Abstract: An image display device comprising a body including a display for displaying digital images and a cover member attached to the body. The cover member is rotatable between three positions including a first position wherein the cover member is spaced from the display, second position wherein the cover member is disposed proximate the display, and a third position different than the first position wherein the display device is supported by the cover member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a "Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension" ("SIRE") spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as "target satellites". The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as "Lifetime Extension", "Recovery", and "Utility". A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: The life of a target satellite is modified, i.e., extended or terminated by docking an extension spacecraft with the target satellite to form a docked satellite-spacecraft combination. The extension spacecraft is docked with and mechanically connected to the target satellite and includes guidance, navigation, and control systems for performing the rendezvous and docking maneuvers and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. The extension spacecraft also includes an onboard propellant supply for accomplishing the rendezvous and docking of the spacecraft with the satellite and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the extension spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: An earth moving and tamping apparatus rig is provided which can backfill a trench and compact the backfill materials up to 100% compaction. A bucket and a vibrator are attached to a backhoe. The bucket retrieves the filling material and either dumps the material into a trench or sifts it through adjustable screening blades that form the bottom of the bucket. The apparatus includes a means to swivel the bucket with respect to the vibrator. The end of the bucket then compacts the filling materials into the trench. Each moving rig apparatus may also be equipped with an alternative two-bucket system, where one bucket fits inside the other one or is along side thereof. For trenches as wide as two feet to increase the area of dirt tamped, the two-bucket may be secured in juxtaposition to each other. For more narrow trenches, the second bucket may be secured inside the first bucket and the area tamped will only be the width of a single bucket.

Abstract: The life of a target satellite is modified, i.e., extended or terminated by docking an extension spacecraft with the target satellite to form a docked satellite-spacecraft combination. The extension spacecraft is docked with and mechanically connected to the target satellite and includes guidance, navigation, and control systems for performing the rendezvous and docking maneuvers and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. The extension spacecraft also includes an onboard propellant supply for accomplishing the rendezvous and docking of the spacecraft with the satellite and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination.

Abstract: An earth moving and tamping apparatus rig is provided which can backfill a trench and compact the backfill materials up to 95% compaction. A bucket and a vibrator are attached to a backhoe. The bucket retrieves the filling material and either dumps the material into a trench or sifts it through adjustable screening blades that form the bottom of the bucket. The apparatus includes a means to swivel the bucket 360.degree. with respect to the boom. The end of the bucket then compacts the filling materials into the trench. Each moving rig apparatus may also be equipped with an alternative two-bucket system, where one bucket fits inside the other one or is along side thereof. For trenches as wide as two feet to increase the area of dirt tamped, the two-bucket may be secured in juxtaposition to each other. For more narrow trenches, the second bucket may be closed inside the first bucket and the area tamped will only be the width of a single bucket.

Abstract: A space transport architecture (STA) for robotic operations on a planet. The STA comprises and an earth launch vehicle (ELV) (10), adapted to carry a space transfer vehicle (STV) (15) and associated payloads (17) into low earth orbit (LEO). The space transfer vehicle (STV) (15), carried by the ELV (10), is adapted to carry associated payloads from LEO in the planetary orbit and to dispense these payloads (17) from planetary orbit for landing in the locus of at least one planetary exploration site. At least one planetary lander (17) is carried by the STV. The lander (17) is adapted to carry a plurality of robotic operational platforms (58) and deploy these platforms in the locus of the exploration site. A plurality of robotic operational platforms (58) is carried by each of the landers (17).

Abstract: Artificial life robotics are utilized in a system for in-space service of spacecraft. An Earth Launch Vehicle (ELV) carries an Exoatmospheric Mothership Vehicle (MSV) into a space trajectory. The MSV, in turn, carries at least one Operational Service Vehicle (OSV). The MSV separates from the ELV and rendezvous within station keeping proximity of the spacecraft. The OSV then separates from the MSV for operative approach to the spacecraft. The OSV includes a propulsion/attitude control system and spacecraft servicing apparatus. The OSV carries an on-board "artificial life" computer which controls the OSV propulsion system and spacecraft servicing apparatus.

Abstract: A space launch system and a space transfer vehicle usable within such system. The space transfer vehicle includes a primary propulsion engine and attitude control system. A guidance system for both the atmospheric launch vehicle and the space transfer vehicle is integral with the space transfer vehicle.

Abstract: A space launch system and a space transfer vehicle useable within such system. The space transfer vehicle includes a primary propulsion engine and attitude control system powered by the same storable bipropellant fuel and a guidance system for both the atmospheric launch vehicle and the space transfer vehicle. The space transfer vehicle is fuelable in space and has a primary propulsion engine which is configured for variable thrust burns.

Abstract: Methods of geophysical exploration are provided for estimating the burial conditions of sedimentary material in a selected basin. The burial conditions can include measures of porosity, lithology, pore fluid pressure, effective pressure, and density. In particular, a reference velocity profile is developed for a model of the sedimentary material comprising the basin and is compared to a velocity profile obtained from seismic data to obtain estimates of the burial conditions of the sedimentary material.

Abstract: An air cushion mount system is provided between a backhoe system and a vibrator-compactor system for tampering material in a trench which is being filled. This air cushion mount consists of a tire having a wheel rim positioned on the inside rim of a steel pipe having an annular peripheral flange. A flange plate is coupled to the annular peripheral flange of the steel pipe so that the tire can be placed in operative condition or removed from operative condition. The elements of the backhoe are coupled to flanges fixed to the wheel hub. The cushion air mount is coupled by a plate member to the vibrator, and the latter in turn is affixed to a compactor for tampering material in a trench being filled with the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the effect of at least one of a plurality of forces acting upon a structure. Structural moment detectors, combined with external signal and data-processing components or structural information detectors which are unitary devices which include the signal and data-processing functions, are employed as an integral component of these systems. These systems include basic measurement systems, structural integrity measurement systems, applied structural measurement systems, applied load measurement systems, applied communication-detection systems and additional miscellaneous systems.

Abstract: A system for assessing the structural integrity of offshore drilling platforms employs structural moment detector and associated electronics, microprocessor and software, which monitors the condition of the offshore platform structure and continuously provides useful information concerning the effects of external forces on the structure and its remaining life.

Abstract: A system employing structural moment detectors for collecting and interpreting data reflecting the effect of at least a selected one of a plurality of forces acting on a structure such as a machine tool. The output signals from the moment detectors are processed to modify the information content (including rejecting components of the signals which reflect extraneous forces other than the selected one). The processed signals are then manipulated to provide secondary signals which are responsive to the condition of the structure as a result of the application of the selected force.

Abstract: A self-contained, unitary device for collecting and interpreting data reflecting the effect of a force acting on a structure includes a housing adapted to be attached at spaced points to the surface of the structure, an optical sensor within the housing for detecting the relative orientation of spaced surface coordinate vectors of the structure, circuitry within the housing for converting signals from the optical sensor to a form usable by signal-processing electronics also located within the housing. The output of this structural information detector embodies useful information which directly indicates the effect of the force acting on the structure.

Abstract: Sensors are carried by structural components, such as floors, walls, etc., of the building within the secure area. The sensor detects deflections of the various structural members in response to changes of the loading of structural members caused by the intruder and generates signals which are transmitted to a control center which receives the intrusion signals and generates alarm signals.The intrusion signals are transmitted to the control center through the building structure as impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the secure area which are responsive to the signals generated by the sensors.The alarm signals generated in the control center are transmitted to security systems located in the control center, such as automatic door locking mechanisms, lights, audible alarms, disabling gas injecting systems, etc., by means of coded impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the control center which are responsive to alarm signals.

Abstract: Structural moment detectors are carried by structural components, such as floors, walls, etc., within a desired secure area of a building structure. The structural moment detector detects deflections of the various structural members in response to changes of the loading of structural members caused by the intruder and generates signals which are transmitted to a control center which receives the intrusion signals and generates alarm signals.The intrusion signals are transmitted to the control center through the building structure as impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the secure area which are responsive to the signals generated by the structural moment detectors.The alarm signals generated in the control center are transmitted to security system located in the secure area, such as automatic door locking mechanisms, lights, audible alarms, disabling gas injecting systems, etc.