Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Bamford, Robert M..
"Mighty Worm" piezoelectric actuator used as adjustable-length structural member, active vibrator or vibration suppressor, and acts as simple (fixed-length) structural member when inactive. Load force not applied to piezoelectric element in simple-structural-member mode. Piezoelectric element removed from load path when not in use.
Proposed inchworm actuator used as active truss member, length of which varied slowly to change configuration of truss rapidly or to counteract vibrations. Incorporates three piezoelectric actuators. Upper and lower piezoelectric actuators unlock normally locked clutches. Middle piezoelectric actuator enforces small variations of distance between clutches. Inchworm actuator holds its position when electrical energy was not supplied.
Report describes study of development of method for nondestructive proof testing of bolts made of A286 stainless steel. Based on concept that the higher load bolt survives, the smaller the largest flaw and, therefore, the longer its fatigue life after test. Calculations and experiments increase confidence in nondestructive proof tests.
Improved sensor assembly measures forces and torques of interaction between supporting and supported object. Measures all three components of force and all three components of torque. Force measurements uncoupled from torque measurements. Price for improved measurement capability, complexity and flexibility, excessive in some applications.
Proposed sheath for braided-wire intramuscular conductor preserves electrical continuity even if wire breaks. Plastic sheath surrounds conductive solution in which braided wire immersed. At end of cable, wire and sheath crimped together and press-fit in porous titanium electrode. Implanted surgically with aid of device resembling catheter. Used to deliver electrical stimuli to muscles in biomedical research on human and animal physiology, development of prostheses, regeneration of nerves and muscles, and artificial implants.
Chains produced by use of rotating mandrel. Mandrel and locating and driving disks assembled around first band. Mandrel and band then mounted in respective positions on filament-winding machine. Second band linked to first by winding filament around first band on rotating mandrel. Short chains made this way have variety of uses; example, thermal isolators, each consisting of two linked bands of insulating material, used to support two separated insulating sheilds surrounding container of liquid helium.