BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a partial side veiw of the regolith container;
FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the regolith container including a funnel;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the regolith container being filled with regolith;
FIG. 4 is a perspecitve view of a twist int eh regolith container;
FIG. 5 is a perspaective view of a regolith container and a tie;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the regolith container tied at one end; and
FIG. 7 is an end view of a spacecraft covered by a regolith container;
FIG. 8 is a perspective veiw of a spacecraft partially covered by regolith containers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other modifications and improvements will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a side veiw of a regolith container 14 is disclosed. The container 14 has a first end 16 that is open and a second end 18 that is substantially closed. The container has a length 10 and a diamerter 12. In the preferred embodiment, the length 10 can extend to sixty yards and the diameter of the opening 16 is approximately 14 inches. In the prefered embodiment, the container 14 is substantially cylindrical. However, alternative shapes and geometries are also possible as dictated by the specific requirements of each case. Also, the container 14 can be filled by any number of methods known within the art without modification ot the container 14. The container 14 can be constructed from materials that are malliable to a degree and resistant to radiation and penetration by debris. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that such materials can be chosed based upon the specific environment of the extraterrestrial mass. Furthermore, the dimensions can be varied to accommodate a variety of situations.
FIG. 2 illustrates a funnel 20 attached to the open end 16 of the regolith container 14. the funnel has a wider mouth 22 than the opening 12 of the container 14. Further, there are attachment points 24 on the funnel 20. the funnel 20 directs regolith into the container 14.
Turning now to FIG. 3, there are cords 26 connected to the attachment points 24 of the funnel 20. the funnel 20 and container 14 are in contact with the regolith 27 of an extraterrestrial mass 28. As illustrated in the cutaway view 29 of the container 14, the regolith 27 fills the container 14. The funnel and container can be drawn over the landscape by various means. For example, on worlds where the gravity is lower than on Earth, a person in an environmental suit could draw the funnel and container. In other situations, surface transportation, such as a lunar rover, could be used that is not exclusive to the task of filling the container. The cords 26 can also be cables, chains, or other such materials.
FIG. 4 illustrates how a segment 31 of the container 14 can be obtained by twising 28 the container 14 in a particluar direction of rotation 30. This action compartmentalizes the container. In this way, should an impact penetrate a single segment 31 then the leakage of the regolith would be confined and not extend to the entire container 14.
As shown in FIG. 5, a segment can be created by other methods including the use of ties 32. The tie 32 substnatially confines regolith in the segment. Again, this compartmentalizes the container.
In FIG. 6, the container 14 is substantially filled with regolith at which point the funnel 20 is removed and the open end 16 of the container 14 is sealed off. This can be accomplished by any number of ways including, but not limited to, the use of ties, heat sealing, and knotting.
Addressing FIG. 7, the container 14 is placed over a space structure 36 on an extraterrestrial mass 28. In this figure, there are a number of segments 31 identified.
FIG. 8 illustrates how a plurality of containers 14 are used to cover a spacecraft 36.
While embodiments and applications of this disclosure have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications and improvements than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The disclosure, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. ![]()
Patent Application
20080000168
