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Wood, K. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Wood, K. E..

Apparatus for accurately preloading auger attachment means for frangible protective material

Apparatus for preloading a spring loaded threaded member is described. The apparatus is formed of three telescoping tubes. The innermost tube has means to prevent rotation of the threaded member. The middle tube is threadedly engaged with the threaded member and by axial movement applies a preload thereto. The outer tube engages a nut which may be rotated to retain the threaded member in axial position to maintain the preload.

Wood, K. E.

Tool Preloads Screw and Applies Locknut

Special tool reaches through structural members inside Space Shuttle fasten nut on preloaded screw that holds thermal protection tile against outside skin of vehicle. Tool attaches tiles with accuratelycontrolled tensile loading.

Wood, K. E.

Improved High-Temperature Seal

High-temperature seals on Space Shuttle Orbiter elevons will be improved by a new flexible seal design that increases the number of leak barriers, allows for thermal expansion and cuts weight by more than two-thirds. Improved seal may be useful in applications where it is necessary to seal gaps between moving surfaces.

Wood, K. E.

High temperature penetrator assembly with bayonet plug and ramp-activated lock

A penetration apparatus, for very high temperature applications in which a base plug is inserted into an opening through a bulkhead is described. The base plug has a head shape and is seated against the highest temperature surface of the bulkhead, which may be the skin of the nose cone or other part of a space vehicle intended for nondestructive atmospheric reentry. From the second side of the bulkhead at which the less severe environment is extant, a bayonet plug is inserted into the base plug and engages an internal shoulder at about 90 deg rotation. The bayonet plug has an integral flanged portion and a pair of ramping washers which are located between the flange and the second bulkhead surface with a spacing washer as necessary.

Wood, K. E.

Bayonet plug with ramp-activated lock

Matched pair of washers with broad surface ramps is locking mechanism in bayonet plug. It can be used where threaded springs and fasteners are impractical because of extreme temperatures or other environmental incompatibility. Matched pair of ramped washers is placed on plug and bayonet inserted. Inner slot of one washer matches contour of plug; this washer is stationary. Inner slot of second washer is circular. When second washer is rotated, washers push against bayonet plug, locking it in place. Retaining wire secures plug.

Wood, K. E.