Abstract: To control a relative rotation between two elements (10, 12), such as flaps of a deployable mechanical structure, on a space vehicle, a torsion bar (16) is used made of a bistable shape memory alloy, heated over its whole length by heaters stuck on the bar and retained by hooping rings. A stop (22) restricts pivoting to the pre-set pivoting angle to be controlled. Excess pivoting of the torsion bar (16) is applied to a mechanical fuse (18), interposed between the bar and one (12) of the elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the suspension and translational guidance of an item of apparatus (1) intended to be displaced, parallel to its longitudinal axis (X--X) with respect to a stationary support (2), having one pair of suspension elements (4A, 4B) spaced along said longitudinal axis (X--X) while being flexible parallel to said axis, and controllable actuating means (10) intended to exert a force parallel to said axis (X--X) on said suspension elements.According to the invention, each of said suspension elements (4A, 4B) consists of at least one pair of blades (5A, 5B, 6A, 6B), one end of one of said blades being secured to said support (2) and one end of the other of said blades being secured to said item of apparatus (1), the other ends of said blades being secured to each other.

Abstract: Two members, such as a spacecraft and an object to be ejected from said spacecraft, are normally maintained in contact by an unlockable connecting device. In order to bring about an optimum control of the attitude of the object during its ejection, the two members contact each other by at least two pairs of complementary cylindrical surfaces having generatrixes parallel to the ejection force and which simultaneously lost contact. The cylindrical surfaces can be formed on a mast connected to the spacecraft and in a bore connected to the object.

Abstract: A device for the unlockable connection between two objects such as a satellite and a spacecraft incorporating a rotary key connection. The unlocking connection is made by the rotation of a ring carrying the key. This rotation is induced by the axial displacement of a rod carrying the ring and controlled by a spring. This spring is released by an initiating system, such as a pyrotechnic or similar system.

Abstract: An unlockable connecting device between two objects is provided. The device includes a connecting member for connecting the objects when the device is in a connected state, and an elastic system for applying to the connecting member a tensile stress for breaking the connecting member when the device is in a separation state. The tensile stress is caused by expansion of the elastic system as a result of elastic resiliency of the elastic system.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device having two flanges with normally coincident axes and centers on the axes, a constant length flexible wire joining the centers, a spring compressed between the flanges and coaxial with the wire and a bellows that is rigid in torsion fixed to the flanges.

Abstract: A locking system is disclosed comprising two elements connected mechanically together so as not to be able to move apart, as well as a cam mounted for rotation on the first of said elements and having a contact surface pressing against a bearing face carried by the second of said elements.According to the invention, said contact surface of said cam has at least approximately a profile in the form of a logarithmic spiral, whereas said bearing face is flat and said cam may rotate about a hub on the axis of which is located the origin of said logarithmic spiral, said hub being mounted for rotation on said first element about an off-centered axis of rotation opposite said contact surface of said cam. Resilient means are provided for rotating said cam in a first direction such that said contact surface moves towards said bearing face.

Abstract: So as to dampen the shock occuring at the end of deploying a deployable lengthening piece of a space instrument, such as a solar generator, without resorting to using a complex speed regulation or synchronization mechanism for deployment, the present invention offers a torque limiter device (28a) to be placed between each joint (12) and at least one of the adjacent elements (10a) of the lengthening piece. This device includes an elastic system, such as a stack of Belleville washers (48a) which presses the plate (24a) of the joint against the edge of the element (10a) with a predetermined and preferably adjustable force. At the end of deployment, this elastic system absorbs the energy of the shock by deforming, then it brings the two pieces (24a, 10a) back into contact with each other thus giving the lengthening piece with the desired rigidity. An accurate relative positioning is then ensured by a flexible plate (34a) whose lateral edges are secured to each of the pieces.

Abstract: A device for guiding and controlling displacement of a mobile member relative to a fixed member parallel to a translation axis comprises at least one pair of parallel flexible flat plates. These plates are transverse to and spaced along the axis, one end of each plate being rigidly attached to the mobile member and the other end of each plate being rigidly attached to the fixed member. The rigidly attached parts of each plate are at the same distance from the axis. A transverse extension on the mobile member extends approximately parallel to the plates towards the fixed member, over at least half the transverse distance between the respective parts of the plates rigidly fixed to the mobile member and the fixed member. An actuator applies a force to this extension parallel to the axis at a point substantially equidistant transversely from the respective parts of the plates rigidly fixed to the mobile member and the fixed member.

Abstract: So as to temporarily connect two elements, such as an artificial satellite lengthening piece and the body of this satellite, a device is used including a holding mechanism (22) of any structure and a freeing member (20) made of a form memory material. The holding mechanism (22) normally applies a holding mechanical tension between the elements. When it is desired to free these elements, the freeing member (20) is heated by, for example, a heating resistor (28) or by using solar energy, until it reaches the transformation temperature of the form memory material. The disposition of the freeing member (20) is such that its change of form suppresses the mechanical holding tension and creates a positive allowance between the elements.

Abstract: A displayable appendix linked to the structure of a space vehicle movable about an articulation axis from a stored position along the structure of the space vehicle to a display position by a control mechanism with abutments on the appendix and on the structure of the space vehicle so distributed and located as to prevent warping or distortion of the articulation axis and the control mechanism by exerting upon the appendix bending prestresses which are reduced near the articulation axis to a pure prestress torque tending to cause the appendix to move to the display position and temporary forces obtained from use of the abutments to hold the displayable appendix in the stored position during launch of the space vehicle.

Abstract: A locking device for clamping or sheaving appendices aboard a satellite during the launching phase provides for temporary locking thereof which both limits the required holding forces and authorizes multiplication of the clamping or sheaving points for each appendix while being insensitive to temperature variations. It comprises a stop catch jointed to a foot rigidly secured to the satellite structure, to ensure immobilization of the element to be temporarily locked thereby, an elbow lever hinged to the stop catch and connected to a sheaving cable, and an elastic link exerting upon the lever a force to balance the holding force exerted by the sheaving cable. The locking device remains in the locked position as long as the shearing device for cutting off the cable has not been operated.

Abstract: A holding and releasing system provides temporary connection between a movable and a stationary part which are to be separated during the specific use thereof. It comprises a supporting foot connected to the fixed part, a rocker link hinged to said foot, a movable support hinged to said link, a sheaving bracket hinged to another end of said link; said link occupying two positions, i.e. a locking one in which the movable support bears on one face of the movable part, while the free end of the sheaving bracket bears on the other face of said movable part, to block the latter in a precise position, and a release position in which the movable support and said bracket are in a retracted position thereby releasing the movable part. The system is used especially in the space vehicle domain.