways
28
around the outside wall of the drum, and these are engaged by circumferentially spaced guide rollers
30
. In order to drive the cylindrical module
24
to rotation, a motor
32
is mounted outside of the cylindrical housing
17
, this motor
32
driving a pair of drive rollers
34
which engage the outer cylindrical surface of the outer cylindrical wall
25
. In
FIG. 4
there are shown a plurality of sleeping bags or pallets
59
positioned against the interior surface of the cylindrical wall
25
and extending parallel to the axis of rotation. Storage cabinet
60
are also provided.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,219 (Schnitzer) shows a manned spaced station where there are inflatable members
17
which can be deployed in a circular fashion in the general configuration of a torus. There are flexible tubular passageway elements
16
extending radially from the center structure outwardly to the surrounding tubular crew quarters
17
. Reactive thrusting generating means
20
such as small reaction motors are connected to the central space station
11
, and these are positioned to create a thrust to cause the entire space station
11
to rotate around its center axis. Also, thrust generating devices
30
are mounted on the periphery of the crew quarters
17
to generate reactive thrust to stop rotation in the event that zero gravity conditions are desired. The rotation of the space station
11
establishes centrifugal forces which stimulate gravitational forces within the crew quarters. As indicated in column 5, beginning on line 56, the crew quarters
17
are provided with inflatable built-in furnishings such as couches
22
which are connected to the floor
21
.
Three patents were developed in the patentability search which disclose various rotational devices which are designed to operate in the normal gravitational environment on the surface of the earth.
U.S. Pat. No. 625,074 (Weber) shows an apparatus in the nature of a merry-go-round. The passenger compartments are arranged to remain vertical and face in one direction so that the person gets an unobstructed view away from the merry-go-round device.
U.S. Pat. No. 883,953 (Hanlon) discloses a device “for producing a theatrical stage effect”. There are a number of stationary elements mounted to a platform which is rapidly rotated. There are spherically curved rings and when these are rotated rapidly, it gives the appearance of a spherical formation having different colors to create a kaleidoscopic effect.
U.S. Pat. No. 953,119 (Bramkamp) shows what could be described as a tilted merry-go-round where there are provided some seats rigidly mounted to the rotating platform and some which are swinging seats.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The method and apparatus of the present invention is designed to use centrifugal motion to simulate the force of gravity in a weightless environment, such as in outer space, or an environment where the force of gravity is rather small (e.g. on the moon, a smaller planet or an asteroid). One of the significant feat
Hughes Robert B.
Hughes Law Firm PLLC
Swiatek Robert P.
LandOfFree
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