Orbiter escape pole

US4887780A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Winston D. Goodrich · Houston, US
• Clarence J. Wesselski · Alvin, US
• Timothy E. Pelischek · League City, US
• Bruce H. Becker · League City, US
• Jon B. Kahn · Spring, US
• Margaret E. Grimaldi · West St. Paul, US
• John P. McManamen · Houston, US
• Edgar O. Castro · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 30, 1988
• Grant date: Dec 19, 1989
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/14
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A Shuttle type of aircraft (10) with an escape hatch (12) has an arcuately shaped pole housing (16) attachable to an interior wall and ceiling with its open end adjacent to the escape hatch. The pole housing 16 contains a telescopically arranged and arcuately shaped primary pole member (22) and extension pole member (23) which are guided by roller assemblies (30,35). The extension pole member (23) is slidable and extendable relative to the primary pole member (22). For actuation, a spring actuated system includes a spring (52) in the pole housing. A locking member (90) engages both pole members (22,23) through notch portions (85,86) in the pole members. The locking member selectively releases the extension pole member (23) and the primary pole member (22). An internal one-way clutch or anti-return mechanism prevents retraction of the extension pole member from an extended position. Shock absorbers (54)(150,152) are for absoring the energy of the springs. A manual backup deployment system is provided which includes a canted ring (104) biased by a spring member (108). A lever member (100) with a slot and pin connection (102) permits the mechanical manipulation of the canted ring to m…