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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 865 records · Page 48

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NASA NTRS1975

Use of information-retrieval languages in automated retrieval of experimental data from long-term storage

Problems and methods are discussed of automating information retrieval operations in a data bank used for long term storage and retrieval of data from scientific experiments. Existing information retrieval languages are analyzed along with those being developed. The results of studies discussing the application of the descriptive 'Kristall' language used in the 'ASIOR' automated information retrieval system are presented. The development and use of a specialized language of the classification-descriptive type, using universal decimal classification indices as the main descriptors, is described.

Khovanskiy, Y. D.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Design automation techniques for custom LSI arrays

The standard cell design automation technique is described as an approach for generating random logic PMOS, CMOS or CMOS/SOS custom large scale integration arrays with low initial nonrecurring costs and quick turnaround time or design cycle. The system is composed of predesigned circuit functions or cells and computer programs capable of automatic placement and interconnection of the cells in accordance with an input data net list. The program generates a set of instructions to drive an automatic precision artwork generator. A series of support design automation and simulation programs are described, including programs for verifying correctness of the logic on the arrays, performing dc and dynamic analysis of MOS devices, and generating test sequences.

Feller, A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Apollo experience report: Guidance and control systems: Automated control system for unmanned mission AS-201

The Apollo command module heat shield and Apollo command and service module/Saturn launch vehicle structural integrity were evaluated in an unmanned test flight. An automated control system was developed to provide the mission event sequencing, the real-time ground control interface, and the backup attitude reference system for the unmanned flight. The required mission events, the design logic, the redundancy concept, and the ground-support-equipment concept are described and some development problem areas are discussed. The mission event time line and the real-time ground command list are included to provide an outline of the control system capabilities and requirements. The mission was accomplished with the automated control system, which functioned without flight anomalies.

Holloway, G. F.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Automated parking garage system model

A one-twenty-fifth scale model of the key components of an automated parking garage system is described. The design of the model required transferring a vehicle from an entry level, vertically (+Z, -Z), to a storage location at any one of four storage positions (+X, -X, +Y, +Y, -Y) on the storage levels. There are three primary subsystems: (1) a screw jack to provide the vertical motion of the elevator, (2) a cam-driven track-switching device to provide X to Y motion, and (3) a transfer cart to provide horizontal travel and a small amount to vertical motion for transfer to the storage location. Motive power is provided by dc permanent magnet gear motors, one each for the elevator and track switching device and two for the transfer cart drive system (one driving the cart horizontally and the other providing the vertical transfer). The control system, through the use of a microprocessor, provides complete automation through a feedback system which utilizes sensing devices.

Collins, E. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Design automation for complex CMOS/SOS LSI hybrid substrates

A design automated approach used to develop thick-film hybrid packages is described. The hybrid packages produced combine thick-film and silicon on sapphire (SOS) laser surface interaction technologies to bring the on-chip performance level of SOS to the subsystem level. Packing densities are improved by a factor of eight over ceramic dual in-line packing; interchip wiring capacitance is low. Due to significant time savings, the design automated approach presented can be expected to yield a 3:1 reduction in cost over the use of manual methods for the initial design of a hybrid.

Ramondetta, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1977

DSN automation

An overall hierarchical automation philosophy along with the results of the radio frequencies automation effort undertaken 2 years ago are summarized. A brief description of each subassembly controller's salient features, the software development process, and the common software used by these controllers will be presented. Comments will be made with respect to the relative advantages of high-level language and assembly language, the operational effectiveness of operator Macro commands, and the program development, and a list of suggested future effort will be given.

Crow, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The Automated Planetary Space Station

Results are presented for a study on mission definition and design to determine broad technology directions and needs for advanced planetary spacecraft and future planetary missions. The discussion covers mission selection, system design, and technology assessment and review for a multicomponent spacecraft exploration facility provided with nuclear power propulsion. As an example, the Automated Planetary Space Station at Jupiter is examined as a generic concept which has the capability of conducting in-depth investigations of different aspects of the entire Jovian system. Mission planning is discussed relative to low-thrust trajectory control, automatic target identification and landing, roving vehicle operation, and automated sample analysis.

Ivie, C. V.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Toward fully automated agricultural inventory from satellites

Conventional approaches to inventories from satellites rely heavily on the judgment of image analysts, who 'train' the computer classification program. The fully automated approach to this problem, described in the present paper, eliminates the need for human judgment in training the computer, by using fully automated techniques for selecting spectral characteristics and classification parameters to optimize agreement with ground truth in specified test areas.

Ungar, S. G.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Comparison of DOD tape automated bonding programs

Tape automated bonding (TAB) shows promise of being the predominant assembly and interconnect technique for microcircuit devices in the 1980's. After briefly reviewing the evolution of TAB, consideration was given to factors influencing and motivating TAB, including current major problem areas. Solutions to these problems are being investigated under five Department of Defense programs. These complementary efforts are discussed and compared. The findings are contrasted against recent improvements and advancements in automated wire bonding.

Unger, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Automated meteorological data from commercial aircraft via satellite: Present experience and future implications

A low-cost communications system to provide meteorological data from commercial aircraft, in neat real-time, on a fully automated basis has been developed. The complete system including the low profile antenna and all installation hardware weighs 34 kg. The prototype system was installed on a B-747 aircraft and provided meteorological data (wind angle and velocity, temperature, altitude and position as a function of time) on a fully automated basis. The results were exceptional. This concept is expected to have important implications for operational meteorology and airline route forecasting.

Steinberg, R.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Survey: Automated Field Operations and Services (AFOS)

The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently implementing a program for improving operations through automation of routine functions, improved communications capability, and improved management and presentation of data. The program, designated as Automation of Field Operations and Services (AFOS), uses high-speed data circuits, minicomputers, and dynamic display devices to rapidly collect, disseminate, and present data to forecasters and users on both a broadcast and a request basis. The initial system will be configured to serve facilities within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with eventual expansion to provide international capability. This report discusses AFOS users, functions, and network and site configurations. The sections discuss current and future capability and workload in terms of the 10 data systems elements designated by NASA.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1978

DSS 13 antenna subsystem automation

Unattended station operation was implemented that permitted full operational control from the network operations center (NOCC). Sensors were installed in the mechanical subsystem to monitor critical functions and to permit automated premission checkout of the subsystem, automated reaction to component failure, and identification of failed components under control of the antenna pointing computer. This monitoring installation is a prototype for monitoring equipment to be installed throughout the DSN.

Phillips, H.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Automated space fabrication of structural elements

A description is presented of an automated space fabrication technique for basic structural elements, taking into account as representative the design loads and requirements of the solar power satellite structure. Roll forming for continuous cap and brace members is applicable for all proposed metallic materials. Spot-welding, electron beam welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, cold welding, and various mechanical fastening techniques are applicable for the automated fabrication process. Termination of the formed cap and brace members can be accomplished by sawing, shearing, punching, and laser cutting. The most cost effective materials were found to be the aluminum alloys. Selected for further study were AL20224T3 and AL2219-T62. In the area of fiber composites, thermoplastic matrix materials with graphite fibers were selected for future studies.

Engler, E. E.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Automated clinical system for chromosome analysis

An automatic chromosome analysis system is provided wherein a suitably prepared slide with chromosome spreads thereon is placed on the stage of an automated microscope. The automated microscope stage is computer operated to move the slide to enable detection of chromosome spreads on the slide. The X and Y location of each chromosome spread that is detected is stored. The computer measures the chromosomes in a spread, classifies them by group or by type and also prepares a digital karyotype image. The computer system can also prepare a patient report summarizing the result of the analysis and listing suspected abnormalities.

Castleman, K. R.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Array Automated Assembly Task Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project, Phase 2

Progress in the development of solar cells and module process steps for low-cost solar arrays is reported. Specific topics covered include: (1) a system to automatically measure solar cell electrical performance parameters; (2) automation of wafer surface preparation, printing, and plating; (3) laser inspection of mechanical defects of solar cells; and (4) a silicon antireflection coating system. Two solar cell process steps, laser trimming and holing automation and spray-on dopant junction formation, are described.

Rhee, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Automated meteorological data from commercial aircraft via satellite - Present experience and future implications

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has developed a low-cost communications system to provide meteorological data from commercial aircraft, in near real-time, on a fully automated basis. The complete system including the low profile antenna and all installation hardware weighs 34 kg. The prototype system has been installed on a Pan American B-747 aircraft and has been providing meteorological data (wind angle and velocity, temperature, altitude and position as a function of time) on a fully automated basis for the past several months. The results have been exceptional. This concept is expected to have important implications for operational meteorology and airline route forecasting.

Steinberg, R.↗

NASA NTRS1979

An approach to automated longwall mining

The longwall system of mining coal, providing advantages in the areas of productivity as well as health and safety, is described, and technological developments leading to a full automation of the system are discussed. In the longwall system large blocks of coal (up to 600 feet wide and up to 5000 feet long) are developed, with each block mined out by taking successive slices across the short dimension of the block and loading the broken coal onto a conveyor. A self-advancing system supports the roof over the length of the face throughout cutting and loading, with the supports advanced with the face, and the roof allowed to collapse behind them. A double-ranging drum longwall shearer provides the system with an efficient yaw, roll, and variable-thickness vertical control. Currently two machine operators function as error detectors and controllers. It is shown that electronic sensors can lead to a fully automated vertical control system, and automatic roll control is achievable with available instruments and machine tilt actuators.

Palowitch, E. R.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Trends in the automation of planetary spacecraft

The automation of planetary spacecraft at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is discussed. Factors affecting the development of spacecraft automation, such as predictable and repetitive functions and narrow time-window, are analyzed. The volume of command data transmitted to the spacecraft is considered, together with an examination of 'autonomy' (executing functions without outside control) in relation to the ground command activity needed during the mission. The role of the spacecraft's growing computational power in increasing vehicle autonomy is noted.

Bird, T. H.↗