Patents Assigned to The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Patent number: 4067015
    Abstract: A system for tracking moving signal sources is disclosed which is particularly adaptable for use in tracking stage performers, although a wide range of other uses is possible. A miniature transmitter is attached to the person or object to be tracked and emits a detectable signal of a predetermined frequency. A plurality of detectors positioned in a preset pattern sense the signal and supply output information to a phase detector which applies signals representing the angular orientation of the transmitter to a computer. The computer provides command signals to a servo network which drives a device such as a motor driven mirror reflecting the beam of a spotlight, to track the moving transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Louis N. Mogavero, Edwin G. Johnson, John M. Evans, Jr, James S. Albus
  • Patent number: 4064642
    Abstract: A walking boot assembly particularly suited for use with a positively pressurized spacesuit, including a bootie adapted to be secured to the foot of a wearer, an hermetically sealed boot for receiving the bootie having a walking sole, an inner sole and an upper portion adapted to be attached to an ankle joint of a spacesuit, a protuberance projected from the bootie and received within a recess formed in the inner sole of the boot for positioning the bootie relative to the boot, and releasable latching means for latching the protuberance in a received relationship with the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Hubert C. Vykukal, Alan B. Chambers, Roy H. St. John
  • Patent number: 4065340
    Abstract: A process for preparing relatively thick composite laminate structures wherein thin layers of prepreg tapes are assembled, these thin layers are cut into strips that are partially cured, stacked into the desired thickness with uncured prepreg disposed between each layer of strips and the thus formed laminate finally cured and thereafter machined to the desired final dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: George E. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 4052523
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lattice type structural panel utilizing the unidirectional character of filamentary epoxy impregnated composites to produce stiff lightweight structural panels for use in constructing large area panels for space satellites and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Marvin D. Rhodes, Martin M. Mikulas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3996067
    Abstract: A non-oxide anti-reflective coating is used with a transparent plastic cover of fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer on a silicon solar cell to increase the resistance to damage caused by electron bombardment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jacob D. Broder
  • Patent number: 3939816
    Abstract: A self-energized plasma compressor which compresses plasma discharged from coaxial plasma generator. The device includes a helical shaped coil which is coaxially aligned with the center axis of the coaxial plasma generator. The plasma generator creates a current through the helical coil which, in turn, generates a time varying magnetic field that generates a force which acts radially upon the plasma. A seal is carried on the end of the coaxial plasma generator for containing gas therein. As the plasma is accelerated out the outer end of the generator, it forces the gas outwardly also compressing such. Beads are carried adjacent the small end of the helical shaped coil for being accelerated to hypervelocities by the plasma and gas. As a result of utilizing gas in the coaxial plasma generator, such minimizes ablation of the beads as well as accelerates such to higher velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of General Counsel-Code GP
    Inventor: Patrick N. Espy
  • Patent number: 3938956
    Abstract: In a hydrogen flame detector there is provided a means for modulating the density of a gas stream prior to its introduction into the detector flame. A detector, responsive to the resulting modulation of the flame, is provided for producing an output signal having a component fluctuating at the frequency of modulation. A cross-correlator, responsive to the output signal and a signal at the frequency of modulation, is provided for producing a resultant signal proportional to the cross-correlation between its two input signals. A means is further provided for recording or otherwise utilizing the resultant signal thus produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of General Counsel-Code GP
    Inventor: John Dimeff
  • Patent number: 3930628
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for arresting uncontrollable motions of model araft. A signal is used to deploy a parachute when a model aircraft is in a motion, such as a tailspin, from which the operator cannot recover by manipulating the flight surfaces. After the model aircraft has been stabilized to a point where the operator can arrest the uncontrollable motion the parachute is jettisoned and normal flight resumed. The deploy and jettison signals may be sent using a single channel of a multi-channel transmitter and are completely independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of General Counsel-Code GP
    Inventor: David B. Robelen