Abstract: A torque measuring apparatus that uses proximity devices coupled to reference rings on input and output shafts that have periodically undulating circumferential boundaries. The regular changes in the proximity of the circumferential surfaces to their proximity sensors is used to determine torque.

Abstract: A four degree of freedom manipulator which comprises a pair of elongate rigid legs connected by a joint. The joint acts as an end-effector or an end-effector is attached thereto, The legs effectively intersect at a point in the joint. The positioning end of each leg is attached to a two degree of freedom positioning mechanism that can position it in a two dimensional plane. The connection between the leg and the positioning mechanism has two passive rotational degrees of freedom. Preferably five bar mechanisms are used as the positioning mechanisms. The manipulator can control the position and orientation of an end-effector.

Abstract: A carrier frequency modulating system and method for producing a modulated carrier frequency is disclosed. The system comprises a carrier frequency signal generator for producing a carrier frequency signal at a carrier frequency at an output thereof. The system further comprises a sequencer for producing a modulation signal at an output thereof. This modulation signal comprises a plurality of modulation signal portions separated by at least one null modulation signal portion having a corresponding time length. The system is provided with a modulator for producing a modulated carrier frequency signal at an output thereof. The modulator has a first input connected to the output of the carrier frequency signal generator for receiving the carrier frequency signal, and has a second input for receiving the modulation signal. The system further comprises a power supply unit for supplying electrical power to the carrier frequency signal generator.

Abstract: A selective spraying weed control system utilizes weed detectors that process four bands of reflected illumination from a field of view that may contain weeds. The system uses distributed processes assigned individually to control associated spray nozzles.

Abstract: Article converging/diverging chamfered walls gripping anvils are provided having two protuberances extending from a body portion. The protuberances have top and bottom chamfered, converging inner sides for gripping a square-bobbin-shaped interface therebetween. The protuberances have diverging notches in their outer walls for locating between top and bottom chamfered protrusions on an interface.

Abstract: An end effector clamping jaw interface for attachment to an orbital replacement unit wherein the interface consists of a bodying having a reduced waist portion and V-shaped clamping faces that project laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the waist portion for engagement by an end effector. The interface may also incorporate a latching mechanism that is used for releasably latching the interface and the orbital replacement unit to which it is attached to a compatible system. A latch actuator is provided which serves to release the latch mechanism when the interface is engaged by a complimentary end effector.

Abstract: A bifurcated, orbital replacement unit interface comprises a body and two pairs of fingers extending outwardly from opposite sides of the body, wherein each pair of fingers provides a bifurcation between their inner sides in the form of an inwardly tapering recess. All of the inner sides of the fingers are bevelled for aligning a correspondingly shaped anvil in the tapering recess.

Abstract: A tether, and foot restraining device, securing handrail bracket is provided, suitable for use by an astronaut performing tasks outside a spacecraft, comprising a handrail column having a foot restraining socket and anchor pin. The column is attached to a mounting flange which has an upstanding, column reinforcing rib provided with a tether securing aperture.

Abstract: A stirrup assembly for securing a cargo having upper and lower pairs of opposed, ball headed studs, extending laterally from each side of a cylindrical, securing stud, has a side member for attachment of a cargo to, for example, the side wall of a cargo bay of a space shuttle. Two upper U-shaped stirrups are attached to an upper portion of the side member. The upper U-shaped of the stirrups have flared entries for receiving the ball heads of the upper studs and have fixed resilient seats, as well as a carriage spring like contact for the ball stud shaft. Two lower U-shaped stirrups are spaced across, and attached to, a lower portion of the side members. The U-shapes of the lower stirrups also have flared entries for receiving the ball heads of the lower studs. Each lower U-shaped stirrup has a spring loaded ball head retaining lever pivotally attached to that stirrup so as to be depressed by, and swung around, that ball head from the undepressed position.

Abstract: An orbital replacement unit electrical connector assembly is provided which is releasably attachable to a threaded bore of a target area of a support structure having at leat one first electrical connector and nut mounted thereon. The orbital replacement unit includes a casing in which a base panel housing is mounted together with a threaded shaft for engagement with the nut. A spring loaded transfer mechanism is provided between the shaft and the base panel which has at least one second electrical connector for mating with the first electrical connector. The spring loaded transfer mechanism serves to apply a disconnecting load at the interface between the shaft and the base panel to align the threaded shaft with the nut. Rotation of the aligned threaded shaft causes a second load to be applied for aligning the second electrical connector with the first electrical connector as the threaded shaft is screwed into the nut.

Abstract: An alignment lever is provided for aligning a load item with respect to a target. The alignment lever has a body which has a V-shaped alignment seat. The body is pivotally mounted to displace the seat through an arc of about 45.degree.. A plurality of these alignment levers are used to provide an alignment assembly that is effective for aligning a load item with respect to a target area as the load item moves toward the target area. The alignment levers are located at spaced locations about the perimeter of the target area and serve to provide a target zone which is larger than the target area. An orbital replacement unit is provided which is releasably attachable to a target area of a support structure in which a first electrical connector and nut are mounted in a predetermined spaced relationship. The orbital replacement unit includes a housing in which a threaded shaft is mounted for engagement with the nut.