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:
May. 08, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 06, 1999
Walter Holemans, Washington, DC (US);
Planetary Systems Corporation, Silver Springs, MD (US);
Abstract
An easy to use, and reuse, separation connector is disclosed that comprises a first component having a plurality of leaf elements with protrusions, and a second component having a recess for receiving the leaf element protrusions. The protrusions of the leaf elements are secured within the recess by a tensioned band; the protrusions and recess are formed so as to provide an efficient and effective load and torque bearing surface that requires minimal tension on the tensioned band. In a preferred embodiment, the tensioned band is detensioned by a thermal device that melts the band. When the band is melted, springs or other devices urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items.