Docking system
US7992824B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/1624
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An end effector operatively coupled to an extendable tensile element extended from a first vehicle engages a primary receptacle of a second vehicle. The first and second vehicles are drawn together by retracting the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle until contact therebetween, after which roll axes of the first and second vehicles become substantially aligned responsive to a further retraction of the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle and a resulting tension in the extendable tensile element. At least one alignment post of at least one of the first and second vehicles engages with at least one surface of at least one corresponding secondary receptacle so as to at least substantially align the first and second vehicles in roll responsive to the tension in the extendable tensile element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.