Patents Represented by Attorney Joseph H. Beumer
  • Patent number: 4422609
    Abstract: A clamp-mount device is disclosed for mounting equipment B to an associated I-beam 50 and the like structural member of the type having oppositely extending flanges 52, 54 wherein the device comprises a base 10 and a pair of oppositely facing clamping members 12, 14 carried diagonally on the base clamping flanges therebetween and having flange receiving openings facing one another. Lock means 20, 22 are carried diagonally by the base opposite the clamping members locking the flanges in the clamping members. A resilient hub 30 is carried centrally of the base engaging and biasing a back side of the flanges maintaining same tightly clamped and facilitating use on vertical as well as horizontal members. The base turns about the hub to receive the flanges within the clamping members. Equipment B may be secured to said base 10 by any suitable means such as bolts in openings 10b. Slidable gate latches 24, 26 secure the hinged locks 20, 22 in an upright locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Keith H. Clark
  • Patent number: 4421371
    Abstract: A self-aligning electrical connector device is disclosed as including a receptacle component (A) having a conically contoured interior and a plug component (B) having a correspondingly contoured conical body receivable in the receptacle component. The plug component B includes a plurality of spaced conductive ring elements 22 having a mating face (22a) and the receptacle component includes a plurality of corresponding spaced conductive ring elements (14) providing mating interface with the mating face of the ring elements of the plug component when connected therewith. Each ring element of the receptacle component includes a plurality of segmented portions, (16a), which defect downwardly when the plug component is inserted therein to assert a biasing force against the face of the ring elements of the plug component providing positive electrical contact and connection between the ring elements of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Keith H. Clark, Donald R. Scott
  • Patent number: 4417190
    Abstract: A control circuit for an induction motor powered system wherein a power factor controlled servo loop is used to control, via the phase angle of firing of a triac (16), the power input to the motor (14) as a function of load placed on the motor (14) by machinery of the powered system. Then, upon application of torque by this machinery to the motor (14), which tends to overspeed the motor, the firing angle of the triac (16) is automatically set to a fixed, and relatively short, firing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Frank J. Nola
  • Patent number: 4415450
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater comprising the steps of subjecting the wastewater to an anaerobic settling step for at least 6 hours and passing the liquid effluent from the anaerobic settling step through a filter cell in an upflow manner, wherein the effluent is subjected first to the action of anaerobic and facultative microorganisms and then to the action of aerobic microorganisms and the roots of at least one vascular aquatic plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Billy C. Wolverton
  • Patent number: 4413784
    Abstract: An improved constant-output atomizer (30) includes a body (38) which has a generally frustoconical expansion nozzle (36) for producing an air jet when a supply of pressurized air is connected to the nozzle upstream of the throat of the nozzle. A liquid feed line (40) supplies liquid to be atomized by the air jet, and the body includes a groove (42) which opens into the diffuser section of the nozzle downstream of the throat for conducting liquid from the feed line to the nozzle. The groove extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle, and radially with respect thereto; and it has a depth approximately equal to half the axial length of the nozzle. Liquid, conducted by capillary action in the groove to the nozzle, is atomized into a fine mist by the air jet in the nozzle; and the groove eliminates fluctuations in spray order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jack Y. Dea
  • Patent number: 4410189
    Abstract: A ring seal (11) adapted for installation in an annular recess (13) between a housing (15) and a rotating or reciprocating shaft (17). The seal (11) consists of a resilient ring cup member (19) having a ring wedge member (21) inserted in the center recess (25) of the cup member (19) to wedge the opposing lips (29) and (31) of the the cup member (19) outwardly into a sealing relationship. A spring (23) maintains the force against the wedge member (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William N. Myers, Leopold A. Hein
  • Patent number: 4408658
    Abstract: An improved process for heating a material (20) within a fused silica ampoule by radiation through the wall of the ampoule (16), while simultaneously passing a cooling gas (22) around the ampoule, the radiation having passed through a screen (18) of fused silica so as to remove those components capable of directly heating the silica, thereby increasing the temperature of the material within the ampoule above the strain point of the ampoule, while maintaining the exterior of the ampoule cool enough to prevent rupturing the amp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Holland
  • Patent number: 4408597
    Abstract: An occlusive device is disclosed for surgical implant to occlude the lumen of an internal organ. The device includes a cuff A having a backing collar (10) and two isolated cuff chambers B and C. The fluid pressure of chamber B is regulated by a pump/valve reservoir unit E. Chamber C is unregulated in pressure but its fluid volume is adjusted by removing or adding fluid to a septum/reservoir D by means of a hypodermic needle. Pressure changes are transmitted between the two cuff chambers via faying surfaces (12) and (14) which are sufficiently large in contact area and thin as to transmit pressure generally without attenuation. By adjusting the fluid volume of septum D, the operating pressure of the device may be adjusted to accommodate tubular organs of different diameter sizes as well as to compensate for changes in the organ following implant without re-operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John B. Tenney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4401934
    Abstract: A control system for a permanent-magnet motor (10) driven by a multiphase line-commutated inverter (12) is provided with integrators (24) for integrating the back EMF of each phase of the motor for use in generating system control signals for an inverter gate logic (30) using a sync and firing angle (.alpha.) control generator (26) connected to the outputs of the integrators. A precision full-wave rectifier (16) provides a speed control feedback signal to a phase-delay rectifier (14) via a gain and loop compensation circuit (20) and to the integrators for adaptive control of the attenuation of low frequencies by the integrators as a function of motor speed, whereby as the motor speed increases, the attenuation of low frequency components by the integrators is increased to offset the gain of the integrators to spurious low frequencies. While the attenuation may be a continuous linear function of speed, a switch (Q.sub.1) is employed to provide a step change in attenuation at 40% of speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Carlisle R. Dolland, David A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 4378209
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for levitating a specimen of material in a containerless environment at a stable nodal position independent of gravity which includes providing an elongated levitation tube 10 having contoured interior in the form of convergent section 12, constriction 15 and divergent section 14 wherein the levitation node 16 is created. Gas flow control means 30, 54 controls flow to prevent separation of flow from the interior walls in the region of specimen 18. Apparatus 64, 66, provides for levitating and heating the specimen 18 simultaneously by combustion of a suitable gas mixture combined with an inert gas 74.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Leroy H. Berge, William A. Oran, John M. Theiss
  • Patent number: 4377266
    Abstract: A structural array and electrical rotary joint for transmitting an electrical power between large space structures having relative rotational movement therebetween is disclosed as including large support framework structures A and B which rotate relative to one another about a common axis of rotation X. A rotary interface joint 14 is defined between the structures A and B. A cylindrical hub member C is carried by the structure A and a cylindrical hub member is carried by support structure B with hub member C being received concentrically within hub member D for relative rotation. Tension connecting cables connect hub member C and hub member D with their associated outer structures A and B whereby relative rotational movement between structures A and B is transmitted to the cylindrical hub members for unitary motion therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert R. Belew, Richard J. Boehme
  • Patent number: 4370750
    Abstract: An X-ray telescope system comprises a tubular mount having a collecting region at one axial end for receiving X-rays from a remote source, and a detector region remote from the one axial end. A soft X-ray/XUV subsystem associated with the collecting region directs only relatively soft, near on-axis X-rays/XUV radiation incident on a first portion of the collecting region into a first detector sensitive to relatively soft X-rays/XUV radiation. A hard X-ray subsystem associated with the collecting region directs only relatively hard near on-axis X-rays incident on a second portion of the collecting region into a second detector sensitive to relatively hard X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Richard B. Hoover
  • Patent number: 4362361
    Abstract: An optical manifold transforms a collimated beam, such as a laser beam, into a plurality of parallel beams having uniform intensity or having a desired intensity ratio. The manifold (10) comprises an optical substrate (12) coated on its rear surface (13) with a fully reflective layer (14) and on its front surface (15) with a partially reflecting layer (20) having a reflectivity gradient. An input collimated beam (30) entering the rear surface (13) and impinging on the front surface (14) will be reflected, multiple (32-40) between the front and rear surfaces producing a plurality of parallel beams (42, 44, 46, 48) that emerge from the front surface. The intensities of the emerging beams will have a relationship that depends on the reflectivity (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5) of the front surface at the points where the beams emerge. By properly selecting the reflectivity gradient, the emerging beams will have uniform intensity or a desired intensity ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Cecil W. Campbell, Robert B. Owen
  • Patent number: 4358358
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for carrying out a moving wall type electrophoresis process for separation of cellular particles. The Apparatus includes a water-tight housing (10) containing an electrolytic buffer solution. A separation chamber (12) in the housing is defined by spaced opposed moving walls (14 and 16) and spaced opposed side walls (18 and 20). Substrate assemblies (26 and 32), which support the moving wall include vacuum ports (60) for positively sealing the moving walls against the substrate walls. A plurality of suction conduits (62) communicate with the suction ports and are arranged in the form of valleys in a grid plate (64). Raised land portion of the grid plate support the substrate walls against deformation inwardly under suction. Cooling chamber (70) carried on the back side of plate (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Percy H. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 4349429
    Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed for separating cellular particles of a sample substance into fractionated streams of different cellular species wherein the device includes a casing 10 having a distribution chamber A, separation chamber B, and collection chamber C. The electrode chambers 34 are separated from the separation chamber interior 16 by means of passages 50 and 48 such that flow variations and membrane variations around the slotted portion 34a of the electrode chamber do not enduce flow perturbations into the laminar buffer curtain flowing in the separation chamber.The cellular particles of the sample are separated under the influence of the electrical field and the separation chamber 16 and separated into streams of different cellular species. The streams of separated cells enter a partition array 52 in the collection chamber C and are fractionated and collected therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Percy H. Rhodes, Robert S. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4343584
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring and manipulating a plurality of containers in a sequence is disclosed including a mechanical manipulator arm 10 having a gripping device B which automatically picks up a container at a fixed pickup position P and transfers it to a processing station.At a processing station X, the container is loaded with silicon wafers and thereafter returned by the arm to the fixed position P at the pickup and return station Y. A plurality of the containers may be processed in sequence from the fixed pickup position by providing a movable carriage 58 upon which container pedestal platforms 54 and 56 are supported, at least one of which is an elevator platform. The platforms include abutments 54c and 56c for properly positioning the containers for accurate pickup by the manipulator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jerry L. Hudgins
  • Patent number: 4327150
    Abstract: Plasticized elastomer is securely bonded to a metal surface by interposing between the adhesive-coated metal surface and the elastomer a sheet of material obtained by combining adhesive with a portion of the elastomer that has been treated to remove plasticizers therefrom and heating the assembly in a mold under pressure. The sheet material is made up by dissolving a portion of the plasticized elastomer in an organic solvent, casting the solution, exposing it to a vacuum to remove the solvent and plasticizers, dissolving the de-plasticized material in liquid adhesive and casting and drying the resulting liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William T. White, Johnny M. Clemons, Frank E. Ledbetter, III
  • Patent number: 4319133
    Abstract: A photoelectric beam system for the detection of the arrival of an object at a discrete station wherein artificial light, natural light, or no light may be present. A signal generator turns on and off a signal light at a selected frequency. When the object in question arrives on station, ambient light is blocked by the object, and the light from the signal light is reflected onto a photoelectric sensor which has a delayed electrical output but is of the frequency of the signal light. Outputs from both the signal source and the photoelectric sensor are fed to inputs of an exclusively OR detector which provides as an output the difference between them. The difference signal is a small width pulse occurring at the frequency of the signal source. By filter means, this signal is distinguished from those responsive to sunlight, darkness, or 120 Hz artificial light. In this fashion, the presence of an object is positively established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: James R. Currie, Raymond R. Schansman
  • Patent number: 4313077
    Abstract: A torque control for an electromechanical torquing device of a type wherein there occurs variable clearance between a rotor and field. A Hall effect device senses the field present, which would vary as a function of spacing between field and rotor, and the output of the Hall effect device controls the power applied to the field so as to provide a well-defined field and thus a controlled torque to the rotor which is well-defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Walter Haeussermann
  • Patent number: 4309146
    Abstract: The invention relates to the utilization of wind energy and increasing the effects thereof for power generation. Amplified wind turbine apparatus is disclosed wherein ambient inlet air is prerotated in a first air rotation chamber (B) having a high pressure profile increasing the turbulence and Reynolds number thereof and a second rotation chamber (C) adjacent and downstream of the turbine has a low pressure core profile whereby flow across the turbine is accelerated and thereafter exits the turbine apparatus through a draft anti-interference device (D) which eliminates interference with ambient winds at the outlet of the turbine apparatus. Pivotable vanes 12 controlled in response to prevailing wind direction admit air to the chambers and aid in imparting rotation. A central core 20 may be utilized for creating the desired pressure profile in chamber B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Leopold A. Hein, William N. Myers