Abstract: A lock assembly portion may include a housing assembly, first and second latches, at least one latch drive, and at least one actuator. The housing assembly includes a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first latch is associated with the first end portion. The second latch is associated with the second end portion. The at least one actuator interfaces the latch drive to the first and second latches. Operation of the latch drive causes the first and second latches to move relative to one another between respective extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A separable connector assembly includes a connecting member having a threaded end, and a hollow housing having a cylindrical wall that contains a body rotatably mounted therein. This body is threadably engageable with the threaded end of the connecting member. A first mechanism releasably restrains the body from rotating, and a second mechanism is included for winding a spring about the cylindrical wall of the housing. A third mechanism is included for releasing the spring. A fourth mechanism is included for restraining the threaded end from rotating. A fifth mechanism is included for applying a selected tensile load. When the load is applied, a thread geometry of the connecting member causes the load to be resolved as a torque applied to the body sufficient to cause the body to rotate enabling the connecting member to translate out of engagement with the body and subsequently separate from the body.

Abstract: The invention is a separation system for releasably securing first and second structural members together along mating edges thereof. For example, the segments of a launch vehicle faring used to protect the payload until orbit is reached. In detail, the invention includes a plurality of latches with each latch including a male portion mounted in proximity the edge of the first structural member and a female portion mounted on the second structural member in proximity to the edge thereof. A locking device is mounted on the second structural member in proximity to the edge thereof, movable from a locked position securing the male portion to the female portion to a second position unlocking the male portion from the female portion. An actuation device is provided for sequentially moving the locking device of each latch from the first position to the second position, unlocking the male portions from the female portions of the plurality of latches.

Abstract: The invention is a separable connector that includes nut and bolt assemblies for joining two structural elements together. The thread geometry is selected such when the nut and bolt assemblies are threadably joined and a tension load applied therebetween, upon release of nut the tension load is converted into rotational energy causing the nut to rotate at high speed acting as a flywheel causing the nut to spin off of the bolt.

Abstract: In detail, the system includes at least one first pulley mounted on the first structural member and at least one-second pulley mounted on the second structural member. A cable is attached by one end to the first structural member and wound about the first and second pulleys and is attached by its second end to the second structural member. Preferably there are two or more first and second pulleys with the cable alternately wound between said first and second pulleys with one end of cable attached to the first structural member and the opposite end attached to the second structural member. Thus the cable holds the first and second structural members together. A system to sever the cable is included, which upon actuation will sever the cable allowing the two structural members to separate.

Abstract: The invention is a separable connector that includes nut and bolt assemblies for joining two structural elements together. The thread geometry is selected such when the nut and bolt assemblies are threadably joined and a tension load applied therebetween, upon release of nut the tension load is converted into rotational energy causing the nut to rotate at high speed acting as a flywheel causing the nut to spin off of the bolt.

Abstract: An improved truss is disclosed that is deployable from a folded, or stowed position to an extended, or deployed position. The truss design facilitates compact storage and is particularly apt for space craft applications. In one aspect of the invention, a truss assembly is provided that includes at least three interconnected truss member sets, each of the truss member sets including first and second truss members that are pivotably interconnected, wherein the truss member sets combinatively define a polygonal structure in the deployed position. The first and second truss members of at least one of the truss member sets are pivotably interconnected to fold inwardly when in the folded position, and the first and second truss members of a second of the truss member sets are pivotably interconnected to fold outwardly when in the folded position.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly is disclosed that is particularly apt for use with deployable trusses utilized on satellites and other spacecraft. In one arrangement, the inventive hinge assembly comprises a tapered roller bearing assembly having tapered rollers angled towards a hinge axis, and a needle roller thrust bearing assembly positioned radially about at least a portion of the tapered roller bearing assembly to yield a compact and lightweight bearing arrangement, while providing satisfactory radial and axial loading bearing characteristics. An axial preload assembly may also be employed with the roller bearing assemblies in the invention to yield enhanced hinge stiffness and repeatability benefits. Such characteristics are of particular importance with deployable spacecraft truss assemblies for supporting instrumentation during orbit. An additional needle roller bearing assembly may be included at an axially spaced position from the tapered roller bearing assembly to provide overload protection (e.g.