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US 12,708,909 B2Granted
Apparatus for dust mitigation
OwnerThomas J Stapleton, Lynne Ann Stapletoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dust-mitigation device used in space exploration is a system for protecting the venting components of certain environments from the entry of lunar dust. The system enables ventilation while preventing dust from reaching sealing surfaces of a spacesuit's valves (SPVs).
Claims8
A valve cover for mitigating dust contamination comprising:
- a cap fixedly engaged with a conduit about a central axis;
- and
- the cap having a frusto-conical portion extending into the conduit;
- and
- a first annular curved surface formed by a flared end of said conduit and a second annular curved surface in said cap that is offset from said first annular curved surface, forming a tortuous flow path between said cap and conduit;
- wherein fluid flow by said first annular surface and said second annular surface mitigates a flow of dust through said valve cover.
3 more elements
An apparatus for capturing particles, comprising:
- a conduit having a central axis;
- and
- a housing affixed to the conduit;
- and
- a cap positioned relative to the conduit, the cap having a frusto-conical portion extending into the conduit;
- and
- an array of magnets disposed within the housing;
- and
- a tortuous flow path defined between the conduit and the cap, wherein the flow path is configured to direct a fluid past the array of magnets and subsequently turn approximately 90 degrees relative to the central axis.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.