Engineering topics

Acres, W. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Acres, W. R..

2 records

NASA NTRS1986

Direction-Sensitive Latch

Mechanism eliminates clearance and applies positive load latched to member. Simpler and lighter than previous direction-sensitive latches (also called "vector-sensitive latches"). New mechanism well suited to operation by automatic control or by remote controlled manipulator. Stages of latching process begin with application of downward force to secondary member, causing it to displace roller. After secondary member has passed roller and joined primary member, actuator removes clearance between roller and secondary member.

Acres, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Orbiter door closure tools

Safe reentry of the shuttle orbiter requires that the payload bay doors be closed and securely latched. Since a malfunction in the door drive or bulkhead latch systems could make safe reentry impossible, the requirement to provide tools to manually close and secure the doors was implemented. The tools would disconnect a disabled door or latch closure system and close and secure the doors if the normal system failed. The tools required to perform these tasks have evolved into a set that consists of a tubing cutter, a winch, a latching tool, and a bolt extractor. The design, fabrication, and performance tests of each tool are described.

Acres, W. R.↗