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. 07, 2009
Filed:
Oct. 17, 2003
Xavier Reutenauer, Mandelieu-la-Napoule, FR;
Philippe Samson, Nice, FR;
Xavier Reutenauer, Mandelieu-la-Napoule, FR;
Philippe Samson, Nice, FR;
Thales, Neuilly sur Seine, FR;
Abstract
The invention relates to an articulated assembly () comprising at least two panels (-) which are positioned close to a solar generator. The aforementioned panels are articulated in pairs such they can pivot between a stacked configuration, in which the panels are stacked on top of one another, and an unstacked or deployed position, in which the panels are disposed essentially in one plane, said panels being interconnected by means of a hinge. According to the invention, the hinge element is formed by at least one Carpentier coupling () which performs the following two functions: (i) in the stacked configuration and during deployment, the coupling generates a permanent driving torque which moves the panels into the unstacked configuration; and (ii), in the unstacked configuration, the coupling provides a mechanical restraint for the panels.