Abstract: A method of forming a balanced rotor blade assembly includes measuring a weight of a plurality of sub-components of the rotor blade assembly excluding a core. A configuration of a core of the rotor blade assembly is determined. In combination, the core and the plurality of sub-components achieve a target weight distribution and moment. The core is then fabricated and assembled with the plurality of sub-components to form a rotor blade sub-assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a balanced rotor blade assembly includes measuring a weight of a plurality of sub-components of the rotor blade assembly excluding a core. A configuration of a core of the rotor blade assembly is determined. In combination, the core and the plurality of sub-components achieve a target weight distribution and moment. The core is then fabricated and assembled with the plurality of sub-components to form a rotor blade sub-assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a balanced rotor blade assembly includes measuring a weight of a plurality of sub-components of the rotor blade assembly excluding a core. A configuration of a core of the rotor blade assembly is determined. In combination, the core and the plurality of sub-components achieve a target weight distribution and moment. The core is then fabricated and assembled with the plurality of sub-components to form a rotor blade sub-assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of assembly are described that provide for improved probed assemblies for use in sensors configured to convert between motion and electrical signals. An example probe assembly includes a probe rod defining a first end. In an operational configuration, the probe rod is at least partially received by a sensor device. The probe assembly further includes a probe head that receives the first end of the probe rod. The probe head mates with the first end so as to secure the probe rod therein. The first end of the probe rod is further welded to the probe head via a butt welding technique.

Abstract: A retractable load carrier system for a vehicle comprising a rail assembly comprising a first rail and a second rail, wherein each rail is configured to be mounted to a vehicle roof. The system can further include a rack assembly comprising a first support member and a second support member generally parallel to each other, wherein the first support member and second support member can be coupled together with at least one cross members, wherein the rack assembly has a first end and a second end, wherein both the first and second end can include a handle portion. A locking means can be coupled to the handle portion of the rack assembly, wherein the locking means comprises a plurality of engagement members configured to latch to engage the grooved portion of the rail assembly or the pins are configured to engage the pinion portion of the rail assembly.

Abstract: A retractable load carrier system for a vehicle comprising a rail assembly comprising a first rail and a second rail, wherein each rail is configured to be mounted to a vehicle roof. The system can further include a rack assembly comprising a first support member and a second support member generally parallel to each other, wherein the first support member and second support member can be coupled together with at least one cross members, wherein the rack assembly has a first end and a second end, wherein both the first and second end can include a handle portion. A locking means can be coupled to the handle portion of the rack assembly, wherein the locking means comprises a plurality of engagement members configured to latch to engage the grooved portion of the rail assembly or the pins are configured to engage the pinion portion of the rail assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of assembly are described that provide for improved sensor wire retention. An example sensor wire retention device includes a bobbin tube that defines a hollow interior configured to receive a probe assembly inserted therein. The device includes one or more coil elements wrapped around at least a portion of the bobbin tube. One or more washers are attached around the bobbin tube, and each of the one or more washers defines one or more wire notches. The device includes a wire harness of one or more wires, and each of the one or more wires of the wire harness are positioned within the one or more wire notches. The device further includes a return shield element disposed around the wires located within the wire notches of the one or more washers, and the return shield element compresses the one or more wires.

Abstract: A retractable load carrier system for a vehicle comprising a rail assembly comprising a first rail and a second rail, wherein each rail is configured to be mounted to a vehicle roof. The system can further include a rack assembly comprising a first support member and a second support member generally parallel to each other, wherein the first support member and second support member can be coupled together with at least one cross members, wherein the rack assembly has a first end and a second end, wherein both the first and second end can include a handle portion. A locking means can be coupled to the handle portion of the rack assembly, wherein the locking means comprises a plurality of engagement members configured to latch to engage the grooved portion of the rail assembly or the pins are configured to engage the pinion portion of the rail assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) probe. The LVDT probe includes a plunger rod and a metal sheet formed into a cylinder with a C-shaped cross-section, the metal sheet configured to couple to the plunger rod. In an illustrative example, the coupling may be an interference fit aided by spring retention forces of the metal sheet. The metal sheet may be stamped, formed and applied to the plunger rod without annealing. In another example, the C-shaped metal sheet may be welded to the plunger rod at a distal and/or proximal end. The ratio of relative electromagnetic permeability of the metal sheet to the plunger rod may be greater than 10.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of assembly are described that provide for improved sensor devices. An example sensor device includes a bobbin tube that defines a hollow interior. The device includes a primary coil element wound around the bobbin tube configured to, in response to a current input, generate a primary magnetic flux and includes a secondary coil element wound around the primary coil element. In an instance in which the bobbin tube receives a probe assembly therein, magnetic interaction between the probe assembly and the primary coil element is configured to induce a signal in the secondary coil element. Furthermore, a pitch of the secondary coil element varies according to a non-linear, polynomial function along a second length of the bobbin tube so as to reduce linearity error of the sensor device.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of assembly are described that provide for improved probed assemblies for use in sensors configured to convert between motion and electrical signals. An example probe assembly includes a probe rod defining a first end. In an operational configuration, the probe rod is at least partially received by a sensor device. The probe assembly further includes a probe head that receives the first end of the probe rod. The probe head mates with the first end so as to secure the probe rod therein. The first end of the probe rod is further welded to the probe head via a butt welding technique.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of assembly are described that provide for improved sensor devices. An example sensor device includes a bobbin tube that defines a hollow interior. The device includes a primary coil element wound around the bobbin tube configured to, in response to a current input, generate a primary magnetic flux and includes a secondary coil element wound around the primary coil element. In an instance in which the bobbin tube receives a probe assembly therein, magnetic interaction between the probe assembly and the primary coil element is configured to induce a signal in the secondary coil element. Furthermore, a pitch of the secondary coil element varies according to a non-linear, polynomial function along a second length of the bobbin tube so as to reduce linearity error of the sensor device.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to assembly and methods for precisely rigging a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). For example, the probe rod assembly of a dual tandem LVDT may comprise two moveable cores, a probe fitting, and a probe rod. Generally, the first moveable core may be configured to achieve electrical zero with its respective transformer. Without adjusting the position of the probe rod with respect to the one or more coils of wire, the second moveable core may be configured to achieve electrical zero with its respective transformer. This may ensure that both moveable cores simultaneously achieve electrical zero in the null position. Typically, the probe fitting may be configured to fit at a first end of the probe rod projecting outward from the outer housing. The disclosed assembly and methods may be used to precisely rig dual tandem LVDTs, single channel LVDTs, and dual parallel LVDTs.

Abstract: A controller unit for controlling an ultraviolet (UV) sensor may be excited by an excitation voltage that enables the UV sensor to detect incoming UV light. The UV sensor may provide UV detection events that may be related to the intensity of the incoming UV light. The control unit may include an excitation voltage generator, an event detector, and a controller configured to cause the excitation voltage generator to produce an excitation voltage for a cumulative excitation time that is less than 50% of the time, which may significantly increase the operational lifetime and/or reliability of a UV sensor.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of assembly are described that provide for improved sensor wire retention. An example sensor wire retention device includes a bobbin tube that defines a hollow interior configured to receive a probe assembly inserted therein. The device includes one or more coil elements wrapped around at least a portion of the bobbin tube. One or more washers are attached around the bobbin tube, and each of the one or more washers defines one or more wire notches. The device includes a wire harness of one or more wires, and each of the one or more wires of the wire harness are positioned within the one or more wire notches. The device further includes a return shield element disposed around the wires located within the wire notches of the one or more washers, and the return shield element compresses the one or more wires.

Abstract: A programmable controller for controlling an ultraviolet (UV) sensor may adjust an excitation voltage provided to the UV sensor based at least in part on a programmable sensitivity offset in order to produce an excitation voltage that results in a desired UV sensitivity for the UV sensor. The programmable sensitivity offset may be set for the UV sensor at the factory, set during commissioning of the UV sensor in the field, and/or automatically altered over time to help compensate for a degradation in sensitivity of the UV sensor.

Abstract: A linear variable displacement transformer (LVDT) position sensor. The position sensor comprises a bobbin, a primary coil of wire wound on the bobbin, a first secondary coil wound in stepped layers on the bobbin, and a second secondary coil wound in stepped layers on the bobbin. The first secondary coil comprises a plurality of booster windings at an end of the first secondary coil. The second secondary coil comprises a plurality of booster windings at an end of the second secondary coil opposite the end of the first secondary coil booster windings. The stepped windings of the second secondary coil are complementary to the stepped windings of the first secondary coil.

Abstract: A programmable controller for controlling an ultraviolet (UV) sensor may adjust an excitation voltage provided to the UV sensor based at least in part on a programmable sensitivity offset in order to produce an excitation voltage that results in a desired UV sensitivity for the UV sensor. The programmable sensitivity offset may be set for the UV sensor at the factory, set during commissioning of the UV sensor in the field, and/or automatically altered over time to help compensate for a degradation in sensitivity of the UV sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to linear variable displacement transformer (LVDT) position sensors. The position sensor comprises a bobbin, a moveable core, a primary coil of wire wound around the bobbin, and two secondary coils of wire wound around the bobbin about the primary coil using a fractional winding technique. For example, the winding length of the bobbin may be separated into three consecutive parts. Generally, the primary coil may be wound around the entire winding length of the bobbin. The first secondary coil may be wound around the first and second parts of the winding length. The second secondary coil may be wound around the second and third parts of the winding length. Additionally, the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil may overlap over the second part of the winding length.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to assembly and methods for precisely rigging a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). For example, the probe rod assembly of a dual tandem LVDT may comprise two moveable cores, a probe fitting, and a probe rod. Generally, the first moveable core may be configured to achieve electrical zero with its respective transformer. Without adjusting the position of the probe rod with respect to the one or more coils of wire, the second moveable core may be configured to achieve electrical zero with its respective transformer. This may ensure that both moveable cores simultaneously achieve electrical zero in the null position. Typically, the probe fitting may be configured to fit at a first end of the probe rod projecting outward from the outer housing. The disclosed assembly and methods may be used to precisely rig dual tandem LVDTs, single channel LVDTs, and dual parallel LVDTs.