Abstract: A method for reducing false alarms in a monitoring system comprising the steps of: providing an initial fault set (or a preliminary fault set) and using a decision process to successively reduce this initial fault set to a fault ensemble, said decision process using increasing probability or confidence in the initial fault set to generate the fault ensemble, which is considered to reflect a true abnormal condition; the decision process comprising at least two steps: the first step is generating a preliminary fault set by using a standard anomaly detection method with the additional variable (or adaptive) thresholds or temporal filters; the second step is using the preliminary fault set to generate at least one fault ensemble, each of which comprises a reduced number of refined faults that represent a more confident explanation of the cause(s) of an abnormal condition.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fault in a physical system uses a model of the physical system and calculates estimated dependent variables or conditions for the system using substantially only independent variables that are measured from the system using hardware redundancy or selected based on their better measurement reliability. An example of hardware redundancy is to measure an independent variable using two or more sensors rather than one. The estimated dependent variables are compared to the corresponding measured dependent variable conditions to calculate residuals, which are then analyzed using appropriate fault detection techniques. The method is especially effective relative to prior fault detection method when used to detect anomalies or unknown fault states of the system.

Abstract: Health management of machines, such as gas turbine engines and industrial equipment, offers the potential benefits of efficient operations and reduced cost of ownership. Machine health management goes beyond monitoring operating conditions, it assimilates available information and makes the most favorable decisions to maximize the value of the machine. These decisions are usually related to predicted failure modes and their corresponding failure time, recommended corrective actions, repair/maintenance actions, and planning and scheduling options. Hence machine health management provides a number of functions that are interconnected and cooperative to form a comprehensive health management system. While these interconnected functions may have different names (or terminology) in different industries, an effective health management system should include four primary functions: sensory input processing, fault identification, failure/life prediction, planning and scheduling.

Abstract: Health management of machines, such as gas turbine engines and industrial equipment, offers the potential benefits of efficient operations and reduced cost of ownership. Machine health management goes beyond monitoring operating conditions, it assimilates available information and makes the most favorable decisions to maximize the value of the machine. These decisions are usually related to predicted failure modes and their corresponding failure time, recommended corrective actions, repair/maintenance actions, and planning and scheduling options. Hence machine health management provides a number of functions that are interconnected and cooperative to form a comprehensive health management system. While these interconnected functions may have different names (or terminology) in different industries, an effective health management system should include four primary functions: sensory input processing, fault identification, failure/life prediction, planning and scheduling.

Abstract: Described herein are damage control mechanisms and methods to extend the on-wing life of critical gas turbine engine components. Particularly, two types of damage mechanisms are addressed: creep/rupture and thermo-mechanical fatigue. To control these damages and extend the life of engine hot-section components, two methodologies are implemented as additional control logic for the on-board electronic control unit. This new logic, the life-extending control (LEC), interacts with the engine control and monitoring unit and modifies the fuel flow to reduce component damages in a flight mission. The LEC methodologies were demonstrated in a real-time, hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The results show that LEC is not only a new paradigm or engine control design, but also a promising technology for extending the service life of engine components, hence reducing the life cycle cost of the engine.

Abstract: Health management of machines, such as gas turbine engines and industrial equipment, offers the potential benefits of efficient operations and reduced cost of ownership. Machine health management goes beyond monitoring operating conditions, it assimilates available information and makes the most favorable decisions to maximize the value of the machine. These decisions are usually related to predicted failure modes and their corresponding failure time, recommended corrective actions, repair/maintenance actions, and planning and scheduling options. Hence machine health management provides a number of functions that are interconnected and cooperative to form a comprehensive health management system. While these interconnected functions may have different names (or terminology) in different industries, an effective health management system should include four primary functions: sensory input processing, fault identification, failure/life prediction, planning and scheduling.

Abstract: A method for equalizing fluid pressure in a primary fluid flow region, comprised of providing a modulating fluid flow region adjacent to the primary flow region and separating the two regions with a perforated wall. By controlling the fluid pressure in the modulating fluid flow region, and permitting fluid to flow between the perforated wall, the fluid pressure in the primary fluid flow region is equalized. The perforations may be formed either in at least one ring about the perimeter of the plenum or at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the plenum. Furthermore, at least one of the perforations may be canted in either the longitudinal or radial directions. This method is important in equalizing the air pressure in a turbine engine air inlet and thereby avoiding aerodynamic distortions in said inlet. Additionally, an apparatus is provided for equalizing the pressure in a primary fluid flow region.

Abstract: A method for equalizing fluid pressure in a primary fluid flow region, comprised of providing a modulating fluid flow region adjacent to the primary flow region and separating the two regions with a perforated wall. By controlling the fluid pressure in the modulating fluid flow region, and permitting fluid to flow between the perforated wall, the fluid pressure in the primary fluid flow region is equalized. The perforations may be formed either in at least one ring about the perimeter of the plenum or at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the plenum. Furthermore, at least one of the perforations may be canted in either the longitudinal or radial directions. This method is important in equalizing the air pressure in a turbine engine air inlet and thereby avoiding aerodynamic distortions in said inlet. Additionally, an apparatus is provided for equalizing the pressure in a primary fluid flow region.

Abstract: Lifeometer and general operation algorithm of lifeometer. Optimal base reference life expectancy for the system/part being measured is provided. Lifeometer calculates and displays the rate of usage, the life used, or the life remaining. The information displayed is used by operators or users of the part or machine to make maintenance or service decisions. Lifeometer monitors and tracks/records internal operational parameters, environmental or external operational parameters or outside conditions at or near the system/part, and/or operating history of the system/part. If the system/part is at a life level to be serviced or replaced, then the system/part is serviced or replaced, and the lifeometer resets remaining life level and/or used life level to appropriate values. Lifeometer has a system/part monitor, a digital processor with virtual memory, a database in storage, a display system, and an environmental/outside conditions monitor.

Abstract: A method is provided for equalizing fluid pressure in a primary fluid flow region, comprised of providing a modulating fluid flow region adjacent to the primary flow region and separating the two regions with a perforated wall. By controlling the fluid pressure in the modulating fluid flow region, and permitting fluid to flow between the perforated wall, the fluid pressure in the primary fluid flow region is equalized. The perforations may be formed either in at least one ring about the perimeter of the plenum or at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the plenum. Furthermore, at least one of the perforations may be canted in either the longitudinal or radial directions. This method is important in equalizing the air pressure in a turbine engine air inlet and thereby avoiding aerodynamic distortions in said inlet. Additionally, an apparatus is provided for equalizing the pressure in a primary fluid flow region.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fault in a physical system uses a model of the physical system and calculates estimated dependent variables or conditions for the system using substantially only independent variables that are measured from the system using hardware redundancy or selected based on their better measurement reliability. An example of hardware redundancy is to measure an independent variable using two or more sensors rather than one. The estimated dependent variables are compared to the corresponding measured dependent variable conditions to calculate residuals, which are then analyzed using appropriate fault detection techniques. The method is especially effective relative to prior fault detection method when used to detect anomalies or unknown fault states of the system.

Abstract: An improved probing device includes: an elongated, substantially cylindrical flexible fiber having a non-conducting outer surface; one or more circuits disposed on the outer surface of the fiber for simultaneously providing an electrical signal path to and from a plurality of locations, each of the circuits comprising a non-planar integrated circuit extending lengthwise along the outer surface of the fiber; and an insulating layer substantially disposed over the electrical circuits and around the outer surface of the fiber, the insulating layer having a plurality of openings through which selected portions of the electrical circuits are exposed to the locations. Such a probing device when adapted as a neural probe is especially useful for conducting deep brain measurement and stimulation.

Abstract: A method is provided for equalizing fluid pressure in a primary fluid flow region, comprised of providing a modulating fluid flow region adjacent to the primary flow region and separating the two regions with a perforated wall. By controlling the fluid pressure in the modulating fluid flow region, and permitting fluid to flow between the perforated wall, the fluid pressure in the primary fluid flow region is equalized. This method is important in equalizing the air pressure in a turbine engine air inlet and thereby avoiding aerodynamic distortions in said inlet. Additionally, an apparatus is provided for equalizing the pressure in a primary fluid flow region.

Abstract: A fast-acting high-output valve is provided comprised of a valve body covering an opening, a means for applying a force to the center of said valve, and a means for transforming said force to opposite movement at the periphery of said valve body. As the valve body periphery is moved opposite from the opening covered by the valve body, an annular gap is created through which fluid may flow. When the force to the center of the valve body is eliminated, the valve body periphery drops back into place and the valve closes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprised of a gas generator in flow series arrangement with a free turbine is provided, that includes a bleed port disposed between the gas generator and the free turbine. The flow of hot gas through the free turbine is controlled by a valve operably disposed in a duct downstream of the bleed port. The gas turbine engine can rapidly change its power output by first bleeding a portion of the hot gas exiting the gas generator overboard, and then increasing or decreasing the amount of bleed flow, thereby producing rapid changes in the free turbine's output.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprised of a gas generator in flow series arrangement with a free turbine is provided, that includes a bleed port disposed between the gas generator and the free turbine. The flow of hot gas through the free turbine is controlled by a valve operably disposed in a duct downstream of the bleed port. The gas turbine engine can rapidly change its power output by first bleeding a portion of the hot gas exiting the gas generator overboard, and then increasing or decreasing the amount of bleed flow, thereby producing rapid changes in the free turbine's output.