Payload deployment method and system

A method and apparatus for deploying the payload of space shuttle or the like is described. It is referred to as the Stabilized Payload Deployment System (SPDS). The payload is rotated about an axis outside of the payload but approximately longitudinally with the cargo bay of the shuttle craft. The payload may thus be rotated through ninety degrees. In this case, that is, in its rotated position, the payload may or may not have a small portion located within the cargo bay. Alternatively, the payload may be located completely outside of the bay. According to the apparatus two separable hinge-like devices connect at one longitudinal side or edge of the payload to respective ones of the payload trunnions at different longitudinally spaced locations along the length of the payload. Separation of the payload from the cargo bay is made by unlatching a latch and by the use of a repulsion spring at the position of each hinge-like device. Two four-link mechanisms allow movement between payload and bay. Such accommodative movement is required especially during launch when considerable vibration is encountered

Basic hardware interconnection mechanisms for building multiple microcomputer systems

This report presents the current results of a research project which has been concerned with methods for designing and implementing multiple microcomputer systems. The design method is based upon identifying hardware interconnection primitives which may be used to construct the interconnection subsystem which characterizes a given multicomputer architecture. An actual experimental system has been constructed which will permit building nine of ten systems in the Anderson and Jensen architecture taxonomy. (Author)Supported in part by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut and in part by the Department of Computer Science, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Californiahttp://archive.org/details/basichardwareint00careNAApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Water-propellant resistojets for man-tended platforms

The selection of a propulsion system for a man-tended platform has been influenced by the planned use of resistojets for drag make-up on the manned space station. For that application a resistojet has been designed that is capable of operation with a wide variety of propellants, including water. The reasons for the selection of water as the propellant and the performance of water as a propellant are discussed. The man-tended platform and its mission requirements are described

Statistical investigations of farm sample surveys taken in Iowa, Florida and California

The object of this bulletin is to present results of statistical analyses of data from recent sample surveys of agricultural areas and to offer some comments on the sampling procedures followed. The surveys described herein were made in widely differing farming areas: In all of the 99 counties of Iowa, in 26 of the 67 counties in Florida, and in 9 of the 58 counties of California. Except for Iowa (3) these surveys were pioneering a sampling method in their respective areas. In order to observe the way in which this method behaved in different parts of the country we have brought the findings together under one cover

Force and EMG Comparison between a weight-bearing clinical assessment of hip strength assessment and non-weightbearing tasks

Purpose: Altered hip strength is a risk factor for lower extremity injury but its relationship to biomechanical dysfunction is debated. Hip strength assessment methods are criticized for using unidirectional, non-weight-bearing positions which may not be representative of athletic activity and may affect comparison to biomechanical analysis of athletic tasks. A weight-bearing task may better represent hip muscle function during these movements. The aim of this study was to identify EMG and force differences for a clinical weight-bearing method of hip strength (the squat-hold) to traditional non-weight-bearing maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) for hip abduction, extension, and external rotation. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy volunteers (23 female, 6 male; 23.3±5.8 years) performed the squat-hold, sidelying abduction, prone extension, and seated hip external rotation MVICs. The squat-hold was performed by exerting a bilateral, maximal force against a rigid strap encircling both knees in a semi-squatted position. Surface electromyography (EMG) recorded peak activation of the gluteus medius (GMed), gluteus maximus (Gmax), and tensor fascia lata (TFL) and a handheld dynamometer simultaneously measured force during all tasks. Peak activation was compared between the squat-hold and each MVIC using paired t-tests. Force was compared across tasks using a one-way ANOVA. Results: Greater force was observed during the squat-hold than the external rotation MVIC, but abduction and extension MVICs yielded greater force than the squat-hold. GMax activation was higher during the squat-hold than the external rotation task. TFL activation was higher during the abduction MVIC than the squat-hold but GMed activation was similar across tasks. Peak GMax activation was similar between the extension MVIC and squat-hold. Conclusions: Squat-hold force may have been reduced due to altered gluteal moment arms, which affected the length-tension relationship. Clinicians should consider the squat-hold as an alternative assessment of external rotation force, but should continue to assess abduction and extension force with MVICs. Researchers should examine positions optimizing length-tension relationships to better relate motor function and movement patterns

Tomato culture in Missouri

Caption title.Digitized 2006 AES MoU

VII Zw 403: H I structure in a blue compact dwarf galaxy

‘In these times, during the rise in the popularity of institutional repositories, the Society does not forbid authors from depositing their work in such repositories. However, the AAS regards the deposit of scholarly work in such repositories to be a decision of the individual scholar, as long as the individual's actions respect the diligence of the journals and their reviewers.’ Original article can be found at : http://iopscience.iop.org/ Copyright American Astronomical SocietyWe present optical (UBVJ), ultraviolet (FUV, NUV), and high-resolution atomic hydrogen (H I) observations of the nearby blue compact dwarf (BCD), VII Zw 403. We find that VII Zw 403 has a relatively high H I mass-to-light ratio for a BCD. The rotation velocity is nominally 10-15 km s(-1), but rises to similar to 20 km s(-1) after correction for the similar to 8-10 km s(-1) random motions present in the gas. The velocity field is complex, including a variation in the position angle of the major axis going from the northeast to the southwest parts of the galaxy. Our high-resolution Hi maps reveal structure in the central gas, including a large, low-density Hi depression or hole between the southern and northern halves of the galaxy, coincident with an unresolved X-ray source. Although interactions have been proposed as the triggering mechanism for the vigorous star formation occurring in BCDs, VII Zw 403 does not seem to have been tidally triggered by an external interaction, as we have found no nearby possible perturbers. It also does not appear to fall in the set of galaxies that exhibit a strong central mass density concentration, as its optical scale length is large in comparison to similar systems. However, there are some features that are compatible with an accretion event: optical/Hi axis misalignment, a change in position angle of the kinematic axis, and a complex velocity field.Peer reviewe

Optimum allocation of resources between pasture improvement and other opportunities on southern Iowa farms

Pasture land represents an important portion of the total land in southern Iowa. One opportunity for increasing resource productivity and farm incomes in this part of the state is to invest capital in pasture improvement. Experiments show that capital invested in pasture improvement and renovation, and the livestock to utilize the increased forage production, can greatly increase the value of products produced on land unadapted to continuous cropping; yields of forage and livestock products can be increased as much as threefold. However, the practices of improving and renovating pastures are proceeding at a slow rate. One reason suggested is capital limitations. Most farmers operate with limited funds. Accordingly, if they are to make greatest profits, they must use each dollar, acre and labor hour where it will bring the greatest return. The question is not so much whether pasture improvement and renovation is profitable; but whether it is more profitable than alternative uses of scarce capital and labor. For example, pasture improvement may cost $5 per year and return$8 In the same period. It is profitable in this sense: Each $1 In costs returns$1.60 in sales. However, if the same $1 invested in fertilizer for crops or in hogs returns$1.80, pasture improvement should not be included in the farming plan until these more profitable opportunities have been fully exploited. It should, of course, be included before other investments which return less than $1.60