Capturing device and spacecraft
US12269616B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2021 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/648
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A driving mechanism controller included in a capturing device causes one or more driving mechanisms to spread a tethering member having an elongated shape to the outside of a housing by a target spread length. The driving mechanism controller, when an artificial space object is located in the area surrounded by the tethering member, causes the one or more driving mechanisms to retract the tethering member to the inside of the housing until at least a part of the tethering member comes into contact with the artificial space object. The tethering member is stable in a first shape having a curved section orthogonal to a linear extending direction of the tethering member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.