Patent US2168090A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3583322A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3583322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Locomotion and restraint aid
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
•
Filing: 1968-12-12
•
Granted: 1971-06-08
•
Expires: 1988-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A locomotion and restraint aid for humans operating in conditions of zero gravity, comprising a spring biased tension member secured at one end to the operator and at the other to a trolley which moves along a track secured to a space vehicle. The track and trolley permit a limited range of movement, including walking, and the tension member simulates gravitational pull to provide stabilization during the performance of manual operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Hubert C Vykukal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 07:42
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A device for aiding the performance of manual operations under conditions of reduced gravity comprising: a tension member comprising constant force extension spring means, means for attaching one end of said tension member to an operator, comprising a removable attachment to the operator having a portion depending from the crotch of the operator whereby tension force is exerted substantially through the center of gravity of the operator, connecting means joining the other end of said tension member to a solid body upon which the operator is located, said connecting means comprising a track secured to said solid body, said track having at least one laterally extending restraining rim along the length thereof, a trolley movable along said track, and said tension member being secured to said trolley.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
127 words
A device for aiding the performance of manual operations under conditions of reduced gravity comprising: a tension member comprising constant force extension spring means, means for attaching one end of said tension member to an operator, comprising a removable attachment to the operator having a portion depending from the crotch of the operator whereby tension force is exerted substantially through the center of gravity of the operator, connecting means joining the other end of said tension member to a solid body upon which the operator is located, said connecting means comprising a track secured to said solid body, said track having at least one laterally extending restraining rim along the length thereof, a trolley movable along said track, and said tension member being secured to said trolley.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device defined by claim 1 wherein: said tension member comprises a plurality of constant force extension spring bands mounted in coils on said trolley.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The device defined in claim 1 wherein the connecting means further comprises: at least one arm pivotally connected to said trolley for articulation transversely and normally of said track, said tension member urging said arm toward the track, and the means for attaching one end of the tension member to the operator being connected to the outer end of the arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The device defined in claim 3 further defined by: a pivot mount attached to said trolley for movement about an axis normal to said track, a bracket connected to said pivot mount for movement therewith and joined to said tension member, and said arm pivotally connected to said mount for pivoting about an axis normal to the mount axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
141 words
The device defined in claim 1 further defined by: said tension member comprising a coiled band constant force extension spring, a pivot mount upon said trolley for pivoting about an axis normal to the track and surface of said body carrying said track, the coiled band tension member being mounted on said pivot mount to move therewith, a first arm pivotally connected to said pivot mount for movement about an axis normal to the axis of the mount, a second arm pivotally connected to the outer end of said first arm, and means joining the end of the coil band tension member to the second arm beneath same near the outer end thereof for urging the arm toward the surface of the body mounting said track, said connecting means extending from the outer end of said second arm to the operator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-07 | 1974-12-07 | 1975-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-07 | 1978-12-07 | 1979-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-07 | 1982-12-07 | 1983-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |