Abstract: A modular TDR probe assembly is presented. The probe assembly includes a first section with a central conductor and an outer conductor having a first impedance, and a second section with a central conductor and an outer conductor having a second impedance. An impedance matching elbow joins the first section and the second section. The elbow contains a solid dielectric insert with a bore passing through it housing a terminal pin that conveys electrical signals between the center conductor of the first section and the center conductor of the second section.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for using time domain reflectometry to determine the identity of a fluid in a vessel, and to determine whether the quality of a fluid in a vessel is within acceptable parameters. Methods include identifying a fluid by comparing a derived characteristic of a fluid to a reference characteristic, determining the quality of a fluid by determining if a derived characteristic is within an acceptable quality range, monitoring a fluid for a dynamic change in quality or state, and identifying a fluid by comparing a transition reflection waveform to a reference signature transition. The methods are implemented in systems for identifying a fluid layer in a vessel, such as fuel, free liquid water or ice, detecting misfueling or fuel contamination, and detecting fluid state changes, such as the formation of ice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a level of a liquid is provided. Generally, the apparatus contains a first coaxial cable section including a first center conductor, a first outer conductor and a solid dielectric between the first center conductor and first outer conductor. The apparatus also contains a second coaxial cable section including a second center conductor, a second outer conductor and an air dielectric between the second center conductor and second outer conductor. Further, a coupling is provided between the first and second coaxial cable sections, wherein the second coaxial cable section is disposed in a liquid for determining a level of the liquid.

Abstract: A motorless mass flowmeter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a turbine subassembly, a drum, and an impeller. The drum is rigidly connected to the turbine subassembly such that the drum rotates in accompaniment to rotation of the turbine subassembly. The impeller is rotationally coupled to the drum by way of a spring that allows relative rotation against the bias of the spring. The turbine subassembly has jets and bypass valves. The turbine subassembly may be implemented in the form of a laminated bypass valve structure. The laminated bypass valve structure may include an entrance layer having entrance port(s), a closure layer having closure member(s), an exit layer defining exit passage(s), and an intermediary layer forming conduit(s) for guiding fluid from entrance port(s) to exit passage(s).

Abstract: A layer height measuring system in one embodiment has a transmission line including a probe for measuring a height of a first layer within a tank and a cable that connects the probe to an electronics unit. The electronics unit cyclically transmits interrogation pulses to the probe and receives reflections therefrom for time domain reflectometric measurement of the height of the first layer.

Abstract: A liquid characterization and level sensor with a coaxial probe attached to a closed loop servo circuitry combined with a DSP and novel algorithms to scan, lock and track signals to ascertain the level and purity of fluid in a container.

Abstract: A liquid characterization and level sensor with a coaxial probe attached to a closed loop servo circuitry combined with a DSP and novel algorithms to scan, lock and track signals to ascertain the level and purity of fluid in a container.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the exhaust path of a gas turbine engine for the presence of unwanted flames downstream from the main combustion chamber(s). The system is comprised of an Electro-Optics Module containing sensors and associated processing electronics as well as collection and transmitting optics, which relay the radiant energy generated by a flame event to the sensors. The information generated by the sensors is directly related to the time based intensity of the flame event, which can suggest problems associated with the condition of combustion related engine components. This information can then be used by the engine owner/operator to assess the condition of the engine and determine the more efficient required maintenance schedule.