Abstract: A high temperature gas stream optical flame sensor for flame detection in gas turbine engines, and method for fabricating same is provided. The sensor generally comprises a silicon carbide photodiode and silicon carbide based amplification hardware for generating a signal indicative of the presence of the flame. In a preferred embodiment, the photodiode and amplification hardware are disposed within a sensor housing and the photodiode is situated within a fuel/air premixer.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid mass-flowrate are provided. One embodiment of the method of the present invention essentially comprises generating in response to a requested mass-fluid flowrate a torque for controlling a torque-controlled valve to provide a flow of fluid from a supply to a remote space. Angular momentum is imparted to the fluid flow related to the actual mass-flowrate of the fluid flow. The angular momentum of the fluid flow generates a feedback torque therewith for counter-acting the controlling torque. The feedback torque is summed with the controlling torque to reduce the controlling torque as a function of the feedback torque whereby to form a hydromechanical closed-loop mass-flowrate servo-valve.

Abstract: An electronic clamping circuit is provided. In one preferred embodiment, the clamping circuit includes a pair of diodes connected in series, both having the same bias, which are shunted across a feedback path of a transimpedance amplifier circuit. A capacitor is connected to a node in-between the diodes and a potential (e.g., ground). The arrangement of the diodes and capacitor serve to keep the amplifier circuit's operation within its linear limits without severely degrading its bandwidth.

Abstract: A high temperature gas stream optical flame sensor for flame detection in gas turbine engines, and method for fabricating same is provided. The sensor generally comprises a silicon carbide photodiode and silicon carbide based amplification hardware for generating a signal indicative of the presence of the flame. In a preferred embodiment, the photodiode and amplification hardware are disposed within a sensor housing and the photodiode is situated within a fuel/air premixer.

Abstract: A fluid flowmeter includes a turbine for imparting an angular momentum to a main flow of fluid related to a flow of fluid through the turbine. The flowmeter also includes an impeller for undergoing an angular deflection in response to the angular momentum of the main flow, which angular deflection is indicative of flowrate of the main flow. A poppet valve is provided for opening substantially as a function of pressure of the main flow to provide a bypass flow of fluid. The flow of fluid through the turbine is at most equal to the main flow reduced by the bypass flow. The valve is adapted such that the bypass flow varies so as to ensure that the flow through the turbine maintains substantially constant rotational speed of the turbine independent of flowrate of the main flow.

Abstract: An electronic clamping circuit is provided in one preferred embodiment, the clamping circuit includes a pair of series-connected diodes, both having the same bias, which are shunted across a feedback path of a transimpedance amplifier circuit. A capacitive element is connected to a node in-between the diodes and a potential (e.g., ground). The arrangement of the diodes and capacitive element serve to keep the amplifier circuit's operation within its linear limits without severely degrading its bandwidth.

Abstract: A system for measuring the magnitude component corresponding to the once-per-revolution frequency or a multiple thereof of the vibration signal generated by a body rotating at a non-uniform rate. The output of a sensor detecting the acceleration of the vibration motion of the rotating body is decomposed into its frequency components. Simultaneously, the information contained in the output of a tachometer sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the rotating body is used to determine the variation of the rotational speed during the measurement interval. The speed variation information is selectively combined with the frequency components of the acceleration spectrum to yield the magnitude result that would be measured if the rotating body had a constant rotational speed. This method yields vibration information in select frequency bands that is corrected for the non-uniform rate of rotation of the body.

Abstract: A digital ratiometric tracking filter provides superior measurement of the magnitude and phase of vibration of a rotating body, at uniform or non-uniform rotational speed. The sensed speed and vibration signals are concurrently processed and subsequently combined to produce the absolute magnitude and relative phase measurements. The concurrent processing of the sensed signals assures that any system-introduced errors are found in both signals and can be uniformly eliminated by the ratiometric processing thereof.

Abstract: A repairable cable assembly includes a corrugated metal tubing backshell secured at one end to the end of stiff preferably electrically shielding cable sleeve and at the other end to a coupling assembly which is detachable from a connector and retractable along wiring extending from the cable sleeve through axial collapse of the corrugated metal tubing to provide access to the connections of the wiring to electrical contacts housed in the connector. Where the cable sleeve is braided wire, a waterproof thermosetting polymer cover is provided over the braided wire and its connections to the corrugated metal tubing backshell. The coupling assembly can include a straight, right or other angle tubular member to which the corrugated tubing is secured.

Abstract: A Coriolis type flowmeter is described having 12 parallel flow tubes joined to a hub whose geometry is chosen to also perform the function of an inlet and outlet manifold. Plates are provided to interconnect and average the motion of the flow tubes as well as providing a platform for sensing Coriolis induced motion and inducing harmonic oscillations. Because of its symmetric geometry and balanced characteristics, the flowmeter is insensitive to vibration in any axis perpendicular to the axial axis of symmetry.