Remotely Operated Gripper Tracks Applied Force
Operator "feel" incorporated into new design. Remotely controlled gripper grasps holds, and maneuvers items not equipped with grapple fixture and no preplanned interface with gripper.
Burns, G. C.↗
Engineering topics
Burns, G. C.
Publications and source records attributed to Burns, G. C..
Latching Mechanism for Umbilical Connectors
Electromechanical interface transfers electric power, data and coolant from one system to another. Motor-actuated jackscrew moves connector on active half of interface to mating connector on passive half. Originally suggested for spacecraft, concept adaptable to underwater connections.
Burns, G. C.↗
Quick-Connect, Self-Alining Latch
Sturdy latch tolerates 10 degrees of angular mismatch in joining structural elements. Hexagonal passive plate nests in active plate, guided by capture plates and alinement keys and grooves. Center hole in both active and passive plates is 1 meter in diameter. Latch has possible uses a pipe joint, connector for parts of portable structures, and fitting for marine risers on offshore drilling rigs.
Burns, G. C.↗
Space Platform advanced technology study
The development of mechanical systems for space platforms which have universal application regardless of what platform configuration is built is discussed. The design requirements and fabrication of the orbiter berthing systems, berthing latch interface, berthing umbilical interface, and adaptive end effector are described.
Burns, G. C.↗