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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 271 records · Page 15

Portable spark-gap arc generator

Self-contained spark generator that simulates electrical noise caused by discharge of static charge is useful tool when checking sensitive component and equipment. In test set-up, device introduces repeatable noise pulses as behavior of components is monitored. Generator uses only standard commercial parts and weighs only 4 pounds; portable dc power supply is used. Two configurations of generator have been developed: one is free-running arc source, and one delivers spark in response to triggering pulse.

Ignaczak, L. R.↗

A portable L-band voice transceiver for satellite communication

A portable L-band voice transceiver was developed as a feasibility model and can provide a half-duplex voice link to another terminal via the L-band transponder on the Applications Technology Satellite, ATS-6. The narrow band FM transceiver utilizes commercial subsystems including a UHF transceiver, provides an RF output power of 20 watts, weights less than 25 lbs., is housed in a plastic briefcase, can be powered by an automobile electrical system, and has been successfully operated with ATS-6 on numerous occasions. Design considerations and operation of the transceiver are described, along with alignment and testing procedures, packaging and cost considerations, subsystem performance requirements and overall transceiver performance characteristics.

Maruschak, J.↗

DSN portable zero delay assembly

Design and test data on portable zero delay assemblies are reported. These assemblies are field-use delay standards to periodically calibrate the block 4 translator ranging paths at each 64-m antenna Deep Space Station.

Serhal, E. J., Jr.↗

A low cost, portable instrument for measuring emittance

A low cost, portable instrument has been developed with which emittance can be measured by comparison to a standard. A reflector collects infra-red radiation from a heated sample onto a low mass, black detector and the temperature rise of the black detector is measured with a thermocouple and meter. Graphical examples are presented for determination of emittance from measurements made on a sample at any known temperature.

Mcdonald, G.↗

Portable He-3 detector cryostat for the far infrared

The design of a portable He-3 cryostat for far infrared detection applications is described, with a cutaway drawing of the cryostat, including bolometer and cooled optics, provided. Consideration is given to the selection and testing of various bolometer materials, including Ge:Ga and Ge:InSb; the resistance-temperature coefficients of the materials examined are presented. The absolute flux calibration of the detector system using a new temperature-modulated cold source method is described.

Radostitz, J. V.↗

Portability and the National Energy Software Center

The software portability problem is examined from the viewpoint of experience gained in the operation of a software exchange and information center. First, the factors contributing to the program interchange to date are identified, then major problem areas remaining are noted. The import of the development of programming language and documentation standards is noted, and the program packaging procedures and dissemination practices employed by the Center to facilitate successful software transport are described. Organization, or installation, dependencies of the computing environment, often hidden from the program author, and data interchange complexities are seen as today's primary issues with dedicated processors and network communications offering an alternative solution.

Butler, M. K.↗

Portable zero-delay assembly

Instrument is calibrated using back-to-back method. In comparison standard, S-X isolators are opposite from device being tested to permit signal flow in reverse direction. After calibration portable zero-delay assembly (PZDA) is used to set time delays of deep-space network ground-station ranging systems. Approach is also used to calibrate microwave links in other communications systems.

Franco, M. M.↗

Portable device for use in starting air-start-units for aircraft and having cable lead testing capability

A portable device for starting aircraft engines and the like is disclosed. The device includes a lead testing and motor starting circuit characterized by: (1) a direct current voltage source, (2) a pair of terminal plugs connected with the circuit (each being characterized by a first, second, and third terminal) (3) a pair of manually operable switches for connecting the first terminal of each plug of the pair to the positive side of the voltage source, (4) a circuit lead connecting to the second terminal of each plug the negative side of said source, (5) a pair of electrical cables adapted to connect said first and second terminals of each plug to an air-start unit, and means for connecting each cable of the pair of cables between the first terminal of one plug and the third terminal of the other plug of the pair, and (6) a second pair of manually operable switches for selectivity connecting the third terminal of each plug of the pair to the negative side of the voltage source.

Rosier, W. R.↗

Development of the electrochemically regenerable carbon dioxide absorber for portable life support system application

As the length of manned space missions increase, more ambitious extravehicular activities (EVAs) are required. For the projected longer mission the use of expendables in the portable life support system (PLSS) will become prohibited due to high launch weight and volume requirements. Therefore, the development of a regenerable CO2 absorber for the PLSS application is highly desirable. The paper discusses the concept, regeneration mechanism, performance, system design, and absorption/regeneration cycle testing of a most promising concept known as ERCA (Electrochemically Regenerable CO2 Absorber). This concept is based on absorbing CO2 into an alkaline absorbent similar to LiOH. The absorbent is an aqueous solution supported in a porous matrix which can be electrochemically regenerated on board the primary space vehicle. With the metabolic CO2 recovery the ERCA concept results in a totally regenerable CO2 scrubber. The ERCA test hardware has passed 200 absorption/regeneration cycles without performance degradation.

Woods, R. R.↗

A Portable Oxygen Subsystem - Description and preliminary thermal performance prediction

This paper describes the use, operation, and preliminary thermal modeling of a Portable Oxygen Subsystem (POS). The POS is a partial rebreather which is being developed for Shuttle Orbiter support. Normally used as a pre-breather for denitrogenization prior to EVA, this semi-closed, breath powered breathing system can also be used for emergencies in the event of a contaminated or oxygen-deficient cabin atmosphere, to support an emergency transfer between vehicles, or as a clean oxygen supply in the event of a contaminated ambient atmosphere in the vicinity of the Orbiter after landing.

Sribnik, F.↗

Portable appliance security apparatus

An apparatus for securing a small computer, or other portable appliance, against theft is described. It is comprised of a case having an open back through which the computer is installed or removed. Guide members in the form of slots are formed in a rear portion of opposite walls of the case for receiving a back plate to cover the opening and thereby secure the computer within the case. An opening formed in the top wall of the case exposes the keyboard and display of the computer. The back plate is locked in the closed position by a key-operated plug type lock. The lock is attached to one end of a hold down cable, the opposite end thereof being secured to a desk top or other stationary object. Thus, the lock simultaneously secures the back plate to the case and retains the case to the stationary object.

Kerley, J. J.↗

A portable He-3 cryostat for studies in astrophysics

The paper reviews the design, operation, and testing of a portable He-3 cryostat developed for astrophysical studies. The goal of the program was to develop an He-3 cryostat capable of cooling three bolometers to the 0.3-K temperature range for periods of more than six hours; a secondary goal was to evaluate the use of He-4 as the working fluid in a similar cryostat to provide cooling to infrared bolometers in the 0.8-K temperature range. It is planned to employ the He-3 cryostat for an infrared astronomy balloon flight. The cooler would be used with He-3 to achieve a 0.34-K bolometer temperature.

Sherman, A.↗

Low-power portable geophysical data acquisition system and its use in geomagnetic measurements

A low-power portable data acquisition system presently in use for geomagnetic measurements is described. The system is composed of a data-processing system containing a low-power microprocessor, a 9-track digital tape recorder, and a rechargeable battery pack. The magnetometer is a low-power three axis fluxgate design. Under program control the data processing system keeps track of time of day and date, samples three analog magnetometer outputs at intervals of either 0.4 or 2 s, digitizes the data to 15-bit resolution, and, depending upon relative magnetic activity, decides upon data compression to increase the tape storage capacity. It also monitors and records internal voltages and provides self-checking functions which may be monitored through a visual readout on the control panel. The system is mounted in a rugged, weather-tight carrying case suitable for use outdoors with minimal protection. The system, including magnetometer, uses 1.6-W power and can store 5.7 Mbytes of data.

Medford, L. V.↗

Portable medical status and treatment system

A portable medical status and treatment system is discussed. The vital signs monitor includes electrocardiogram, respiration, temperature, blood pressure, alarm, and power subsystems, which are described. A DC defibrillator module, a radio module, and their packaging are also described. These subsystems were evaluated and the results and recommendations are presented.

Source record↗

The feasibility of miniaturizing the versatile portable speech prosthesis: A market survey of commercial products

The feasibility of a miniature versatile portable speech prosthesis (VPSP) was analyzed and information on its potential users and on other similar devices was collected. The VPSP is a device that incorporates speech synthesis technology. The objective is to provide sufficient information to decide whether there is valuable technology to contribute to the miniaturization of the VPSP. The needs of potential users are identified, the development status of technologies similar or related to those used in the VPSP are evaluated. The VPSP, a computer based speech synthesis system fits on a wheelchair. The purpose was to produce a device that provides communication assistance in educational, vocational, and social situations to speech impaired individuals. It is expected that the VPSP can be a valuable aid for persons who are also motor impaired, which explains the placement of the system on a wheelchair.

Walklet, T.↗

A portable, low-cost flight-data measurement and recording system

The design of and the experience with an inexpensive, hand-portable, onboard data system used to record four parameters in the final portion of the landing approach and touchdown of an airplane are described. The system utilized a high-quality audio tape recorder and amateur photographic equipment with accessory circuitry rather than specialized instrumentation to given satisfactory results.

Miller, R. J.↗

Portable Pallet-Weighing Apparatus

Portable apparatus intended for standard four-trunnion pallets readily adaptable to any large payload or other loads where shifting of cargo is to be avoided. Device lifts trunnion of pallet short distance above its resting place. Weight at trunnion applied to load cell. Similar units placed at all four trunnions.

Day, R. M.↗

Portable Data Logger for Photovoltaic Panels

Instrument measures rapidly changing knee of V-I curve with extra care. Portable data logger runs on own batteries. Includes microcomputer, which controls voltage-, current-measurement increment, and solid state memory, which stores data until transferred to EPROM module. Data logger is light, compact and easily caried to remote field locations.

Cole, S. W.↗