Satellite retrieval apparatus
US4750692A · kind A · utility
61Cited by
12References
2Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/6462
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for capturing and retrieving objects from space. A tethered grappling unit having deployable arms with catching ropes and Velcro hook strips at the ends thereof is spun and propelled towards the target. On impact, the catching ropes envelop the target and each other. The grappling unit is then reeled in and engages a catching collar containing braking plates to despin the target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.