A device for connection to an input device actuated by a user comprises: a driving member for connection to the input device; a follower member; wherein motion of the driving member is only transmitted to the follower member after the driving member has been moved by a certain amount; and wherein means are provided to transmit a force back to the user as the driving member is moved in one direction.

A device for connection to an input device actuated by a user comprises: a driving member for connection to the input device; a follower member; wherein motion of the driving member is only transmitted to the follower member after the driving member has been moved by a certain amount; and wherein means are provided to transmit a force back to the user as the driving member is moved in one direction.

A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system.

A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system.

A device for connection to an input device actuated by a user comprises: a driving member for connection to the input device; a follower member; wherein motion of the driving member is only transmitted to the follower member after the driving member has been moved by a certain amount; and wherein means are provided to transmit a force back to the user as the driving member is moved in one direction.

A device for connection to an input device actuated by a user comprises: a driving member for connection to the input device; a follower member; wherein motion of the driving member is only transmitted to the follower member after the driving member has been moved by a certain amount; and wherein means are provided to transmit a force back to the user as the driving member is moved in one direction.

A release apparatus includes a coiled restraining wire with at least one end attached to a fuse wire. Actuation current through the fuse wire causes it to break; breakage of the fuse wire allows the restraining wire to partially uncoil and allow the release apparatus to transition from a retained condition to a released condition, by allowing disengagement a sleeve from retention members and disengagement of retention members from a release member that can then move out of the release apparatus. The sleeve isolates the restraining wire and fuse wire from load forces on the release member. Rolling bearings within the sleeve against the retention members reduces resistance to disengagement of the sleeve. The release apparatus can be employed to attach a deployable component to a satellite or spacecraft, and can be readily repaired, refurbished or reset for repetitive ground testing.

The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.

The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.