SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “remote handling”

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 127 records · Page 7

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1981

SRB dewatering set

The system components and operation of the space shuttle solid rocket booster (SRB) dewatering set are described. The SRB dewatering set consists of a nozzle plug, control console, remote control unit, power distribution unit, umbilical cable, interconnect cables, and various handling and storage items. The nozzle plug (NP) is a remotely controlled, tethered underwater vehicle that is launched from the retrieval vessel (RV) by a crane, descends down the side of the SRB, and is positioned below the SRB nozzle. A TV camera mounted at the top of the NP central core is used by the control console operator to visually guide the NP during descent and docking. The NP is then driven up and locked into the nozzle. Compressed air is passed through the umbilical from the RV, through the NP and into the SRB motor. The water inside the SRB is expelled causing the SRB to rotate to a near horizontal attitude on the surface of the water.

Wickham, R. E.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Modeling for a Digital Twin-Based Remote Operation System Framework

New reactor designs and technologies are being developed to grow and advance the nuclear industry. Microreactors are one of the many new concepts for advancing the industry. Microreactors are very small reactors generally designed to have an operating power of 20 MWth or less. They are ideal for many applications in which it would not be feasible to have a large-scale reactor, such as powering remote communities, military bases, and mining sites. Many of these applications currently rely on diesel generators for power, and replacing those generators with the carbon-free energy of a microreactor is a major driving factor for microreactor development. However, most of the use cases for microreactors are in isolated locations where construction and labor costs are much higher. Microreactors will need to be comparable to other energy production methods for their deployment to be successful. Remotely operating the microreactor has a great potential to benefit the economics and make it more cost competitive. With remote operations, the operation facility location could be strategically chosen based on factors such as construction costs, workforce size, etc. The benefits of remote operations could be leveraged even more if the remote operation system is semi-autonomous. If the remote operation system is semi-autonomous, more microreactors could be operated and monitored from one remote operation facility. Additionally, with the system handling some tasks for the human operator, it could reduce the number of operating staff necessary for the microreactor. Digital twins can be used to introduce a level of automation to the remote operation system. Digital twins are capable of component monitoring, system operation and control, and predictive performance [1]. All of those features are important for a successful semi-autonomous remote operation system.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

NASA NTRS1988

Mechanical design engineering. NASA/university advanced design program: Lunar Bulk Material Transport Vehicle

The design of a Lunar Bulk Material Transport Vehicle (LBMTV) is discussed. Goals set in the project include a payload of 50 cubic feet of lunar soil with a lunar of approximately 800 moon-pounds, a speed of 15 mph, and the ability to handle a grade of 20 percent. Thermal control, an articulated steering mechanism, a dump mechanism, a self-righting mechanism, viable power sources, and a probable control panel are analyzed. The thermal control system involves the use of small strip heaters to heat the housing of electronic equipment in the absence of sufficient solar radiation and multi-layer insulation during periods of intense solar radiation. The entire system uses only 10 W and weighs about 60 pounds, or 10 moon-pounds. The steering mechanism is an articulated steering joint at the center of the vehicle. It utilizes two actuators and yields a turning radius of 10.3 feet. The dump mechanism rotates the bulk material container through an angle of 100 degree using one actuator. The self-righting mechanism consists of two four bar linkages, each of which is powered by the same size actuator as the other linkages. The LBMTV is powered by rechargeable batteries. A running time of at least two hours is attained under a worst case analysis. The weight of the batteries is 100 pounds. A control panel consisting of feedback and control instruments is described. The panel includes all critical information necessary to control the vehicle remotely. The LBMTV is capable of handling many types of cargo. It is able to interface with many types of removable bulk material containers. These containers are made to interface with the three-legged walker, SKITTER. The overall vehicle is about 15 feet in length and has a weight of about 1000 pounds, or 170 lunar pounds.

Daugherty, Paul↗

NASA NTRS1983

Comparative analysis of data base management systems

A study to determine if the Remote File Inquiry (RFI) system would handle the future requirements of the user community is discussed. RFI is a locally written and locally maintained on-line query/update package. The current and future on-line requirements of the user community were studied. Additional consideration was given to the types of data structuring the users required. The survey indicated the features of greatest benefit were: sort, subtotals, totals, record selection, storage of queries, global updating and the ability to page break. The major deficiencies were: one level of hierarchy, excessive response time, software unreliability, difficult to add, delete and modify records, complicated error messages and the lack of ability to perform interfield comparisons. Missing features users required were: formatted screens, interfield comparions, interfield arithmetic, multiple file access, security and data integrity. The survey team recommended Kennedy Space Center move forward to state-of-the-art software, a Data Base Management System which is thoroughly tested and easy to implement and use.

Smith, R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Local governments LANDSAT applications program

The approach used to develop the internal capabilities of local governments to handle and evaluate LANDSAT data included remote sensing training, development of a low-cost digital image processing system, and technical assistance. Cost sharing, program management and coordination, and networking were also employed to address problems related to land use, water resources, environmental assessment, and air quality as experienced by urban planners. Local experiences gained in Atlanta, Georgia; Henrico County, Virginia; Oklahoma City; Oklahoma; and San Jose, California are described. Policy recommendations formulated for transferring remote sensing technologies to local governments are included.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1984

Development of Test Article Building Block (TABB) for deployable platform systems

The concept of a Test Article Building Block (TABB) is described. The TABB is a ground test article that is representative of a future building block that can be used to construct LEO and GEO deployable space platforms for communications and scientific payloads. This building block contains a main housing within which the entire structure, utilities, and deployment/retraction mechanism are stowed during launch. The end adapter secures the foregoing components to the housing during launch. The main housing and adapter provide the necessary building-block-to-building-block attachments for automatically deployable platforms. Removal from the shuttle cargo bay can be accomplished with the remote manipulator system (RMS) and/or the handling and positioning aid (HAPA). In this concept, all the electrical connections are in place prior to launch with automatic latches for payload attachment provided on either the end adapters or housings. The housings also can contain orbiter docking ports for payload installation and maintenance.

Greenberg, H. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

The Use of Explosive Forming for Fastening and Joining Structural and Pressure Components

Explosive expansion of tubes into tubesheets has been used for over 20 years in the fabrication and repair of shell and tube heat exchangers. The use of explosives to perform these expansions has offered several distinct advantages over other methods. First, the process is fast and economical and can be performed with minimal training of personnel. Secondly, explosive forming does not cause the deleterious metallurgical effects which often result from other forming operations. In addition, the process can be performed remotely without the need for sophisticated handling equipment. The expansion of tubes into tubesheets is only one of many possible fastening and joining applications for which explosive forming can be used to achieve highly successful results. The explosive forming process and where it has been used are described. In addition, some possible adaptations to other joining applications are identified and discussed.

Schroeder, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Hardware realization of a baseband processor for a SS-FDMA/TDMA/DAMA system

Hardware implementation of the NASA ACTS baseband processor is described which achieves the system message data handling performance required to perform satellite switching of high-rate baseband data. The hardware meets payload specifications for size, weight, and power. Hardware redundancy applied to critical paths in several functional areas insures that the reliability and life expectancy requirements are fulfilled. The remote reprogrammability of the processor message data handling and routing functions provides system flexibility for dynamic reconfiguration during rapidly changing traffic loads.

Moat, Richard L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Coupler for remote manipulators

Reliable, low-cost coupler alines and grasps moving and rotating objects. Coupling mechanism may be used in handling of radio-active materials or in underwater explorations and other remote manipulators.

Rudmann, A. A.↗

DOE OSTI2022

AutodiDAQt v1.1.0

AutodiDAQt automates and simplifies writing data acquisition software for spectroscopy and microscopy. After defining only how to communicate with instruments and hardware, autodiDAQt generates user interfaces for long running acquisition applications, handlings data collation and retention, and provides remote communication to analysis computers. This reduces the time to get experiments running from months to hours and increases reliability for scientific experiments. AutodiDAQt metaprograms from instrument drivers directly, where possible.

Stansbury, Conrad↗

NASA NTRS1977

Remote water-monitoring system

General-purpose, water-quality sampling process detects microorganisms and integrates sampling, sample preservation, and sample analysis. System overcomes difficulties in correlation of surface measurements with remote measurements and minimizes human error in handling of samples and instrumentation.

Grana, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Telerobotic assembly of space station truss structure

Discussed are methods of assembling the space station's structure utilizing only telerobotic devices, i.e.: (1) an approximately anthropomorphic telerobot with two dextrous arms; (2) the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRNS); (3) various material handling machines. Timelines and task recommendations for autonomous operations are also included. Also described are some experimental results comparing two manipulator control devices.

Fischer, Grahme↗

NASA NTRS1991

Active vibration damping of the Space Shuttle remote manipulator system

The feasibility of providing active damping augmentation of the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS) following normal payload handling operations is investigated. The approach used in the analysis is described, and the results for both linear and nonlinear performance analysis of candidate laws are presented, demonstrating that significant improvement in the RMS dynamic response can be achieved through active control using measured RMS tip acceleration data for feedback.

Scott, Michael A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Simulation of the Attitude Determination System for Space Station berthing dynamics research

Langley has developed a simulator of the Space Station coupled to the Space Shuttle via the Remote Manipulator System for use in evaluating handling during Station assembly. To date, evaluations of this scenario had included the Station Attitude Control System (ACS), assuming that the Station Attitude Determination System (ADS) provides perfect information on the coupled configuration. Herein, the complete Station digital autopilot (DAP) is considered including both the ADS and ACS systems. The ADS, its modelling and simulation are briefly overviewed and studies concerning the closed-loop operation of the DAP during local-coordinate, orbital attitude hold are presented. Results show that the presence of a type 0 filter in the ADS angular velocity signal processing has an adverse effect on attitude estimation because of the error in steady-state tracking of the angular velocity following reaction control jet firings. This error propagates into the attitude estimate almost linearly with time and star tracker updates are required at frequent, 3-second intervals if a .001 degree accuracy is to be maintained.

Montgomery, Raymond C.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Using an architectural approach to integrate heterogeneous, distributed software components

Many computer programs cannot be easily integrated because their components are distributed and heterogeneous, i.e., they are implemented in diverse programming languages, use different data representation formats, or their runtime environments are incompatible. In many cases, programs are integrated by modifying their components or interposing mechanisms that handle communication and conversion tasks. For example, remote procedure call (RPC) helps integrate heterogeneous, distributed programs. When configuring such programs, however, mechanisms like RPC must be used explicitly by software developers in order to integrate collections of diverse components. Each collection may require a unique integration solution. This paper describes improvements to the concepts of software packaging and some of our experiences in constructing complex software systems from a wide variety of components in different execution environments. Software packaging is a process that automatically determines how to integrate a diverse collection of computer programs based on the types of components involved and the capabilities of available translators and adapters in an environment. Software packaging provides a context that relates such mechanisms to software integration processes and reduces the cost of configuring applications whose components are distributed or implemented in different programming languages. Our software packaging tool subsumes traditional integration tools like UNIX make by providing a rule-based approach to software integration that is independent of execution environments.

Callahan, John R.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Facility Concepts for Mars Returned Sample Handling

Samples returned from Mars must be held in quarantine until their biological safety has been determined. A significant challenge, unique to NASA's needs, is how to contain the samples (to protect the blaspheme) while simultaneously protecting their pristine nature. This paper presents a comparative analysis of several quarantine facility concepts for handling and analyzing these samples. The considerations in this design analysis include: modes of manipulation; capability for destructive as well as non-destructive testing; avoidance of cross-contamination; linear versus recursive processing; and sample storage and retrieval within a closed system. The ability to rigorously contain biologically hazardous materials has been amply demonstrated by facilities that meet the specifications of the Center for Disease Control Biosafety Level 4. The newly defined Planetary Protection Level Alpha must provide comparable containment while assuring that the samples remain pristine; the latter requirement is based on the need to avoid compromising science analyses by instrumentation of the highest possible sensitivity (among other things this will assure that there is no false positive detection of organisms or organic molecules - a situation that would delay or prevent the release of the samples from quarantine). Protection of the samples against contamination by terrestrial organisms and organic molecules makes a considerable impact upon the sample handling facility. The use of glove boxes appears to be impractical because of their tendency to leak and to surges. As a result, a returned sample quarantine facility must consider the use of automation and remote manipulation to carry out the various functions of sample handling and transfer within the system. The problem of maintaining sensitive and bulky instrumentation under the constraints of simultaneous sample containment and contamination protection also places demands on the architectural configuration of the facility that houses it.

Cohen, Marc M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Wideband infrared heterodyne receiver front-end

A 10.6 micron infrared heterodyne receiver front end was developed for use in a wideband CO2 laser communications link. The infrared receiver employs an 850 MHz response PV HgCdTe photomixer which is mounted in a space quality housing, a low-noise 5 to 1500 MHz IF preamplifier, and a remote control panel. The receiver was designed to handle + or - 750 MHz of Doppler shift while providing an instantaneous information bandwidth of 400 MHz. The measured receiver sensitivity NEP was 1.0 x 10 to the 19th power W/Hz for a photomixer temperature of T sub m = 77 K and an IF beat frequency of 20 MHz and degraded to 1.75 x 10 to the 19th power W/Hz for T sub m = 130 K.

Peyton, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Smart Sensors for Smart Hands

Proximity, force-torque, touch and slippage sensors developed or applied by the JPL Teleoperator Project for remote manipulator control are described, including sensor data handling by computers for display and control. Examples are quoted showing the significance of these sensors for manual or computer control of manipulators. An interesting example is a proximity sensor system implemented for a four-claw JSC end effector and tested at the Shuttle Manipulator Training Facility of JSC. New sensing concepts aimed at simplifying the implementation of 'Smart Sensors for Smart Hands' in the space environment are discussed.

Bejczy, A. K.↗