Board that fits over the control panel decreases errors and time loss. Device has cutouts for controls and indicators, bears all appropriate labeling information, can be removed with the changing computer assignments, and guards against accidental changes in control settings

Jackson, C. T.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

May 1972	 B72-10191 
•	 NASA TECH BRIEF 
Ames Research Center
-4:v 
NASA Tech Briefs announce now technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Overlay Board for Control Consoles 
The problem: 
Shared use of one analog computer by several 
engineers is not only inconvenient but also results in 
great losses of time because of the need to relabel 
the control panel and reset the controls. The likeli-
hood of erroneous settings is also increased by the 
necessity for frequent resettings. 
The solution:
Labels made with a standard labeling machine that 
uses adhesive tape are prepared to conform to indi-
vidual job needs, and are readily changed to keep a 
particular program current. Correct dial settings can 
be marked to minimize setup errors. 
The overlay also functions as a physical guard 
against accidental changes in control settings. 
Provide each program with an individual overlay 
board that fits over the control panel, has cutouts for 
• controls and indicators, and bears all appropriate 
labeling • information. The board is easily set in posi-
tion and can be removed with the changing computer 
assignments. 
How it's done: 
Each overlay consists of a thick wooden form 
covered with thermoplastic and machined to he flat 
on the control panel with all controls and indicators 
exposed and easily accessible. It is positioned by any 
convenient means, such as guide pins, and held in 
place by magnets.
Note: 
Requests for additional information may be di-
rected to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California 94035 
Reference: TSP.72-10191 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Charles T. Jackson 
Ames Research Center 
(ARC-10007) 
Category 02 
Thisdocumentwas prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
	 will be free from privately owned rights.
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Overlay board for control consoles

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