Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated electrostatic sensor for detecting dust and/or other airborne particulates in an engine, e.g. in an aircraft gas turbine engine. The electrostatic sensor includes an outer housing having a sensing face, an electrode configured within the outer housing adjacent to the sensing face, and an amplifier configured with the electrode. The electrode contains a plurality of electrons configured to move as charged dust particles flow past the sensing face. Thus, the amplifier is configured to detect a dust level as a function of the electron movement. The electrostatic sensor also includes a circuit board configured within the outer housing and electrically coupled to the amplifier. Thus, the circuit board is configured to send the one or more signals to a controller of the engine indicative of the dust level.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated electrostatic sensor for an engine. The sensor includes an outer housing having a body with a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for securing the sensor to the engine and includes a sensing face. The sensor also includes an electrode configured within the housing adjacent to the sensing face and an amplifier configured with the electrode. The electrode contains a plurality of electrons configured to move as charged particles flow past the sensing face. Thus, the amplifier is configured to detect a particulate level as a function of the electron movement. The electrostatic sensor also includes a circuit board configured within the housing and electrically coupled to the amplifier. As such, the circuit board is configured to send one or more signals to a controller of the engine indicative of the particulate level.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated electrostatic sensor for detecting dust and/or other airborne particulates in an engine, e.g. in an aircraft gas turbine engine. The electrostatic sensor includes an outer housing having a sensing face, an electrode configured within the outer housing adjacent to the sensing face, and an amplifier configured with the electrode. The electrode contains a plurality of electrons configured to move as charged dust particles flow past the sensing face. Thus, the amplifier is configured to detect a dust level as a function of the electron movement. The electrostatic sensor also includes a circuit board configured within the outer housing and electrically coupled to the amplifier. Thus, the circuit board is configured to send the one or more signals to a controller of the engine indicative of the dust level.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated electrostatic sensor for an engine. The sensor includes an outer housing having a body with a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for securing the sensor to the engine and includes a sensing face. The sensor also includes an electrode configured within the housing adjacent to the sensing face and an amplifier configured with the electrode. The electrode contains a plurality of electrons configured to move as charged particles flow past the sensing face. Thus, the amplifier is configured to detect a particulate level as a function of the electron movement. The electrostatic sensor also includes a circuit board configured within the housing and electrically coupled to the amplifier. As such, the circuit board is configured to send one or more signals to a controller of the engine indicative of the particulate level.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated multi-chip module (MCM) sensor assembly having at least one electrostatic sensor and a circuit board. The electrostatic sensor includes an outer housing with an electrode and an amplifier configured therein. The electrode includes a first end and a second end separated by a predetermined length. The second end includes a sensing face that is substantially flush with an edge of the outer housing. Further, the electrode contains a plurality of electrons configured to respond to one or more charged particles that flow past the sensing face by moving either towards or away from the second end. Thus, the amplifier is electrically coupled to the electrode so as to detect a particle level flowing past the sensing face as a function of the electron movement. Moreover, the circuit board is configured within the outer housing and is electrically coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: A technique for operating a sensor system is provided. The method includes exciting a first sensor with a first excitation signal at a first frequency and exciting a second sensor with a second excitation signal at a second frequency. The technique also includes combining a first measurement signal generated from the first sensor with a second measurement signal generated from the second sensor to determine a sensed parameter. The technique may be employed for reducing crosstalk between closely proximate sensors, such as capacitive probes, and may serve to determine distances within operating machines, such as turbine systems.

Abstract: A technique for operating a sensor system is provided. The method includes exciting a first sensor with a first excitation signal at a first frequency and exciting a second sensor with a second excitation signal at a second frequency. The technique also includes combining a first measurement signal generated from the first sensor with a second measurement signal generated from the second sensor to determine a sensed parameter. The technique may be employed for reducing crosstalk between closely proximate sensors, such as capacitive probes, and may serve to determine distances within operating machines, such as turbine systems.

Abstract: A system for locating an object that produces identifying signals comprises a plurality of receiver sites arranged in an array for receiving signals from the object and for receiving a common time reference in the form signals received from a global navigation system. The array comprises a reference receiver site and three auxiliary receiver sites that are connected to the reference site by data links. Each receiver site receives signals from the object and timing control signals from a global navigation system. Each site determines a time difference between the receipt of the object signals and the timing signals, the auxiliary sites providing data signals on data links to the reference site where the location of the object is determined.

Abstract: An electrical capacitance clearanceometer system adapted clearanceometer system to measure the distance between a housing and a moving member within and closely adjacent the housing as a function of electrical capacitance therebetween, utilizes a high temperature probe which contains a high temperature electrical inductor potted in one end and an electrical capacitor electrode in a braze sealed tip at the other end and electrically connected to the inductor. The probe is inserted in a housing to have its capacitor electrode positioned adjacent the moving member. The electrode is braze attached to a ceramic insulator at the end of the probe and the ceramic insulator is brazed to a transition metal sleeve which is then brazed to the probe to fix the insulator in the probe. An air passage is formed between the insulator and the probe body to provide cooling air to the insulator and capacitor electrode.

Abstract: In a hot gas turbine engine a capacitive probe clearanceometer is employed to measure the clearance gap or distance between the continuous surface of a compressor or turbine wheel such as, for example, a shroud ring turbine and its confining casing under operating conditions. The probe positions a capacitor electrode at the inner surface of the casing adjacent the continuous surface path. Electrical power is supplied to the probe through an oscillator having a tuned circuit in which the probe is a component. A high frequency signal of the oscillator is amplitude modulated by changes in electrical capacitance between the probe capacitor electrode and the passing continuous surface. The modulated oscillator signal is processed to provide an electrical signal which is proportional to the distance between the casing and the continuous surface. A preferred combination of high temperature and contamination resistant metal and ceramic materials are combined in an improved gas tight braze sealed probe tip.