Claims
- 1. A system for docking a chase space vehicle to a target space vehicle having a receptacle, comprising:
a control member extending from the chase vehicle; and a device coupled to the end of the control member, the device facilitating:
a) a deployed state wherein the device is coupled to the receptacle, and b) a disengaged state achieved by a pull on the control cable, causing the device to be released from the receptacle.
- 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control member is a flexible cable.
- 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control member is a rigid or semi-rigid post.
- 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the control member is a jointed post.
- 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is a harpoon mechanism.
- 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is a magnet or electromagnet.
- 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a metallic on non-metallic cone constructed of fabric, plastic, or other flexible material.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/416,138, filed Oct. 4, 2002; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/286,192, filed Nov. 1, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/335,563, filed Nov. 1, 2001. The entire content of each application being incorporated herein by reference.
Provisional Applications (2)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
|
60335563 |
Nov 2001 |
US |
|
60416138 |
Oct 2002 |
US |
Continuation in Parts (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
10286192 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Child |
10421492 |
Apr 2003 |
US |