William David Nobles

US Patent:

47155663, Dec 29, 1987

Filed:

Oct 29, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/792387

Inventors:

William O. Nobles - Littleton CO

Assignee:

Martin Marietta Corporation - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

B64G 110

US Classification:

244159

Abstract:

A plurality of manned space station modules are interconnected via end caps into a variety of space station configurations without need for dedicated interconnect modules. Each module preferably comprises an elongated module body, end caps mounted to respective ends of the body and the end caps being in the form of a four sided, truncated pyramid having a truncated side forming a flat, square central end face remote from the body and at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body, and four flat oblique side faces integral with and about the four sides of the central end face. The body may be cylindrical in form or of cruciform configuration defined by paired right angle intersecting panels. Three modules may be interconnected at their ends to form a triad. Modules may be connected end-to-end by abutting end faces of the end caps, side-face-to-side-face or end-face-to-side-face.