Patent ID: 7207525
Filing Date: 2007-04-24
Classification: B25J,B64G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for grasping a target object in space, comprising: an orbital platform; at least one free-flying grasper unit including a grasper unit body, a propulsion system with at least one propulsion nozzle mounted on said grasper unit body, and a grasper-arm mechanism arranged on said grasper unit body, wherein said grasper-arm mechanism is adapted to controlledly grasp the target object; and a respective cable that respectively connects said free-flying grasper unit to said orbital platform; wherein said cable includes a mechanical tension-transmitting cable element that extends between said orbital platform and said grasper unit, and insulated electrical conductor lines that extend between said orbital platform and said grasper unit and that are adapted to transmit electrical power and communication signals between said orbital platform and said grasper unit.