Abstract: This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite using LIDAR; and matching tumble rates, rendezvousing and berthing with the satellite. Servicing of the spacecraft may be done using supervised autonomy, which is allowing a robot to execute a sequence of instructions without intervention from a remote human-occupied location. These instructions may be packaged at the remote station in a script and uplinked to the robot for execution upon remote command giving authority to proceed. Alternately, the instructions may be generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) logic onboard the robot. In either case, the remote operator maintains the ability to abort an instruction or script at any time, as well as the ability to intervene using manual override to teleoperate the robot.

Abstract: A tool comprises a first handle and a second handle, each handle extending from a gripping end portion to a working end portion, the first handle having first screw threads disposed circumferentially about an inner portion of a first through-hole at the working end portion thereof, the second handle having second screw threads disposed circumferentially about an inner portion of a second through-hole at the working end portion thereof, the first and second respective through-holes being disposed concentrically about a common axis of the working end portions. First and second screw locks preferably are disposed concentrically with the first and second respective through-holes, the first screw lock having a plurality of locking/unlocking screw threads for engaging the first screw threads of the first handle, the second screw lock having a plurality of locking/unlocking screw threads for engaging the second screw threads of the second handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fail-over file transfer process to handle data file transfer when the transfer is unsuccessful in order to avoid unnecessary network congestion and enhance reliability in an automated data file transfer system. If a file cannot be delivered after attempting to send the file to a receiver up to a preset number of times, and the receiver has indicated the availability of other backup receiving locations, then the file delivery is automatically attempted to one of the backup receiving locations up to the preset number of times. Failure of the file transfer to one of the backup receiving locations results in a failure notification being sent to the receiver, and the receiver may retrieve the file from the location indicated in the failure notification when ready.

Abstract: In the absence of a gyroscope, the attitude and attitude rate of a receiver can be determined using signals received by antennae on the receiver. Based on the signals received by the antennae, the Doppler difference between the signals is calculated. The Doppler difference may then be used to determine the attitude rate. With signals received from two signal sources by three antennae pairs, the three-dimensional attitude rate is determined.

Abstract: An extensible and retractable golf club is provided, including interior and exterior telescoping hollow shaft members slidably interconnected, a handle securely attached to the free end of the exterior shaft member, a club head securely attached to the free end of the interior shaft member, and a locking mechanism which temporarily maintains the two telescoping shaft members in a desired position relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes first and second pieces which are transferrable from an open position, wherein the two pieces are axially aligned and the two telescoping shaft members slidable relative to each other, to a closed position, wherein the two pieces are not axially aligned and the two telescoping shaft members are not slidable relative to each other. Transfer of the two pieces of the locking mechanism from the open to the closed position is accomplished by twisting the shaft members relative to each other less than one full revolution.

Abstract: A novel, simplified steering mechanism is provided which has both wheel tilting and steering capabilities. The steering mechanism comprises generally a platform, an angled plunger, top and bottom axles of equal length, and a pair of wheels. When a downward vertical force is applied to a side of the platform, the platform and plunger tilt towards that force, thereby causing tilting and directional changes in the wheels. The axles are of such a length that the platform and wheels cannot come into contact with each other, even upon exertion of a downward vertical force.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or a similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: A novel skateboard steering mechanism is provided which has both wheel tilting and steering capabilities. The steering mechanism comprises generally a platform, a plunger which is fixedly attached at one end of the bottom face of the platform, top and bottom axles of equal length disposed in parallel aligned space relationship to each other, a pair of wheels, and a steering assembly.Advantageously, the plunger encases the entire steering assembly and holds it within a set position. The steering assembly comprises upper and lower balls rigidly affixed to the top and bottom axles, respectively, at approximately the mid points thereof, a floating cam disposed between the upper and lower balls, and a wire spring, or similar, biasing the floating cam in a set position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly is provided for coupling a trailer to a vehicle, the lead vehicle being equipped with a standard ball-type hitch, and the trailer hitch assembly comprising a body securely attached to the trailer, the interior surface thereof forming a cylindrical cavity, the cylindrical cavity being open at one end thereof for insertion of the ball-type hitch and the opposite end thereof being closed, the interior surface at the closed end forming a curved surface which substantially conforms to a portion of the ball-type hitch; a plurality of steel balls rotatably embedded within the body such that a portion of each steel ball extends through the interior surface of the body into the cavity to secure the ball-type hitch within the cavity; and retraction means for temporarily retracting the steel balls completely within the body to allow ingress and egress of the ball-type hitch into and out of the cavity, respectively.

Abstract: A novel steering mechanism is provided which has both wheel tilting and steering capabilities. The steering mechanism comprises generally a platform, a plunger which is fixedly attached at one end to the bottom face of the platform, top and bottom axles of equal length disposed in parallel aligned space relationship to each other, a pair of wheels, and a steering rod.The plunger hingedly intersects each axle. The top axle includes a forwardly extending steering rod holder and the bottom axle includes a rearwardly extending steering rod holder, the steering rod holders being in axial alignment with each other. One end of both the top and bottom axles are hingedly connected to one wheel while the other end of both axles are hingedly connected to the second wheel.