Engineering topics

Zentner, Ronald C.

Publications and source records attributed to Zentner, Ronald C..

3 records

NASA NTRS1991

Mechanized fluid connector and assembly tool system with ball detents

A fluid connector system is disclosed which includes a modified plumbing union having a rotatable member for drawing said union into a fluid tight condition. A drive tool is electric motor actuated and includes a reduction gear train providing an output gear engaging an integral peripheral spur gear on the rotatable member. Coaxial alignment means are attached to both the connector assembly and the drive tool. A hand lever actuated latching system includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching balls selectively wedged against the alignment means attached to the connector assembly or to secure the drive tool with its output gear in mesh with the integral peripheral spur gear. The drive motor is torque, speed, and direction controllable.

Zentner, Ronald C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Mechanized Fluid Connector And Assembly Tool

In new tool-and-connector system, necessary to have access to only one side of pipe, access offset from centerline. Connections made or broken in confined spaces and with small external forces. Tool turns spur gear on externally threaded retainer on left member of connector. Retainer engages nut on right member of connector. Intended for assembly of pipes in proposed Space Station, tool and fitting used on Earth to make or break plumbing connections in crowded utility runs or other confined spaces where wrenches cannot be turned, where forces exerted by wrenches might cause damage, or where lack of good grip prevents technician from exerting sufficient torque on connector.

Zentner, Ronald C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Prototype thermal bus for manned Space Station compartments

A summary is presented of NASA efforts, to February 1986, on development of an advanced thermal bus for manned spacecraft. Design details are described for a prototype to be tested in 1987 that includes a contact heat exchanger, an air cooling heat exchanger for manned cabin conditions, and an interface heat exchanger for transferring compartment heat loads to the Space Station Central Thermal Bus. The design and performance criteria defined for the thermal bus are outlined and results are reported from comparisons of the capabilities and operational costs of pumped water and two-phase evaporating/condensing heat transport concepts. The operating temperature, launch weight/thermal performance ratios, and power requirements of each concept are discussed, along with the critical technologies identified for use of a water/titanium two-phase thermal bus.

Zentner, Ronald C.↗