Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly includes a first electrical element, a second electrical element, and a lock assembly. The first electrical element and the second electrical element are engageable to provide an electrical connection. The lock assembly is positionable between a locked position in which the nut is fixed against rotation relative to the threaded member, and an unlocked position in which the nut is rotatable relative to the threaded member. The lock assembly includes a tooth that is configured to fix rotation of the nut relative to the threaded member in the locked position and that is displaced in the unlocked position. The first electrical element is engaged with the second electrical element when the lock assembly is in the locked position.

Abstract: A docking system for use with in-space structures includes a first connector attached to a first in-space structure. The first connector includes a first housing defining a central axis and an engagement mechanism positioned within the first housing. The engagement mechanism is movable relative to the first housing. The docking system further includes a second connector attached to a second in-space structure. The second connector includes a second housing including a base and a connection member. The engagement mechanism is operable to engage the connection member. The connection member is fixed in position on the second in-space structure and does not move relative to the second in-space structure when the engagement mechanism engages the connection member.

Abstract: Fastener assemblies and nut plate assemblies for fastener assemblies include a nut defining a bore configured to receive a threaded fastener, and a lock member. The assembly has a locked configuration in which the lock member is configured to fix rotation of the threaded fastener relative to the nut and an unlocked configuration in which the threaded fastener is allowed to rotate relative to the nut. The assembly also includes a magnetic component configured to engage the lock member and switch the assembly between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a plate comprising an aperture defined therethrough, and a shell attached to the plate and extending along a center axis. The shell includes a first end and a second end. The nut plate also includes a nut disposed within the shell. The nut is moveable between a first position proximate the first end of the shell and a second position proximate the second end of the shell. The nut includes a first curved engagement surface and is tiltable relative to the center axis when the nut is retained within the shell.

Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a plate comprising an aperture defined therethrough, and a shell attached to the plate and extending along a center axis. The shell includes a first end and a second end. The nut plate also includes a nut disposed within the shell. The nut is moveable between a first position proximate the first end of the shell and a second position proximate the second end of the shell. The nut includes a first curved engagement surface and is tiltable relative to the center axis when the nut is retained within the shell.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a tube fitting defining a longitudinal axis, a lock assembly releasably coupled to the tube fitting and including teeth, and a conduit nut. The conduit nut defines an inner cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the tube fitting. The conduit nut includes a circumferential wall extending about a periphery of the conduit nut, and notches. The lock assembly is positionable between a locked position in which the teeth are engaged with the notches and an unlocked position in which the teeth are spaced from the notches. The tube fitting is fixed against rotation within the inner cavity when the lock assembly is in the locked position. The tube fitting is rotatable within the inner cavity when the lock assembly is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A docking system for use with in-space structures includes a first connector attached to a first in-space structure and a second connector attached to a second in-space structure. The first connector includes a first housing that defines a recess. The second connector includes a second housing that is received within the recess of the first housing. The docking system also includes an engagement mechanism configured to secure the second housing in the recess.

Abstract: Fastener assemblies and nut plate assemblies for fastener assemblies include a nut defining a bore configured to receive a threaded fastener, and a lock member. The assembly has a locked configuration in which the lock member is configured to fix rotation of the threaded fastener relative to the nut and an unlocked configuration in which the threaded fastener is allowed to rotate relative to the nut. The assembly also includes a magnetic component configured to engage the lock member and switch the assembly between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: Fastener assemblies and nut plate assemblies include a plate member, a shell member and a floating nut disposed within the shell member and defining a bore configured to receive a threaded fastener. The fastener assemblies and nut plate assemblies also include at least one magnetic component disposed within the shell member and configured to switch the nut plate assembly between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a threaded member and a first lock member coupled to the threaded member. The first lock member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth. The fastener assembly further includes a second lock member including at least one lock tooth configured to engage the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first lock member. The fastener assembly has a locked configuration in which the at least one lock tooth engages the plurality of ratchet teeth and an unlocked configuration in which the at least one lock tooth is spaced from the plurality of ratchet teeth. The fastener assembly also includes at least one lock arm coupled to the second lock member. The at least one lock arm extends at least in part radially outward of the second lock member. The at least one lock arm is configured to engage a surface to inhibit rotation of the second lock member.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: A fastener system for use with in-space structures includes a first connector attachable to a first in-space structure, and a second connector attachable to a second in-space structure. The first connector includes a first housing and a first connection member. The second connector includes a second housing and a second connection member. The second housing has an inner surface defining a recess sized to receive the first housing. The inner surface of the second housing is shaped to guide the first housing into position for the at least first connection member to engage the at least one second connection member within the recess. The fastener system also includes an actuator configured to move one of the first connector or the second connector in to position to engage the other of the first connector or the second connector.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a first lock member including a plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth and a second lock member including a base portion and at least one tab extending axially from the base portion. The at least one tab has a proximal end joined to the base portion and a free end opposite the proximal end. The second lock member further includes a plurality of radially extending teeth on an inner side of the free end of the at least one tab. The second lock member is positionable between a locked configuration in which the plurality of radially extending teeth are configured to engage the plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth and an unlocked configuration in which the plurality of radially extending teeth are spaced from the plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth. The base portion and the at least one tab are a single piece.

Abstract: Fastener assemblies and nut plate assemblies include a plate member, a shell member and a floating nut disposed within the shell member and defining a bore configured to receive a threaded fastener.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.