Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a vehicle has at least one wireless transmitter in on the vehicle, and in communication with the vehicle computer system. Data representative of operating parameters generated during the operation of the vehicle is downloaded to the transmitter, which transmits the data to a wireless receiver positioned proximal to a path of travel of the vehicle. The receiver is linked to a processor for transmission of the data to the processor for storage and processing if necessary. The system may also include at least one sensor, positioned proximal the path of travel, for detecting a physical phenomenon emanating from at least one vehicle component. The sensor generates a signal, which is transmitted to the processor. The processor is capable of analyzing the signal generating data indicative of operating condition of the vehicle component. The sensor, and/or receiver, mounted to a structure positioned proximal the path of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a pressure sensor calibration system comprising a pressure chamber in fluid communication with a pressure sensor to be calibrated, the chamber is pressurized to a static pressure level. An oscillating surface on a wall of the chamber imparts a rapid pressure fluctuation in the static pressure level of the chamber. These rapid pressure fluctuations in a high-static pressure level chamber are used to calibrate the pressure sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a pressure sensor calibration system comprising a pressure chamber in fluid communication with a pressure sensor to be calibrated, the chamber is pressurized to a static pressure level. An oscillating surface on a wall of the chamber imparts a rapid pressure fluctuation in the static pressure level of the chamber. These rapid pressure fluctuations in a high-static pressure level chamber are used to calibrate the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is for a system (11) or method for conditioned based monitoring of a bearing assembly. The system (11) comprises a sensor (13) placed in proximity to a bearing assembly (12). The sensor (13) generates a signal indicative of the amplitude and frequency of the vibrational movement of the bearing assembly. A process (14) in communication with the sensor (13) receives the signal from the sensor (13) and generates spectral data representative of the bearing vibrational movement. A database (15) comprises data representative of an amplitude threshold, for at least one predetermined frequency, characteristic of a bearing fault. The processor (15) compares the spectral data to the amplitude threshold and generates a signal indication of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a vehicle has at least one wireless transmitter in on the vehicle, and in communication with the vehicle computer system. Data representative of operating parameters generated during the operation of the vehicle is downloaded to the transmitter, which transmits the data to a wireless receiver positioned proximal to a path of travel of the vehicle. The receiver is linked to a processor for transmission of the data to the processor for storage and processing if necessary. The system may also include at least one sensor, positioned proximal the path of travel, for detecting a physical phenomenon emanating from at least one vehicle component. The sensor generates a signal, which is transmitted to the processor. The processor is capable of analyzing the signal generating data indicative of operating condition of the vehicle component. The sensor, and/or receiver, mounted to a structure positioned proximal the path of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a pressure sensor calibration system comprising a pressure chamber in fluid communication with a pressure sensor to be calibrated, the chamber is pressurized to a static pressure level. An oscillating surface on a wall of the chamber imparts a rapid pressure fluctuation in the static pressure level of the chamber. These rapid pressure fluctuations in a high-static pressure level chamber are used to calibrate the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is for a system (11) or method for conditioned based monitoring of an assembly (12). The system (11) comprises a sensor (13) placed in proximity to an assembly (12). The sensor (13) generates a signal indicative of the amplitude and frequency of the ultrasonic output of the assembly (12). A processor (14) in communication with the sensor (13) receives the signal from the sensor (13) and generates spectral data representative of the ultrasound emanating from the assembly. A database (15) comprises data representative of operating parameters of the assembly (12). The processor (15) compares the spectral data to the operating parameters and generates a signal indication of the condition of the assembly (12).

Abstract: The present invention is for a system (11) or method for conditioned based monitoring of a bearing assembly. The system (11) comprises a sensor (13) placed in proximity to a bearing assembly (12). The sensor (13) generates a signal indicative of the amplitude and frequency of the vibrational movement of the bearing assembly. A process (14) in communication with the sensor (13) receives the signal from the sensor (13) and generates spectral data representative of the bearing vibrational movement. A database (15) comprises data representative of an amplitude threshold, for at least one predetermined frequency, characteristic of a bearing fault. The processor (15) compares the spectral data to the amplitude threshold and generates a signal indication of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: An active noise and vibration control system which minimizes noise output by creating a secondary, cancelling noise and/or vibration field using vibrational inputs. The system includes one or more piezoceramic actuators mounted to the inner surface of a magnetic resonance imaging device. The actuators can be either mounted directly to the device or to one or more noise cancelling members which are resiliently mounted to the device. Transducers are also provided for sensing the noise or vibrations generated by the device and producing an error signal corresponding to the level of noise or vibrations sensed. A controller sends a control signal to the actuators in response to the error signal, thereby causing the actuators to vibrate and generate a noise or vibration field which minimizes the total noise emanating from the device. Alternatively, the system can use noise and vibration feedback simultaneously.

Abstract: A dishwasher machine tub for containing water sprayed therein during operation of a dishwasher. The tub includes a wall, a door, and a first wall plate. The wall defines a dishwashing chamber having an opening. The door is connected to the wall and may be positioned to cover and uncover the opening. The first wall plate is spaced apart from the wall, resiliently connected to the wall, and positioned within the chamber. Preferably, the first wall plate is positioned so as to be directly impinged by some of the sprayed water during operation of the dishwasher. The air gap and the resilient connection between the first wall plate and the wall provide localized attenuation of the noise from the drumming impact of the sprayed wash water.

Abstract: The output of a second sensor is matched to the output of a first sensor. The sensors, such as two microphones, are generally identically and simultaneously exposed to a physical quantity which they have been designed to sense. Their outputs are presented as digital outputs. The second sensor's digital output is numerically adaptively filtered using an adaptive filter having adaptive filtering coefficients. The filter's output is equal to the sum of the products of the second sensor's digital outputs and the associated adaptive filtering coefficients, with the sum taken over a predetermined number of sampling intervals. The adaptive filtering continues until the adaptive filtering coefficients are determined such that the filter's output matches the first sensor's digital output to within a predetermined value. Thereafter, the second sensor's digital output is filtered with fixed coefficients which are equal to the adaptively-determined coefficients.

Abstract: The output of a second sensor is matched to the output of a first sensor. The sensors, such as two microphones, are generally identically and simultaneously exposed to a physical quantity which they have been designed to sense. Their outputs are presented as digital outputs. The second sensor's digital output is numerically adaptively filtered using an adaptive filter having adaptive filtering coefficients. The filter's output is equal to the sum of the products of the second sensor's digital outputs and the associated adaptive filtering coefficients, with the sum taken over a predetermined number of sampling intervals. The adaptive filtering continues until the adaptive filtering coefficients are determined such that the filter's output matches the first sensor's digital output to within a predetermined value. Thereafter, the second sensor's digital output is filtered with fixed coefficients which are equal to the adaptively-determined coefficients.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly. An air-ventilated electric motor includes a motor housing having a cooling-air inlet and a cooling-air outlet. An outlet muffler array is located outside, and spaced apart from, the motor housing and includes two or more outlet mufflers each having a fluid entrance and a fluid exit. An outlet connecting duct has a first end connected to the cooling-air outlet of the motor housing and has a second end connected in parallel to the fluid entrances of each of the outlet mufflers. The assembly may also include an inlet muffler array and an inlet connecting duct.

Abstract: A noise source for an aircraft engine active noise cancellation system in which the resonant frequency of noise radiating structure is tuned to permit noise cancellation over a wide range of frequencies. The resonant frequency of the noise radiating structure is tuned by a plurality of drivers arranged to contact the noise radiating structure. Excitation of the drivers causes expansion or contraction of the drivers, thereby varying the edge loading applied to the noise radiating structure. The drivers are actuated by a controller which receives input of a feedback signal proportional to displacement of the noise radiating element and a signal corresponding to the blade passage frequency of the engine's fan. In response, the controller determines a control signal which is sent to the drivers, causing them to expand or contract. The noise radiating structure may be either the outer shroud of the engine or a ring mounted flush with an inner wall of the shroud or disposed in the interior of the shroud.

Abstract: A noise source for an aircraft engine active noise cancellation system in which the resonant frequency of a noise radiating element is tuned to permit noise cancellation over a wide range of frequencies. The resonant frequency of the noise radiating element is tuned by an expandable ring embedded in the noise radiating element. Excitation of the ring causes expansion or contraction of the ring, thereby varying the stress in the noise radiating element. The ring is actuated by a controller which receives input of a feedback signal proportional to displacement of the noise radiating element and a signal corresponding to the blade passage frequency of the engine's fan. In response, the controller determines a control signal which is sent to the ring, causing the ring to expand or contract. Instead of a single ring embedded in the noise radiating panel, a first expandable ring can be bonded to one side of the noise radiating element, and a second expandable ring can be bonded to the other side.

Abstract: A method for matching the second output of a second sensor to the first output of a first sensor wherein a source transducer is driven by a reference analog or digital electrical signal to produce the physical quantity (e.g., acoustic pressure) the sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, such as microphones) can sense. A reference adaptive filter determines filtering coefficients to match the reference electrical signal to the first output of the first sensor and therefore models the source transducer and the first sensor (which typically is an independently-calibrated sensor). Thereafter, a second adaptive filter compensates the second output of the second sensor to match the output from a fixed filter having filtering coefficients identical to those determined by the reference adaptive filter, such output compensation of the second sensor not requiring the presence of the first sensor.

Abstract: A noise source for an aircraft engine active noise cancellation system in which the resonant frequency of a noise radiating element is tuned to permit noise cancellation over a wide range of frequencies. The resonant frequency is tuned by adjusting the size of a frame which encloses the noise radiating element. One or more expandable elements are disposed in the frame to produce expansion and contraction of the frame. The elements are actuated by a controller which receives input of a feedback signal proportional to displacement of the noise radiating element and a signal corresponding to the blade passage frequency of the engine's fan. In response, the controller determines a control signal which is sent to the elements and causes the frame to expand or contract.

Abstract: A fan assembly has a fan motor and first and second generally identical and spaced apart fans each rotationally attached to the fan motor to turn at the same rotational speed. Each fan has an equal number of generally identical fan blades and produces noise including a tone having a frequency equal to its rotational speed times its number of fan blades. The fan blades of one fan are angularly offset at a relative phase angle with respect to the fan blades of the second fan such that the tones of each fan generally cancel each other out. An equation is provided for a ducted fan assembly relating the relative phase angle to the rotational speed of the fans, the number of fan blades of each fan, the geometry of the duct, and the speed of sound in air within the duct.

Abstract: A noise source for an aircraft engine active noise cancellation system in which the resonant frequency of a noise radiating element is tuned to permit noise cancellation over a wide range of frequencies. The resonant frequency of the noise radiating element is tuned by a plurality of force transmitting mechanisms which contact the noise radiating element. Each one of the force transmitting mechanisms includes an expandable element and a spring in contact with the noise radiating element so that excitation of the element varies the spring force applied to the noise radiating element. The elements are actuated by a controller which receives input of a signal proportional to displacement of the noise radiating element and a signal corresponding to the blade passage frequency of the engine's fan. In response, the controller determines a control signal which is sent to the elements and causes the spring force applied to the noise radiating element to be varied.

Abstract: A control system for a continuously variable transmission reduces the noise generated as a result of the use of an articulated belt for connecting the first and second variable pulleys. The control system dithers the ratio set point in order to prevent a cyclic repetition of the forces between the belt and the pulleys. This reduces the amplitude of noise peaks generated at discrete frequencies by operation of the transmission resulting in a decrease in the level of perceived noise.