# US 9,434,486 B1 · System and apparatus for deploying a satellite > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,434,486 B1 - Document ID: US9434486B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 13/781,121 - Filed: 2013-02-28 - Granted: 2016-09-06 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-04 - Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Applicants: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Inventors: Luis H. Santos; John D. Hudeck - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9434486B1 ## CPC - B64G 1/64: Systems for coupling or separating cosmonautic vehicles or parts thereof, e.g. docking arrangements - B64G 1/2228: {characterised by the hold-down or release mechanisms} - B64G 1/642: {Clamps, e.g. Marman clamps} - B64G: COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR ## Abstract A frictionless satellite constraint system is provided. The constraint system includes at least one clamp bar configured to restrain a satellite within the constraint system in an axial direction. The constraint system also includes a plurality of pins configured to restrain the satellite within the constraint system in a lateral direction. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for use with a satellite to be deployed in space, the apparatus comprising: a satellite to be deployed in space; at least one clamp bar configured to restrain the satellite to be deployed in space within the apparatus in an axial direction; and a plurality of pins configured to restrain the satellite within the apparatus in a lateral direction, wherein the plurality of pins comprises a set of upper satellite pins configured to protrude through a shear plate, the shear plate being connected to a door of the apparatus, the shear plate configured to connect the satellite to the apparatus, and a set of lower satellite pins configured to protrude through a lower plate of the apparatus to connect the apparatus with the satellite. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one clamp bar is further configured to compress the satellite against a lower plate of the apparatus when a door of the apparatus is closed. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pins comprises a set of door pins configured to connect a door of the apparatus with a compartment of the apparatus. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a set of guide rails configured to guide the satellite in and out of the apparatus. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a first set of torsion springs configured to open a door of the apparatus to a predefined degree; and a second set of torsion springs configured to slow down the door after the door reaches the predefined degree. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5, the apparatus further comprising: a ratchet fitting configured to lock after every predefined number of degrees to prevent the door from contacting the satellite during deployment. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5, the apparatus further comprising: a satellite lock configured to rotate from a lock state to an unlock state, and release the satellite from the apparatus when the door of the apparatus opens to the predefined degree. ### Claim 8 An apparatus for use with a satellite to be deployed in space, the apparatus comprising: a satellite to be deployed in space; a plurality of clamp bars with a preload configured to constrain the satellite to be deployed in space within the apparatus in an axial direction; a plurality of upper and lower pins with a preload configured to constrain the satellite within the apparatus in a lateral direction; and a ratchet fitting configured to restrict a door from bouncing back as the door opens every predefined number of degrees. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of upper pins comprises a set of apparatus pins and a set of satellite pins. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, when a door of the apparatus is closed, the plurality of clamp bars are configured to compress the satellite against a lower plate of the apparatus, restricting movement in the axial direction. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, the apparatus further comprising: a first set of torsion springs configured to open a door of the apparatus to a predefined degree; and a second set of torsion springs configured to slow down the door after the door reaches the predefined degree. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The apparatus of claim 11, the apparatus further comprising: a satellite lock configured to rotate from a lock state to an unlock state, and release the satellite from the apparatus when the door of the apparatus opens to the predefined degree. ### Claim 13 An apparatus with a satellite to be deployed in space, the apparatus comprising: a satellite to be deployed in space; a door, the door comprising a first set of torsion springs and a second set of torsion springs; a compartment configured to hold the satellite to be deployed in space, wherein the first set of torsion springs is configured to open the door to a predefined angle and the second set of torsion springs is configured to slow down the door to allow the satellite to be deployed from the apparatus; and a ratchet fitting configured to restrict the door from bouncing back as the door opens every predefined number of degrees. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The apparatus of claim 13, the apparatus further comprising: a satellite lock configured to rotate from a lock state to an unlock state, and release the satellite from the apparatus when the door of the apparatus opens to the predefined degree. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The apparatus of claim 13, the apparatus further comprising: a release mechanism configured to release the door from the compartment of the apparatus. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the release mechanism comprises a pin puller and a latch. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pin puller is configured to retract a pin in the release mechanism, causing the latch to release the door.