Abstract: To hold a solar panel array of a satellite in a folded position, cable runs from a support on the outside panel through the four corners of the array to a tie down device. Each tie down device has a rotatable shaft with a hook for holding a loop at the end of a cable offset slightly from the center of rotation of the shaft. A lever arm depending from the shaft extends a significant distance from the center of rotation so that the force required to hold the shaft in the tie down position with a cable hooked on the hook is relatively small. Furthermore, because of this relatively small force, the lever arm may be readily released whereupon the small torque applied by the cable to the shaft rotates the shaft thereby releasing the cable. In this way, the satellite solar panel array is released for deployment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pendant control arrangement for overhead electric hoists featuring a helically wound elastically memorized insulative cord enclosing a plurality of electrical conductors for attachments at their opposite ends to terminals in the hoist motor and in the pendant control switches. This coiled cord encloses a straight line strain relief cable or the like which is of a length equal to the anticipated length required to support the pendant switch control panel at proper elevation below the electric hoist, and simply mechanically connects at its opposite ends to said motor and said control panel. Thus, changes in the distance required between the hoist motor and the control panel are more readily accommodated by reason of the mechanical connections of the relief cable, while leaving the electrical connections of the control cord conductors undisturbed.