US3981467A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Launch lock device
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1975-10-17
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Granted: 1976-09-21
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Expires: 1995-10-17
Abstract
Abstract A structural lock for locking in each of three axes, during the launch phase, the rotatable structural portion of a spacecraft and a despun structural shelf commonly used in dual spin spacecraft. A single sliding pin which connects the two sections, is withdrawn by a pyrotechnic device prior to achieving orbit. The pin engages an adjustable spring biased, two piece member which includes serrated mating surfaces for providing a positive shear path in the Z direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth G. Ludlow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:51
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/64; B64G1/645; B64G1/6455; F; F16; F16B; F16B2200/00; F16B2200/69; F16B2200/71; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S411/00; Y10S411/924; Y10S411/945; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/08; Y10T292/0801; Y10T292/0834; Y10T292/0836
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A launch lock device for locking the rotatable structure and the despun structural platform of a dual spin spacecraft in each of three axes during the launch phase, said device comprising a slidable pin disposed for lateral movement into and out of said despun structural platform, a tubular channel element having aligned openings in the sidewall thereof attached to said rotatable structure, said pin being positioned to pass through the aligned openings in said channel element, a two-piece upright member positioned within said channel element and passing through the upper and lower walls thereof, said upright member having an opening therethrough in alignment with the openings in the sidewall of said channel element, said pin passing through the opening in said upright member, means for preventing lateral movement of said rotatable structure relative to said despun structural platform during the launch phase of said spacecraft, and means for releasing said rotatable structure from said despun platform after a predetermined flight distance prior to orbit of said spacecraft thereby allowing free rotation of said rotatable structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A launch lock device for locking the rotatable structure and the despun structural platform of a dual spin spacecraft in each of three axes during the launch phase, said device comprising a slidable pin disposed for lateral movement into and out of said despun structural platform, a tubular channel element having aligned openings in the sidewall thereof attached to said rotatable structure, said pin being positioned to pass through the aligned openings in said channel element, a two-piece upright member positioned within said channel element and passing through the upper and lower walls thereof, said upright member having an opening therethrough in alignment with the openings in the sidewall of said channel element, said pin passing through the opening in said upright member, means for preventing lateral movement of said rotatable structure relative to said despun structural platform during the launch phase of said spacecraft, and means for releasing said rotatable structure from said despun platform after a predetermined flight distance prior to orbit of said spacecraft thereby allowing free rotation of said rotatable structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The launch lock device defined in claim 1 wherein the means for preventing lateral movement of said rotatable structure relative to said despun structural platform includes serrated mating surfaces on the face of each piece of the two-piece upright member, said mating surfaces being in face-to-face contact with each other during the locked launch phase.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
The launch lock device defined in claim 2 wherein the means for releasing said rotatable structure from said despun platform includes a pyrotechnically activated pin puller operatively connected to said pin for withdrawing said pin out of the aligned openings in the sidewalls of said channel element and in said upright member, said upright member having a head which extends below channel element and a biasing spring positioned between the lower wall of said channel element and the head of said upright member urging said upright member downward thereby separating said upright member at the serrated mating surfaces to allow free rotation of said rotatable structure.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-09-21 | 1980-03-22 | 1980-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-09-21 | 1984-03-22 | 1984-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-09-21 | 1988-03-22 | 1988-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |