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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2009

Continuous-Flow System Produces Medical-Grade Water

A continuous-flow system utilizes microwave heating to sterilize water and to thermally inactivate endotoxins produced in the sterilization process. The system is designed for use in converting potable water to medical-grade water. Systems like this one could be used for efficient, small-scale production of medical- grade water in laboratories, clinics, and hospitals. This system could be adapted to use in selective sterilization of connections in ultra-pure-water-producing equipment and other equipment into which intrusion by microorganisms cannot be tolerated. Lightweight, port - able systems based on the design of this system could be rapidly deployed to remote locations (e.g., military field hospitals) or in response to emergencies in which the normal infrastructure for providing medical-grade water is disrupted. Larger systems based on the design of this system could be useful for industrial production of medical-grade water. The basic microwave-heating principle of this system is the same as that of a microwave oven: An item to be heated, made of a lossy dielectric material (in this case, flowing water) is irradiated with microwaves in a multimode microwave cavity. The heating is rapid and efficient because it results from absorption of microwave power throughout the volume of the lossy dielectric material. In this system, a copper tube having a length of 49.5 cm and a diameter of 2.25 cm serves as both the microwave cavity and the sterilization chamber. Microwave power is fed via a coaxial cable to an antenna mounted inside the tube at mid-length (see figure). Efficient power transfer occurs due to the shift in wavelength associated with the high permittivity of water combined with the strong coupling of 2.45-GHz microwaves with rotational-vibrational transitions of the dipolar water molecule.

Akse, James R.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Habitability Designs for Crew Exploration Vehicle

NASA's space human factors team is contributing to the habitability of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), which will take crews to low Earth orbit, and dock there with additional vehicles to go on to the moon's surface. They developed a task analysis for operations and for self-sustenance (sleeping, eating, hygiene), and estimated the volumes required for performing the various tasks and for the associated equipment, tools and supplies. Rough volumetric mockups were built for crew evaluations. Trade studies were performed to determine the size and location of windows. The habitability analysis also contributes to developing concepts of operations by identifying constraints on crew time. Recently completed studies provided stowage concepts, tools for assessing lighting constraints, and approaches to medical procedure development compatible with the tight space and absence of gravity. New work will be initiated to analyze design concepts and verify that equipment and layouts do meet requirements.

Woolford, Barbara↗

NASA NTRS1986

NASA's life sciences program

NASA space missions from the Mercury through the Shuttle program have provided successively more data on the ability of humans to function in space for progressively longer periods of time. The Skylab program encouraged cooperation between medical and engineering personnel in the design of space suits, diet, food preparation, and cleanliness procedures and equipment, and the man-machine interface. Research is now concentrated on supporting man in space, evaluating the effects of the microgravity environment on humans, and modeling encounters with extraterrestrial life and the effects of human activities on terrestrial biota. Current levels of understanding of the physiological causes of human health problems produced by long-duration spaceflight are summarized. Experiments planned for the Shuttle, Spacelab, and the Space Station are outlined, noting the long-term goal of configuring the Space Station so that only food and hydrazine are needed to complete the life support system cycle.

Soffen, Gerald A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Better Physician's 'Black Bags'

The "black bag" is outgrowth of astronaut monitoring technology from NASA's Johnson Space Center. Technically known as the portable medical status system, a highly advanced physician's "black bag" weighs less than 30 pounds, yet contains equipment for monitoring and recording vital signs, electrocardiograms, and electroencephalograms. Liquid crystal displays are used to present 15 digits of data simultaneously for long periods of time without excessive use of battery power. Single printed circuit card contains all circuitry required to measure and display vital signs such as heart and respiration rate, temperature, and blood pressure.

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NASA NTRS2016

Tailoring a Human Reliability Analysis to Your Industry Needs

Companies at risk of accidents caused by human error that result in catastrophic consequences include: airline industry mishaps, medical malpractice, medication mistakes, aerospace failures, major oil spills, transportation mishaps, power production failures and manufacturing facility incidents. Human Reliability Assessment (HRA) is used to analyze the inherent risk of human behavior or actions introducing errors into the operation of a system or process. These assessments can be used to identify where errors are most likely to arise and the potential risks involved if they do occur. Using the basic concepts of HRA, an evolving group of methodologies are used to meet various industry needs. Determining which methodology or combination of techniques will provide a quality human reliability assessment is a key element to developing effective strategies for understanding and dealing with risks caused by human errors. There are a number of concerns and difficulties in "tailoring" a Human Reliability Assessment (HRA) for different industries. Although a variety of HRA methodologies are available to analyze human error events, determining the most appropriate tools to provide the most useful results can depend on industry specific cultures and requirements. Methodology selection may be based on a variety of factors that include: 1) how people act and react in different industries, 2) expectations based on industry standards, 3) factors that influence how the human errors could occur such as tasks, tools, environment, workplace, support, training and procedure, 4) type and availability of data, 5) how the industry views risk & reliability, and 6) types of emergencies, contingencies and routine tasks. Other considerations for methodology selection should be based on what information is needed from the assessment. If the principal concern is determination of the primary risk factors contributing to the potential human error, a more detailed analysis method may be employed versus a requirement to provide a numerical value as part of a probabilistic risk assessment. Industries involved with humans operating large equipment or transport systems (ex. railroads or airlines) would have more need to address the man machine interface than medical workers administering medications. Human error occurs in every industry; in most cases the consequences are relatively benign and occasionally beneficial. In cases where the results can have disastrous consequences, the use of Human Reliability techniques to identify and classify the risk of human errors allows a company more opportunities to mitigate or eliminate these types of risks and prevent costly tragedies.

DeMott, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1999

JSC Toxicology Web Site

Data on chemical and biological materials to be flown in the pressurized volumes of habitable spacecraft, including the International Space Station (ISS), are needed by JSC toxicologists to assess the toxicity and assign hazard levels. This document defines submission schedules and establishes requirements for the types and format of these data. JSC 27472 Rev A is a major revision of JSC 25607, "Requirements for Submission of Test Sample-Materials Data for Shuttle Payload Safety Evaluations", dated October 1994, which was subsequently re-issued (September 1996) with a new document number, JSC 27472, but with the same title and date and no revisions. The revisions in the present document have been necessitated by the recent introduction of a two-step process (described in this document) for verification of data for flight materials and by the anticipated needs of the ISS. The requirements -for data submission apply to items which contain liquids, gases, gels, greases, powders/ particulates, radioisotopes, or biological materials and are located in the habitable pressurized volume of ISS or U.S. operated spacecraft. These include, but are not limited to, science payloads, government furnished equipment (GFE), risk mitigation experiments (RmEs), development test objectives (DTOs), detailed supplementary objectives (DSOs), life science experiments, and medical studies.

Garcia, Hector D.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Innovations in Medicine

NASA is planning now toward the day of long-duration flight-manned interplanetary missions for example-wherein routine health care and emergency treatment must be accomplished on-board the spacecraft over periods of months or perhaps even years. Since spacecraft design limits crew size, the medical assignment may be handled by a single astronaut-physician or by a crew member trained as a physician's assistant. In a space emergency demanding surgery, for instance, sophisticated communications equipment, backed by a computerized data processing system, would make it possible for a surgeon on Earth to "examine" the patient. He could study X-rays and other data, specify an in-flight surgical procedure, and guide the astronaut-medic step-by-step through the operation. Such a system is being evaluated now. It is called STARPAHC (Space Technology Applied to Rural Papago Health Care). NASA technology in space communications and data processing is being applied to remote health services for the Papago tribe. STARPAHC is administered by the NASA Life Sciences Directorate in the Office of Space Sciences. It is a joint program involving NASA's Johnson Space Center, the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health, Education & Welfare, and the Papago's Executive Health Council. Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. is NASA's systems support contractor.

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NASA NTRS2004

Developing a Simulation-Based Training Program for Non-Traditional Caregivers

Simulation-based training enables learning in controlled environments which nevertheless mimic real-world scenarios. It has proven effective in the training of medical personnel and affords rapid assimilation and integration of necessary skills. Non-traditional caregivers often operate in austere environments, where resource and personnel limitations preclude more standard provision of care by highly trained and fully equipped health care teams. In these settings, training time for the caregivers may be limited, with long gaps between time of the training and use of the skills, a limited grasp of the underlying physiology, and unfamiliarity with "medical English" which can render it difficult to communicate concepts to more advanced practitioners when such interaction can take place, as for example, when telemedicine can be used to project medical skills further forward . Methods: Simulation-based training can assist in the familiarization of caregivers to the environment, ensure adequate execution of skills at the appropriate time(s), and allow practice of telemedicine communication patterns between the mentor and caregiver. Results: Scenario-based training can and has been used for initial and sustainment training modules, including self-taught modules for use in the field. Strict identification of the critical concepts is vital, as is development and practice of technically simple procedures wherever possible. Medical devices can off-load tasks from caregivers, as well as to minimize the necessary level of caregiver knowledge, while integrated simulations among all members of the mission team can improve communication and efficiency. Discuss ion: Nontraditional caregivers face unique challenges when learning to provide medical care. Scenario-based curricula allow lesson plans to be tailored to each group's individual needs, as well as being suited for the participation of numerous groups, including the caregiver, evacuation/transport staff, decision-makers, and hospital-based physician.

Bacal, Kira↗

DOE OSTI2020

Prototyping of N95 Respirators Using Additive Manufacturing NETL NLVB (Final Report)

Final report for National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) project involving the use of advanced manufacturing and 3D printing technologies to help address personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages due to COVID-19. Work was performed in support of Joint DOE Laboratory Plan for Manufacturing Medical Supplies and funded through the DOE Office of Science.

3D Printing↗

DOE OSTI2021

IACMI–The Composites Institute Efforts in Current and Post–COVID-19 Manufacturing Era—Innovations and Sustainability

Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI)–The Composites Institute comprises 150 industry members making up the supply chain from material suppliers; Tiers 1, 2, and 3 original equipment manufacturer (OEM)s and fabricators; academia; and national laboratories. In this work, the institute is addressing the needs for medical systems support in response to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and the recovery of the U.S. composites industry and connected manufacturing supply chains. The impact of the current and post-COVID response by IACMI and its partners extends across health care, automotive, transportation, construction, infrastructure, aerospace, sports, marine, and industrial sectors. Sustainability and circular economy of advanced materials and manufacturing play a key role in overall reduced embodied energy. This technical note provides a summary of IACMI efforts in response to COVID-19 and outlook for the post-COVID era with a focus on sustainable advanced materials and manufacturing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1971

NASA's contributions to patient monitoring, appendix

Health care problems, and markets for patient monitoring equipment are discussed along with contributions to all phases of patient monitoring, and technology transfer to nonaerospace problems. Health care medical requirements, and NASA achievements in patient monitoring are described, and a summary of the technology transfer is included.

Murray, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Water immersion facility general description, spacecraft design division, crew station branch

The Water Immersion Facility provides an accurate, safe, neutral buoyancy simulation of zero gravity conditions for development of equipment and procedures, and the training of crews. A detailed description is given of some of the following systems: (1) water tank and support equipment; (2) communications systems; (3) environmental control and liquid cooled garment system (EcS/LCG); (4) closed circuit television system; and (5) medical support system.

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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Supply and Resource Management to Progressively Enable EIMO

BACKGROUND: Current medical operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) allow for real-time audio-video communication with a flight surgeon at mission control, resupply, and medical evacuation to earth on the order of hours. As mission profiles change from LEO to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, medical risk as a contribution to overall mission risk is anticipated to rise substantially. Concurrently, due to the distance, the medical systems on board vehicles proposed for these mission types are expected to have reduced mass and volume allocation. Together, astronaut crews will be at a higher risk of major medical events, be required to perform a broader set of tasks, and have substantially reduced resources and support to do so. Earth Independent Medical Operations (EIMO) aims to identify and fill the gaps present in this progressively changing paradigm. OVERVIEW: Medical supplies, resources, and skills are central to spaceflight medical systems. Vehicles used for non-LEO missions are anticipated to be smaller and thus the medical system will also need to have reduced mass, volume, and power. Medical resources are another form of consumable and may need resupply or pre-deployment to meet crew needs. One particular concern is the degradation of medications which become less efficacious and potentially toxic with time, particularly given environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, oxygen, and radiation which have not yet been fully studied. Supply and resource management in LEO is dependent on resupply, however the supply chain of transporting equipment does not yet have a clear infrastructure for missions beyond LEO. DISCUSSION: EIMO is intended to systemically identify and fill these gaps with forward-looking solutions. In mission monitoring of resources with technology like RFID, improving medical resource longevity, targeted resupply and careful pre-mission planning will be central to facilitate crew health and performance. One approach to optimizing resources is the Informing Mission Planning via Analysis of Complex Tradespaces (IMPACT) tool, which uses probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) to quantitatively predict medical risk and identify resources and skills that mitigate this risk. This evidence based, quantitative analysis prediction tool and several other approaches to meeting the challenge of supply and resource management are discussed.

Arian Anderson↗

NASA NTRS2009

Research to Operations: The Critical Transition

Space Life Sciences Directorate (SLSD) specializes in transitioning technology and knowledge to medical operations. This activity encompasses funding a spectrum of research and technology efforts, such as understanding fundamental biological mechanisms altered by microgravity and executing technology watches for state of the art diagnostic imaging equipment. This broad spectrum approach to fulfilling the need to protect crewmember health and performance during long and short duration missions to the International Space Station, moon and Mars is made possible by having a line of site between research and operations. Currently, SLSD's line of site is articulated in a transition to medical practice (TMP) process. This process is designed to shepherd information and knowledge gained through fundamental and mechanistic research toward the development of an operational solution such as a pre-flight selection criteria; an in-flight countermeasure, monitoring capability or treatment; or a post-flight reconditioning program. The TMP process is also designed to assist with the customization of mature hardware or technology for NASA specific use. The benefits of this process are that the concept of operational usability is interjected early in the research, design, or acquisition phase, and stakeholders are involved early to identify requirements and also periodically asked to assess requirements compliance of research or technology development project. Currently a device known as the actiwatch is being assessed for the final transition to operational use. Specific examples of research to operations transition success help to illustrate the process and bolster communication between the research and medical operations communities.

Fogarty, Jennifer A.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Multispectral infrared imaging interferometer

Device permitting simultaneous viewing of infrared images at different wavelengths consists of imaging lens, Michelson interferometer, array of infrared detectors, data processing equipment for Fourier transformation of detector signal, and image display unit. Invention is useful in earth resources applications, nondestructive testing, and medical diagnoses.

Potter, A. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Space Station Freedom (SSF) crew systems SE&I

Space Station program office planning and requirements activity has accelerated during the past year to bring the Space Station Freedom Program (SSF) through the program requirements review phase during 1988. The preliminary design review cycle began in Jan. 89, and is now planned for completion, with formal preliminary design reviews between Apr. and Sept., 1990. This paper briefly describes the PROGRAMMATIC aspects of the engineering and integration management of the SSF crew systems. Emphasis is given to the Crew Health Care System, which includes the Health Maintenance Facility, the Exercise Countermeasure Facility, and the Environmental Health System; all managed within the Man-Systems, one of the twelve 'distributed systems.' Medical and engineering requirements to meet the needs of the mature Space Station operations environment and highlights of critical technologies and equipment in development will be reviewed.

Austin, Frank H., Jr.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Initial Process Planning of a Hybrid Multi-Tasking Platform

Abstract Applications of hybrid technology are expanding from refurbishment and repair to low quantity, specialty part production, which are staple characteristics in medical implant, energy, and aerospace industry sectors, among others. This expansion has led to the development of the Mazak VC-500A/5X AM HWD, a wire fed laser cladding unit equipped with a standard 5 axis CNC. This unit is capable of building near net geometry of complex medium to large parts within a profitable timeframe, due to its comparatively high rate of deposition to that of a powder fed hybrid system. In this study, deposition and machining capabilities of the VC-500A/5X AM HWD are assessed through the production of three different test geometries by different process plans. Production of these test geometries is supported by an open loop sensor package primarily for monitoring machine health, data collection, and machine operator aid. The viability of extended deposition followed by machining is evaluated against a more cyclical strategy of reoccurring deposition and machining operations. Lastly, common defects in as-built geometries are evaluated and addressed through revisions to original process plans and toolpaths, indicating the need for continued innovation in hybrid manufacturing specific CAM/CAD software, as well as closed loop machine monitoring and quality control.

DeWitte, Lisa N.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Wavefront Control and Image Restoration with Less Computing

PseudoDiversity is a method of recovering the wavefront in a sparse- or segmented- aperture optical system typified by an interferometer or a telescope equipped with an adaptive primary mirror consisting of controllably slightly moveable segments. (PseudoDiversity should not be confused with a radio-antenna-arraying method called pseudodiversity.) As in the cases of other wavefront- recovery methods, the streams of wavefront data generated by means of PseudoDiversity are used as feedback signals for controlling electromechanical actuators of the various segments so as to correct wavefront errors and thereby, for example, obtain a clearer, steadier image of a distant object in the presence of atmospheric turbulence. There are numerous potential applications in astronomy, remote sensing from aircraft and spacecraft, targeting missiles, sighting military targets, and medical imaging (including microscopy) through such intervening media as cells or water. In comparison with prior wavefront-recovery methods used in adaptive optics, PseudoDiversity involves considerably simpler equipment and procedures and less computation. For PseudoDiversity, there is no need to install separate metrological equipment or to use any optomechanical components beyond those that are already parts of the optical system to which the method is applied. In Pseudo- Diversity, the actuators of a subset of the segments or subapertures are driven to make the segments dither in the piston, tilt, and tip degrees of freedom. Each aperture is dithered at a unique frequency at an amplitude of a half wavelength of light. During the dithering, images on the focal plane are detected and digitized at a rate of at least four samples per dither period. In the processing of the image samples, the use of different dither frequencies makes it possible to determine the separate effects of the various dithered segments or apertures. The digitized image-detector outputs are processed in the spatial-frequency (Fourier-transform) domain to obtain measures of the piston, tip, and tilt errors over each segment or subaperture. Once these measures are known, they are fed back to the actuators to correct the errors. In addition, measures of errors that remain after correction by use of the actuators are further utilized in an algorithm in which the image is phase-corrected in the spatial-frequency domain and then transformed back to the spatial domain at each time step and summed with the images from all previous time steps to obtain a final image having a greater signal-to-noise ratio (and, hence, a visual quality) higher than would otherwise be attainable.

Lyon, Richard G.↗