Development and testing of the lunar gravity and earth orbital simulator /parallelogram/

Lunar gravity and earth orbital simulator development and testin

Air cushion lift pad Patent

Platform with several ground effect pads and plenum chamber

Air-cushion lift pad

Mathematical model is formulated for an air pad which is capable of lifting a structure to a height of 0.125 inch. Design is superior to conventional air cushion devices because it eliminates flutter, vibration, heaving, and pitching

DC motor proportional control system for orthotic devices

Multi-channel proportional control system for operation of dc motors for use with externally-powered orthotic arm braces is described. Components of circuitry and principles of operation are described. Schematic diagram of control circuit is provided

Advanced action manipulator system (ADAMS)

Manipulator offers improved performance over other models in its category. It features larger force and reach capabilities and is readily convertible for underwater use. Unique kinematic arrangement provides extremely large working envelope. System has six degrees of motion: azimuth joint, shoulder joint, upper arm rotating joint, elbow joint, wrist pitch, and wrist twist

Methods and apparatus employing vibratory energy for wrenching Patent

Ultrasonic wrench for applying vibratory energy to mechanical fastener

A proposed hand-tool assembly for robots

Terminator Kit Assembly (TKA) includes all features that mechanical manipulator needs to use hand tools for maintenance, repair, or assembly work. Tool box holds hand tools and, on command, releases them to hand interface which accepts and operates them. TKA is being studied as possible prosthetic device

Development of air bearing lift pads

Development of air bearing lift pad

Air Bearing Lift Pad (ABLP)

Typical air bearings float on air films of only a few thousandths of an inch and so will only operate above very smooth, even surfaces. For the mechanical simulation of space, the small drag of the bladder type air pads is much more than can be coped with, and the practicality of large floor areas being machined for precision air bearings is nonexistent. To enable operation above surfaces that undulate slightly or feature cracks and discontinuities, an ABLP has been developed. It consists of a rigid pad beneath which an inflatable bladder is mounted. The bladder is inflated with air which then escapes through passages into a cavity in the center of the bladder to produce the lifting energy. As the air escapes about the perimeter of the bladder, a certain degree of balance and equilibrium is imparted to the pad as it is able to move a limited weight across slightly uneven surfaces