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:
Jan. 04, 2011
Filed:
May. 26, 2009
Walter Holemans, Silver Springs, MD (US);
Walter Holemans, Silver Springs, MD (US);
Planetary Systems Corporation, Silver Spring, MD (US);
Abstract
Latching elements on a first structure are configured to securely engage corresponding bearings on a second structure, via a lateral member that drives all of the latching elements simultaneously. When engaged, or when disengaged, the system is in a stable state, requiring no active force by the controlling system to maintain the system in each state. Preferably, each latching element is coupled to the lateral member via a pinion that provides a mechanical advantage that substantially reduces the force required on the lateral member to effect the coupling or decoupling. Also preferably, the elements are formed from extruded aluminum forms, thereby providing for a relatively inexpensive and lightweight configuration that is particularly well suited for spacecraft applications.