Engineering topics

Wiker, G. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Wiker, G. A..

7 records

NASA NTRS1984

Automatic multi-banking of memory for microprocessors

A microprocessor system is provided with added memories to expand its address spaces beyond its address word length capacity by using indirect addressing instructions of a type having a detectable operations code and dedicating designated address spaces of memory to each of the added memories, one space to a memory. By decoding each operations code of instructions read from main memory into a decoder to identify indirect addressing instructions of the specified type, and then decoding the address that follows in a decoder to determine which added memory is associated therewith, the associated added memory is selectively enabled through a unit while the main memory is disabled to permit the instruction to be executed on the location to which the effective address of the indirect address instruction points, either before the indirect address is read from main memory or afterwards, depending on how the system is arranged by a switch.

Wiker, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Extending the Memory of Microcomputers

Memory increased while retaining real-time capabilities. Extra memory capacity added to microprocessor without increasing memory address length and special transfer instructions by dedicating block of space in main memory to hold addresses of locations in extra memory.

Wiker, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Measuring Power Flow in Electric Vehicles

Instrument accommodates fast rise and fall times of waveforms characteristic of modern, efficient power controllers. Power meter multiplies analog signals proportional to voltage and current, and converts resulting signal to frequency. Two mechanical counters provided: one for charging, one for discharging.

Griffin, Daniel C., Jr↗

NASA NTRS1979

Compact artificial hand

A relatively simple, compact artificial hand, is described which includes hooks pivotally mounted on first frame to move together and apart. The first frame is rotatably mounted on a second frame to enable "turning at the wrist" movement without limitation. The second frame is pivotally mounted on a third frame to permit 'flexing at the wrist' movement. A hook-driving motor is fixed to the second frame but has a shaft that drives a speed reducer on the first frame which, in turn, drives the hooks. A second motor mounted on the second frame, turns a gear on the first frame to rotate the first frame and the hooks thereon. A third motor mounted on the third frame, turns a gear on a second frame to pivot it.

Wiker, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Compact prosthetic hand

Device combines tilt, wrist-rotation, and grasping mechanisms in single housing. Main body is about 15 centimeters long and 7.5 centimeters wide. Reduced weight and increased flexibility result from redesign and rearrangement of components.

Mann, W. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Voice controlled adaptive manipulator and mobility systems for the severely handicapped

Efforts by NASA and the VA to apply available teleoperator/robot technology to rehabilitate amputees and spinal cord injured patients having severe loss of motor, manipulative, and sensory capabilities in the lower and/or upper extremities are summarized. Techniques developed include the control of a wheelchair by voice control or tongue chinswitch. The voice recognition computer and its operation are also described.

Heer, E.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Soldering iron temperature indicator

Thermocouple implanted in metal mass simulates heat transfer characteristics of connection which is to be soldered. Light signals indicate whether temperature is right, too high, or too low.

Baker, C. D.↗