SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Remote operations”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1974

Absolute radiometry and the solar constant

A series of active cavity radiometers (ACRs) are described which have been developed as standard detectors for the accurate measurement of irradiance in absolute units. It is noted that the ACR is an electrical substitution calorimeter, is designed for automatic remote operation in any environment, and can make irradiance measurements in the range from low-level IR fluxes up to 30 solar constants with small absolute uncertainty. The instrument operates in a differential mode by chopping the radiant flux to be measured at a slow rate, and irradiance is determined from two electrical power measurements together with the instrumental constant. Results are reported for measurements of the solar constant with two types of ACRs. The more accurate measurement yielded a value of 136.6 plus or minus 0.7 mW/sq cm (1.958 plus or minus 0.010 cal/sq cm per min).

Willson, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Multi-star processing and gyro filtering for the video inertial pointing system

The video inertial pointing (VIP) system is being developed to satisfy the acquisition and pointing requirements of astronomical telescopes. The VIP system uses a single video sensor to provide star position information that can be used to generate three-axis pointing error signals (multi-star processing) and for input to a cathode ray tube (CRT) display of the star field. The pointing error signals are used to update the telescope's gyro stabilization system (gyro filtering). The CRT display facilitates target acquisition and positioning of the telescope by a remote operator. Linearized small angle equations are used for the multistar processing and a consideration of error performance and singularities lead to star pair location restrictions and equation selection criteria. A discrete steady-state Kalman filter which uses the integration of the gyros is developed and analyzed. The filter includes unit time delays representing asynchronous operations of the VIP microprocessor and video sensor. A digital simulation of a typical gyro stabilized gimbal is developed and used to validate the approach to the gyro filtering.

Murphy, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Electrical generator uses ocean waves

Device converts up-and-down motion of ocean to electrical energy. Plunging generator delivers energy to be stored in battery and used to operate remote data gathering stations. Concept may be applied to land or air use if plunging motion is supplied.

Grana, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Apparatus for determining surface tension

System for studying capillary action uses pressure transducer and chart recorder instead of manometer. Apparatus enables measurements to be made under controlled atmospheres. It also may be remotely operated. These features are particularly useful when dealing with noxious liquids and for study of surface tension under high-pressure conditions that require use of all-metal apparatus.

Razouk, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Proto-Flight Manipulator Arm (P-FMA)

The technical development of the Proto-Flight Manipulator Arm (P-FMA) which is a seven-degree-of-freedom general-purpose arm capable of being remotely operated in an earth orbital environment is discussed. The P-FMA is a unique manipulator, combining the capabilities of significant dexterity, high tip forces, precise motion control, gear backdriveability, high end effector grip forces and torques, and the quality of flightworthiness. The 2.4-meter (8-foot) arm weighs 52.2 kilograms (115 pounds).

Britton, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1976

A computer-aided telescope pointing system utilizing a video star tracker

The Video Inertial Pointing (VIP) System is being developed to satisfy the acquisition and pointing requirements of astronomical telescopes. VIP employs a single video sensor to generate three-axis pointing error signals and to provide inputs for a cathode ray tube (CRT) display of the star field. The pointing error signals update the telescope's gyro stabilization system. The CRT display facilitates target acquisition and positioning of the telescope by a remote operator. The present paper describes the analysis, simulation, and hardware development of a prototype, advanced VIP system. An early model of the system utilizing a silicon-intensified target vidicon camera has flown on a balloon-borne telescope and is briefly described. The advanced system, which can employ either a vidicon camera or a charge-coupled device video sensor, has been tested using an analog/digital hybrid simulation. The advanced VIP hardware is described, and the simulation results presented.

Lorell, K. R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Space construction system analysis. Part 2: Space construction experiments concepts

Technology areas in the orbital assembly of large space structures are addressed. The areas included structures, remotely operated assembly techniques, and control and stabilization. Various large space structure design concepts are reviewed and their construction procedures and requirements are identified.

Boddy, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Large, Easily Deployable Structures

Study of concepts for large space structures will interest those designing scaffolding, radio towers, rescue equipment, and prefabricated shelters. Double-fold, double-cell module was selected for further design and for zero gravity testing. Concept is viable for deployment by humans outside space vehicle as well as by remotely operated manipulator.

Agan, W. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Man/machine interface development for the REMOTEX concept

The development of a man/machine interface system that can be used to remotely control a system composed of a transporter base and a force-reflecting, survocontrolled manipulator is reported. The concept features the incorporation of totally remote operation. A simulator is build to optimize man/machine interface requirements.

Garin, J.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Laser velocimeter stand-alone controller

A distributed microprocessor network has been developed to position a laser-based velocity measurement package. Designed primarily for use inside the Ames 40 x 80-foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel, the instrument assembly is remotely operated. The mechanical system is reconfigurable for other test environments which necessitates an adaptive control approach. Three stepper motor drives provide two-dimensional positioning of the sampling point over 200/sq m of the test section, with a 5-mm resolution. Real-time multiprocessing provides fast response, fault detection, and parametric data acquisition. Manual tests are run from a dedicated control panel and automated tests are accomplished via an I.E.E.E 488 interface. The design approach and the progress to date are discussed.

Brown, R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Unmanned Instrument Platform for Undersea Exploration

Instruments accommodated on moving underwater platform. Towable underwater platform 3.2 meters long, 1.2 meters wide, 1.4 meters high and has mass of about 1,250 kilogram. Platform remotely operated and unmanned. Serves as test bed for development of ocean-measuring instruments and sonars at depths to 20,000 feet.

Paine, G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A case study in the practical use of LANDSAT data

The use of computer aided classification of LANDSAT data in developing water quality plans for New Jersey watersheds is used to exemplify how a state natural resource management program benefits from satellite imagery. The transition of a research and development system into an operational remote sensing system to help decision makers is demonstrated. Nontechnial issues that can assist (or hinder) an agency in adopting a new technology are examined. The progress of LANDSAT use by state government from the earliest stage of curiosity through to incorporation in actual state planning methods is charted. Potential applications of LANDSAT data to real information needs and solutions to management problems are examined. The problems and mistakes that occurred in using LANDSAT data in the past are discussed as well as the ways by which these problems were overcome.

Cox, S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Interactive capabilities: Between unacceptable and unnecessary

A very low cost interactive image analysis computer system suitable for use in education, research, or operational remote sensing applications system should be centered around a high quality image display through which the analyst can use photointerpretation skills to evaluate and alter computer mapping or classification calculations. The definition of acceptable capabilities for such a system must take into account the needs of the image analyst balanced with current state-of-the-art technology and cost. A range of acceptable capabilities is defined based primarily on image analysis requirements, but tempered occassionally by cost and technology constraints. Desirable parameters are also listed.

Egbert, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1983

MOD-2 wind turbine development

The development of the Mod-2 turbine, designed to achieve a cost of electricity for the 100th production unit that will be competitive with conventional electric power generation is discussed. The Mod-2 wind turbine system (WTS) background, project flow, and a chronology of events and problem areas leading to Mod-2 acceptance are addressed. The role of the participating utility during site preparation, turbine erection and testing, remote operation, and routine operation and maintenance activity is reviewed. The technical areas discussed pertain to system performance, loads, and controls. Research and technical development of multimegawatt turbines is summarized.

Gordon, L. H.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Interchangeable Tools for Remote Manipulators

Report presents concepts and specifications for set of interchangeable end-effector tools used on remotely operated manipulator to work on satellites in orbit. Tools make urgent repairs, do routine maintenance, transfer fluids, construct and assemble satellites, and deploy and retract appendages. With modifications, tool concepts and systematic approach to tool design applicable to such terrestrial uses as industrial robots, manually operated tools, and safety equipment. Report discusses concept for tool-storage system that holds tools securely when not used but kept accessible to manipulator.

Cody, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Making Internal Molds Of Long, Curved Tubes

Mold material carried to internal weld joint and removed after impression taken. Remotely operated device makes impression mold of interior surface of tube at weld joint. Mold provides indication of extent of mismatch between members at joint. Maneuvered to weld inspected through curved tube 3 in. in diameter by 50 in. long. Readily adapted to making molds to measure depth of corrosion in boiler tubes or other pipes.

Burley, Richard K.↗

NASA NTRS1988

A consideration of the use of optical fibers to remotely couple photometers to telescopes

The possible use of optical fibers to remotely couple photometers to telescopes is considered. Such an application offers the apparent prospect of enhancing photometric stability as a consequence of the benefits of remote operation and decreased sensitivity to image details. A properly designed fiber optic coupler will probably show no significant changes in optical transmisssion due to normal variations in the fiber configuration. It may be more difficult to eliminate configuration-dependent effects on the pupil of the transmitted beam, and thus achieve photometric stability to guiding and seeing errors. In addition, there is some evidence for significant changes in the optical throughputs of fibers over the temperature range normally encountered in astronomical observatories.

Heacox, William D.↗

NASA NTRS1988

High level intelligent control of telerobotics systems

A high level robot command language is proposed for the autonomous mode of an advanced telerobotics system and a predictive display mechanism for the teleoperational model. It is believed that any such system will involve some mixture of these two modes, since, although artificial intelligence can facilitate significant autonomy, a system that can resort to teleoperation will always have the advantage. The high level command language will allow humans to give the robot instructions in a very natural manner. The robot will then analyze these instructions to infer meaning so that is can translate the task into lower level executable primitives. If, however, the robot is unable to perform the task autonomously, it will switch to the teleoperational mode. The time delay between control movement and actual robot movement has always been a problem in teleoperations. The remote operator may not actually see (via a monitor) the results of high actions for several seconds. A computer generated predictive display system is proposed whereby the operator can see a real-time model of the robot's environment and the delayed video picture on the monitor at the same time.

Mckee, James↗