Lockheed Martin Corporation

Patrick Champagne

Kenneth Roy Lorell

Jeffrey R Olson

Variations of the devices and methods disclosed herein pertain to an extended travel spiral flexure bearing having spiral arms, each of the spiral arms including an attachment point at the inner end thereof and at the outer end thereof. Variations of the bearing may also include a bearing clamp to be attached to the spiral flexure bearing at the attachment points, the bearing including an outer bearing portion to be disposed on the outer periphery of the flexure bearing and an inner bearing portion to be disposed at the center of the flexure bearing. Variations also pertain to a micro check valve assembly that includes a valve base, a valve cover, and a flexure that are all bonded together. The valve being closed when the valve door rests on the valve seat and open when the valve door is lifted from the valve seat.

Extended travel flexure bearing and micro check valve

A deployment hinge for deploying an appendage, including a movable portion affixed to the appendage, and a stationary portion affixed to a stationary body. In a non-deployed state, the movable portion is mechanically engaged with the stationary portion and a mechanical load is transferred between the stationary portion and the movable portion. In a deployed state, the movable portion is mechanically disengaged from the stationary portion, and a mechanical load is prevented from being transferred to the movable portion from the stationary portion.

Deployment hinge

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a compact and lightweight, automated latching device which includes a passive catch configured to be engaged with a motor-powered latch to form a mechanical connection between two structure in a precise and repeatable manner. An active damping mechanism is used to dissipate any vibrational energy that may be present in the latched structure. The apparatus may be used to precisely orient and attach a deployable element, usually of a space vehicle, to the main body of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a latching apparatus comprises a catch having a catch body and a probe connected to the catch body. A latch has a main housing and a grip mechanism movable relative to the main housing. The grip mechanism is configured to grip the probe and to be actuatable to pull the probe toward the latch. A damping member is coupled with the main housing of the latch, and is movable relative to the main housing of the latch toward the catch. The damping member is actuatable to exert a damping force against the catch body of the catch.

Automated latching device with active damping

A pulse tube cryocooler ( ) is disclosed having a second cryocooler section ( ) with a single pulse tube stage ( ), and having a first cryocooler section ( ) with a pair of pulse tube stages ( ). A first pressure oscillator ( ) is associated with the first cryocooler section ( ), while a second pressure oscillator ( ) is associated with the second cryocooler section ( ). The first cryocooler section ( ) and the second cryocooler section ( ) are fluidly isolated from each other. Therefore, the charge pressure, the pressure amplitude, oscillation frequency, and working gas in each of the first cryocooler section ( ) and the second cryocooler section ( ) may be independently selected/established.

Growing community of inventors

Portola Valley, CA, United States of America

Patrick Champagne