Patent ID: 6547476
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: B64G,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in selectively connecting one or more deployable payloads and a dispenser, each said deployable payload including a payload surface and said dispenser including a dispenser surface wherein, prior to deployment of said payload, said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed in opposing relationship, said payload being deployable from an undeployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed proximate to one another and a deployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are separated, said apparatus comprising:a plurality of node assemblies for cooperatively connecting a single, first payload to said dispenser and for cooperatively allowing deployment of said single, first payload from said dispenser, wherein each node assembly further comprises: a first section, for interconnection to said dispenser, including a first contact surface; and a second section for interconnection to said payload, including a second contact surface; and said first and second contact surfaces of each said node assembly being disposed in an abutting relationship when said payload is in said undeployed state so as to define an abutting interface and an associated separation plane; said separation plane being separated from at least one of said payload and dispenser surfaces relative to a transverse axis extending between said payload and dispenser surfaces, wherein said plurality of node assemblies provides a multiple node assembly interface structure between said single, first payload and said dispenser.