High-Temperature Pump
Heat exchanger in water-cooled pumps allows high-temperature operation.
Hale, R. R.↗
Engineering topics
Mcdougal, A. R.
Publications and source records attributed to Mcdougal, A. R..
Solar energy modulator
A module is described with a receiver having a solar energy acceptance opening and supported by a mounting ring along the optic axis of a parabolic mirror in coaxial alignment for receiving solar energy from the mirror, and a solar flux modulator plate for varying the quantity of solar energy flux received by the acceptance opening of the module. The modulator plate is characterized by an annular, plate-like body, the internal diameter of which is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the solar energy acceptance opening of the receiver. Slave cylinders are connected to the modulator plate for supporting the plate for axial displacement along the axis of the mirror, therby shading the opening with respect to solar energy flux reflected from the surface of the mirror to the solar energy acceptance opening.
Hale, R. R.↗
Temperature Controller for a Solar Furnace
Relatively-simple movable sheild has been suggested for controlling temperature of solar furnace. Temperature modulator can be set to have collected solar energy fully "on", fully "off" or any intermediate level. Parabolic mirror concentrates Sunlight into receiver. Shade plate that blocks insolation at back of receiver produces shade zone in center of collector. No radiation is returned to receiver from shade zone; only rays falling on other areas of reflecting surface are directed back toward receiver.
Hale, R. R.↗
Battle Keeps Solar Energy in Receiver
Mirror structure in solar concentrator reduces heat loss by reflection and reradiation. Baffle reflects entering rays back and forth in solar-concentrator receiver until they reach heat exchanger. Similarly, infrared energy reradiated by heat exchanger is prevented from leaving receiver. Surfaces of baffle and inside wall of receiver are polished and highly reflective at solar and infrared wavelengths.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Hot gas engine with dual crankshafts
A hot gas engine, such as a Stirling engine is described which comprises a displacer portion and an expander portion with a heat exchanger connected between them. The expander portion has a piston which is operatively connected to and rotates an expander crankshaft. In like manner, the displacer portion is provided with a piston which is also operatively connected to and rotates with a separate displacer crankshafts. The two crankshafts are synchronized with respect to each other preferably by means of an idler gear. Banks of displacer pistons can also be provided for operation on a common displacer crankshaft and banks of cooperating expander pistons also can be provided for operation on a common expander crankshaft.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Phase-angle controller for Stirling engines
An actuator includes a restraint link adapted to be connected with a pivotal carrier arm for a force transfer gear interposed between the crankshaft for an expander portion of a Stirling engine and a crankshaft for the displacer portion of the engine. The restraint link is releasably trapped hydraulic fluid for selectively establishing a phase angle relationship between the crankshaft. A second embodiment incorporates a hydraulic coupler for use in varying the phase angle of gear-coupled crank fpr a Stirling engine whereby phase angle changes are obtainable.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Improved piston rings for a stirling engine
Cast-iron piston rings coated with commercially-available antifriction materials improves cylinder life of high-performance Stirling engine. Ring is efficient heat conductor between piston and cylinder. Device has low thermal expansion which maintains minimum gap in ring, good radial force characteristics, and essentially indefinite life.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Controller for a string engine
Hydraulic mechanism enables operator to adjust power and rotational direction of output of Stirling engine by applying only small force to control lever. Stirling engine has expander and displacer sections.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Collapsible module extends tenfold in height
Low-cost hollow module rapidly converts into elevated platform for field applications. Module can be used as support for communication antennas or for TV or movie cameras operated by news reporters. Alternatively, it can be used as extendible boom on vehicles.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Precision fluid-pressure regulator
Reshaping of metering orifice improves pressure control and stability. Slotted hollow pintle replaces poppet to increase linear motion required to obtain given pressure drop.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Design of a preprototype Stirling Laboratory Research Engine
A description is given for the design and fabrication of a first generation, preprototype Stirling Laboratory Research Engine. The engine represents the first step in providing a research tool to be used to support the development of a broad range of analytical modeling and experimental efforts, and to evaluate new approaches to the design of components for Stirling engines. The test engine is a horizontally-opposed, two-piston, single-acting machine with a dual crankshaft drive mechanism. The preprototype engine is rated at 10 kW and was designed for maximum modularity. The long term objective of the project is to provide a proven design of a standardized test engine, which can be commercially produced, for national research on Stirling cycle machines.
Hoehn, F. W.↗
Zero torque gear head wrench
A gear head wrench particularly suited for use in applying torque to bolts without transferring torsional stress to bolt-receiving structures is introduced. The wrench is characterized by a coupling including a socket, for connecting a bolt head with a torque multiplying gear train, provided within a housing having an annulus concentrically related to the socket and adapted to be coupled with a spacer interposed between the bolt head and the juxtaposed surface of the bolt-receiving structure for applying a balancing counter-torque to the spacer as torque is applied to the bolt head whereby the bolt-receiving structure is substantially isolated from torsional stress. As a result of the foregoing, the operator of the wrench is substantially isolated from any forces which may be imposed.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Three-dimensional models aid visualization of engineering drawings
Inexpensive cut-and-paste method allows construction of complex three-dimensional models in less than an hour. Models are constructed from film or paper copies made on office copier.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Bolt installation tool for tightening large nuts and bolts
Large bolts and nuts are accurately tightened to structures without damaging torque stresses. There are two models of bolt installation tool. One is rigidly mounted and one is hand held. Each model includes torque-multiplier unit.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Disconnect unit
A squib-actuated disconnect is characterized by an expandable collet axially extended from a first tension member for receiving in locking engagement a protuberance axially extended from a second tension member. A gas-driven retainer of an annular configuration is also locked in for supporting the collet in locking engagement with the protuberance. The protuberance is axially displaced in response to a firing of an associated squib for thus accommodating a disengagement of the protuberance and the collet.
Alexander, P., Jr.↗
Squib-operated disconnect
Disconnect device is described, which consists of stud with enlarged end held in collet locked by pins, which are held in place by piston. When squib is fired, trapped combustion products force piston to release pins.
Alexander, P., Jr.↗
Liquid-fuel valve with precise throttling control
Prototype liquid-fuel valve performs on-off and throttling functions in vacuum without component cold-welding or excessive leakage. Valve design enables simple and rapid disassembly and parts replacement and operates with short working stroke, providing maximum throttling sensitivity commensurate with good control.
Mcdougal, A. R.↗
Force-Balanced, Throttle Valve Patent
Force balanced throttle valve for fuel control in rocket engines
Mcdougal, A. R.↗