Apollo 11 LRRR Clevis-and-Tang Fasteners

Commentary Copyright © 2011 by Eric M. Jones.
All rights reserved.
Mike Blaney, Ken Glover, and Vlad Pustynski
contributed to this discussion
Last revised 21 April 2011.

The relevant section of the final Apollo 11 Lunar Surface Operations Plan
indicates that, probably during training, the fitting came to be known as
the "hockey stick". At each end is a clevis fastener. The end on the right
was fitted to the base of the LRRR package and, hence, was below the one
on the left, which was attached to the deployment boom in the SEQ Bay. Near
the bottom clevis (right) is a red clevis pin attached to a cable which, in turn
is attached to the top clevis (left). (Click on the image for a larger version.)

A clevis fastener is a three-piece system consisting of a clevis, clevis pin, and tang

The clevis is a U-shaped piece that has holes at the end of the prongs to accept the clevis pin. The tang is the piece that fits between the clevis with a hole that allows the pin to penetrate the tang and tie the tang and clevis together.  In the case of the Apollo 11 LRRR fitting, the pin is designed for easy removal during offloading. Drawing of a nautical example modified from original donated
to the Wikimedia Foundation by Pearson Scott Foresman

Buzz is preparing to offload the seismometer package from the left side of the bay.

Detail from training photo 69-H-675 showing Buzz offloading the LRRR

Once he grabs the LRRR, he will remove the upper clevis pin.
(Click on the image for a larger version.)

Detail from training photo S69-32250

Buzz is carrying the EASEP package away from the LM simulator, with the LRRR fitting still attached by the lower clevis fastener.
(Click on the image for a larger version)

Detail from AS11-40-5942

This detail shows the thin ring used to pull the upper pin and the in-place pull ring for the lower pin.
Placement of the lower pull ring suggests that Neil will
pull that pin and remove the LRRR fitting before tipping the LRRR onto its base.
(Click on the image for a larger version.)

Detail from AS11-40-5945

Buzz has just put the LRRR on the surface. Before deploying the LRRR, Neil will put the ALSCC he's been carrying on the flat rock at the lower left and then turn the LRRR so the base in facing away from the Sun.  (See AS11-40-5952.) Details of the deployment procedures can be found in an extract from the Apollo 11 Lunar Surface Ops Plan.
(Click on the image for a larger version.)

Detail from training photo S69-31200

This detail shows the lower clevis after removal, along with a cover that protected the reflectors.
(Click on the image for a larger version.)