Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Maslakowski, John E..
Contact probes devised for measuring depths and widths of slots. Configured in conical or wedge shapes, depending on specific applications. Conical or wedge surface of probe centers probe in slot, while two thin probe rods made to protrude from cone or wedge until their tips simultaneously make contact with outer surface and bottom of slot.
ROCKFILL is software that calculates key robot weld information. Its easy-to-use menu system enables robot operator to estimate better number of passes, amount of wire, arc time, and amount of heat put into particular weld. Designed to operate on work-cell personal computer of robot and requires no documentation or training. Written in C language.
Automated manufacturing cell containing computer-controlled robotic processing system developed to implement some important related steps in fabrication of rocket-engine nozzles. Performs several tedious and repetitive fabrication, measurement, adjustment, and inspection processes and subprocesses now performed manually. Offers advantages of reduced processing time, greater consistency, excellent collection of data, objective inspections, greater productivity, and simplified fixturing. Also affords flexibility: by making suitable changes in hardware and software, possible to modify process and subprocesses. Flexibility makes work cell adaptable to fabrication of heat exchangers and other items structured similarly to rocket nozzles.
Robotic vision system measures small gaps between nearly parallel tubes. Robot-held video camera examines closely spaced tubes while computer determines gaps between tubes. Video monitor simultaneously displays data on gaps.
Proposed robotic system inspects arrays of brazed tubes being fabricated for use in heat exchangers and similar objects. Arrays contain coolant tubes mounted in nozzle of main engine of Space Shuttle. Other versions used to inspect components of terrestrial heat exchangers for powerplants, vehicles, and refrigeration equipment. Inspection system provides for automated, complete, objective, and efficient inspection of arrays of coolant tubes. Computer executing image-processing algorithms extracts profiles of tubes and braze fillets and identifies flaws.