Patent ID: 8016242

Claim:
A device provided on a space shuttle for docking to satellites, in particular communication or navigation satellites, which device comprises a linkage with a cone at its distal end—relative to the space shuttle—and a spreader mechanism, actuatable from the space shuttle, with spreader elements in the form of lever spreaders having their proximal ends—relative to the space shuttle—provided with inward projections protruding inward towards the linkage, wherein at least two lever spreaders of the device are pivotally arranged at a retaining part concentric to the linkage and the curvature at the distal end of each lever spreader is adapted to the curvature of the nozzle neck of the jet nozzle of a satellite engine, wherein a rotatable sleeve is provided below the retaining part, which sleeve is concentric to the linkage, wherein a distal—relative to the space shuttle—annular portion of the sleeve is formed with respective alternating engaging positions of different heights, and wherein, from the proximal end portion—relative to the space shuttle—of the sleeve, two pins project that are guided by associated obliquely oriented slide faces in a stationary housing, the pins being provided for setting the adjustment travel of the linkage.