Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path
Patent
1982-07-23
1985-04-02
Reeves, Robert B.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path
2441181, 248503, 248555, 403 56, 403 76, 403 90, 403143, 410 79, 410 90, B60P 708, B61D 4500, B64G 100
Patent
active
045082960
ABSTRACT:
A payload retention system for securing and retaining a payload in a fixed docked position on a platform in a cargo bay of a space vehicle is disclosed which includes a plurality of latching assemblies 16 carried by platform 10 each of which includes a latching member A having a contoured spherical latch element 24. A plurality of payload latching elements B are carried by the payload having a complementary contoured spherical latch element 18. The latching elements 18 are carried in interlatching alignment with the latching members 24 of the latching assemblies 16 defining latch couplings C. Spherical latch element 18 has a convex latching surface 19 and spherical element 24 has a concave latching surface 25 which mate and couple with one another when interlatched. The spherical latch elements 18, 24 having their axes aligned with one another when interlatched whereby the payload is retained in a fixed docked position. The spherical latch elements allow free rotation about their coupling axis 80 while limiting movement along these axes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1245676 (1917-11-01), Cadman
patent: 2260995 (1941-10-01), Kruczek
patent: 3547375 (1970-12-01), Mackey
patent: 3815849 (1974-06-01), Meston
patent: 4131256 (1978-12-01), F'Geppert
patent: 4290570 (1981-09-01), Smolik et al.
patent: 4345861 (1982-08-01), Aarseth
Beltran Howard
Beumer Joseph H.
Manning John R.
Reeves Robert B.
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator
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