Briefs: Motion Control
Vibration Testing with Innovative Supports
When developing the guidance system of a missile, it is necessary to know the resonant frequencies and mode shapes of the missile in flight. Simulating the free vibration condition in the...
Briefs: Motion Control
Automated Propellant-Blending Machine
The automated propellant-blending machine, a Johnson Space Center (JSC) innovation, refines the production processes of commercial rocket-propellant manufacturers by: (1) generating inert blends that...
Briefs: Motion Control
Improved Roller and Gear Drives for Robots and Vehicles
Two types of gear drives have been devised to improve the performances of robotic mechanisms. One type features a dual-input/single-output differential-drive configuration intended to...
Briefs: Motion Control
Electrostatic Displacement Control Compensates for Spring
The figure schematically illustrates part of an accelerometer in which a feedback control subsystem applies voltages to generate electrostatic forces to minimize the displacement of a...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Magnetostrictive Inertial-Reaction Linear Motors
Linear-translation motors containing inertial-reaction masses driven by magnetostrictive actuator elements are undergoing development. These motors could be used to make fine position...
Briefs: Materials
Device for High-Pressure Fused Deposition of Engineering Polymers From Feed Rods
A more versatile delivery system for fused deposition has recently been developed. This system uses a very stiff, precise, and compact actuator to drive a small piston/cylinder extruder that has a heated nozzle. Because feed rods are used as the feed material, this...
Briefs: Motion Control
Earthwormlike Exploratory Robots
Mobile robots that would resemble earthworms have been proposed for use in exploring remote, hostile, or inaccessible terrain surface and subsurface environments. This class of robots would be a special case...
Briefs: Motion Control
Miniature Multispeed Transmissions for Small Motors
A design has been developed for manufacturing multispeed transmissions that are small enough to be used with minimotors - electromagnetic motors with power ratings of less than 1 W. Like...
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Navigation and Control of Continuous Mining Systems
Research conducted at the Pittsburgh Research Center (formerly U.S. Bureau of Mines) developed technology that will allow computer-assisted operation of mechanized equipment normally used...
Briefs: Motion Control
Hydraulically Driven High-Speed Spindle for General Machining
A hydraulically driven high-speed spindle system for milling, machining, facing, drilling, and joining metallic and nonmetallic materials has been developed. Spindles are the most critical elements of high-speed milling machines. The keys to successful design of high-speed spindles...
Briefs: Motion Control
A Technique For Compensating Joint Limits in a Robot Manipulator
A robust, optimal, adaptive technique for compensating rate and position limits in the joints of a six-degree-of-freedom manipulator has been developed. In this new algorithm,...
Briefs: Propulsion
Hybrid Propulsion System for Returning a Sample From Mars
A paper suggests the development of a hybrid rocket engine and associated equipment for returning a sample of material from Mars at relatively low cost. In a hybrid rocket engine, a solid fuel is burned by use of a liquid or gaseous oxidizer, the flow of which can be throttled to control...
Briefs: Motion Control
Antiovershoot Position Control for Motors Run at Full Speed
An improved motor controller provides a circuit that will allow a motor to run at full speed while traveling from point A to point B, and still be able to obtain the desired damping...
Briefs: Motion Control
Precision Actuator Positions Laser Grating
The tunable external cavity diode laser is an important new tool used to evaluate and test the latest fiber-optic components and building blocks of modern telecommunications systems. A key factor...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Protecting a Micromachined Accelerometer During Handling
A highly sensitive micromachined accelerometer that is intended to be exposed to very small accelerations during operation incorporates features for protection against much larger...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Multimedia Operator Interface for a Health-Care Robot
An operator interface is undergoing development along with other subsystems of a robot that would assist in caring for elderly and disabled patients. This development has been initiated...
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
All-Terrain Vehicle With Self-Righting and Pose Control
A small prototype robotic all-terrain vehicle features a unique drive and suspension system that affords capabilities for self righting, pose control, and enhanced maneuverability for...
Briefs: Motion Control
Passive Magnetic Bearings With Ferrofluid Stabilization
Permanent-magnet rotary bearings with ferrofluid stabilization in the axial degree of freedom are undergoing development. These bearings are totally passive, yet stable in all degrees...
Briefs: Motion Control
Large Gimbal Mount Enables Focal-Plane Testing
The latest missile guidance and tracking guidance systems deliver unprecedented performance, in terms of range, precision, and the ability to function in very unfavorable atmospheric conditions....
Top Stories
Blog: Materials
A New Way to Cure Adhesives on Demand? Magnets.
Podcasts: Sensors/Data Acquisition
INSIDER: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Orbiting Instrument Hints That Stored Magnetic Energy Heats Solar...
Blog: Transportation
CES 2021: How COVID-19 Turned the Car into a Personal 'Second Space'
Videos: Motion Control
'Blueswarm' Robots Synchronize Movements like School of Fish
Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Webcasts
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
Reducing the Cost of Quality in Automotive BiW
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
Electric-Vehicle Transmission Development Priorities
Upcoming Webinars: Medical
The Critical Role of Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors in Medical...
Upcoming Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Zinc Die Casting Concepts to Achieve Precision, Performance, and...
Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement
Radar Measurements: Triggering, Analysis, and Generation
Upcoming Webinars: Materials
Trending Stories
NASA Spinoff: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars
Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control
Linear Motors and Actuators Meets Automation Needs
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Radiation-Tolerant DC-DC Converters
Application Briefs: Energy
Lithium-Ion Batteries Critical to Mars Spacecraft
Application Briefs: Aerospace
System Recycles and Purifies Large Volumes of Helium for SLS
