Abstract: A method of recovering performance of an air separation module (ASM) is described. A recovery system includes an air source providing inlet air, a filter to output clean air and a heater heating the air. The ASM is coupled to the system and comprises a hollow fiber membrane to output nitrogen enriched air (NEA) exhaust. The method comprises operating the system with the air source and heater in a default condition; measuring an initial purity of NEA exhaust; adjusting the air source and/or heater based on the initial purity; operating the system after adjusting the air source and/or heater; returning the air source and heater to the default condition; measuring a recovered purity of NEA exhaust; and determining whether the recovered purity is within tolerance. If the recovered purity is within tolerance, system operation is terminated. If the recovered purity is not within tolerance, the steps are repeated.

Abstract: A system for calculating maintenance predictions and making improvements to performance deficiencies to one or more components in an on-board inert gas generating system (OBIGGS) is described. The OBIGGS components include an ozone converter, heat exchanger, inlet filter, and Air Separation Module (ASM). The system comprises a prognostic health monitoring (PHM) sensor network comprising at least one respective sensor coupled to each of the components of the OBIGGS. Each at least one respective sensor is configured to output a respective data signal corresponding to a performance condition of a respective component. A control unit is operatively coupled to each component and signally coupled to each respective sensor of the PHM sensor network. The control unit includes at least one test condition algorithm configured to analyze the respective data signal to calculate the maintenance prediction for the respective component.

Abstract: A method of recovering performance of an air separation module (ASM) is described. A recovery system includes an air source providing inlet air, a filter to output clean air and a heater heating the air. The ASM is coupled to the system and comprises a hollow fiber membrane to output nitrogen enriched air (NEA) exhaust. The method comprises operating the system with the air source and heater in a default condition; measuring an initial purity of NEA exhaust; adjusting the air source and/or heater based on the initial purity; operating the system after adjusting the air source and/or heater; returning the air source and heater to the default condition; measuring a recovered purity of NEA exhaust; and determining whether the recovered purity is within tolerance. If the recovered purity is within tolerance, system operation is terminated. If the recovered purity is not within tolerance, the steps are repeated.

Abstract: A system for calculating maintenance predictions and making improvements to performance deficiencies to one or more components in an on-board inert gas generating system (OBIGGS) is described. The OBIGGS components include an ozone converter, heat exchanger, inlet filter, and Air Separation Module (ASM). The system comprises a prognostic health monitoring (PHM) sensor network comprising at least one respective sensor coupled to each of the components of the OBIGGS. Each at least one respective sensor is configured to output a respective data signal corresponding to a performance condition of a respective component. A control unit is operatively coupled to each component and signally coupled to each respective sensor of the PHM sensor network. The control unit includes at least one test condition algorithm configured to analyze the respective data signal to calculate the maintenance prediction for the respective component.

Abstract: A water delivery system for delivering water to a water dispenser or an icemaker of a refrigerator includes a water inlet adapted to be connected to a fresh water supply, a water outlet connected to at least one of a water dispenser and an icemaker, and a flow sensor in fluid communication between the water supply and water outlet for generating flow signals which are used by a controller to determine flow rate and flow volume parameters for the system. The water delivery system also preferably includes a filter positioned between the water inlet and the flow sensor. The determined flow parameters are used for indicating a need for a filter change and to regulate the volume of water flowing to the water dispenser and/or icemaker.

Abstract: An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.

Abstract: A system, including apparatuses and methods, for managing vehicle reservations, vehicle assignment, and vehicle access. The system enables a rental vehicle or car sharing agency (i.e., or for that matter, a vehicle fleet management service or other similar entity) to assign vehicles to users of the vehicles in accordance with previously received reservations vehicle information, and other information, and enables the users to pickup the vehicles for their use, without interaction with agency personnel.

Abstract: A verification method for use in a verification system comprises a verification terminal operated by a verification authority, a remote terminal remote from the verification terminal, and a communication link coupling the verification terminal to the remote terminal. The method includes the steps of generating a document data file from an identity document provided at the remote terminal, and then transmitting the document data file from the remote terminal to the verification terminal. The method further includes generating a verification data file that verifies an attribute of the document at the verification terminal. The verification data file preferably comprises a digitized signature of the verification authority operating the verification terminal. The verification data file is transmitted to the remote terminal. Finally, the document data file and the verification data file are merged to produce a verification record. The verification record may be time stamped and stored and/or printed by a printer.