Patent ID: 6299107
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A system for capturing and docking an active craft to a passive craft comprising:a first docking assembly arranged at an exposed portion of the active craft having a first contact member, and a spike member fixed in a central position with a capture end projecting outwardly from said first contact member;a second docking assembly arranged at an exposed portion of the passive craft having a second contact member for mating with said first contact member of the active craft, a flexible net having an open-mesh capture area deployed over a target area of said second contact member, and a motorized net drive for reeling in the capture area of said net into a recessed portion of the passive craft's docking assembly, said spike member having means on its capture end for engaging said flexible net; andmeans for actuating said motorized net drive when said spike member has become engaged with said flexible net so as to reel in said spike member and guide said first contact member of the active craft into mating contact with said second contact member of the passive craft.