Abstract: Apparatus for adapting a general purpose end effector device (10) to a special purpose end effector (A) is disclosed which includes an adapter bracket assembly (B) which provides a mechanical and electrical interface between the end effector devices. The adapter bracket assembly (B) includes an adapter connector post (46) which interlocks with a diamond-shaped gripping channel (28) formed in closed jaws (18) and (20) of the general purpose end effector (10). The angularly intersecting surfaces of the connector post and gripping channel prevent any relative movement therebetween. Containment webs (42, 44) constrain the outer finger plates (22a, 22b) of the general purpose jaws (18, 20) to prevent pitch motion. Electrical interface is provided by conical, self-aligning electrical connector components (60, 62) carried by respective ones of said end effectors (A, 10).

Abstract: A payload retention system for securing and retaining a payload in a fixed docked position on a platform in a cargo bay of a space vehicle is disclosed which includes a plurality of latching assemblies 16 carried by platform 10 each of which includes a latching member A having a contoured spherical latch element 24. A plurality of payload latching elements B are carried by the payload having a complementary contoured spherical latch element 18. The latching elements 18 are carried in interlatching alignment with the latching members 24 of the latching assemblies 16 defining latch couplings C. Spherical latch element 18 has a convex latching surface 19 and spherical element 24 has a concave latching surface 25 which mate and couple with one another when interlatched. The spherical latch elements 18, 24 having their axes aligned with one another when interlatched whereby the payload is retained in a fixed docked position.

Abstract: A clamp-mount device is disclosed for mounting equipment B to an associated I-beam 50 and the like structural member of the type having oppositely extending flanges 52, 54 wherein the device comprises a base 10 and a pair of oppositely facing clamping members 12, 14 carried diagonally on the base clamping flanges therebetween and having flange receiving openings facing one another. Lock means 20, 22 are carried diagonally by the base opposite the clamping members locking the flanges in the clamping members. A resilient hub 30 is carried centrally of the base engaging and biasing a back side of the flanges maintaining same tightly clamped and facilitating use on vertical as well as horizontal members. The base turns about the hub to receive the flanges within the clamping members. Equipment B may be secured to said base 10 by any suitable means such as bolts in openings 10b. Slidable gate latches 24, 26 secure the hinged locks 20, 22 in an upright locking position.

Abstract: A self-aligning electrical connector device is disclosed as including a receptacle component (A) having a conically contoured interior and a plug component (B) having a correspondingly contoured conical body receivable in the receptacle component. The plug component B includes a plurality of spaced conductive ring elements 22 having a mating face (22a) and the receptacle component includes a plurality of corresponding spaced conductive ring elements (14) providing mating interface with the mating face of the ring elements of the plug component when connected therewith. Each ring element of the receptacle component includes a plurality of segmented portions, (16a), which defect downwardly when the plug component is inserted therein to assert a biasing force against the face of the ring elements of the plug component providing positive electrical contact and connection between the ring elements of the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end effector device for a robot or teleoperated type space vehicle which includes an inflatable balloon member carried on the end of a tubular member which has a hollow center or conduit through which a suitable pressurized fluid is supplied. The device may be inserted into a variety of shaped openings or truss-type structures for handling in space.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a structure in outer space from rolls of prepunched ribbon or sheet material that are transported from the earth to the apparatus located in outer space. The apparatus spins the space structure similar to a spider spinning a web utilizing the prepunched ribbon material. The prepunched ribbon material is fed through the apparatus and is shaped into a predetermined channel-shaped configuration. Trusses are punched out of the ribbon and are bent downwardly and attached to a track which normally is a previously laid sheet of material. The size of the overall space structure may be increased by merely attaching an additional roll of sheet material to the apparatus.