Abstract: A separator tank for separating and retaining a liquid phase from a liquid-gas fluid mixture is suitable for use with cryogenic as well as non-cryogenic liquids, in space experiments or other applications under weightless conditions. The separator tank has liquid storage members of porous, sponge-like metal foam arranged in a tank vessel. The total pore volume and porosity characteristics of the metal foam are selected to provide capillary uptake greater than the total volume of the liquid to be retained. In a preferred example, the liquid storage members are coaxially arranged, radially spaced, annular cylindrical members, with flow passage notches at alternating opposite ends thereof, to form a meandering fluid flow path therebetween. A gas extraction device is provided at the center of the tank. The separator tank and an upstream connected fluid supply tank can be arranged within a cryostat.

Abstract: A separator tank for separating and retaining a liquid phase from a liquid-gas fluid mixture is suitable for use with cryogenic as well as non-cryogenic liquids, in space experiments or other applications under weightless conditions. The separator tank has liquid storage members of porous, sponge-like metal foam arranged in a tank vessel. The total pore volume and porosity characteristics of the metal foam are selected to provide capillary uptake greater than the total volume of the liquid to be retained. In a preferred example, the liquid storage members are coaxially arranged, radially spaced, annular cylindrical members, with flow passage notches at alternating opposite ends thereof, to form a meandering fluid flow path therebetween. A gas extraction device is provided at the center of the tank. The separator tank and an upstream connected fluid supply tank can be arranged within a cryostat.

Abstract: A multi-axis spring damping element includes two spring damping cushion members received between caps on a bolt shaft, and an axial adjustment mechanism at a free end of the bolt shaft. The other end of the bolt shaft is connected to a support structure, and a load to be supported in a vibration-damped manner is carried by intermediate caps between the two spring damping cushion members. A plurality of such spring damping elements forms a spring damping system, for example for supporting a payload-carrying pallet on a load platform of a spacecraft.

Abstract: A multi-axis spring damping element includes two spring damping cushion members received between caps on a bolt shaft, and an axial adjustment mechanism at a free end of the bolt shaft. The other end of the bolt shaft is connected to a support structure, and a load to be supported in a vibration-damped manner is carried by intermediate caps between the two spring damping cushion members. A plurality of such spring damping elements forms a spring damping system, for example for supporting a payload-carrying pallet on a load platform of a spacecraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting a flying body (e.g. payload recovery container) from a spacecraft includes a first ring to be secured to the spacecraft, a cable winding device that is arranged on a second ring and that is releasably engageable with the flying body, and tension cables extending between the two rings. The cable winding device is spring-biased to wind-up the cables, which extend axis-parallel along the cylindrical outer shell of the flying body. Holding and guide elements on the first ring hold and guide the flying body. Catch elements on the cable winding device releasably engage receivers on the flying body. When the holding elements are released, the cables are retracted by the cable winding device, and the rotation of the cable winding device is transmitted to the flying body via the engaged catch elements and receivers. Thereby, the flying body is rotated and translationally ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting a flying body such as a payload recovery container from a spacecraft includes a first ring to be releasably engaged with the flying body, a second ring to be secured to the spacecraft, and tension cables extending between and interconnecting the two rings. Cable winding devices mounted on at least one of the rings are spring-biased to wind-up the cables. The flying body is inserted through the open inner diameter of the second ring, and the first ring is separated from and rotated relative to the second ring, so that the cables extend helically along the outer circumference of the flying body. Holding and guide elements on the second ring hold and guide the flying body. When the holding elements are released, the cables are retracted by the cable winding devices, whereby the flying body is rotated and translationally ejected through the second ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting a flying body (e.g. payload recovery container) from a spacecraft includes a first ring to be secured to the spacecraft, a cable winding device that is arranged on a second ring and that is releasably engageable with the flying body, and tension cables extending between the two rings. The cable winding device is spring-biased to wind-up the cables, which extend axis-parallel along the cylindrical outer shell of the flying body. Holding and guide elements on the first ring hold and guide the flying body. Catch elements on the cable winding device releasably engage receivers on the flying body. When the holding elements are released, the cables are retracted by the cable winding device, and the rotation of the cable winding device is transmitted to the flying body via the engaged catch elements and receivers. Thereby, the flying body is rotated and translationally ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting a flying body such as a payload recovery container from a spacecraft includes a first ring to be releasably engaged with the flying body, a second ring to be secured to the spacecraft, and tension cables extending between and interconnecting the two rings. Cable winding devices mounted on at least one of the rings are spring-biased to wind-up the cables. The flying body is inserted through the open inner diameter of the second ring, and the first ring is separated from and rotated relative to the second ring, so that the cables extend helically along the outer circumference of the flying body. Holding and guide elements on the second ring hold and guide the flying body. When the holding elements are released, the cables are retracted by the cable winding devices, whereby the flying body is rotated and translationally ejected through the second ring.

Abstract: A process for bending large pipes comprises the steps of progressively and inductively heating the wall of a pipe within the region to be bent. The penetration depth of the heat energy is varied over the circumference of the pipe through shielding. The inner radius of the pipe to be heated may initially be heated before the entire wall is differentially heated. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.