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:
Sep. 24, 2002
Filed:
May. 10, 2000
Shawn H. Smith, Boulder, CO (US);
Saab Ericsson Space AB, Göteborg, SE;
Abstract
A device for releasably connecting a first part and a second part of a spacecraft. A clamp is operable to releasably connect the first part and the second part of the spacecraft and to store a prestress strain energy releaseable upon separation of the first part and second part of the spacecraft. The clamp includes a first end and a second end. At least one energy storing system is operable to convert at least a portion of the prestress on the clamp to rotational energy upon opening of the clamp and separation of the first part and the second part of the spacecraft. The energy storing system includes a first fitting part that includes a threaded section, a second fitting part that includes a threaded section, and a connecting device that includes a threaded section complementary to and operable to engage the threaded section of the first fitting part and the second fitting part. The connecting device is operable to link the first end and the second end of the clamp. During separation the fitting parts and the connecting device are operable to rotate in relation to one another to release the first fitting part and second fitting part from the connecting device.