Abstract: A deployable table stowable in and deployable from a storage compartment based upon a non-self rigidizing 4-hinge arch support structure that collapses or folds upon itself to stow and that expands to deploy. The work surfaces bypass each other above and below each other to allow the deployment mechanism to operate. This assembly includes first and second primary pivot hinges disposed respectively at the opposite ends of the storage compartment, first and second lateral frame members having proximal ends connected respectively to the first and second pivot hinges, a medial frame member offset from and pivotally connected to distal ends of the first and second members through third and fourth medial pivot hinges, left-side, right-side and middle trays connected respectively to the first, second and third frame members and being foldable into and out of the storage compartment by articulation of the first, second, third and fourth joints.

Abstract: In a system (20) for entering and leaving a space station, a bulkhead (30) divides module (22) into an antechamber (32) and an airlock (34). A space suit (36) has a portable life support system (PLSS) interface (38) on its back. The suit is removably attached to bulkhead (30) by the interface (38) at a hatch (40) in the bulkhead (30). A PLSS (42) is detachably mounted in hatch cover (44), which is pivotally mounted at (46) to move away from the hatch (40) to allow an astronaut (48) to enter the suit (36) through the open hatch (40) and the PLSS interface. After entering the suit (36), the astronaut closes the hatch (44) and attaches the PLSS (42) to the suit (36) by operating control (52) to which glove portion (54) of the suit (36) is attached. The astronaut initiates pumpdown of the airlock (34) with the control (52).

Abstract: A table top for use in constricted areas has a plurality of support arms abutting at one end to form a hub. The support arms are arranged in equidistant, spaced-apart relation to each other at the ends distal to the hub. A plurality of work surface leaf sections mounted between the support arms are individually pivotable through 360 degrees about their longitudinal axes. The table top additionally has a plurality of distal leaves, each distal leaf being attached to the distal end of one of the arms. The distal leaves are pivotable between an upright position level with the support arms and a stored position below the support arms.

Abstract: A space station (20) includes a plurality of modules (24) and berthing hubs (22), joined by interconnections (26) which are sideways connectable. The modules (24) and hubs (22) are fastened together in a triangular configuration in three dimensions. The interconnections (26) include a pair of opposed, axially aligned, flanged ports (50) and a clamp latch (52) formed from a plurality of sections (54, 56 and 58) hinged along their length and extending circumferentially around the flanged ports (50). A hermetic seal (63) is formed between the ports (50). A utilities connection channel (68) extends between the ports (50). The channel (68) has a shell (70) with utilities connectors (74) movable between an extended position to mating connectors in the modules (24) and a withdrawn position. Assembly sequence and common module shell structure is detailed.

Abstract: A space station (20) includes a plurality of modules (24) and berthing hubs (22), joined by interconnections (26) which are sideways connectable. The modules (24) and hubs (22) are fastened together in a triangular configuration in three dimensions. The interconnections (26) include a pair of opposed, axially aligned, flanged ports (50) and a clamp latch (52) formed from a plurality of sections (54, 56 and 58) hinged along their length and extending circumferentially around the flanged ports (50). A hermetic seal (63) is formed between the ports (50). A utilities connection channel (68) extends between the ports (50). The channel (68) has a shell (70) with utilities connectors (74) movable between an extended position to mating connectors in the modules (24) and a withdrawn position. Assembly sequence and common module shell structure is detailed.

Abstract: An elevated waterproof access floor system having subfloor channels or compartments for power lines, gas lines or the like is adapted such that it can be opened and subsequently resealed without destroying the waterproofing and without destroying its aesthetic appearance. A multiplicity of tiles are supported on a support grid, and a flooring sheet is supported on the tiles. Attachment means are provided to prevent lateral but non vertical movement of the flooring sheet with respect to the tiles so that the flooring sheet can be lifted off the tiles, but when the flooring sheet is supported on the tiles, no lateral slipping will occur. The flooring sheet is made of a heat resealable material, so that it can be cut away in sections, and the tiles therebelow lifted off, to provide access to subfloor compartments. The heat-resealable flooring sheet can be resealed after penetration, to yield flooring system in which waterproofing and aesthetic appearance are maintained even after penetration.

Abstract: A rack (10) for laboratory bottles and jars for chemicals and medicines has been designed to provide the maximum strength and security to the glassware in the event of a significant earthquake. The rack (10) preferably is rectangular and may be made of a variety of chemically resistant materials including polypropylene, polycarbonate, and stainless steel. It comprises a first plurality of parallel vertical walls (14, 32, 33, 16, etc.), and a second plurality of parallel vertical walls (18, 30, 31, 20, etc.) perpendicular to the first plurality of walls. These intersecting vertical walls comprise a self-supporting structure without a bottom which sits on four legs. The top surface of the rack is formed by the top edges of all the vertical walls, which are not parallel but are skewed in three dimensions. These top edges form a grid matrix having a number of intersections (22, 24, etc.) of the vertical walls which define a number of rectangular compartments having varying widths and lengths and varying heights.