Abstract: A flexible fluid conduit joint includes two or more flexible sections that preferentially bend about respective preferential bend axes of the sections. The sections each include a flexible bellows coupled at longitudinal ends to a pair of annular collars, and a pair of blade flexures or plates that are also attached to the annular collars. The blade flexures or plates prevent longitudinal expansion of the bellows, and inhibit bending of the flexible sections about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane or planes that the flexures define. Flexing of each section is thus preferentially channeled into a preferentially bending axis within or parallel to the plane or planes defined by the flexures. The sections have different orientations for their blade flexures or plates, allowing the flexible joint to act as a two-axis pivot that does not expand under fluid pressure.

Abstract: A thermal switch selectively couples a heat source to a pair of heat sinks. The thermal switch includes a shunt that is thermally coupled to the heat source. The shunt has a pair of posts. End portions of the posts are at least partially radially surrounded by respective cups. The cups in turn are thermally coupled to respective of the heat sinks. The cups are made of a material with a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of the posts. Activation of one of the heat sinks causes the cup corresponding to that heat sink to contract, bringing it into contact with the corresponding post of the shunt. This opens a heat path through the switch from the heat source to the activated heat sink. Thermal isolation of the second cup is facilitated by an axial isolator of high thermal impedance, facilitating isolation of the inactive heat sink.