Apparatus for automated fueling of a launch vehicle
First Claim
1. An apparatus for the automated fueling of a launch vehicle while said launch vehicle is maintained in a stationary position, comprising:
- a) a mobile fuel line platform assembly for carrying a fuel line assembly;
b) gross mechanical actuation means comprising a plurality of linear displacement drive systems having spaced parallel axes for providing gross positioning of said platform assembly relative to a fuel tank inlet;
c) micro-positioning means comprising a 3-axis linear displacement drive system for providing micro-positioning of said fuel line assembly relative to said fuel tank inlet;
d) a floating plate assembly having a self-mating connector for securely connecting said fuel line assembly to said fuel tank inlet; and
,e) leak detection means for detecting any leaks in the connection between said fuel line assembly and said fuel tank.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The apparatus for the automated fueling of a launch vehicle includes a mobile fuel line platform assembly for carrying a fuel line assembly. A gross mechanical actuation mechanism provides gross positioning of the platform assembly relative to a fuel tank inlet. A micro-positioning mechanism provides micro-positioning of the fuel line assembly relative to the fuel tank inlet. A floating plate assembly securely connects the fuel line assembly to the fuel tank inlet. Leak detector detects any leaks in the connection between the fuel line assembly and the fuel tank. The present invention augments existing space program hardware thereby removing human involvement and increasing vehicle/environment safety.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for the automated fueling of a launch vehicle while said launch vehicle is maintained in a stationary position, comprising:
-
a) a mobile fuel line platform assembly for carrying a fuel line assembly; b) gross mechanical actuation means comprising a plurality of linear displacement drive systems having spaced parallel axes for providing gross positioning of said platform assembly relative to a fuel tank inlet; c) micro-positioning means comprising a 3-axis linear displacement drive system for providing micro-positioning of said fuel line assembly relative to said fuel tank inlet; d) a floating plate assembly having a self-mating connector for securely connecting said fuel line assembly to said fuel tank inlet; and
,e) leak detection means for detecting any leaks in the connection between said fuel line assembly and said fuel tank. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification