Abstract: An amplifier circuit for amplifying radio frequency signals having temperature compensation and bias compensation includes a radio frequency power amplifier that receives an input radio frequency signal and outputs an amplified radio frequency signal, and a first transistor performing as a detector diode with its collector and base connected. The base of the first transistor receives the amplified radio frequency signal from the power amplifier, a second DC bias input signal from a regulated DC source, and a third power-sensing signal. The amplifier circuit further includes a second transistor to amplify the DC component of the RF signal from the base of the first transistor. The base of the second transistor is coupled to the base of the first transistor. The collector of the second transistor outputs the power-sensing signal, which is coupled to the regulated DC source through a resistor.

Abstract: A power amplifier module for amplifying radio frequency signals includes first, second, third and fourth corner ground pads positioned at each corner of the power amplifier module; a radio frequency input pad positioned between the first and second corner ground pads; a radio frequency output pad positioned between the third and fourth corner ground pads; and a power amplifier circuit centrally positioned on the power amplifier module, the power amplifier having an input coupled to the radio frequency input pad and an output coupled to the radio frequency output pad.

Abstract: A power amplifier module for amplifying radio frequency signals includes a radio frequency power amplifier including one or more semiconductor transistors, adapted to receive an input radio frequency signal and power control signals, and to output an amplified radio frequency signal. The power amplifier module is integrated with input and output impedance matching networks and a power sensor that is adapted to receive the amplified radio frequency signal and to output a signal indicating the power output level of the power amplifier module. The power amplifier module also includes control logic in accordance to at least one of the qualities and the power level of the amplified radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A power amplifier module for amplifying radio frequency signals includes a radio frequency power amplifier including one or more semiconductor transistors, adapted to receive an input radio frequency signal and power control signals, and to output an amplified radio frequency signal. The power amplifier module is integrated with input and output impedance matching networks and a power sensor that is adapted to receive the amplified radio frequency signal and to output a signal indicating the power output level of the power amplifier module. The power amplifier module also includes control logic in accordance to at least one of the qualities and the power level of the amplified radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A method for repairing an airfoil comprising creating a nominal numerically-controlled tool path based on a nominal shape of the airfoil, measuring the airfoil using a displacement sensor, capturing differences in the airfoil shape as compared to the nominal shape, creating a three-dimensional map by synchronizing x, y and z coordinates and readings from the sensor, modifying the tool path based on the three-dimensional map, and machining the airfoil. A system for measuring and machining an airfoil comprising a computer operable for data acquisition and numerically-controlled tool path generation, a numerically-controlled machine, a cutting tool holder comprising a plurality of cutting tools, and a displacement-sensing probe.

Abstract: A process for lining an existing pipeline or conduit with a flexible resin impregnated cured in place liner by pulling in the liner and inflating an eversion bladder with air and curing the liner with flow-through steam without loss of pressure is provided. The liner includes a resin absorbent material in tubular form with an impermeable membrane forming an outer layer. The absorbent material is saturated with a thermoset resin and pulled into the existing conduit. A flexible inflation bladder is passed through a gland mounted on an eversion apparatus and everted into the collapsed liner. The gland is pressurized to isolate the eversion bladder. As the bladder reaches the distal manhole, it enters a receiving canister where it is punctured while maintaining air pressure within the bladder. Steam is then introduced into the bladder to cure the resin and is exhausted through the receiving canister. The bladder is then removed and lateral service reinstated.

Abstract: A method for controlling distortion of a turbine case (“case”) includes measuring a temperature distribution for the case that includes thermal gradients. The method further includes modeling thermal stresses on the case induced by the thermal gradients, calculating an out of roundness index (“index”) resulting from the thermal stresses, and comparing the index with at least one distortion limit to determine whether the case has a satisfactory or an unsatisfactory index. The temperature distribution is controlled for an unsatisfactory index to produce the satisfactory index. A system for controlling distortion of the turbine case includes a thermal measurement system, for measuring the temperature distribution, and a computer configured for modeling the thermal stresses, calculating and comparing the index with the distortion limit, and controlling the temperature distribution for an unsatisfactory index to produce the satisfactory index.

Abstract: A power amplifier module for amplifying radio frequency signals includes a radio frequency power amplifier including one or more semiconductor transistors, adapted to receive an input radio frequency signal and power control signals, and to output an amplified radio frequency signal. The power amplifier module is integrated with input and output impedance matching networks and a power sensor that is adapted to receive the amplified radio frequency signal and to output a signal indicating the power output level of the power amplifier module. The power amplifier module also includes control logic in accordance to at least one of the qualities and the power level of the amplified radio frequency signal.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for amplifying radio frequency signals having temperature compensation and bias compensation includes a radio frequency power amplifier that receives an input radio frequency signal and outputs an amplified radio frequency signal, and a first transistor performing as a detector diode with its collector and base connected. The base of the first transistor receives the amplified radio frequency signal from the power amplifier, a second DC bias input signal from a regulated DC source, and a third power-sensing signal. The amplifier circuit further includes a second transistor to amplify the DC component of the RF signal from the base of the first transistor. The base of the second transistor is coupled to the base of the first transistor. The collector of the second transistor outputs the power-sensing signal, which is coupled to the regulated DC source through a resistor.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel processor, a fuel cell, a heat-generating electronic device and a thermally conductive component. The fuel processor receives fuel and outputs hydrogen. The fuel cell receives hydrogen from the fuel processor and outputs electric current. A heat-generating electronic device receives the electric current from the fuel cell. A thermally conductive component is in thermal connection with the heat-generating electronic device and the fuel processor.

Abstract: A wireless camera including an enclosure having a lens opening; an imaging sensor positioned toward the lens opening; memory coupled to the camera to receive image data from the imaging sensor; and a wireless transmitter coupled to the camera.

Abstract: A method for controlling distortion of a turbine case (“case”) includes measuring a temperature distribution for the case that includes thermal gradients. The method further includes modeling thermal stresses on the case induced by the thermal gradients, calculating an out of roundness index (“index”) resulting from the thermal stresses, and comparing the index with at least one distortion limit to determine whether the case has a satisfactory or an unsatisfactory index. The temperature distribution is controlled for an unsatisfactory index to produce the satisfactory index. A system for controlling distortion of the turbine case includes a thermal measurement system, for measuring the temperature distribution, and a computer configured for modeling the thermal stresses, calculating and comparing the index with the distortion limit, and controlling the temperature distribution for an unsatisfactory index to produce the satisfactory index.

Abstract: A process for lining an existing pipeline or conduit with a flexible resin impregnated cured in place liner by pulling in the liner and inflating an eversion bladder with air and curing the liner with flow-through steam without loss of pressure is provided. The liner includes a resin absorbent material in tubular form with an impermeable membrane forming an outer layer. The absorbent material is saturated with a thermoset resin and pulled into the existing conduit. A flexible inflation bladder is passed through a gland mounted on an eversion apparatus and everted into the collapsed liner. The gland is pressurized to isolate the eversion bladder. As the bladder reaches the distal manhole, it enters a receiving canister where it is punctured while maintaining air pressure within the bladder. Steam is then introduced into the bladder to cure the resin and is exhausted through the receiving canister. The bladder is then removed and lateral service reinstated.

Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: A caul is used in an autoclave process for consolidating a composite, multi-ply, gas turbine fan blade preform having first and second opposite sides and a varying thickness therebetween. The caul includes a body having fibers situated in a matrix. The caul is complementary in shape to the preform first side and has a bending flexibility varying over the body for correspondingly varying consolidation of the preform. The second side of the preform is shaped by a bottom mold in the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: A computer model of a gas turbine is analyzed using finite element analyses to determine the height of support jacks underneath the casing of the gas turbine. The computer model defines the gas turbine casing as an array of data points. Each data point includes information regarding the spatial location of the point and the mass (or weight) of the gas turbine with respect to that point. By applying finite element analysis, the load due to gravity and resulting deformation at each point on the gas turbine can be predicted. Jacks supporting the gas turbine are also simulated in the model to compensate for the casing deformation due to gravity. Results using the proposed iterative algorithm indicate the correct jack heights to minimize casing distortion.

Abstract: A system and method for performing computed tomography without having to use a complicated mechanical device to move an x-ray source about an object being scanned. Instead, this invention uses flexible waveguides such as optical fibers to direct the x-ray beams generated from the x-ray source. The waveguides direct the x-ray beam to the object at predetermined orientations and distances. A multiplexing unit optically coupled to the x-ray source and the waveguide, steers the x-ray energy from the x-ray energy source to the waveguide.