Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Solar tracker control system and method

A pneumatic control unit configured to inflate a first and second set of bellows with fluid from a pneumatic fluid source via a pneumatic circuit, the first and second set of bellows associated with one or more pneumatic actuators. The pneumatic control unit determines a target configuration of the actuators based on a determined current position of the sun; determines a current configuration of the actuators; determines a difference between the determined current configuration and target configuration of the actuators; determines that the difference between current configuration and the target configuration of the actuators is outside of a tolerance range; and actuates the actuators toward the determined target configuration by at least one of inflating the first or second set of bellows with fluid from the pneumatic fluid source via the pneumatic circuit.

Betts, Kenneth H.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Pneumatic actuation circuit system and method

A system for controlling a rotation of one or more solar panels about an axis of rotation, comprising one or more solar panels defining a longitudinal axis, one or more bellows actuators coupled to the one or more solar panels and defining an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the panels, a fluid source, a first valve circuit coupled to the bellows actuators and the fluid source, a second valve circuit coupled to the bellows actuators and the fluid source, and a controller, wherein introduction or release of fluid from one or more of the bellows actuators is configured to cause rotation of the one or more actuators about the axis of rotation.

Basel, Louis Hong↗
NASA NTRS1986

Preliminary results of measurements by automated probes Vega 1 and 2 or particle concentration in clouds of Venus at heights 47-63 KM

Results of the preliminary processing of the Vega 1 and 2 descender data on the cloud layer structure of the Venusian atmosphere are discussed. A photoelectric counter for aerosol particles is described together with its optical and pneumatic circuits and operation algorithm. Vertical profiles of concentrations of particles with a diameter of 0.4 microns agree quantitatively with the Pioneer-Venus and Venera 9 and 10 data. Concentrations of these particles are: in the B layer, up to 190/cu cm; in the C layer, up to 10/cu cm; and in the D layer, up to 130/cu cm. Layers have sharp boundaries with a significant vertical heterogeneity of the aerosol concentration field inside them.

Zhulanov, Y. V.↗
NASA NTRS2021

The Dual-Rasp Sampling System Design with Closed Pneumatic Sample Transfer

The novel Dual-Rasp sampling system has been developed for landed missions to low gravity planetary bodies and is particularly well suited for the unique environment of Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The Dual-Rasp sampling system has two counter-rotating rasp cutters that remove material from the surface and direct it into a guide. The cuttings follow the guide into a sample collection cup. When the sampling collection completes, the tool reconfigures by rotating the guide to create a closed circuit for pneumatic sample transfer from the collection cup to science instruments on the lander. A valve opens a gas tank and the gas flows from that tank into the sample collection cup and down rigid tubing to the science instruments chamber on the lander. A two degree of freedom arm with base actuators is used to deploy the sampler and control its sampling location.

Heness, Andrew B.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Pressure-control purge panel for automatic butt welding

Modification of a purge panel for use in an automatic butt weld reduces the drop in pressure between the regulators and the weld head and tube purge fitting. The invention affects air regulators for plants, regulating circuits for pneumatic valves, and automatic welding machines.

Lang, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Inductively-Activated Short-Interval Timer

Timing circuit in pneumatically launched projectile triggers explosive charge in projectile at specified delay after launch. Both power and control signals coupled inductively to timer from stationary launcher circuitry. Eliminates need for direct electrical contacts, which are unreliable and generate sparks that trigger explosive accidentally. Inductive coupling also provides higher reliability in field operation than contacts. Concept useful in such other safety-related applications as remotely or automatically controlling flow of bottled flammable gas.

Wiker, Gordon A.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Pneumatic analog-to-pulse frequency converter

Pneumatic analog-to-pulse frequency converter circuit has output pulse frequency proportional to the pressure level of the input signal. Converter circuit drives a pneumatic stepping motor and is part of a pneumatic control system for nuclear powered spacecraft.

Dustin, M. O.↗
NASA NTRS1966

Fluid logic control circuit operates nutator actuator motor

Fluid logic control circuit operates a pneumatic nutator actuator motor. It has no moving parts and consists of connected fluid interaction devices. The operation of this circuit demonstrates the ability of fluid interaction devices to operate in a complex combination of series and parallel logic sequence.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2012

Design and Operation of the Planetary In-Situ Capillary Electrophoresis System (PISCES)

The PISCES instrument is a portable, miniature, modular instrument designed to analyze organic molecular signatures of life. PISCES uses microcapillary electrophoresis (μCE) with laser-induced fluorescence detection (LIFD) to analyze fluorescently-labeled analytes prepared on a multi-layer microfluidic chip. As a modular instrument composed of five independently functioning units, each module can be easily detached from the system and used for subsystem testing in different environments, e.g. low temperature. The pneumatic module contains mechanical and electrical components necessary to control pneumatically-actuated valves for on-chip sample processing. A prototype LabVIEW program and two custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) operate the pneumatics module using an Arduino microcontroller, and a tentative design for the module’s housing has been developed. The high-voltage module contains circuitry required to apply varying electrical potentials to the electrophoretic channel of the microdevice. Work is currently being done to design the circuit and PCB for this module in collaboration with our SBIR partners at Los Gatos Research. The optical electronics module contains the spectrometer, laser, and laser power supply. The mounting components for the electronics and housing for the module have been designed, assembled, and tested. The optical module contains optical components to focus the laser to a 20μm spot in the center of the electrophoretic channel.The housing for this module has been designed and assembled with the aligned optical components inside.

Willis, Peter A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Application of fluidics to new control components

The inherent tolerance for nuclear radiation makes fluidic devices candidates for nuclear rocket control systems. Also, they are being considered for supersonic jet engine inlet control because of their high temperature and vibration tolerance. Three new control components being considered for these applications are described. A fluidic circuit to control a pneumatic stepping motor for nuclear rocket control drum actuation is discussed. An all-fluidic sensor being developed for determining the position of the normal shock in the inlet of a supersonic jet engine is outlined. A new vortex valve configuration is developed to prevent supersonic jet engine inlet unstarts by regulating bypass flow.

Dustin, M. O.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Pressure transducer and system for cryogenic environments

A silicon pressure die is bonded to a borosilicate substrate above the pneumatic port. A Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed on the silicon pressure die and has bridge elements of silicon doped with boron to a deposit density level of approximately 1 x 10(exp 19)-10(exp 21) boron/cc. A current source is provided to excite the Wheatstone bridge circuit. In addition, a temperature sensor is provided to provide temperature readings. An array may be formed of the resulting pressure transducers. This unique solution of materials permits operation of a pressure transducer in cryogenic environments.

Chapman, John J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

System Measures Pressures Aboard A Compressor Rotor

Rotating pressure-measuring instrumentation includes on-board calibration standard. Computer-controlled, multichannel instrumentation system acquires pressure measurements from sensors mounted in 1.52-m-diameter rotor of compressor. Includes 5 miniature, electronically scanned pressure (ESP) modules, each containing 48 piezoresistive pressure sensors, pneumatic calibration valve, and electronic circuits for addressing and amplifying output of each sensor. Modules mounted on centerline of rotor, on instrumentation tower located inside nose cone of rotor. Subsystem designed to convert analog signal to distinct frequency without significantly affecting accuracy.

Freedman, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Modernization and Activation of the NASA Ames 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel

The Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) was modernized to improve performance, capability, productivity, and reliability. Automation systems were installed in all three UPWT tunnel legs and the Auxiliaries facility. Major improvements were made to the four control rooms, model support systems, main drive motors, and main drive speed control. Pressure vessel repairs and refurbishment to the electrical distribution system were also completed. Significant changes were made to improve test section flow quality in the 11-by 11-Foot Transonic leg. After the completion of the construction phase of the project, acceptance and checkout testing was performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the modernized facility. A pneumatic test of the tunnel circuit was performed to verify the structural integrity of the pressure vessel before wind-on operations. Test section turbulence, flow angularity, and acoustic parameters were measured throughout the tunnel envelope to determine the effects of the tunnel flow quality improvements. The new control system processes were thoroughly checked during wind-off and wind-on operations. Manual subsystem modes and automated supervisory modes of tunnel operation were validated. The aerodynamic and structural performance of both the new composite compressor rotor blades and the old aluminum rotor blades was measured. The entire subsonic and supersonic envelope of the 11-by 11-Foot Transonic leg was defined up to the maximum total pressure.

Kmak, Frank J.↗