The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 01, 1980
Filed:
Mar. 30, 1978
Applicant:
Inventors:
Edward J Hujsak, La Jolla, CA (US);
LeRoy E Siden, San Diego, CA (US);
Assignee:
General Dynamics Corporation, San Diego, CA (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B64G / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
244161 ;
Abstract
A device for docking or joining large structures or vehicles in earth orbit under automatic and remote sensing and control. A thin flexible boom extending from one vehicle contacts the inner surface of a large open cone on the other as the two vehicles approach each other. The conical surface guides the boom end towards the apex where a reel for drawing in the boom engages the boom. As the boom is drawn in, and the vehicles come into close proximity, a mechanical latch is engaged for final rigidizing and securing.