Abstract: A fuel control system, battle override valve and a method of controlling bypass fuel in a fuel system are disclosed. A battle override valve 30 for an engine fuel system 10 includes a metering valve 50 having a rate limiting function providing for control of a slew rate during an operation of the battle override valve 30. A transfer valve 70 having a manual fuel control operating position and a normal fuel control operating position permits a flow of fuel between the metering valve 50 and the transfer valve 70. The transfer valve 70 is controlled between the normal fuel control operating position and the manual fuel control operating position in order to regulate a flow of fuel during a manual or bypass fuel system 10 operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus control a power converter (20) of an AC motor drive system (10). The method and apparatus: generate a field current regulating signal to control a field current component flowing from the power converter (20) to the AC motor (30), thereby achieving field current regulation; generate a torque current regulating signal to control a torque current component flowing from the power converter (20) to the AC motor (30), thereby achieving torque current regulation, the torque current regulation having lower priority than the field current regulation; and execute a close-loop field weakening control scheme, which generates a field weakening control command as a function of the difference between a torque current regulation voltage demand and voltage available for torque current regulation.

Abstract: A multi-mode visible and infrared lighthead (100) for use as a landing light or searchlight. The multi-mode lighthead incorporates a modular design wherein at least one visible light source (200) and at least one infrared diode (302) are mounted into the rear sector (128) of a housing (102). Visible or infrared light is emitted out of the front sector (122) of the housing (102). Lenses (308) are installed onto the front sector (122) of the housing (102) and sealed to protect the interior of the lighthead (100) from the elements. Alternatively, and in combination, an imaging module (1), and infrared laser (400) and/or a fixed-position searchlight with rangefinder and positioning capability is provided in the multi-mode lighthead(100).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infrared light assembly (10, 30, 80, 90). A preferred embodiment of the light assembly (10, 30, 80, 90) may be used on aircraft or other vehicles for landing, taxi mode, or search operations. The light assembly (10, 30, 80, 90) preferably only requires about 10 to 20 watts of power. The light assembly (10, 30, 80, 90) may include a housing (12, 32, 82), a base (14, 34, 50), an IR diode (16, 36, 60), and an aspheric lens (18, 38). The base (14, 34, 50) is preferably connected to the bottom portion (22) of the housing(12, 32, 82), and the aspheric lens (18, 38) is preferably connected to the top portion (24) of the housing (12, 32, 82). The IR diode (16, 36, 60) may be mounted on the base (14, 34, 50). The housing (12, 32, 82) and the base (14, 34, 50) preferably have high thermal conductivity, and they preferably act as heat sinks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electro-hydraulic actuator (1) having mechanical feedback provide closed loop control with a high degree of accuracy. The electro-hydraulic actuator (1) includes a current versus load generator (10), a single-stage servomechanism (20, 21, 22, 23), and a device (24, 25, 40, 41) for providing a mechanical feedback force for offsetting an input force (Fsol) of the current versus load generator (10).

Abstract: Molding apparatus for rapid transfer of molten resin or pitch in an infiltration molding process. The apparatus includes e.g. an extruder (4) for melting and conveying a resin or pitch and a mold (10) arranged so that resin or pitch is conveyed to a mold insert cavity (19) within the mold. The mold insert contains an internal protrusion such as a locating ring (25) for positioning a porous body (1, 18) within the mold insert cavity in a position that brings about unidirectional flow of the molten resin or pitch through the porous body. Also, rapid resin or pitch infiltration molding process that includes injecting a high melting point, high viscosity, molten resin or pitch into the mold to effect a unidirectional impregnation of a heated preform via a pressure gradient in the mold.

Abstract: Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft (10) utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs) (213) as a light source to provide visual information to the pilot of an approaching aircraft (30). The PDLs may include a plurality of light emitting devices (200) arranged in arrays (123 and 124), each light emitting device (200) being configured to illuminate a particular symbol/pattern. Each light emitting device (200) may include a plurality of modular banks (210) of LEDs (213), which are configured to emit light through a clear lens (230) within a particular field of view. The PDL arrays (123 and 124) may provide visual feedback regarding the elevational and fore-aft position of the approaching aircraft (30) relative to the boom envelope (14) of the tanker aircraft (10).

Abstract: Carbon composite components (1, 11, 22, 30), which may be aircraft brake discs, heat exchanger cores, and so on, are covered by protective coating 32. Component (1, 11, 22, 30) is immersed in liquid bath precursor of fluidized glass (step 55). After immersion step, glass-coated component (1, 11, 22, 30) is removed and annealed. Heat treatment gradually increases temperature to 250-350° C. at the rate of 1-2° C. per minute (step 60). Heat treatment is followed by soak at temperature of 250-350° C. for 1-10 hours (step 65). Temperature is then increased to 550-650° C. (step 70). Temperature is maintained at 550-650° C. for 1-10 hours (step 75). After completion of second prolonged heat treatment, the component is cooled until reaching room temperature (step 80). Upon completion of the annealing step, the fluidized glass coating converts to solid glass coating (32) enveloping and forming a protective barrier against undesirable oxidation of the C—C component (1, 11, 22, 30).

Abstract: A fuel metering device (101) and method for metering fuel to an engine (129) provides bumpless transfer to a backup mode. A common cavity (125) provides pressure relief, fuel metering and bypass of fuel flow. A metering valve (120) for scheduling fuel flow to the engine (129) and the metering valve (120) is controlled in either a primary mode or a backup mode. A pressure relief valve (123) limits the maximum pump discharge pressure of a fuel pump. A bypass valve (122) maintains a constant pressure across the metering valve (120) by redirecting non-metered fuel flow back to a pump stage inlet. An electrical clutch (131) determines whether the metering valve (120) function is accomplished by said primary mode or said backup mode. Bumpless transfer to a backup is accomplished automatically.

Abstract: A control system regulates power to a brushless synchronous generator (BSG) (204) having a permanent magnetic generator (PMG)(210), an exciter (208) and a main generator (206) connected to a rotating shaft (212). The generator control unit (GCU) (202) includes a three phase rectifier (214), a PMG voltage regulator (222), a generator control relay (GCR)(220), a GCU power supply (216) with a backup power source (217), a field switch driver (218), a field switch (219), and a free wheeling diode (221). The BSG (204) is connected to the GCU (202) by coupling the PMG (210) of the BSG (204) to the three phase rectifier (214) of the GCU (202) and by coupling the exciter (208) of the BSG (204) to the PMG voltage regulator (222) and the field switch driver (218) of the GCU (202) and the PMG voltage regulator (222) regulates the voltage of the PMG (210).

Abstract: A purge air and fuel flow divider module (15) independently directs fuel flow to a plurality of manifolds (25, 27 and 29) and independently purges fuel from these manifolds with air when they are not flowing fuel. A secondary manifold (29) is filled with fuel before flowing metered burn flow to it and fuel flow is apportioned between a primary manifold (27) and the secondary manifold (29) during secondary manifold metered burn flow. Three manifolds are disclosed, a primary manifold (27), a secondary manifold (29) and a start or pilot manifold (25), each containing fuel nozzles (31, 33). A manifold main housing (61) contains a purge valve (41) and two three-way solenoids (37, 39) controlling respectively a secondary transfer valve (43) and a pilot nozzle transfer valve (45). Depending on the requirements, the solenoids position the valves to either provide manifold fill fuel, burn flow fuel or purge air to their respective manifolds.

Abstract: Antioxidant coating compositions containing 10-75 wt % H2O, 20-65 wt % H3PO4, 0.1-20 wt % alkali metal mono-, di-, or tri-basic phosphate, 0-2 wt % hydrated boron oxide, 0-18 wt % KH2PO4, 3-10 wt % of a transition metal oxide, and 0-20 wt % hydrated manganese phosphate, 0-25 wt % Al(H2PO4)3, and 0-10 wt % Zn3(PO4)2, provided that at least one of Al(H2PO4)3, Zn3(PO4)2, and hydrated manganese phosphate is present. Also, brake discs made from carbon composite articles having their surface treated with certain antioxidant coatings. During a manufacturing process, carbon matrix 15 of brake disc 11 is covered on its outer and inner edges with antioxidant layers 19 and portions of the working surface of brake disc 11 may also be covered with antioxidant layers 13, potentially decreasing the fitness of the brake disc for service. In accordance with this invention, brake disc 12 is manufactured from brake disc 11 by the removal from its working surface of antioxidant layers 13.

Abstract: Coated articles (19) that comprise components, made of carbon fiber or carbon-carbon composites which may be configured, for example, as aircraft landing system brake discs. The components (10) are coated with a system that includes a phosphorus-containing undercoating (11) having a specified formulation and a boron-containing overcoating (12) having specified formulation. The coated articles of the invention, e.g., aircraft brake discs, are protected against catalytic oxidation when the article is subjected to temperatures of 800° C. (1472° F.) or greater. Also, a method of protecting a component made of a carbon fiber or carbon-carbon composite simultaneously against catalytic oxidation (e.g., catalyzed by de-icer compositions) and high temperature non-catalytic oxidation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and isolating heat exchanger flows in a heat exchanger includes at least one isolation and flow direction control plate (40) having at least one fluid slot (45). The isolation and flow direction control plates (40, 41, 42) create a plurality of smaller heat exchangers 50 within a heat exchanger assembly (1). The isolation and flow direction control plates (40, 41, 42) permit fluid communication between the corresponding smaller heat exchangers (50) and individualized flow direction control over a shell side fluid flow between a shell side fluid inlet (11) and a shell side fluid outlet (12) of the heat exchanger assembly (1).

Abstract: An active filter (300) generates multi-phase compensating current in an AC power supply system (10) that supplies a load (200). The filter (300) includes a compensating current output device (34) outputting multi-phase compensating current to an AC power line (50); and a controller (310) for controlling the compensating current output (340) such that the multi-phase compensating current compensates for current harmonics and power factor on said AC power line (50). The controller (310) estimates current harmonics and power factor compensating values as a function of multi-phase power measurements.

Abstract: A synchronous bi-directional active power conditioning system (11) suitable for wide variable frequency systems or active loads such as adjustable speed drives which require variable voltage variable frequency power management systems is disclosed. Common power electronics building blocks (100, 200) (both hardware and software modular blocks) are presented which can be used for AC-DC, DC-AC individually or cascaded together for AC-DC-AC power conversion suitable for variable voltage and/or wide variable frequency power management systems. A common control software building block (2, 5) includes a digital control strategy/algorithm and digital phase lock loop method and apparatus which are developed and implemented in a digital environment to provide gating patterns for the switching elements (3, 6) of the common power-pass modular power electronics building blocks (100, 200).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing gas ports in CVD/CVI furnaces and processes is disclosed. A fluid direction nozzle (160) is positioned between a top lip (101) of a gas inlet port (100) delivering a reactant gas (G) to a furnace compartment(200) in a CVD/CVI furnace (10) and corresponding holes (151) of a CVD/CVI process apparatus such as a hearth plate (150). The fluid direction nozzle 160 reduces leakage of reactant gases (G) and ensures a smooth transition of gas flow direction between the gas inlet port (100) and the corresponding holes (151). CVD/CVI process times are significantly reduced with the use of the reusable/replaceable flow direction nozzles (160).

Abstract: A position light (200) for use on an aircraft. The aircraft position light uses light sources (302) installed into an alignment fixture (304) which optionally carries away heat generated by the light sources. Light emitted by the light sources is directed into a first prism (308), which distributes and directs the light. A second prism (324) is used to further shape the pattern of the light. A lens (206) is installed over the position light (200) to protect it from the elements.

Abstract: A position sensor and a method for sensing a position of a moveable member includes at least first and second deflectable members arranged so as to allow the moveable member to pass therebetween and cause the at least first and second moveable members to deflect in proportion to the position of the moveable member relative to the first and second deflectable members. In one example of the present invention, the deflectable members are cantilever-mounted members extending in generally the same direction. The amount of resultant deflection is measured by any suitable means. For example, each deflectable member may have a Wheatstone bridge provided thereon acting as a strain gauge in a known manner, such that the strain detected is proportional to the amount of deflection. In a particular example of the present invention, some of the elements of a first Wheatstone bridge are provided on the first deflectable member and some are provided on the second deflectable member.

Abstract: A position sensor emulator system and method for use in the control of synchronous machines are disclosed. The position sensor emulator system (220) includes a first bandpass filter (222) that filters phase voltage signals from a stator of a synchronous machine (230). A converter (224) that converts the filtered phase voltages into balanced two-phase quadrature signals. A rectifier (226) that rectifies exciter voltage signals of the synchronous machine (230) and a second bandpass filter (228) that filters the rectified exciter voltage signals to generate a reference signal.