Abstract: A method and system for identifying a plurality of critical faults in machines is provided. The method allows for collecting from a predetermined plurality of the machines respective machine data indicative of each fault logged over a predetermined period of time. Respective identifying steps allow for identifying in the collected machine data respective faults most frequently occurring relative to one another and for identifying in the most frequently occurring faults, respective faults that, relative to one another, affect a higher number of machines. A classifying step allows for classifying the faults identified in the last-recited identifying step based on an expected level of machine degradation associated with the identified faults, and a storing step allows for storing any faults classified as likely to result in an imminent machine mission failure in a predetermined database of critical faults.

Abstract: Calls are transferred from a first call to a second call in a trunked digital radio communications system that includes a first transmitting user terminal that communicates with a receiving user terminal or group of user terminals in the first call over a first working channel via a base station. A second call is transmitted from a second transmitting user terminal to the base station over a second working channel, that identifies the receiving terminal. Transfer data is transmitted from the base station to the receiving terminal or group of user terminals in the first call on the first working channel, the transfer data identifying the second call and the second working channel. The transfer data is detected in the first call on the first working channel at the receiving user terminal and the receiving user terminal transfers to the second call on the second working channel based upon the transfer data.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting malfunctions in a power inverter having one or more legs connected between first and second voltage buses is provided. Each leg has respective first and second controllable switches coupled in series to one another. The method allows for applying predetermined respective voltages at the first and second buses. The method further allows for selectively actuating the first and second switches between respective conductive or non-conductive states.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an engine during a bog condition is provided. The method allows for monitoring values of a commanded engine RPM signal and of an actual engine RPM signal. The method further allows for determining whether the difference between respective values of the commanded engine RPM signal and the actual engine RPM signal exceeds a predetermined threshold RPM value. An inflection determining step allows for continuing to monitor values of the actual engine RPM signal to determine an inflection RPM point. A varying step allows for controllably varying the commanded engine RPM signal from a predetermined point about the inflection RPM point towards a desired commanded speed value.

Abstract: A method and system for determining degradation of fuel pump performance in a locomotive having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method allows for monitoring a signal indicative of a fuel value delivered by the fuel pump and for adjusting the value of the monitored signal for deviations from an estimated nominal fuel value due to external variables to generate an adjusted fuel value. The method further allows for comparing the value of the adjusted fuel value against the nominal fuel value to determine the performance of the pump.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a turbocharged compression-ignition engine having an intercooling system that uses a predetermined coolant fluid is provided. The engine is configured to receive a predetermined combustion-supporting fluid into a plurality of cylinders through a respective intake manifold. The method allows for detecting a full or high load engine condition using the amount of fuel injected into a cylinder per cylinder cycle and/or throttle notch position. The method also allows for sensing a predetermined parameter indicative of a respective ambient condition. The method further allows for selecting a desired value of a predetermined operational parameter that influences peak pressures developed within the cylinders. The desired value being selected based on the value of the parameter indicative of the ambient condition. A comparing step allows for comparing an actual value of the operational parameter against the desired value of that operational parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a compression ignition engine in railroad locomotives and other land or marine-based large propulsion or power generation equipment operable in a selected one of a plurality of engine throttle notches is provided. Each throttle notch is indicative of a respective load condition of the engine. The engine has an intercooling system using a predetermined cooling fluid and the engine is configured to receive a predetermined combustion-supporting fluid (e.g., air) into a plurality of cylinders through respective intake manifolds. The method allows for sensing the selected throttle notch, and for selectively actuating the intercooling system to adjust a predetermined operational parameter (e.g., intake manifold air temperature) based on the sensed throttle notch and/or environmental conditions.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a boat having an internal combustion engine is provided. The system provides a source of fuel. A fuel supply conduit is connected to the source of fuel to deliver fuel to the engine. A fuel impermeable housing has one end coupled to the source of fuel and defines a passageway that receives the fuel supply conduit interiorly of the boat. The passageway is hermetically sealed relative to the interior of the boat and provides a return path into the fuel source to any fuel that may spill in the passageway.

Abstract: Computerized system and method for controlling a plurality of internal combustion engines are provided. The system includes a respective speed sensor coupled to a corresponding engine to supply a respective speed sensor signal indicative of each engine's speed. The system further includes an electronic control unit coupled to receive each respective speed sensor signal. The control unit in turn includes a comparator module configured to compare each speed sensor signal relative to one another and supply a comparator output signal based on the magnitude of any differences between the engine speed signals. A processor module is responsive to the comparator output signal to adjust one or more engine operational parameters of one or more of the plurality of engines.

Abstract: A tilt-trim subsystem and method for a boat propulsion system is provided. A stern bracket is mounted on a transom of the boat. A swivel bracket is pivotally supported relative to the stern bracket for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The subsystem includes a tilt and trim assembly having at least one cam pivotally supported by the stern bracket. The cam is configured to impart a relatively slow rate of rotation to the swivel bracket, at least when there is driving contact between the cam and the swivel bracket within a predetermined angular range for trimming, as compared to a rate of rotation within a predetermined angular range for tilting.

Abstract: A motor system having a stationary assembly including a winding and a rotatable assembly in magnetic coupling relation to the stationary assembly. A power supply link having upper and lower rails supplied by a power supply provides power to the motor winding. The power supply link has power switches responsive to a motor control signal for selectively connecting the rails to the winding to energize the winding with a motor current whereby an electromagnetic field is produced for rotating the rotatable assembly. The power switches include a set of upper power switches and a set of lower power switches. Each of the power switches has a conducting state and a nonconducting state. The system includes a disable circuit for selectively generating a disable signal and a control circuit for generating the motor control signal to control the power switches.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated testing of centrifugal start mechanisms for electric motors are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a stepper motor and an adapter secured to the stepper motor shaft. The adapter includes a shaft sized to have a diameter about equal to the diameter of a rotor shaft which carries the start mechanisms to be tested. The system also includes a fiber optic sensor having an optical signal transmitter and an optical signal receiver. The transmitter and receiver, in operation, are substantially aligned on opposing sides of a start mechanism secured to the adapter. When the push collar of a centrifugal start mechanism moves (e.g., at the cutout and cutback speeds), such movement is detected by the sensor. The system further includes a control computer coupled to a programmable motion controller.

Abstract: A drive package for a dynamoelectric machine mounts a printed wire board in cantilever fashion from a wall of a drive package housing. Potting material in the housing provides mechanical support for the printed wire board away from the heat sink. Heat generating components on the first printed wire board have tubes of electrically insulating, thermally conductive material inserted over them and are clamped against the heat sink. The heat sink is mounted directly to the housing and is electrically grounded by the housing.

Abstract: A system for controlling circulating currents in a motor. A power supply link having upper and lower rails supplied by a power supply provides power to the motor windings. The power supply link also has power switches responsive to a motor control signal for selectively connecting the rails to the windings in alternating on and off intervals. The system includes a first resistive shunt in the upper rail of the power supply link between the power supply and the power switches and a second resistive shunt in the lower rail of the power supply link between the power supply and the power switches. The power supply link routes current circulating in the power supply link and windings through either the first or second resistive shunt for continuously sensing current in the rails. The system also includes a current regulation circuit which generates an overcurrent signal as a function of the current sensed in either the first or second resistive shunt exceeding a maximum current level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a battery energy storage system of the type in which an inverter is coupled to convert direct current power from a DC source to a controlled frequency AC power suitable for supplementing utility power or for replacing utility power includes a control mechanism for operating the system and either a supplemental or replacement mode in parallel with a utility power system. The system favors frequency control over power control and maintains constant monitoring of frequency output with adjustment of power in response to any frequency shift of the inverter output. The system also includes apparatus for determining a power error signal based upon commanded power output in which the power error signal is applied as a phase shift control signal in the frequency control circuit for regulating the real component of power supplied by the inverter.

Abstract: A single phase permanent magnet motor includes a rotor, a stator, and a quadrature axis winding positioned out-of-phase from a main winding of the stator for generating an output signal representative of rotor angular position. An integrator can be coupled to the quadrature axis winding for phase retarding the output signal, and a comparator can be coupled to the integrator for detecting zero crossings of the phase retarded output signal to provide a commutation signal. The quadrature axis winding can be positioned about ninety electrical degrees out-of-phase from the main winding of the stator, and the integrator can be adapted to phase retard the output signal by a number of degrees which decreases as a speed of the motor increases. At low speeds the phase retard is preferably at about ninety degrees so that the phase retarded signal becomes in-phase with the main stator winding back EMF voltage.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for integrating an air switch and a power cord into an electric motor, and methods for assembling an electric motor including an integral air switch and an integral power cord, are described. In one embodiment, an air switch and a power cord are incorporated into an electric motor. No additional removable cover is required for the switch and cord. To eliminate the motor centrifugal switch, an air switch is provided to control energization and de-energization of the motor windings. The air switch includes a snap action switch to cut-out the start winding used for ensuring that the rotor has sufficient starting torque.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coupling a conduit to an electric motor by way of a moisture resistant two-piece connector, are described. The two-piece connector includes, in one embodiment, a boss sized to be at least partially located in an end portion of a plastic, non-metallic conduit and a protective cover that substantially covers the motor shell notch at least between the boss and the motor shell notch edges. More specifically, in the one embodiment, the two-piece connector includes first and second connector members having protective cover portions and boss portions extending from the protective cover portions. The first and second connecter members further include notch interfitting portions having engagement surfaces for contacting edge surfaces of the motor housing at an outer periphery of the notch.

Abstract: An electronic control has a heat sink which is electrically isolated from electrical components mounted on a printed circuit board of the control by the printed circuit board itself. Thus, the use of additional materials which are thermally conductive but electrically insulating is avoided. A distributor sheet on the printed circuit board distributes heat substantially uniformly over its surface where contacted by the heat sink to promote heat transfer. The heat sink is shaped to permit devices to be mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board as the heat sink while avoiding contact with the heat sink.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated inspection of stator cores are described. In one embodiment, a coherent light transmitter and a light detector are optically aligned so that the detector is in the path of an optical signal emitted from the light transmitter when such signal propagates substantially uninterrupted. The light transmitter and detector are also spaced from each other at a distance sufficient to allow a stator core to be moved, e.g., translated or rotated, therebetween. Output signals from the detector are processed to determine whether the core is acceptable.