Abstract: A plurality of proximity sensors are disposed in a turbine flow guide to measure flow guide-to-turbine blade tip distance at various points around the flow guide. The sensor signals are detected and the peak-to-peak voltage of the detected signals provides an indication of the desired distance measurement. The signals are also monitored and if ambient operating conditions causes the signals to exceed predetermined positive or negative thresholds, corrective signals are generated so as to bring the detected signal back into an acceptable range. A proximity sensor is also provided to measure axial movement of the rotor to which the blades are attached so that the other sensor signals can be modified as a function of the measured axial position.

Abstract: A plurality of proximity sensors are disposed in a turbine flow guide to measure flow guide-to-turbine blade tip distance at various points around the flow guide. The sensor signals are detected and the peak-to-peak voltage of the detected signals provides an indication of the desired distance measurement. The signals are also monitored and if ambient operating conditions causes the signals to exceed predetermined positive or negative thresholds, corrective signals are generated so as to bring the detected signal back into an acceptable range.A proximity sensor is also provided to measure axial movement of the rotor to which the blades are attached so that the other sensor signals can be modified as a function of the measured axial position.

Abstract: A test system and method for comparatively analyzing complex signals especially those composed of combinations of pulsed signals related to the operational status of apparatus whose operational status is to be determined, is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment a probe, preferably a capacitive probe, is utilized to sense the electric field generated by electrical apparatus. The output signal of the probe is periodically sampled to generate an array of digital signals. This array is processed using Walsh transformations to generate a reference Walsh transform. A second data base is then generated by similarly sampling the electric field generated by an apparatus whose operational status is to be determined. The second data base is then processed to generate a comparison Walsh transform. The operational status of the apparatus whose operational status is to be determined, is then determined by comparing these Walsh transforms.

Abstract: An electrical control system monitor includes a microprocessor which conducts a series of control and test functions and outputs a sequence of data words which are representative of the operating status of the system being monitored and the monitor itself. This sequence of data words is fed to a comparator along with a second sequence of data words. Corresponding data words from the two sequences are presented to the comparator during successive partially overlapping time intervals. The comparator produces a given logic level output when its inputs agree and a second given logic level output when its inputs disagree. If the comparator output does not oscillate in a prescribed manner, the output of the monitor is forced into a predetermined output state.

Abstract: A high reliability electrical power system is provided with a microprocessor-based control unit which maintains power output and performs control functions for the system which is driven by the power system. A self locking feature prevents the transmission of potentially erroneous control signals if a component of the system being controlled or the control unit fails. The control unit conducts a series of self-test routines which result in the generation of digital key words. If the correct key words are generated and the other circuits of the control unit are operating properly, the control unit output remains operative. If the self test routines detect a failure in the system being controlled or the control unit or if a failure occurs in one of the control unit output circuits, the control unit output is locked into a predetermined state.