Multi-purpose laminate beam

Abstract

A multi-purpose laminate beam for providing structural support to a spacecraft and to contain a pressurized gas, or pressure vessel. The inside of the beam has a metal layer that is over wrapped with at least one laminae. Disposed within the beam is a pair of dividers that allow for a pressurized volume or a least one pressure vessel. There is an access port through the beam for accessing the pressure vessel. The composite nature of the beam allows the beam to be relatively lightweight, but strong enough to support a load. By having the pressure vessel inside the beam, space is optimized. Furthermore the beam provides a measure of protection for the pressure vessel and any inhabitants of the spacecraft should the pressure vessel leak or explode.

1 . A multi-purpose laminate beam for use with a structure comprising: 
 an elongated tubular like metallic layer having a generally circular cross section, an outer surface, and a length;    at least one lamina over wrapping the outer surface of the elongated tubular like metallic layer and extending substantially the length of the elongated tubular like metallic layer; and    at least one pressure vessel having at least one valve and the pressure vessel and valve being disposed within the elongated tubular like metallic layer.    
   
   
       2 . The multi-purpose composite beam as in  claim 1 , further comprising a wall and at least one access port, wherein the access port extends through the wall for allowing access to the valve.  
   
   
       3 . The multi-purpose composite beam as in claim  2 , wherein the elongated tubular like metallic layer has a generally circular cross section.  
   
   
       4 . The multi-purpose composite beam as in  claim 2 , wherein the elongated tubular like metallic layer has a generally oval cross section.  
   
   
       5 . A multi-purpose composite beam for use with a structure comprising: 
 an elongated tubular like metallic layer having a generally circular cross section, an outer surface, an inner surface, and a length;    at least one lamina over wrapping the outer surface of the elongated tubular like metallic layer and extending substantially the length of the elongated tubular like metallic layer;    opposing dividers disposed within the elongated tubular like metallic layer and along the length of the elongated tubular like metallic layer, and the opposing dividers being fixedly attached to the inner surface thereby forming a cavity between the dividers, and at least one lamina over wrapping, and reinforcing the dividers, and at least one divider having a valve; and    the cavity between the opposing dividers forming a pressure vessel for containing a pressurized gas.    
   
   
       6 . The multi-purpose laminate beam according to  claim 5  further comprising a wall and at least one access port extending through the wall for allowing access to the valve.  
   
   
       7 . The multi-purpose composite beam as in  claim 6 , wherein the elongated tubular like metallic layer has a generally circular cross section.  
   
   
       8 . The multi-purpose composite beam as in  claim 6 , wherein the elongated tubular like metallic layer has a generally oval cross section.  
   
   
       9 . A method for using a plurality of multi-purpose laminate beams in conjunction with opposing bulkheads in a spacecraft comprising: 
 securing at least one multi-purpose laminate beam as in  claim 3  between opposing bulkheads;    securing at least one multi-purpose laminate beam as in  claim 4  between opposing bulkheads;    securing at least one multi-purpose laminate beam as in  claim 7  between opposing bulkheads; and    securing at least one multi-purpose laminate beam as in  claim 8  between opposing bulkheads.