Abstract: A system and method for reducing vibration of a cantilevered patient support surface are provided herein. A system includes a spring and roller coupled with the spring. The spring creates an upwards spring bias on the patient support surface. The roller is coupled with the spring via a roller lever arm. A frictional resistance at the roller arm and an upward directed spring bias enables the roller to maintain constant contact with the patient support surface.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing vibration of a cantilevered patient support surface are provided herein. A system includes a spring and roller coupled with the spring. The spring creates an upwards spring bias on the patient support surface. The roller is coupled with the spring via a roller lever arm. A frictional resistance at the roller arm and an upward directed spring bias enables the roller to maintain constant contact with the patient support surface.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing vibration of a cantilevered patient support surface are provided herein. A system includes a spring and roller coupled with the spring. The spring creates an upwards spring bias on the patient support surface. The roller is coupled with the spring via a roller lever arm. A frictional resistance at the roller arm and an upward directed spring bias enables the roller to maintain constant contact with the patient support surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which, in some embodiments, an extending column is comprised of a plurality of stacked slides that are mounted to each other through linear bearing assemblies that allow the extending column to telescope inward and outward. Some embodiments of the extending column have a synchronization mechanism between each slide to extend each slide in equal distances relative to each other.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which, in some embodiments, an extending column is comprised of a plurality of stacked slides that are mounted to each other through linear bearing assemblies that allow the extending column to telescope inward and outward. Some embodiments of the extending column have a synchronization mechanism between each slide to extend each slide in equal distances relative to each other.

Abstract: A release device is actuated to release a workpiece by operation of either of two elongated shape memory metal alloy (SMMA) members. Each SMMA member has on one end a feature that engages a fitting on the workpiece, while its other end is mounted to a housing. A heater on each SMMA member raises its temperature to a transition temperature at which it returns to an unstressed (e.g. shorter) length, thereby releasing the workpiece. The two SMMA elements may be disposed in opposite directions from the housing or may be coaxial or offset and disposed in the same direction.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first clevis (30), defining a vee-block support (12) and a first limiter surface (44, 46, 48). A cylindrical hinge shaft is supported by the vee-block (12). A second clevis (140) is affixed to the shaft, whereby the second clevis may rotate in response to torques. The second clevis has a limiter surface (148) which coacts with the first limiter to limit rotation of the shaft and second clevis past the deployed state. The second clevis (140) has a cam follower (158) at a predetermined distance from the axis of rotation (2). A cam (100, 104) affixed to the first clevis (30) rotates about a cam axis (3'). The deployed-state engagement between the cam and the follower snugs one end of the shaft into the vee-block, while the rotation limiters snug the other end. A rotational driver (50, 54, 70, 75, 90, 110) urges the cam (100, 104) to rotate in a direction which tends to move the second clevis (140) from the stowed state toward the deployed state.

Abstract: A deployable crossed log periodic dipole array is made up of a plurality of bays spaced along a feed transmission line arrangement. Each bay includes a support centered on the array axis. Each bay also includes as antenna elements four long, straight, flat or slightly bowed springs or spring-like tape elements, each fastened at one end to a transmission line conductor. A retainer associated with each bay is rotatable about the cylindrical support and engages the spring elements, so that rotation of the retainer winds the spring elements against the spring resistance and stores energy therein. A locking arrangement simultaneously engages or disengages all the retainers. Simultaneous unlocking of the retainers allows the springs of all the bays to rotate the retainers and to unwind. As the springs unwind, they deploy. The transmission line arrangement includes two open two-wire transmission lines on a common axis. To reduce torques during deployment, each bay contrarotates relative to an adjacent bay.

Abstract: A solar panel satellite subsystem includes a first and second set of solar panels and booms joined together end to end in series and to opposite sides of the spacecraft by spring bias hinges. These hinges include viscous fluid dampers. Each damper has its own heater and thermostat coupled thereto to maintain essentially the same damper temperature as the ground test temperature at each hinge and maintain essentially the same desired rate of deployment at each hinge.