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Description
"Androgynous" Docking Tunnel 4-view wireframe. Stowed configuration.

Tunnel features octagonal accessway with 2.5m x 2.5m clearance at a 1.6m baseline. Thus, this docking tunnel is designed for vessels and large craft. Dimensions can be scaled down for small craft applications, especially in microgravity environments.

The main hatch is mounted on a movable "plunger" or "piston" slide. Slide has at least five positions: central, "locked", position; fully extended position, aligning with outer hatch slide pathway; partially extended position, locking hatch and connectors while in active probe docking configuration; fully retracted position, aligningwith inner hatch slide pathway; and, partially retracted position, locking hatch and connectors while in active reception configuration.

The exterior-face sections (slide and recessed rim) are fitted with connectors for piping, wiring, and data interface.

The interior-face section ("top") can be fitted with a sealing bulkhead and hatch, allowing this section to be used as an airlock. Alternatively, there are two removable side-panels (outlined), to allow 3-way access into distinct interior compartments.

Description
"Androgynous" Docking Tunnel 4-view wireframe. Stowed configuration.

Tunnel features octagonal accessway with 2.5m x 2.5m clearance at a 1.6m baseline. Thus, this docking tunnel is designed for vessels and large craft. Dimensions can be scaled down for small craft applications, especially in microgravity environments.

The main hatch is mounted on a movable "plunger" or "piston" slide. Slide has at least five positions: central, "locked", position; fully extended position, aligning with outer hatch slide pathway; partially extended position, locking hatch and connectors while in active probe docking configuration; fully retracted position, aligningwith inner hatch slide pathway; and, partially retracted position, locking hatch and connectors while in active reception configuration.

The exterior-face sections (slide and recessed rim) are fitted with connectors for piping, wiring, and data interface.

The interior-face section ("top") can be fitted with a sealing bulkhead and hatch, allowing this section to be used as an airlock. Alternatively, there are two removable side-panels (outlined), to allow 3-way access into distinct interior compartments.