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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.

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At least 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Load distributions in photoeleastic bolted-joint models

An attempt is made to study the stresses in multiple-bolt connectors, focusing on the stress distribution in a two-pin connector, the two pins being in line and in parallel with the direction of the applied load. The photoelastic modeling approach with two-dimensional transmission photoelasticity is used. The joint models and model fringe patterns are discussed, with special attention given to the existence of a photoelastic isotropic point and to the separation of stresses.

Hyer, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Add-On Shielding for Unshielded Wire

Fabrication sequence used to produce compact shields slipped into place from free ends of wires already soldered into connectors at other ends. Single shields are formed into harnesses by connecting grounding jumpers. Technique is especially useful for small diameter wire attached to microminiature connectors.

Koenig, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Stable polyurethane coatings for electronic circuits. NASA tech briefs, fall 1982, volume 7, no. 1

One of the most severe deficiencies of polyurethanes as engineering materials for electrical applications has been their sensitivity to combined humidity and temperature environments. Gross failure by reversion of urethane connector potting materials has occurred under these conditions. This has resulted in both scrapping of expensive hardware and reduction in reliability in other instances. A basic objective of this study has been to gain a more complete understanding of the mechanisms and interactions of moisture in urethane systems to guide the development of reversion resistant materials for connector potting and conformal coating applications in high humidity environments. Basic polymer studies of molecular weight and distribution, polymer structure, and functionality were carried out to define those areas responsible for hydrolytic instability and to define polymer structural feature conducive to optimum hydrolytic stability.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1984

Space station architecture, module, berthing hub, shell assembly, berthing mechanism and utility connection channel

The geometric form of a space station is presented that includes a description of a plurality of modules and berthing hubs, joined by interconnections which are sideways connectable. The modules and hubs are fastened together in a triangular configuration in three dimensions. The interconnections include a pair of opposed, axially aligned, flanged ports and a clamp latch formed from a plurality of sections hinged along their length and extending circumferentially around the flanged ports. A hermetic seal is formed between the ports. A utilities connection channel extends between the ports. The channel has a shell with utilities connectors movable between an extended position to mating connectors in the modules and a withdrawn position. Assembly sequence and common module shell structure is detailed.

Cohen, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Plug-In RF Selector Switch

Short, direct link between switch and filters reduces signal loss. New switch attaches directly to filter housing, eliminating cables and connectors. As result, losses in transmitter and receiver paths reduced by about 0.4 dB. Because connectors and cables are not used, RF path loss for selected signal through switch and filter is smaller than usual.

Hwon, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Development of robots and application to industrial processes

An algorithm is presented for using a robot system with a single camera to position in three-dimensional space a slender object for insertion into a hole; for example, an electrical pin-type termination into a connector hole. The algorithm relies on a control-configured end effector to achieve the required horizontal translations and rotational motion, and it does not require camera calibration. A force sensor in each fingertip is integrated with the vision system to allow the robot to teach itself new reference points when different connectors and pins are used. Variability in the grasped orientation and position of the pin can be accomodated with the sensor system. Performance tests show that the system is feasible. More work is needed to determine more precisely the effects of lighting levels and lighting direction.

Palm, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Rotatable electric cable connecting system

A cable reel assembly is described which is particularly adapted for, but not limited to, a system for providing electrical connection of power and data signals between an orbiter vehicle, such as a space shuttle, and a recovered satellite. The assembly is comprised of two mutually opposing ring type structures having 180 deg relative rotation with one of the structures being held in fixed position while the other structure is rotatable. Motor controlled berthing latches and umbilical cable connectors for the satellite are located on the rim of the rotatable ring structure. The electrical cable assembly is fed in two sections from the orbiter vehicle into the outer rim portion of the fixed ring structure where they are directed inwardly and attached to two concentrically coiled metal bands whose respective ends are secured to inner and outer post members of circular sets of guide pins located on opposing circular plate members, one rotatable and one fixed. The cable sections are fed out as three output cable sections through openings in the central portion of the circular plate of the rotatable ring structure where they are directed to the latches and connectors located on its rim.

Manges, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Ensuring Fully Soldered Through Holes

Simple differential-pressure soldering method provides visual evidence that hidden joints are fully soldered. Intended for soldering connector pins in plated through holes in circuit boards. Molten solder flows into plated through holes, drawn by vacuum in manifold over circuit board. Differential-pressure process ensures solder wets entire through hole around connector pin.

Blow, Raymond K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Tester for Multiple-Conductor Cables

Portable testing circuit enables technician to determine quickly wiring errors in multiple-conductor electrical cable or terminal connectors. Active unit tester made of inexpensive integrated circuits and other readily available components. Timer and one-shot generate pulses counted by shift registers. Shift-register output terminals wired to connector pins so voltage applied to each pin in sequence.

Wirth, Manfred N.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Inflatable-Seal Assembly For Cryogenic Fluids

Connector for cryogenic fluid lines quickly joined or separated, seals tightly, and reduces transfer of heat to fluid. Features redundant sealing rings inflated after joining so they wedge tightly against connector base, preventing leakage. Cylinder of FEP inflatable. Pair of threaded stainless-steel rings - one at each end of cylinder - secure cylinder in quick-disconnect assembly.

Buehler, Kurt↗
NASA NTRS1988

Pressure measuring probe

The invention is a prove (10) for measuring changes in pressure in a high velocity fluid streams over and adjacent the surface of an object. The probe (10) is formed of an exterior housing (11) having a closed pressure chamber (28) in which a piezo-electric pressure transducer (32) is mounted. an open connector tube (26) having a probe tip (29) passes a portion of said fluid stream into the closed pressure chamber (28), any change of pressure therein requiring a "settling-time" to appear in the closed pressure chamber (28) that is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the connector tube (26). A cooling chamber (47) formed around the pressure chamber (28) is connected to a source of cooling fluid by means of inlet and outlet tubes (44) and (46), respectively.

George C Ashby, Jr↗
NASA NTRS1989

Space station architecture, module, berthing hub, shell assembly, berthing mechanism and utility connection channel

A Space Station includes a plurality of modules, and berthing hubs, joined by interconnections which are sideways connectable. The modules and hubs are fastened together in a trianglar configuration in three dimensions. The interconnections include a pair of opposed, axially aligned, flanged ports, and a clamp latch formed from a plurality of sections hinged along their length and extending circumferentially around the flanged ports. A utilities connection channel extends between ports. The channel has a shell with utilities connectors movable between an extended position to mating connectors in the modules and a withdrawn position. Assembly sequence and common module shell structure is detailed.

Marc M Cohen↗
NASA NTRS1990

Vacuum-Gauge Connection For Shipping Container

External connector enables measurement of vacuum in stored part. Remote-readout connector added to shipping container and connected to thermo-couple vacuum gauge in vacuum-insulated cryogenic line packed in container. Enables monitoring of condition of vacuum without opening container.

Henry, Robert H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Performance evaluation of a six-axis generalized force-reflecting teleoperator

Work in real-time distributed computation and control has culminated in a prototype force-reflecting telemanipulation system having a dissimilar master (cable-driven, force-reflecting hand controller) and a slave (PUMA 560 robot with custom controller), an extremely high sampling rate (1000 Hz), and a low loop computation delay (5 msec). In a series of experiments with this system and five trained test operators covering over 100 hours of teleoperation, performance was measured in a series of generic and application-driven tasks with and without force feedback, and with control shared between teleoperation and local sensor referenced control. Measurements defining task performance included 100-Hz recording of six-axis force/torque information from the slave manipulator wrist, task completion time, and visual observation of predefined task errors. The task consisted of high precision peg-in-hole insertion, electrical connectors, velcro attach-de-attach, and a twist-lock multi-pin connector. Each task was repeated three times under several operating conditions: normal bilateral telemanipulation, forward position control without force feedback, and shared control. In shared control, orientation was locally servo controlled to comply with applied torques, while translation was under operator control. All performance measures improved as capability was added along a spectrum of capabilities ranging from pure position control through force-reflecting teleoperation and shared control. Performance was optimal for the bare-handed operator.

Hannaford, B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Local area network with fault-checking, priorities, and redundant backup

This invention is a redundant error detecting and correcting local area networked computer system having a plurality of nodes each including a network connector board within the node for connecting to an interfacing transceiver operably attached to a network cable. There is a first network cable disposed along a path to interconnect the nodes. The first network cable includes a plurality of first interfacing transceivers attached thereto. A second network cable is disposed in parallel with the first cable and, in like manner, includes a plurality of second interfacing transceivers attached thereto. There are a plurality of three position switches each having a signal input, three outputs for individual selective connection to the input, and a control input for receiving signals designating which of the outputs is to be connected to the signal input. Each of the switches includes means for designating a response address for responding to addressed signals appearing at the control input and each of the switches further has its signal input connected to a respective one of the input/output lines from the nodes. Also, one of the three outputs is connected to a repective one of the plurality of first interfacing transceivers. There is master switch control means having an output connected to the control inputs of the plurality of three position switches and an input for receiving directive signals for outputting addressed switch position signals to the three position switches as well as monitor and control computer means having a pair of network connector boards therein connected to respective ones of one of the first interfacing transceivers and one of the second interfacing transceivers and an output connected to the input of the master switch means for monitoring the status of the networked computer system by sending messages to the nodes and receiving and verifying messages therefrom and for sending control signals to the master switch to cause the master switch to cause respective ones of the nodes to use a desired one of the first and second cables for transmitting and receiving messages and for disconnecting desired ones of the nodes from both cables.

Morales, Sergio↗
NASA NTRS1991

Quick-Connect/Disconnect Joint For Truss Structures

Simple connector used for temporary structures and pipes. Truss connector joins and aligns structural members. Consists of two sections, one flanged and other with mating internal groove. When flanged half inserted in groove, moves lever of trigger mechanism upward. Cone then shoots into grooved half. Attached without tools in less than 2 seconds and taken apart just as quickly and easily. Developed for assembling structures in outer space, also useful for temporary terrestrial structures like scaffolds and portable bleachers. With modifications, used to join sections of pipelines carrying liquids or gases.

Sprague, Benny B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Sealing Out-Of-Round Tubes With O-Rings

Glass or ceramic tubes out-of-round sealed effectively by ordinary O-rings in caps of modified hydraulic fittings. In typical connection, O-ring squeezed between two surfaces having inward-opening slants of 5 degrees or 10 degrees. Slanted surfaces force ring inward, compressing it around tube. Connector metal fitting, tightened by hand around O-ring, seals O-ring against tube as much as 1/16 in. out of round. Modified connectors seal glass or ceramic tubes against gas or vacuum leakage in furnaces, vacuum systems, and tubes for glassblowing equipment.

Shlichta, Paul J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Lightning protection of full authority digital electronic systems

Modern electronic systems are vulnerable to transient and they now provide safety critical functions such as full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) units for fly by wire aircraft. Of the traditional suppression technologies available diodes have gained the wider acceptance, however, they lack the current handling capacity to meet existing threat levels. The development of high speed fold back devices where, at a specified voltage, the off state resistance switches to a very low on state one has provided the equivalent to a semiconductor spark gap. The size of the technology enables it to be integrated into connectors of interconnection cables. To illustrate the performance the technology was developed to meet the Lightning Protection requirements for FADEC units within aeroengines. Work was also carried out to study switching behavior with the waveform 5, the 500 us, 10 kA pulse applied to cable assemblies. This test enabled all the switches in a connector to be fired simultaneously.

Crofts, David↗