Pad apparatus for supporting a payload in a cradle apparatus of

Details Pad apparatus for supporting a payload in a cradle apparatus of Pad apparatus for supporting a payload in a cradle apparatus of

1985-10-10

1988-12-06

Peters, Jr., Joseph F.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path

410 49, B64G 122

Patent

active

047891181

ABSTRACT:
A novel apparatus for supporting a payload in the cargo bay of a reusable space vehicle, like the orbiter of the NASA Space Transportation System (STS). In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of pad assemblies which are attached to a cradle located in the cargo bay of the orbiter. The pad assemblies are mounted at intervals along the inside surface of the cradle and can be adjusted in the radial direction by means of a screw adjustment. Each pad assembly comprises a pad covering, a rocker pad, and an alignment and adjustment apparatus. The pad covering is bonded to the rocker pad and makes a bearing connection with the payload. The pad covering comprises a plurality of elastomeric pads interleaved with metal sheets. The outer surface of the pad covering is shaped to accommodate a cylindrical payload. The rocker pad is attached to the cradle by means of the alignment and adjustment apparatus. That apparatus comprises a socket connector, threaded adjusting bar, lower key structure, a keeper and a cradle attachment bracket and bolts. The apparatus permits the pad assembly to be adjusted radially and longitudinally in order to properly position the pad assembly with respect to the payload.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3071269 (1963-01-01), Moulds, Jr.
patent: 3306562 (1967-02-01), Bellefleur
patent: 4046345 (1977-09-01), Boyd, Sr.
patent: 4082240 (1978-04-01), Heathman et al.

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