Thomas J. Kornell
Engineering at 11 Ave, Auburn, WA
License number
Louisiana PE.0012833
Issued Date
Aug 3, 1971
Category
Civil Engineer
Type
Mechanical Engineer
Address
Address
29605 11Th Ave SW, Auburn, WA 98023
Professional information
Horizontal-Takeoff Transatmospheric Launch System
US Patent:
4802639, Feb 7, 1989
Filed:
Oct 14, 1986
Appl. No.:
6/919207
Inventors:
Richard Hardy - Seattle WA
Jonathan Hardy - Seattle WA
Thomas J. Kornell - Federal Way WA
Kenneth M. Tallquist - Bellevue WA
Jonathan Hardy - Seattle WA
Thomas J. Kornell - Federal Way WA
Kenneth M. Tallquist - Bellevue WA
Assignee:
The Boeing Company - Seattle WA
International Classification:
B64G 114
US Classification:
244 2
Abstract:
This invention is directed toward providing a transatmospheric launch system that is essentially totally reusable, provides wide flexibility in choice of orbit, and may be launched quickly on short notice. The system of the invention is a two-stage horizontal takeoff and landing system. An orbiter vehicle (50) is integrated into the underside of an aircraft (2). Aircraft (2) has a cavity (4) opening aftwardly and downwardly to receive vehicle (50). Vehicle (50) and aircraft (2) are releasably connected by struts (30, 32). Aircraft (2) and vehicle (50) proceed to staging conditions under air breathing and then rocket power. Rocket engine (22) of aircraft (2) is throttled to produce a thrust differential with rocket engine (66) of vehicle (50). This differential causes vehicle (50) to automatically pivot away from aircraft (2) on struts (30, 32). After pivoting out of cavity (4), vehicle (50) is disengaged from struts (30, 32) and proceeds on its own to orbit.
Single-Piece, Flexible Inlet Ramp
US Patent:
5033693, Jul 23, 1991
Filed:
Dec 14, 1988
Appl. No.:
7/285055
Inventors:
David E. Livingston - Huntsville AL
Thomas J. Kornell - Federal Way WA
Thomas J. Kornell - Federal Way WA
Assignee:
The Boeing Company - Seattle WA
International Classification:
B64D 3302
US Classification:
244 53B
Abstract:
An inlet having a single-piece, flexible inlet ramp skin is disclosed. A corrugated member is rigidly coupled to the interior surface of the ramp skin to hold the skin rigid in one direction but permit it to be extremely flexible in a second direction. A plurality of beams extend perpendicular to the ridges and grooves of the corrugated member to hold the skin in position in the second direction. Mechanical actuators are coupled to the beams for applying force to vary the shape of the beams and thus the shape of the ramp skin. The inlet area is varied as the ramp skin is moved. The beam member and ramp skin are elastically deformable from an intermediate position in a first direction to increase the area of the inlet and in a second direction to decrease the area of the inlet. Shaping the beam and ramp skin to be at an intermediate position when not deformed permits a greater range of movement and a more variable inlet area for a given material and weight.