Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of battery stacker machines, including z-fold stacker machines, configured to provide a rolling transfer of a battery layer so as to reduce scrubbing. In some embodiments, the layer is flexed onto an arcuate surface using a vacuum or other force. The arcuate surface is then rotated to release the layer at a desired transfer location. For instance, the desired transfer location may be on top of a stack or onto another arcuate gripper surface.

Abstract: An Active Combustion Control System and method provides for monitoring combustor pressure and modulating fuel to a gas turbine combustor to prevent combustion dynamics and/or flame extinguishments. The system includes an actuator, wherein the actuator periodically injects pulsed fuel into the combustor. The apparatus also includes a sensor connected to the combustion chamber down stream from an inlet, where the sensor generates a signal detecting the pressure oscillations in the combustor. The apparatus controls the actuator in response to the sensor. The apparatus prompts the actuator to periodically inject pulsed fuel into the combustor at a predetermined sympathetic frequency and magnitude, thereby controlling the amplitude of the pressure oscillations in the combustor by modulating the natural oscillations.

Abstract: An Active Combustion Control System and method provides for monitoring combustor pressure and modulating fuel to a gas turbine combustor to prevent combustion dynamics and/or flame extinguishments. The system includes an actuator, wherein the actuator periodically injects pulsed fuel into the combustor. The apparatus also includes a sensor connected to the combustion chamber down stream from an inlet, where the sensor generates a signal detecting the pressure oscillations in the combustor. Lastly, the apparatus includes means for controlling the actuator in response to the sensor. The means for controlling prompts the actuator to periodically inject pulsed fuel into the combustor at a predetermined sympathetic frequency and magnitude, thereby controlling the amplitude of the pressure oscillations in the combustor by modulating the natural oscillations.

Abstract: A method for controlling an aircraft engine using a control system enables an engine to be operated at low power while hail is ingested. The control system includes a processor coupled to the aircraft engine. The method comprises receiving a plurality of sensed inputs from the aircraft engine, receiving current engine environmental operating conditions, determining a reference value for a controlled variable from a fuel flow schedule, generating a fuel-air-ratio for the reference value based on current engine environmental operating conditions, and enriching combustor fuel staging in response to the fuel-air-ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing test data in a fuel dispenser. The test data is generated for the fuel dispenser. The test data is then stored to a nonvolatile memory within the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A method for controlling an aircraft engine using a control system enables an engine to be operated at low power while hail is ingested. The control system includes a processor coupled to the aircraft engine. The method comprises receiving a plurality of sensed inputs from the aircraft engine, receiving current engine environmental operating conditions, determining a reference value for a controlled variable from a fuel flow schedule, generating a fuel-air-ratio for the reference value based on current engine environmental operating conditions, and enriching combustor fuel staging in response to the fuel-air-ratio.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a fuel flow control system for use with a fuel distribution system having a plurality of zones each including a servovalve. The fuel flow control system includes a fluidic multiplexer having a plurality of pressure ports and a plurality of servoflow ports. The fluidic multiplexer sequentially receives pressure from each zone and sequentially provides servo fluid to each servovalve. A pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to the pressure ports and generates a pressure signal for each zone. A controller receives the pressure signal and generates a control signal. A driver receives the control signal and increases or decreases flow through the servoflow ports in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting leaks in a fuel dispenser is operative to pneumatically pressurize a selectable one of a vapor recovery portion and a fuel dispensing portion using a compressed air flow. A flowmeter measures the flow rate of the compressed air communicated to the fuel dispenser for pressurization thereof. A processor provides an indication of the leakage condition of the fuel dispenser based upon the pneumatic flow rate measured by the flowmeter which satisfies a pressurization condition for the fuel dispenser, such as maintaining the pressurization level above a threshold value. The flow rate of compressed air needed to maintain this pressurization level is indicative of the leak rate.

Abstract: A control circuit adapted to receive at least first, second and third input signals. The first input signal is a signal representative of the fuel pressure at the output of a pump. The second signal is a signal representative of the fuel pressure in the manifold of fuel disbursement means which is supplied through a controllable valve, by the fuel pump. The third signal is a signal representative of the pressure at the inlet to the pump. The control circuit further includes a feedback path for continuously circulating fuel from the manifold to the pump inlet. In one arrangement of the fuel supply system, there is an aperture in parallel with the controllable valve and an aperture in the feedback path.

Abstract: An improved augmentor fuel supply system including a fuel source, a pump for pressurizing the fuel, a flow control means for controlling the flow and pressure of fuel to a fuel disbursement means (e.g., an augmentor) and a return path for recirculating unburned fuel. The flow control means includes a restrictor means such as a small orifice in parallel with a controllable valve. The restrictor means allows fuel to flow to the fuel disbursement means when the controllable valve is shut off. Further, according to the present invention, a second restrictor means, such as a small orifice is included in the return path. Finally, a check valve is included in the return path to ensure that fuel does not flow into the augmentor through the return path.

Abstract: A control circuit adapted to receive at least first, second and third input signals. The first input signal is a signal representative of the fuel pressure at the output of a pump. The second signal is a signal representative of the fuel pressure in the manifold of fuel disbursement means which is supplied through a controllable valve, by the fuel pump. The third signal is a signal representative of the pressure at the inlet to the pump. The control circuit further includes a feedback path for continuously circulating fuel from the manifold to the pump inlet. In one arrangement of the fuel supply system, there is an aperture in parallel with the controllable valve and an aperture in the feedback path.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a precooked pasta product utilizing a twin screw extruder and subjecting the pasta component to substantial backmixing at elevated pressure and temperature prior to cooling and extrusion.