Patent ID: 7922125

Claim:
In a launcher and satellite connection-separation apparatus for launching satellite vehicles, the launcher and satellite connection-separation apparatus comprising a band-clamp assembly having a band ( 11 ) with an inner channel in which a plurality of clamps ( 13 ) are located in a sliding manner for application to rings ( 15 , 17 ) interfacing between the vehicles, and a union-separation device ( 41 , 61 , 71 ) on ends ( 7 , 9 ) of the band including a locking element ( 47 ) and means ( 48 ) for unlocking the locking element, the improvements comprising: a) means ( 19 ) for radially tightening the band; and b) a mechanism in the union-separation device ( 41 , 61 , 71 ) for a controlled opening of the band ( 11 ) in first and second phases, the ends ( 7 , 9 ) of the band ( 11 ) shifting contact with the rings ( 15 , 17 ) in the first of the phases for dissipating by friction elastic energy corresponding to the tightening of the band ( 11 ) and, in the second of the phases, the band ( 11 ) separating from the rings ( 15 , 17 ) until reaching a parking position, wherein the union-separation device ( 41 ) also comprises a support ( 43 ) of mass M and two connecting rods ( 45 ) respectively connecting the mass to the ends ( 7 , 8 ) of the band ( 11 ) in an articulating manner such that, once the locking element ( 47 ) is unlocked, the ends ( 7 , 8 ) of the band ( 11 ) shift in the first of the phases tangentially to the rings ( 15 , 17 ) for the dissipating of the elastic energy corresponding to the tightening of the band ( 11 ), the support ( 43 ) moving substantially radially away from the band ( 11 ) in the first phase, and, in the second of the phases, shift in a radial direction to the rings ( 15 , 17 ) until reaching the parking position.