Patent ID: 7815149

Claim:
A areospace docking mechanism, comprising: a first component comprising: a first access port having a first perimeter; a first magnet having a second inner and second outer perimeter wherein the first magnet is disposed in close proximal relationship with the first access port's first perimeter; a first plurality of rotational alignment guides having a first outer surface wherein the first plurality of rotational alignment guides is disposed in close proximal relationship with the first magnet's second outer perimeter; an alignment guide disposed in proximal relationship with and continuously around the first plurality of rotational alignment guides; and a plurality of metal balls arranged to mechanically protrude from the first outer surface of the first plurality of rotational alignment guides; and a second component comprising: a second access port having a third perimeter wherein the second access port is arranged to correspond with the first access port in size and shape; a second magnet having a fourth inner and fourth outer perimeter wherein the second magnet is disposed in close proximal relationship with the second access port's third perimeter; and a second plurality of rotational alignment guides disposed in proximal relationship with the second magnet and arranged to correspond with the first plurality of rotational alignment guides in size, shape, number, and pattern.