Engineering topics

Holman, Earl V.

Publications and source records attributed to Holman, Earl V..

5 records

NASA NTRS1991

Docking System Would Accommodate Misalignments

Conceptual docking system absorbs kinetic energy along each of three orthogonal directions. Accommodates large misalignments between docking objects. Lightweight system consists of probe on one of two docking objects and drogue on other object. Probe contains latching mechanism; pitch, roll, and yaw dampers; and centering and rigidizing mechanisms. Three eddy-current dampers absorb energy of motion along orthogonal directions, bringing docking objects to smooth stop. Conceived for docking Space Shuttle in Space Station, system useful in other applications in which large moving object must be aligned with and joined to another - such as, cranes, robots, and fuel or material-loading lines.

Ajemian, Rasmik↗

NASA NTRS1990

Rotary Ball Locking Mechanism

Ball locking mechanism links input drive shaft to output shaft and disengages two shafts from each other when it locks output shaft at either of two fixed angular positions. Part of drive system turning microwave antenna 143.5 degrees between stowage and employment orientations and holds it at either orientation without back-loading drive motor and gears. Angular interval and dimensions modified for use in robotic or other actuators in which desirable to "rest" drive trains while locking actuators at fixed positions.

Holman, Earl V.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Payload deployment method and system

A method and apparatus for deploying the payload of space shuttle craft or the like. The payload rotated about an axis outside of the payload but approximately longitudinally of 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 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 accoommodative movement is required especially during launch when considerable vibration is encountered.

Barnett, Clifford J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

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.

Barnett, Clifford J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Mechanism Connects and Disconnects Lines Remotely

Misaligned, widely separated connector halves joined, then separated when necessary, while human operator remains at distance. Remote-connection mechanism accommodates large displacements and misalignments of plug and receptacle.

Strand, Victor↗