Abstract:
A control system of a flight vehicle automatically varies the relationship between the center of gravity and the center of pressure of the flight vehicle. The control system automatically adjusts a center of pressure of the flight vehicle depending on a varying payload or payload type that is removably couplable to the flight vehicle. The control system automatically limits translational movement of the one or more wings of the flight vehicle in response to coupling of a payload to a fuselage of the flight vehicle.
Abstract:
An adjustable optical mounting (10) includes a mounting support or frame (12), and multiple adjusters (20) to provide a six-degree-of-freedom adjustment of the support relative to a base (14). The adjusters include cams (22) with cam surfaces that bear against and engage slots in the support or frame, to translate the support in directions parallel to the base. In addition, threaded devices (21) and resilient (compliant) devices (16) such as springs are utilized to adjust the height of the support relative to the base, at multiple locations. The cams and the threaded devices of the adjusters may be independently adjusted to translate the support relative to the base, and/or to change the height and/or tilt angle of the support.
Abstract:
A release mechanism passively releases a mechanically coupling as a result of a temperature rise. The release mechanism includes a breakable element, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, that is configured to break when the element is heated to a predetermined temperature. The breakage of the breakable element releases a mechanical coupling, such as a coupling holding a lid onto a container. The release mechanism may be part of a handle or other device to close the container. The release mechanism may have a mechanical load on it prior to release, a load that in part passes through the breakable element. Most of the load may pass through one or more other members of the release mechanism, providing the force for separation after the release mechanism is triggered. The release mechanism may be used to provide a passive way of releasing a mechanical coupling in response to heating.
Abstract:
An adjustable optical mounting (10) includes a mounting support or frame (12), and multiple adjusters (20) to provide a six-degree-of-freedom adjustment of the support relative to a base (14). The adjusters include cams (22) with cam surfaces that bear against and engage slots in the support or frame, to translate the support in directions parallel to the base. In addition, threaded devices (21) and resilient (compliant) devices (16) such as springs are utilized to adjust the height of the support relative to the base, at multiple locations. The cams and the threaded devices of the adjusters may be independently adjusted to translate the support relative to the base, and/or to change the height and/or tilt angle of the support.
Abstract:
An adjustable optical mounting (10) includes a mounting support or frame (12), and multiple adjusters (20) to provide a six-degree-of-freedom adjustment of the support relative to a base (14). The adjusters include cams (22) with cam surfaces that bear against and engage slots in the support or frame, to translate the support in directions parallel to the base. In addition, threaded devices (21) and resilient (compliant) devices (16) such as springs are utilized to adjust the height of the support relative to the base, at multiple locations. The cams and the threaded devices of the adjusters may be independently adjusted to translate the support relative to the base, and/or to change the height and/or tilt angle of the support.
Abstract:
A release mechanism passively releases a mechanical coupling as a result of a temperature rise. The release mechanism includes a breakable element, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, that is configured to break when the element is heated to a predetermined temperature. The breakage of the breakable element releases a mechanical coupling, such as a coupling holding a lid onto a container. The release mechanism may be part of a handle or other device to close the container. The release mechanism may have a mechanical load on it prior to release, a load that in part passes through the breakable element. Most of the load may pass through one or more other members of the release mechanism, providing the force for separation after the release mechanism is triggered. The release mechanism may be used to provide a passive way of releasing a mechanical coupling in response to heating.