Nose tip locking device. [Patent application]
Nose tip securing devices are described for releasably locking a nose tip onto a space reentry vehicle so that even if the nose tip is radioactive, it may be safely attached and detached from the vehicle. A mechanism is provided for locking and releasing a nose tip to a vehicle comprising a shaft having first and second ends, the first end of the shaft comprising a ratchet and the second end of the shaft comprising a pinion. The ratchet engages a pawl which allows the former's rotation in only one direction unless the pawl and ratchet are separated. A locking device is operably connected to the pinion. One object of the present invention is to improve personnel safety while attaching and detaching radioactive nose tips from vehicles. Another object of the invention is to provide easy interchangeability of nose tips for a vehicle. One advantage of the present invention is that radioactive nose tips can be attached to and detached from vehicles with minimal exposure to personnel. Another advantage of the present invention is that electrical connectors can be blind-mated.
- Assignee:
- Energy Research and Development Administration
- OSTI ID:
- 5304672
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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