Patents Examined by Jamie Stehle
  • Patent number: 8016242
    Abstract: A device provided on a space shuttle for docking to satellites, has a linkage with a cone at its distal end and a spreader mechanism, actuatable from the shuttle, with lever spreaders having their proximal ends provided with inward projections towards the linkage. At least two lever spreaders are pivotally arranged at a retaining part concentric to the linkage; the curvature at the distal end of each lever spreader is adapted to the curvature of the nozzle neck of the jet nozzle of a satellite engine. A rotatable sleeve concentric to the linkage is provided below the retaining part. A distal annular portion of the sleeve is formed with respective alternating engaging positions of different heights, and wherein, from the proximal end portion of the sleeve, two pins project that are guided by associated obliquely oriented slide faces in a stationary housing, the pins being provided for setting the adjustment travel of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Andreas Baumann