Abstract: A multi-axis spring damping element includes two spring damping cushion members received between caps on a bolt shaft, and an axial adjustment mechanism at a free end of the bolt shaft. The other end of the bolt shaft is connected to a support structure, and a load to be supported in a vibration-damped manner is carried by intermediate caps between the two spring damping cushion members. A plurality of such spring damping elements forms a spring damping system, for example for supporting a payload-carrying pallet on a load platform of a spacecraft.

Abstract: A multi-axis spring damping element includes two spring damping cushion members received between caps on a bolt shaft, and an axial adjustment mechanism at a free end of the bolt shaft. The other end of the bolt shaft is connected to a support structure, and a load to be supported in a vibration-damped manner is carried by intermediate caps between the two spring damping cushion members. A plurality of such spring damping elements forms a spring damping system, for example for supporting a payload-carrying pallet on a load platform of a spacecraft.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably securing or connecting together at least two components includes a securing element that interconnects the components and that can be melted, thermally decomposed or otherwise separated by applying heat thereto. The securing element is preferably a monofilament or multifilament thread of natural or synthetic material, such as high strength polymer material. The arrangement further preferably includes a compression bracing structure such as a housing that bears compression forces between the components, while the securing element bears tension forces. The arrangement further preferably includes an electric resistance heating element that can be electrically energized and is arranged to apply heat to the thread, so as to melt or decompose and separate the thread and thereby release and separate the two interconnected components.

Abstract: A load, such as a pallet, is releasably secured to a fixed structure, e.g. a cargo bay of a space shuttle. The pallet (5) is secured to a support (2), which holds the pallet and is secured in the cargo bay. A first interlocking device (ID1) is provided at each end of the support. A second interlocking device (ID2) is provided at each end of the pallet. The first interlocking device (ID1) includes a shaft (1) rotatably held in a shaft mounting bracket (3A) secured to a respective support end (3). The second interlocking device (ID2) includes a bracket (4) secured to an end of the pallet (5), a claw (4A) secured to the bracket, a groove in the claw (4A) and a fork (6) in the groove of the claw (4A). A central shaft section (1A) is received in the fork (6) for the interlocking. The shaft (1) is movable in the fork (6) in the direction of the x-axis and of the z-axis. The shaft is also rotatable about the x-axis and tiltable relative to the y-axis. The fork is turnable about the z-axis.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably securing or connecting together at least two components includes a securing element that interconnects the components and that can be melted, thermally decomposed or otherwise separated by applying heat thereto. The securing element is preferably a monofilament or multifilament thread of natural or synthetic material, such as high strength polymer material. The arrangement further preferably includes a compression bracing structure such as a housing that bears compression forces between the components, while the securing element bears tension forces. The arrangement further preferably includes an electric resistance heating element that can be electrically energized and is arranged to apply heat to the thread, so as to melt or decompose and separate the thread and thereby release and separate the two interconnected components.

Abstract: A load, such as a pallet, is releasably secured to a fixed structure, e.g. a cargo bay of a space shuttle. The pallet (5) is secured to a support (2), which holds the pallet and is secured in the cargo bay. A first interlocking device (ID1) is provided at each end of the support. A second interlocking device (ID2) is provided at each end of the pallet. The first interlocking device (ID1) includes a shaft (1) rotatably held in a shaft mounting bracket (3A) secured to a respective support end (3). The second interlocking device (ID2) includes a bracket (4) secured to an end of the pallet (5), a claw (4A) secured to the bracket, a groove in the claw (4A) and a fork (6) in the groove of the claw (4A). A central shaft section (1A) is received in the fork (6) for the interlocking. The shaft (1) is movable in the fork (6) in the direction of the x-axis and of the z-axis. The shaft is also rotatable about the x-axis and tiltable relative to the y-axis. The fork is turnable about the z-axis.

Abstract: In a device for the support of a vibration exciting apparatus in a spacecraft subjected to gas pressure under weightlessness or microgravitational conditions, especially an apparatus for physical training of a astronaut, a platform for the fastening of the apparatus is provided. For elimination of possible effects upon micro-g sensitive experiments, the platform's position or attitude in the spacecraft can be positioned so that the spacecraft is decoupled from disturbances. For the attitude control, either an aerodynamic stabilization or an actively regulatable linear structural connection with spring and damper effects is provided wherein the energy for the attitude control is produced from the conversion of mechanical energy of the vibration generating apparatus or the training activity of the astronaut.