Patent ID: 8196870

Claim:
A tool for fuelling an unprepared or partially prepared client satellite which includes a fuel tank, a fuel fill valve and a valve actuation nut on said fuel fill valve used to open and close said fuel fill valve and an access valve cap on said access valve, and optionally includes an oxidizer port on an oxidizer tank having an oxidizer fill valve and a valve actuation nut on said oxidizer fill valve used to open and close said oxidizer fill valve and an access valve cap on said oxidizer fill valve, and wherein said tool comprises; interchangeable socket modules, a first socket module for removing and replacing said access valve cap on said fuel fill valve, a second socket module connected to said fuel fill line for engaging the fuel fill valve for coupling said fuel fill line to said fuel tank, a third socket module for engaging said access valve cap on said oxidizer fill valve on the oxidizer tank, and a fourth socket module for engaging said oxidizer fill valve for coupling said oxidizer fill line to said oxidizer tank, a support frame, socket module holder mechanism mounted on said support frame configured to accept said interchangeable socket modules; a socket drive mechanism mounted on said support frame for actuating said first, second, third and fourth socket modules when seated in said socket module holder mechanism; a clamping mechanism mounted on said support frame to secure a valve tool to a reaction area on the fuel fill valve and oxidizer fill valve, said clamping mechanism being configured to localize torque generated by said valve tool for ensuring that any reaction torques from the socket drive mechanism are reacted locally to prevent damage to the valve; and a valve actuation mechanism mounted on said support frame to engage and actuate said valve actuation nut on the fuel fill valve and oxidizer fill valve.