Abstract: A system for releasably restraining a first element and a second element is disclosed. The containment system uses a tensioner to urge a clamp into contact with the first element and with the second element, and a release selectively operates the tensioner to remove the clamp from contact with the first and second elements to permit relative movement therebetween. The clamp is particularly useful in maintaining a gap between the first and second elements which permits relative movement between the first and second elements after the clamp is removed.

Abstract: A ring joint for a space vehicle subject to vibration forces during launch having anti-rotation key means to avoid relative angular displacement of parts on each side of the ring joint gap. The ring joint includes top and bottom flanges, each flange having an axial bearing surface and a radially outer tapered surface, and includes a ring having arcuate segments, each segment having a V-shaped groove with radially inner tapered surfaces for closing a gap between the axial bearing surfaces, and includes a radial key in at least one segment disposed in the V-shaped groove thereof, for keying the ring to each flange.