Abstract: A power distribution circuit includes a power input in electrical communication with a power input line, a switching circuit electrically connected to the power input line, and an overcurrent protection circuit electrically connected to the power input line. The overcurrent protection circuit includes a discrete silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) circuit, and a pulse qualifier configured and adapted to drive the discrete SCR circuit. A method for controlling a power distribution circuit includes detecting an ON status of at least a switching circuit. A semi-conductor control signal line connects the semi-conductor switch and the voltage command circuit. The method includes detecting an overcurrent status of the switching circuit with an overcurrent detection circuit. The method includes clamping voltage on the semi-conductor control signal line to cause the semi-conductor switch to be turned off.

Abstract: A characterization system for automated ex vivo characterization of an esophageal catheter with a balloon probe for determining an esophageal pressure comprises an arrangement for filling the esophageal catheter with a measuring fluid before placing the esophageal catheter in an esophagus, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure (peso) prevailing in the esophageal catheter; a device for determining at least one property that is characteristic of the esophageal catheter on the basis of the pressure (peso) detected in the esophageal catheter; a storage device for storing at least the property characteristic of the esophageal catheter; and at least one controller for controlling the characterization system, the controller being designed such that the characterization system performs a method comprising at least the following steps: filling the esophageal catheter with a measuring fluid ex vivo, in particular before placing the esophageal catheter in an esophagus; detecting a pressure prevailing in the esophag

Abstract: An actuator release mechanism includes: a longitudinal sleeve movable along an axis between a lock and release positions; drive means for causing the longitudinal sleeve to move along the axis; and bias means to bias the longitudinal sleeve to the lock position. The drive means includes: a rotary solenoid having a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation; a toggle member having a toggle shaft connected to and rotatable with the rotary solenoid, and a toggle head in engagement with the longitudinal sleeve by pins extending radially inwards from the longitudinal sleeve and a helical guide rail provided on a radially outer surface of the toggle head. The longitudinal sleeve is mounted around the toggle head, such that rotation of the solenoid causes rotation of the toggle member and the guide rails which causes the pin(s) to ride along the guide rail to rotate the sleeve.

Abstract: A field grading composite body includes a polymeric matrix and a particulate filler distributed within the polymeric matrix. Particles of the particulate filler include a core formed from a semiconductor material, an oxide mixed layer deposited on the core, and conducting oxide layer. The conducting oxide layer deposited on the oxide mixed layer to provide an electrical percolation path through the polymeric matrix triggered by strength of an electric field extending through the field composite body. Conductors and methods of making field grading composite bodies for conductors are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for cooling systems, assemblies and methods (e.g., for semiconductor devices; for refrigerant cooling; for cryogenic cooling). More particularly, the present disclosure provides for mini-channel cold plate cooling assemblies, systems and methods for semiconductor devices (e.g., wide-bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor devices), with the cooling assemblies, systems and methods utilizing three-dimensional adaptive flow-paths using bi-metal fins. The present disclosure provides for mini-channel cold plate cooling assemblies, systems and methods that may improve cooling performance and/or enable local cooling control. The present disclosure provides for bi-metal strips that operate as both the surface-temperature sensors and actuators without input energy. The bi-metal strips guide the coolant flow to a low-drag channel when the surface temperature is low, and guide the coolant flow to the near-surface channel when the surface temperature is high.

Abstract: Aircraft engines include an engine housing, a core assembly arranged within the engine housing and comprising an engine shaft arranged axially within the engine housing extending in a forward-aftward direction, and a tail cone assembly attached to an aft end of the engine housing. The tail cone assembly includes a tail cone housing and an aircraft machine arranged within the tail cone housing the aircraft machine comprising a rotor shaft. An input shaft is configured between the engine shaft and the rotor shaft and a rotor coupling configured to sealing connect the rotor shaft and the input shaft, the rotor coupling configured to providing sealing engagement between the rotor shaft and the input shaft during at least one of relative axial displacement and relative radial displacement between the rotor shaft and the input shaft.

Abstract: A seal plate for a rotary machine includes a hub centered on a central axis of the rotary machine, a disk portion extending radially outwards from the hub, and a variable lattice structure in an interior of the seal plate. The variable lattice structure includes a first region of the seal plate having a first lattice structure, and a second region of the seal plate having a second lattice structure. The second lattice structure of the second region is denser than the first lattice structure of the first region. The second region is a deflection region, a stress region, or an energy containment region of the seal plate.

Abstract: A phase change material heat sink including: a carbon graphite matrix having one or more removed portions; and an expanded graphite located within the one or more removed portions.

Abstract: An example electrical power system includes a bus current controller configured to adjust a direct current (DC) provided on a DC bus, and a plurality of energy storage modules (ESMs). Each ESM includes at least one energy storage device, and includes a DC/DC converter configured to control charging of the at least one energy storage device from the DC bus and discharging of the at least one energy storage device onto the DC bus. A shared system controller is configured to control the bus current controller and the plurality of DC/DC converters. A method of controlling an electrical power system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a rotor shroud for a rotary machine includes a disk portion extending along and oriented about a central axis of the rotary machine, a transition portion extending from the disk portion, and a flared portion extending axially from the transition portion. The disk portion, the transition portion, and the flared portion include a plastic substrate and metal plating disposed on at least apportion of an outer surface of the plastic substrate. The plastic substrate has a matrix material and fibers embedded in the matrix material. The fibers have a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The metal plating has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The fibers are selected such that a bulk coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic substrate at the outer surface of the plastic substrate substantially matches the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal plating.

Abstract: A turbo generator rotor assembly is provided and includes a generator, first and second bearings on a compressor-side and a turbine-side of the generator and a combination seal configuration in which leakage from the compressor cools the first bearing, the generator and the second bearing. The combination seal configuration leads to minimal leakage past the turbine with the generator and the first and second bearings being cooled with leakage flow from the compressor.

Abstract: A drive shaft for an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an elongated core extending between a pair of opposed couplings, an energy absorption layer made of a composite comprising metal, the energy absorption layer disposed on the core, and a first composite ballistic layer disposed along a length of the core.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electric motor assembly includes inserting the pump motor stator into a vacuum chamber. The pump motor stator comprises a housing having a cavity formed therein and a pump motor stator located within the cavity. The pump motor stator contains an integral cooling tube located radially inward of the stator. The method also includes applying a vacuum to the pump motor stator in the vacuum chamber and flowing a potting material into a gap between the stator and the cooling tube and the stator, the gap extending a first distance longitudinally between the stator and the cooling tube. Pressure is applied to the potting material to push the potting material further into the gap.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a variable frequency alternating current (AC) generator, an active rectifier electrically connected to the variable frequency AC generator such that AC power output from the variable frequency AC generator is rectified by the active rectifier, and a switching controller configured to detect a fundamental frequency of the AC power output and lock an active switch rate of the active rectifier to an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A failsafe electro-mechanical actuator, the actuator having: an output shaft having a first and second ends spaced apart from each other along a shaft axis, and outwardly facing helical grooves formed along the first end; a motor shaft surrounding the output shaft; a harmonic drive between the motor and output shafts that transfers motion between these shafts in a first mode of operation; ball bearings seated at the first end of the motor shaft and project inwardly from the motor shaft; in the first mode of operation: the ball bearings are disengaged from the output shaft and the output shaft rotates with the motor shaft, and in a second mode of operation, the motor shaft axially moves toward the first end of the output shaft; the motor shaft is rotationally fixed; and the ball bearings engage the helical grooves in the output shaft, whereby the output shaft rotates.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a biological process in a liquid medium includes a wall portion, a silanization layer and a sensor arrangement. The device attaches to a container of a bioreactor and can be used with disposable bioreactors. The wall portion is adapted to retain the liquid medium during operation of the bioreactor. A through-hole is disposed in the wall portion. A silanization layer covers the surface encircling the through-hole and the wall portion between the liquid medium and the wall portion. The sensor arrangement includes a glass layer, a substrate and an electrode. The glass layer is bonded by an adhesive to the silanization layer so as to cover the through-hole. The electrode is mounted on the substrate and measures electrical conductivity through the liquid medium. The sensor arrangement also includes an optical sensor that detects electromagnetic radiation that passes from the liquid medium through the glass layer.

Abstract: A multi-waste processing system includes a processing chamber. The processing chamber includes one or more heaters and a piston, and the processing chamber is configured to evaporate liquid waste and compact solid waste input. A condenser is operably connected to the processing chamber. The condenser is configured to condense water from the evaporated liquid waste output from the processing chamber. A gas and water separator is operably connected to the condenser. The gas and water separator is configured to separate water from the evaporated liquid waste output from the processing chamber. A recirculation pathway connects the gas and water separator to the processing chamber to recirculate gas from the gas and water separator to the processing chamber. The piston is actuated to keep the one or more heaters in close proximity to the solid waste and the liquid waste in the processing chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method includes installing a welding tool into a repair tool holder, ultrasonic welding a repair sheet to a part to be repaired with the welding tool, removing the welding tool from the repair tool holder, installing a machining tool into the repair tool holder, and ultrasonic machining a portion of the repair sheet that is welded to the part to be repaired to match an a predetermined geometry of the part to be repaired with the machining tool.

Abstract: A system for vane pitch actuation includes an electric motor with a rotary output shaft defining a drive axis. A worm shaft defines a drive axis, and is operatively connected to be driven in rotation about the drive axis by the rotary output shaft of the electric motor. A sync ring is defined about an engine axis that is orthogonal to the drive axis. The sync ring is configured to rotate about the engine axis over a range of positions for driving a plurality of variable pitch stator vanes to each have a pitch based on position of the sync ring. The sync ring includes a plurality of gear teeth for actuation of the sync ring by the electric motor.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a hot liquid generator (HLG) having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. The cover is movably attached to the body between a closed position and an open position. At least one valve permits the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover. The at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in the open position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port.