Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a torque driver including a displaceable gear to limit torque transfer to a fastener at a precisely controlled torque limit. A biasing assembly biases a first gear into engagement with a second gear for torque transfer between the first and second gear. The biasing assembly includes a pressurized cylinder controlled at a constant pressure that corresponds to a torque limit. A calibrated gage and valve is used to set the desired torque limit. One or more coiled output linkages connect the first gear with the fastener adaptor which may be a socket for a nut. A gear tooth profile provides a separation force that overcomes the bias to limit torque at the desired torque limit. Multiple fasteners may be rotated simultaneously to a desired torque limit if additional output spur gears are provided. The torque limit is adjustable and may be different for fasteners within the same fastener configuration.

Abstract: An annular culture vessel for growing mammalian cells is constructed in a one piece integral and annular configuration with an open end which is closed by an endcap. The culture vessel is rotatable about a horizontal axis by use of conventional roller systems commonly used in culture laboratories. The end wall of the endcap has tapered access ports to frictionally and sealingly receive the ends of hypodermic syringes. The syringes permit the introduction of fresh nutrient and withdrawal of spent nutrients. The walls are made of conventional polymeric cell culture material and are subjected to neutron bombardment to form minute gas permeable perforations in the walls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a torque driver including a laterally displaceable gear support member to carry an output spur gear. A biasing assembly biases the output spur gear into engagement with a pinion to which is applied an input torque greater than a desired output torque limit for a threaded fastener such as a nut or screw. A coiled output linkage connects the output spur gear with a fastener adaptor which may be a socket for a nut. A gear tooth profile provides a separation force that overcomes the bias to limit torque at the desired torque limit. Multiple fasteners may be rotated simultaneously to a desired torque limit if additional output spur gears are provided. A gauged selector mechanism is provided to laterally displace multiple driver members for fasteners arranged in differing configurations. The torque limit is selectably adjustable and may be different for fasteners within the same fastener configuration.

Abstract: A force transmitting load alleviator apparatus 10 and method are provided for rotatably and pivotally driving a member to be protected against overload torsional and bending (moment) forces. The load alleviator 10 includes at least one bias spring 42 to resiliently bias cam followers 18 and cam surfaces 22 together and to maintain them in locked engagement unless a predetermined load is exceeded whereupon a center housing 12 is pivotal or rotational with respect to a crown assembly 14. This pivotal and rotational movement results in frictional dissipation of the overload force by an energy dissipator 16. The energy dissipator 16 can be provided to dissipate substantially more energy from the overload force than from the bias force that automatically resets the center housing 12 and crown assembly 14 to the normally fixed centered alignment. The torsional and bending (moment) overload levels can designed independently of each other.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system capable of memorizing maximum sensed values. The system includes conditioning circuitry which receives the analog output signal from a sensor transducer. The conditioning circuitry rectifies and filters the analog signal and provides an input signal to a digital driver, which may be either linear or logarithmic. The driver converts the analog signal to discrete digital values, which in turn triggers an output signal on one of a plurality of driver output lines n. The particular output lines selected is dependent on the converted digital value. A microfuse memory device connects across the driver output lines, with n segments. Each segment is associated with one driver output line, and includes a microfuse that is blown when a signal appears on the associated driver output line.

Abstract: Normal mammalian tissue and the culturing process has been developed for the three groups of organ, structural and blood tissue. The cells are grown in vitro under microgravity culture conditions and form three dimensional cells aggregates with normal cell function. The microgravity culture conditions may be microgravity or simulated microgravity created in a horizontal rotating wall culture vessel.

Abstract: A protective helmet assembly (10) comprising a hard ballistic outer shell (12) in a clam shell construction of hinged shell portions (14, 16), the front portion (14) being provided with a window opening (20) and a facial seal (34). A transparent visor (22) and sun visor (24) are pivotally mounted on the shell portion (14) and are positionable to cover the window with a seal (23) between the visor (22) and shell portion (14). Impact absorbing pads (31, 32) of open cell flexible polyimide foam material are attached to the inner surface of the hard shell portions (14, 16) by cooperative fastener strips (35, 36) of hook-and-loop material.

Abstract: A releasable coupling device for connecting two members to one another where a collet type fastener has normally retracted latching fingers insertable into a latching recess and a longitudinally movable expander for activating the fastener. The longitudinal movement is retained with a paraffin actuated system which can reset. The longitudinal movement of the expander in one direction is through a one way threaded ratchet system which provides an automatic locking action and the expander is movable in either direction by an independently operated threaded action.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for extra corporeal access to blood for analysis of the blood and for treating it or constituents of it with force, energy, or radiation; e.g. electrical energy, heat, sound or electromagnetic or electrostatic force; such apparatuses in one aspect having one or more access ports in tubing or other members through which blood flows with treatment and/or analysis windows disposed at adjacent, within, or over the ports.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system for controlling the force where a moving object engages a stationary stop and where the system utilized telescopic tubular members, energy absorbing diaphragm elements, force regulating disc springs, and a return spring to return the telescoping member to its start position after stroking. The energy absorbing system has frusto-conical diaphragm elements frictionally engaging the shaft and are opposed by a force regulating set of disc springs. In principle, this force feedback mechanism serves to keep the stroking load at a reasonable level even if the friction coefficient increases greatly. This force feedback device also services desensitize the singular and combined effects of manufacturing tolerances, sliding surface wear, temperature changes, dynamic effects, and lubricity.

Abstract: Full complex spatial light modulation is enabled by an optically additive combination of the actions of separate and independent spatial light modulators, even though the independent modulators can each express only a one-parameter subset of complex values called its operating curve. Similarly the operating curve of a single modulator can be shifted (biased) by optically adding a constant complex value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus relating to design, construction, integration and assembly of a space station. The present invention uses pre-integrated open (unpressurized) truss segments for modular construction of the space station. Each segment includes a truss structure and utility subsystems which may be fully assembled and tested on Earth. The segments may be latched together on orbit using a remote latching system. Utility subsystems, such as solar panels and radiators, are pre-integrated into the appropriate truss segment, and are deployable from the respective truss segment on orbit. Rails run lengthwise along the assembled truss. The rails may be used with a mobile transporter for translating truss segments with respect to the spacecraft as part of the space station assembly process. The rails may also be used with a mobile transporter for carrying crew personnel, a robotic arm, and other equipment.

Abstract: An oil recovery system includes an inflatable boom wall, a plurality of inflatable storage tanks at spaced intervals along the boom wall, and a plurality of oil catchers adjacent to each of the storage tanks. Selected ones of the oil catchers are attached to the boom wall, adjacent to the storage tanks, while other ones of the catchers are free-floating and attached to corresponding storage tanks by means of a flexible line. The oil recovery system further includes a plurality of plow boats, each of which has adjustable, bow-mounted plates for pushing oil and other surface contaminants into the oil catchers. The material collected by the catchers drains by gravity into the corresponding storage tanks for temporary storage. The storage tanks are pumped out periodically to transfer the contents thereof to permanent storage tanks aboard a barge or other oil collection vessel.

Abstract: A method for forming a glove attachment principally for the palm of an astronaut glove to enhance the gripping area of the palm without detracting from the flexibility and utility of the glove. The attachment is a composite construction formed from a layer of silicone rubber having an outer surface with a friction configuration and an another layer of silicone rubber in which a meta-aramid mesh fabric is embedded prior to curing. The method of construction involves the use of a mold with a friction configuration surface. A first layer of silicone rubber or sealant is disposed in the mold and allowed to set for an hour. A second layer of silicone rubber or sealant is layered over the first layer and leveled. A meta-aramid mesh fabric is embedded into the second layer and the composite is permitted to cure. When cured, a configured area of the composite construction is glued or stitched to the palm area of the glove.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) for treating a microporous structure (239) with atomic oxygen. The apparatus (200) includes a main gas chamber (202) for flowing gas in an axial direction and a source (218, 220) of gas, containing atomic oxygen, connected for introducing the gas into the main gas chamber (202). The apparatus (200) employs at least one side arm (228) extending from the main atomic oxygen-containing chamber (202). The side arm (228) has characteristic relaxation times such that a uniform atomic oxygen dose rate is delivered to a specimen (239) positioned transversely in the side arm (228) spaced from the main gas chamber (202).

Abstract: High pressure gas cutting process useful for drilling large numbers of holes in large surface area workpieces such as air frame components and the like. The procedure utilizes a cutting tool which has an internal fluid passageway extending through the shank portion thereof and terminating in at least one discharge port adjacent a cutting edge of the tool. As the cutting tool is rotated and advanced into the workpiece in the course of the cutting operation, a high pressure gas is supplied into the cutting tool passageway under an applied pressure of at least 500 psia. The gas, which may be an inert gas such as nitrogen, is discharged from the cutting port into the tool with an expansive cooling effect. The gas then flows outwardly through the hole and exits the hole with sufficient velocity to entrain and remove the drill cuttings from the hole. A liquid lubricant can be employed to prolong the life of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A method for applying a uniform sealant coating over the portion of a fastener exposed above a panel includes applying a sealant retaining shell over the exposed portion of the fastener to define a closed volume between the shell, fastener and panel. The shell has an aperture, removed from the mouth of the shell, for receiving sealant therethrough. An injection nozzle receiving structure for receiving a sealant injector nozzle therein is provided adjacent and substantially aligned with the aperture. Sealant is injected into the shell through the injection nozzle receiving structure and through the aperture therein to fill the area between the fastener and the shell. A pressure is selected for injecting the sealant such that injection is stopped when the shell is filled. The sealant is allowed to cure and the retaining shell is removed.

Abstract: A process for producing reinforced laminate plastic panel structures by thermoplastic compression employing internal mold mandrels which are significantly embrittled during or subsequent to the compression step. Hat stiffened panels formed from two thermoplastic resin sheets may be produced by using elongated mandrels formed of ceramic particulate material adhered together by a binder such as an alkali metal silicate. The mandrels are arranged between a skin sheet and hat stiffener sheets with the respective sheets disposed between the platens of a hydraulic press or other suitable compression molding mechanism. Sandwich laminate structures can be formed employing free thermoplastic resin sheets with a first set of ceramic particulate mandrels interposed between one adjacent pair of sheets and a second set of such mandrels interposed between the other adjacent pair of sheets.

Abstract: A neutron radiography system having a high energy neutron generator (100) of the type comprising an ion accelerator (106) and a tritium target (110) located downstream of the accelerator. The generator is disclosed in a housing (22) containing a moderator medium (140) adapted to absorb part of the energy of the neutrons, thereby creating thermal neutrons. A neutron flux booster (130) comprised of a high neutron cross section material, such as depleted uranium, is disposed between the target and the moderator medium such that collisions of high energy neutrons produced at the target will collide with the uranium to release additional high energy neutrons from the booster into the moderator medium. A collimator (40) is disposed in communication with the moderator material for discharging thermal neutrons from the moderator medium.