David R Manges

US Patent:

45428581, Sep 24, 1985

Filed:

May 23, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/613140

Inventors:

David R. Manges - Fulton MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

H02G 1100
B65H 7548

US Classification:

242 54R

Abstract:

A cable reel assembly particularly adapted for, but not limited to, a system for providing electrical connection of power and data signals between an orbiter vehicle (12), such as a space shuttle, and a recovered satellite (14) and being comprised of two mutually opposing ring type structures (18, 20) having. +-. 180. degree. relative rotation with one of the structures being held in fixed position while the other structure is rotatable. Motor controlled berthing latches (16. sub. 1, 16. sub. 2, 16. sub. 3) and umbilical cable connectors (17. sub. 1, 17. sub. 2) for the satellite are located on the rim (26) of the rotatable ring structure (18). The electrical cable assembly (56) is fed in two sections (58, 60) from the orbiter vehicle into the outer rim portion (40) of the fixed ring structure (20) where they are directed inwardly and attached to two concentrically coiled metal bands (67, 68) whose respective ends are secured to inner and outer post members of circular sets of guide pins (70, 72) located on opposing circular plate members (28, 42), one rotatable and one fixed, forming part of and located along a central axis (44) of the two structures. The cable sections (58, 60) are fed out as three output cable sections (62, 64, 66) through openings (63,65) in the central portion of the circular plate (28) of the rotatable ring structure (18) where they are directed to the latches (16. sub. 1, 16. sub. 2, 16. sub. 3) and connectors (17. sub. 1, 17. sub.