Abstract: A spinning earth satellite (19) is shown in which it is desired to reduce the rotation or spin to a level that the satellite (19) may be secured or handled remotely from a spacecraft. This is accomplished by the spacecraft (11) having a mast (13) carrying an electrical current carrying coil (17) which encircles the satellite (19). The magnetic field of the coil (17) is normal to the spin axis of the satellite (19) which causes circular eddy-current flow in the housing of the satellite which generates magnetic force opposing the rotation. In another embodiment the magnetic field is generated by the use of an electromagnet (49) on a remote manipulation arm (45).

Abstract: A self-latching jaw assembly is illustrated which includes a pair of latching jaws (A) and (B) for latching a fitting of an associated structure such as the keel fitting (50) of a space telescope. The jaw assembly automatically locates the fitting received on a positioning pedestal (52) and latches it in its original location on the pedestal without need of precision alignment. The first jaw (A) is actuated and moved to the right whereupon a reciprocating plunger (62) will have been extended from the nose (64) of the jaw and will sense the hub (50b) of the spool (50a). A jaw position responsive switch (72) is then actuated to terminate the drive motor (E) of the jaw (A). The astronaut will then actuate the drive motor (F) of the jaw (B) and the jaw will move to the left whereupon standoff (82) will engage the face (64a) of the jaw (A) in a latching position. In the latching position, the noses (64) and (83) of the jaws (A) and (B) will be under the flanges of the spool (50a).

Abstract: A tube fluid flow rate meter comprising reservoir (10) divided by flexible diaphragm (24) into two separate, isolated compartments (12 and 14) except for orifice (25) in diaphragm (24). Incoming tube (42) opens into compartment (14) and outgoing tube (44) opens into compartment (12). Orifice (25) is sized to allow maximum tube fluid flow. Opposing compression springs (34 and 36) secured within the two compartments (12 and 14) bias diaphragm (24) on opposite sides of orifice (25) to maintain orifice (25) in a given position when the tube fluid pressure is zero. A tapered element (49) is centered in, and extends through orifice (25) into compartment (12) leaving an annular opening between element (49) and the perimeter of orifice (25) whose size varies as diaphragm (24) flexes with changes in tube fluid pressure to change the fluid flow through the opening. Light source (60) directs light upon element ( 49) which scatters the light through the opening into compartment (14).

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the movement of a welding torch (10) while welding an elongated joint (18). A charge injection television camera (30) is carried on a movable support (20) and includes a matrix of individual light sensing video elements (pixels, 32) which generate voltages responsive to light reflected off of the joint (18) and surrounding areas of the workpiece (12). The voltages produced by the pixels (32) are converted to digital words which are fed to a microprocessor (54) for generating an error signal. This error signal is fed to a digital motor (26) which is used to drive a movable support (20) upon which the television camera (30) is carried.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pulling optical glass fibers in a containerless environment is disclosed which includes a single-axis acoustical levitation furnace (10) in which a specimen (S) is levitated and melted. A reflector unit (16) is carried in the interior of the furnace and includes a reflector (16a) disposed centrally about the acoustical axis of the levitator. The reflector unit includes a circular shroud (32) of insulation and a copper sleeve (34) inserted in the unit which is hollow at (34a) for receiving a cooling medium (38). A fiber pulling bore (40) is formed centrally in the reflector unit surrounded by cooling jacket (34a) to enhance solidification and formation of a fiber (F). A starting fiber strand is introduced into the melt and pulled outwardly through bore (40) whereby the specimen fiber is started and formed as pulled therethrough.

Abstract: A telescope (A) for viewing high frequency radiation. This telescope has a long focal length with a selection of magnifications despite a short housing (20). Light enters the telescope and is reflected by the telescope's primary optical system (10) and (12) to one of several secondary mirrors (14) at different locations on a movable frame (40). The secondary mirrors (14) have varying degrees of magnification and select narrow spectral slices of the incident radiation. Thus, both the magnification and effective focal length field of view and wavelength can be altered by repositioning moving frame (40).

Abstract: An optical video signal processor which produces a two-dimensional cross-correlation in real time of images received by a stereo camera system. The optical image of each camera (12, 14) is projected on respective liquid crystal light valves (28, 48). The images on the liquid crystal valves (28, 48) modulate light produced by an extended light source (32). This modulated light output becomes the two-dimensional cross-correlation when focused onto a video detector (42) and is a function of the range of a target (1) with respect to the stereo camera (10). Alternate embodiments utilize the two-dimensional cross-correlation to determine target movement and target identification.

Abstract: An ejection apparatus (19) for spinning and propelling objects (17) for ejection from a spacecraft (11) at a desired velocity and rotational speed. The apparatus includes a launch cradle (23) on which the space object (17) to be ejected rests. The cradle (23) is rotatably supported by a central hub (37) secured to upper end of pneumatic cylinder piston shaft (25). Release mechanisms (29) consisting of a retractable pin (75) and locking lug (72) is utilized to hold the cradle and object to be ejected. The release mechanism (29) has a fixed barrier member (76) which holds the retractable pin (75) in engagement with the locking lug (72) until release by upward movement of the launch cradle (23) beyond the barrier height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the surface of a bearing ball is disclosed which includes a base (A) having a high friction non-abrasive base scanning surface (12). A holding device (B) includes a cone-shaped cup recess (14) in which a ball element (18) is received. Air is introduced through a passage (26) to relieve friction between the wall (16) of the recess and the ball element and facilitate rolling of the ball over the high friction base surface. The holding device is moved over the base scanning surface in a predetermined pattern (50) such that the entire surface of the ball element is inspected by an eddy current probe (C) which detects any surface defects.

Abstract: A high common mode rejection differential amplifier wherein two serially arranged Darlington amplifier stages (28, 44) are employed and any common mode voltage is divided between them by a resistance network (53). The input to the first Darlington amplifier stage (28) is coupled to a signal input resistor (8) via an amplifier (16) which isolates the input and presents a high impedance across this resistor. The output of the second Darlington stage (44) is transposed in scale via an amplifier stage (66) which has in its input a biasing circuit which effects a finite biasing of the two Darlington amplifier stages (28, 44).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the tensile strength and bonding strength of sprayed-on foam insulation (12) attached to metal cryogenic fuel tanks (14). A circular cutter is used to cut the insulation (12) down to the surface of the metal tank to form plugs of the insulation (12) for testing "in situ" on the tank (14). The apparatus comprises an electro-mechanical pulling device (32) powered by a belt battery pack (34). The pulling device (32) comprises a motor (60) driving a mechanical pulling structure comprising a horizontal shaft (64) connected to two bell cranks (68) which are connected to a central member (74). When the lower end of member (74) is attached to fitting (20), which in turn is bonded to plug (10) (see FIG. 2), a pulling force is exerted on plug (10) sufficient to rupture it. The force necessary to rupture the plug (10) or pull it loose is displayed as a digital read-out (51) on screen (50).

Abstract: A telescoping manipulator arm and pivotable finger assembly are disclosed. The telescoping arm assembly (A) includes a generally T-shaped arm (18) having three outwardly extending fingers (18a, 18b, 18c) guided on the grooved roller guides (12, 14, 16) to compensate for environmental variations. The pivotable finger assembly (D) includes four pivoting fingers (50, 66, 70, 74). Arcuate teeth (52, 58, 60, 62) are formed on the ends of the fingers. A rack (54) having teeth on four sides meshes with each one of the fingers. One surface of the rack (54) includes teeth (56) along its entire surface which mesh with teeth (52) of the finger (50). The teeth (56) at the remote end of the rack (54) engage teeth (80) of a gear wheel (81). The wheel (81) includes a worm (82) which meshes with a worm drive shaft of the drive motor (86) providing a ninety degree self-locking drive (E) for locking the fingers in a desired position.

Abstract: The invention is a television camera apparatus (10) wherein bright objects are attenuated to fit within the dynamic range of the system, while dim objects are not. The apparatus receives linearly polarized light from an object scene (12), the light being passed by a beam splitter (20) and focused on the output plane of a liquid crystal light valve (16). Light valve (16) is oriented such that, with no excitation from cathode ray tube (22), all light is rotated 90.degree. and focused on the input plane of video sensor (28). The light is then converted to an electrical signal, which is amplified by amplifier (30) and used to excite CRT (22). The resulting image is collected and focused by lens (24) onto light valve (16), which rotates the polarization vector of the light to an extent preportional to the light intensity from CRT (22). The overall effect is to selectively attenuate the image pattern focused on sensor (28).

Abstract: Apparatus for adapting a general purpose end effector device (10) to a special purpose end effector (A) is disclosed which includes an adapter bracket assembly (B) which provides a mechanical and electrical interface between the end effector devices. The adapter bracket assembly (B) includes an adapter connector post (46) which interlocks with a diamond-shaped gripping channel (28) formed in closed jaws (18) and (20) of the general purpose end effector (10). The angularly intersecting surfaces of the connector post and gripping channel prevent any relative movement therebetween. Containment webs (42, 44) constrain the outer finger plates (22a, 22b) of the general purpose jaws (18, 20) to prevent pitch motion. Electrical interface is provided by conical, self-aligning electrical connector components (60, 62) carried by respective ones of said end effectors (A, 10).

Abstract: A damping seal between a high speed rotor member (30) and stator member (33) that separates pressurized fluid compartments which is characterized by the rotor member having a smooth outer surface and the stator member having its bore surface roughened by a plurality of pockets or depressions.

Abstract: A high gradient directional solidification furnace is disclosed which includes eight thermal zones throughout the length of the furnace. In the hot end of the furnace, furnace elements (25, 26, and 40) provide desired temperatures. These elements include Nichrome wire (28) received in a grooved tube (30) which is encapsulated by an outer alumina core (32). A booster heater (40) is provided in the hot end of the furnace which includes toroidal tungsten/rhenium wire (42) which has a capacity to put heat quickly into the furnace. An adiabatic zone is provided by insulation barrier (62) to separate the hot end of the furnace from a cold end. The cold end of the furnace is defined by heating elements (80 and 90). A heat transfer plate (70) provides a means by which heat may be extracted from the furnace and conducted away through liquid cooled jackets (72).

Abstract: A variable length strut device (A) is illustrated for connecting two associated structures which includes an outer load bearing shell (B), a drive assembly (C), a length varying compliance assembly (D) positioned by drive assembly (C), and a strut rod locking assembly (E). Load bearing shell (B) includes a connecting part (32) adapted for connection to a first associated structure. A strut connection rod (58) has a connecting part (88) adapted for connection to a second associated structure and a distal end having a piston driver (74) slidably carried in a housing 44 of compliance assembly (D). Two compliance pistons (62, 64) act in opposing directions on the piston driver to provide longitudinal compliance in a compliance mode of operation. Locking assembly (E) includes locking balls (90) which are urged in a locking ring (92) as locking bolt (82) is urged to the left by fluid pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for doubling the data density rate of an analog to digital converter or doubling the data density storage capacity of a memory device. An interstitial data point midway between adjacent data points in a data stream having an even number of equal interval data points is generated by applying a set of predetermined one-dimensional convolute integer coefficients which can include a set of multiplier coefficients and a normalizer coefficient. Interpolator means apply the coefficients to the data points by weighting equally on each side of the center of the even number of equal interval data points to obtain an interstital point value at the center of the data points. A one-dimensional output data set, which is twice as dense as a one-dimensional equal interval input data set, can be generated where the output data set includes interstitial points interdigitated between adjacent data points in the input data set.

Abstract: A low gravity exothermic heating/cooling apparatus is disclosed for processing materials in space which includes an insulated casing (10) and a sample support (16), (18) carried within the casing which supports a sample container (14). An exothermic heat source (A) includes a plurality of segments (20) of exothermic material stacked one upon another to produce a desired temperature profile when ignited. The exothermic material segments are constructed in the form of an annular element having a recess opening (22) which defines an open central core (23) throughout the vertical axis of the stacked exothermic material (A). The sample container (14) is arranged within the core (23) of the stacked exothermic heating material. Igniters (24) are spaced vertically along the axis of the heating material to ignite the exothermic material at spaced points to provide total rapid burn and release of heat.

Abstract: A payload retention system for securing and retaining a payload in a fixed docked position on a platform in a cargo bay of a space vehicle is disclosed which includes a plurality of latching assemblies 16 carried by platform 10 each of which includes a latching member A having a contoured spherical latch element 24. A plurality of payload latching elements B are carried by the payload having a complementary contoured spherical latch element 18. The latching elements 18 are carried in interlatching alignment with the latching members 24 of the latching assemblies 16 defining latch couplings C. Spherical latch element 18 has a convex latching surface 19 and spherical element 24 has a concave latching surface 25 which mate and couple with one another when interlatched. The spherical latch elements 18, 24 having their axes aligned with one another when interlatched whereby the payload is retained in a fixed docked position.