Abstract: A combustion control system includes a sensor assembly and a process controller, the sensor assembly including sensors for providing output signals indicative of process variables, the process controller responding to the output signals to maintain a desired operation of the process. The process controller continuously monitors parameters of the sensors and provides alarms whenever any of these parameters deviate from setpoint values, the process controller automatically prioritizing these alarms to provide a display of only the most relevant alarms. A housing enclosing the processor controller provides RFI/EMI shielding of the process controller including the attenuation and absorption of the EMI/RFI energy.

Abstract: The software for the electronic engine control system for a gas turbine engine responding to a temperature sensor measuring the gas path temperature at the inlet of the engine is modified to include means for preventing the control system from overreacting to excessive signal noise. The lead time constant is multiplied by a rate bias factor that may modified as a function of aircraft and/or engine operation conditions to reduce the lead compensation solely when the noise level goes beyond a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Double-sided, high-frequency response heat flux gauge for use on metal tune blading consists of a metal film (1500A) resistance thermometer sputtered on both sides of a thin (25 .mu.m) polyimide sheet. The temperature difference across the polyimide is a direct measure of the heat flux at low frequencies, while a quasi-one-dimensional analysis is used to infer the high-frequency heat flux from the upper surface history. A new method of calibrating the heat flux gauge utilizes light source applied to a plurality of fluids covering the surface of the gauge, measuring the temporal output of the gauge and utilizing derived calibration formula.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for calculating the steady-state temperatures experienced by an Aluminum-Silicon piston. That piston has incorporated therein an Aluminum-Copper alloy device, such as a band integrally cast within the piston, a setscrew, or an installable wedge that is press-fit into the piston. Preferably, that alloy is a 3.5% to 4.5% Aluminum-Copper alloy that meets the requirements of Aluminum Association Alloy 242 that has been tailored to provide temperature information within 3.degree. C. over the temperature range of from 175.degree. C. to 375.degree. C. The steady-state temperature experienced by a piston in an oil qualifying run is calculated by subjecting the piston to an oil qualifying run of at least one hundred hours, testing the hardness of the apparatus, and calculating the steady-state temperature by reference to a calibration curve.

Abstract: A radiation instrument has a purging air flow system for passing air over the lens to keep it clean and free from particulate contaminants and also for providing a positive flow of air away from the lens. The air supply used for such purging is controlled adequately so the flow changes direction and particles are removed from the main flow of purge air by inertial separation prior to the time the air contacts the lens. Such air entrained particles might otherwise deposit on the lens. A flow control orifice provides a secondary flow to carry the particles separated from the main flow out of the flow passageway.

Abstract: In one form of the present invention, an emissive substance radiates electromagnetic radiation as a function of temperature. The radiation is transmitted by a waveguide to a sensor which measures the intensity of the radiation and infers the temperature of the emissive substance therefrom.

Abstract: A radiation thermometer comprises two radiation detectors for detecting radiation in wavelength bands centered on two different wavelengths .lambda..sub.1,.lambda..sub.2 (where .lambda..sub.1 >.lambda..sub.2) from a rotating body such as a gas turbine motor and for generating first and second signals S.sub.1,<S.sub.2 >respectively related to the radiance profile around said body and the average radiance around said body. A time averaging circuit generates a signal <S.sub.1 >representing an average value of said first signal. A dividing circuit generates a signal related to the ratio of <S.sub.1 >to <S.sub.2 >; and a monitor monitors at least one of said signals, predetermined arithmetic combinations of said signals, and quantities related thereto and provides corresponding output signals.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature measuring probe with a low drag, airfoil shaped cross section includes a longitudinally extending pressure cavity adjacent the leading edge and a separate longitudinally extending temperature cavity immediately downstream thereof. Longitudinally spaced apart passages extend downstream from their inlets at pressure measuring stations along the leading edge and intersect the pressure cavity. At temperature measuring stations along the leading edge passages extend downstream adjacent the pressure cavity to intersect the temperature cavity and direct a high velocity flow of gases over a thermocouple junction disposed within the temperature cavity. Stagnation devices at the leading edge reduce gas velocity to zero at the passage inlets.

Abstract: A temperature detection pyrometer for determining the temperature of a turbine blade detects radiation reflected and emitted from the turbine blade. The reflected radiation is a result of flame and hot carbon particles rather than the emission representing the blade temperature. The radiation is divided into two channels, each of which detects radiation in different, but preferrably overlapping wavelength bands, to detectors providing currents proportional to the radiation intensity in the respective channel. The signal from one channel is weighted with respect to the signal from the other by a constant that is equal to the ratio of the radiation in the two channels which is the attributable to the reflected radiation. The difference between the signals, after weighting the one signal by the constant provides an output that is a function of blade temperature only so the blade temperature may be obtained from a calibration curve or a look-up table.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the temperature of the propulsion gas at the inlet to a turbine wheel in a turbine in which a compressor fuels air into a chamber where it is heated and the heated products exiting the chamber form the propulsion gas. The temperature of the heated products exiting the chamber is a function of the inlet static and total pressure, the total inlet temperature, the static pressure of the heated products and the static pressure drop across the chamber.

Abstract: A unitized static sensor probe 20 for a gas turbine engine 10, machined from a single piece of raw material. The probe preferably has integral kiel cups 26 that form a part of the probe airfoil. The probe is manufactured by electrical discharge machining, and is shaped with an airfoil (53, 70) that minimizes disruption of the engine airstream. Integral air seal platforms 56, 58 and a mounting plate 54 are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor guide tube for bridging a plenum between a turbine housing and a nozzle assembly includes an offset portion whose offset is substantially equal to half the distance which the nozzle assembly is displaced upstream for clearance restoration. After clearance restoration, the guide tube is rotated 180 degrees to align its lower end with an opening in the nozzle assembly without requiring a sharp bend in the axis of the sensor guide tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining transient temperature and stress distributions in turbomachines and system components as a function of operating conditions where direct measurements on the rotating components are prevented. The apparatus includes a microprocessor which computes temperature and stress distributions in real time for components of complex shapes. The apparatus employs a memory containing a set of standard temperature distributions under particular operating conditions and the temperature stresses in the component are estimated on the basis of the closest temperature distributions in the set. The apparatus can be embodied as an on-board in-flight LCF monitor of aircraft engine rotors or as an LCF monitor of a turbomachine for power generation such as a stationary turbine generating unit.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for a motor vehicle comprises a composite of PTC and NTC thermistors (1, 2, 3) whose overall temperature characteristic (c) is negative with a plateau (P) centered on the normal working temperature (88.degree. C.) to be sensed, so that tolerances in the sensing system and normal fluctuations of the working temperature will tend not to be registered by the vehicle temperature gauge. Thus only abnormal variations in temperature caused by a fault or overload condition will be indicated.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for recording large changes in temperature, especially for recording the temperatures in an internal combustion engine. An NTC resistor is connected with a constant source of voltage via a dropping resistor and the drop in voltage across the NTC resistor is a gauge for the temperature. Because of the characteristics of the NTC resistor, measurement of low temperatures is possible with a high ohmic dropping resistor but accurate measurement of high temperatures is not possible. The opposite is true when using a low ohmic dropping resistor. In one embodiment of the disclosed device, it is possible to switch at a predetermined frequency the resistance of the dropping resistor circuit between a high ohmic and a low ohmic value, whereby the correspondingly produced output signal indicates the recorded temperature over the whole temperature range with a satisfactory degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A temperature measuring circuit which includes a primary temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, an external source for generating predetermined temperature modifying signals, and a signal combining circuit for combining the modifying signals with the temperature sensor signal to generate a modified output signal and display thereof.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring a physical property such as temperature difference, displacement, pressure, fluid flow rate, etc.

Abstract: A novel laser beam deflection system and method for temperature measurement of combustion flames of known composition is described which comprises a thin wire for placement at a predetermined location within the flame; a pulsed laser source for directing a pulsed beam onto the wire for heating the wire and immediately surrounding gases of the flame to produce an acoustic pulse in the flame; a pair of probe laser sources for directing parallel probe beams through the flame in predetermined spaced relationship to each other and to the wire, and a pair of detectors and associated electronics for detecting the respective deflections of the probe beams resulting from interactions with the pulse and measuring the time difference between respective deflections of the probe beams to determine the speed of the acoustic pulse through the flame and the temperature of the flame from the speed determination.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating composite functioning apparatus used as a glow plug in a diesel engine has sintered semiconductor elements respectively formed in the shape of a bar of N-type and P-type thermoelectric semiconductor materials. The N-type and P-type semiconductor elements are provided oppositely with a gap between them, and their end portions are put in mutual contact to form a P-N junction. A low thermal conductivity insulator is filled in the interval between the N-type and the P-type semiconductor elements. The N-type and P-type semiconductor elements provided in the P-N junction state are contained through the insulator in a housing. Lead terminals connected to the N-type and P-type semiconductor elements are formed in the housing. The apparatus may provide heat to the combustion chamber, or generate electricity from the heat in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring a temperature difference at different positions which cancels offset voltages produced by a temperature sensitive element, e.g., a thermocouple used in the device and the device itself.

Abstract: The inlet for a temperature measuring probe mounted in the leading edge of a strut or vane is constructed to project beyond the leading edge into the flow stream being measured and having the end scarfed in the direction of the flow stream. This measuring probe has particular utility where the flow direction changes as in gas turbine power plant.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a signal analogous to the means temperature of fluid within a flow path is in a turbo machine. The fluid flowing in the flow path has a nonconstant temperature considered transversely thereto and defining a temperature profile. An elongate thermosiphon is immersed substantially entirely in said fluid flow and extend transversely thereto for sensing a thermal characteristic of the vapor therein.

Abstract: Improved temperature detection system for use on film cooled turbine airfoils having a showerhead assembly with a series of parallel slots defined in the leading edge of an airfoil, each slot having a multiplicity of film flow ports exiting therefrom. A plurality of sensor assemblies are affixed to the airfoil showerhead and are couplable via electrodes to electronic sensing equipment for establishing the gas flow temperature.

Abstract: A surge detection system for a compressor having a gas inlet and a gas outlet and experiencing rapid temperature changes in said gas inlet during surges, said detector comprising first and second thermocouples having different temperature response times, Tf and Ts respectively, and producing an electrical output proportional to said rapid temperature change occurring during a surge, means for mounting said first and second thermocouples in said compressor gas inlet such that both thermocouples are subject to the same temperature changes, means for electrically coupling said thermocouples to algebraically sum said electrical outputs, Tf-Ts to represent the rapid change in temperature occurring between said thermocouples, and means coupled to said thermocouples for converting said algebraically summed outputs, Tf-Ts, to control signals representing the number, intensity and duration of said surges.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for eliminating the effects of spurious signals from a pyrometer in a gas turbine engine. The pyrometer signal is fed to a part of the circuit (8,12,16,20,24) which produces an inverted and rate limited output signal c representative of the pyrometer output signal. Signal c is fed back to the input of amplifier 8 and is subtracted from it and amplifier 8 outputs a positive or negative signal depending on whether or not its input is positive or negative. The output is passed to a positive edge triggering device 28 which triggers a sample and hold device 30 the output of which constitutes the output of the circuit. When the pyrometer signal increases very rapidly due to a spurious signal, the input to the amplifier 8 rises more rapidly than the rate limited feedback from amplifier 12 so that the output goes positive to trigger device 28 and remains positive until the spurious signal has died away.

Abstract: A temperature measuring probe for measuring excess temperatures at the exhaust of an internal combustion engine is provided which incorporates an NTC resistor in a gas-tight metal housing. The housing is vacuum-tight, shock-proof, and vibration-proof (10 g RMS, 0 through 500 Hz) and the probe is suitable for temperature sensing up to about 700.degree. C. The probe is particularly suitable for use as a temperature monitor for turbo-chargers.

Abstract: A device, for assuring selective commutation of one or the other of two electric measuring circuits to a single electric exploitation circuit as a function of the temperature gradient present between two distinct points of reference, has a first thermocouple placed at the first point of reference; a second thermocouple placed at a second point of reference, connected in opposition to the first thermocouple in order to deliver a differential electro-motive force (.DELTA.e) of which the value and the sign are a function of the value and sense of the gradient; and commutation means sensitive to this electro-motive force and fed solely by the energy produced by the two thermocouples. The commutation means includes a relay fed by the differential electro-motive force.

Abstract: In the maintenance of turbine propeller aircraft and related engines, test method and apparatus to measure engine exhaust temperature and exhaust pressure, without pulling the engine. Test harness associated with instrumental Jet Calibrator is interposed between tailpipe and airframe exhaust pipe to establish the accuracy of interstage turbine temperature and exhaust gas temperature by graphic comparisons. Both engine exhaust gas temperature and exhaust pressure may also be obtained concurrently to effect "on wing" recompensation of interstage turbine temperature during test run maintenance of the engine.

Abstract: An aircraft engine which may, for example, be a turbine engine, is provided with an engine temperature thermocouple harness for monitoring the temperature of the aircraft engine. A protective isolation assembly allows for the use of two separate aircraft circuits coupled to receive temperature indicating signals from the thermocouple system. The protective assembly includes two resistors sealed in a metal housing to be connected at the branch point from the existing aircraft temperature monitoring system; and the housing for the protective assembly is electrically and mechanically connected in direct proximity to the thermocouple harness output terminal housing. A short circuit of the second engine temperature monitor circuit would have negligible effect on the existing temperature indicator circuitry in view of the presence of the isolation block assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pair of cantilevered probes. A first fastening means is fastened to a first of the probes and is loosely journaled about the second probe. A second fastening means is fastened to the second probe and is loosely journaled about the first probe. The invention provides improved resistance to the harmful effects of vibration.

Abstract: A pyrometer system for a gas-turbine engine, or the like, has a high-resolution radiation pyrometer that supplies signals to a detector unit. The detector unit includes an inverter that inverts the pyrometer output and supplies these signals via a diode to one electrode of a capacitor. The other electrode of the capacitor is grounded, a resistor being connected across the capacitor so that it is slowly discharged. The charge on the capacitor approximately follows the high-value/low-temperature signals, which are reinverted by a processing unit to give an averaged temperature indication. The diode is short-circuited for periods, approximately equal to the blade rotational frequency. During these periods the charge on the capacitor drops to the instantaneous value of the pyrometer output, producing a low-voltage/high-temperature spike. The detector unit includes a store to which these spikes are supplied after reinversion.

Abstract: A sensing device incorporating a sensing element and terminals for making electrical connection to the device is manufactured by placing the sensing element and the terminals in a mould and injection moulding a plastics body around them. The integral plastics body firmly bonds the parts of the device together and is shaped outwardly with a screw thread and a hexagonal nut portion--for example--so that the device can be screwed into a threaded aperture in a chamber wall. One application is a temperature indicator screwed into an automobile engine block.

Abstract: The elimination of undesirable thermally induced changes of electrical characteristics of signal components is accomplished three operational amplifier circuits. The first operational amplifier provides electrical power to a system critical component and produces a reference output signal composed of the desirable function produced by the system critical components plus the undesirable thermally induced signal components produced by the changes of the electrical characteristics of two identical lead wires connected to the system critical component. The second operational amplifier circuit senses the voltage drop in one of the two identical lead wires attached to the critical component. The second operation amplifier produces a sensing output signal that changes in value with the undesirable thermally induced changes of the electrical characteristics of one of the lead wires.

Abstract: An engine temperature sensor may be screwed into the engine block and is provided internally with electronic switch circuitry controlled by an NTC device. The sensor has external terminals for connecting to various temperature-related functions in the engine, such as an automatic choke, a petrol pre-heating device and an overheating indicator, and is capable of switching these functions on and off individually at the temperatures which have been pre-set for each function.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a diesel engine and transmitting data regarding faults within the diesel engine. Many diesel engines include glow plugs. The electrical characteristics of glow plugs are related to temperatures within the diesel engine which, in turn, are related to the operational characteristics of the diesel engine. The system measures the electrical characteristics of a glow plug, or other sensors, to determine attributes of the diesel engine and responsively provide a display representative of the operational characteristics.

Abstract: A pyrometer which senses blade temperature in the engine as also used to detect the onset of an engine surge. The output of the pyrometer 2 (FIG. 1) passes to a level detector unit, comprising a differential amplifier and a constant reference voltage, and which produces an output when the pyrometer signal exceeds the reference voltage. A duration detector comprising a monostable 12, inverter 14, delay line 18 and AND gate 16 determines the duration of the excess level signal and if the duration exceeds a given time, set by the monostable, an output from the duration detector actuates a fuel chopper to minimize the effect of the surge.

Abstract: A turbine engine may occasionally be required to operate momentarily at an overtemperature condition which, provided it does not exceed a predetermined maximum temperature and time duration, is known to be harmless. A temperature read-out device attached to an engine operating under such conditions would measure this harmless overtemperature transient, indicate an overtemperature state, and display a warning. The circuitry of the present invention monitors a signal representing engine temperature, and beginning at the start of the harmless overtemperature transient, and generates an opposing compensating signal for a predetermined period of time. The opposing compensating signal is combined with the signal representing engine temperature and the resultant signal, is applied to the temperature readout device so that the signal representing engine temperature is reduced below the level which would cause an overtemperature condition to be indicated on the temperature readout device.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, includes an engine and a hydraulic assist-type transmission coupled together by a clutch. A monitor includes sensors for sensing engine speed, clutch temperature and transmission temperature. Warning signals are generated if the clutch temperature is continuously and at least a certain amount hotter than the transmission temperature for a certain time period. The warning signals are disabled if the engine speed is less than a threshold and for a certain time interval after the engine speed exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: The infrared energy detection device is a small, battery powered radiometer which measures IR energy emitted from an engine exhaust device, compares it with programmed energy levels, and displays whether the measured level falls within acceptable limits. It is calibrated against engine torque; and, by means of green and red lights, indicates the level of IR emissions. If emissions are below a predetermined level, a green light will be illuminated. Conversely, if emissions are higher than design levels, a red light will be illuminated indicating degraded performance of the engine IR suppresor. In addition to the green and red light indication, a digital display of IR intensity is also provided.

Abstract: A pulsed coolant thermocouple temperature measuring system is arranged to measure temperature above a limit operating temperature of the thermocouple includes a rake which is disposed across a hot gas path combustion turbine. Multiple thermocouple are disposed in respective channels in the rake to sense the temperature of hot gas from surplus which enter the thermocouple channels through respective sampling ports in the rake. The sample gas flows merge with a common channel and exhaust through a hot gas sample valve. When any of the thermocouples reaches a limit temperature, a coolant valve is opened as the hot gas valve is closed so as to drive coolant air into the common channel over the thermocouple through the thermocouple channels and the sampling ports into the hot gas path.

Abstract: A combined vibration and temperature sensor for an internal combustion engine comprises a piezoelectric disc in mechanical and thermal contact with an engine throttle body and connected electrically in series with an impedance effective to form a voltage divider having a predetermined normalized voltage output at a reference temperature and 50 kilohertz. A 50 kilohertz voltage source is connected across the voltage divider and the vibration signal output provides a temperature signal at 50 kilohertz and an engine vibration signal at a lower frequency such as 5-7 kilohertz.

Abstract: The response time of a thermocouple is improved by offsetting the outlet aspiration opening or openings in the thermocouple protective housing from the gas flow axis and the inlet opening. The outlet aspiration opening is located substantially at the gas separation point which is a point of minimum gas pressure. The degree of offset is thus chosen to maximize the pressure differential, .DELTA.P, between the inlet and the outlet openings. This increases the gas flow rate through the housing and past the thermocouple junction thereby substantially improving the thermocouple response time.

Abstract: A radiation pyrometer, or other optical sensor, has a mirror assembly capable of withstanding high temperatures. The mirror assembly is a block of a steel containing between 15 and 20% chromium, 4.0 and 5.2% aluminium, 0.05 and 0.4% yttrium, 0.2 and 0.4% silicon, and 0.00 and 0.03% carbon. A reflective surface on the assembly is provided by an aluminium oxide layer. The assembly is formed by heating a body of the steel such as to produce the aluminium oxide layer which is then polished to a reflective finish. After heating, the body is machined to the desired shape of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A light guide element, secured in a spark plug-like housing and positioned, for example, within a metallic tube forming a spark plug connector, is coated at the end facing the combustion chamber with a light-impervious material viz: graphite, the graphite emitting radiation upon influence of heat arising within the combustion chamber, which radiation is transmitted to the optical pick-up for subsequent photo-electric evaluation thereof. The optical pick-up is, for example, a quartz glass rod coupled to a light guide cable, or directly coupled to an opto-electrical transducer.

Abstract: A detector-transducer 26 for sensing temperatures in an engine is disclosed. A temperature signal generated by a temperature sensing device 28 is biased by a supplementary thermocouple 30. A resistor 52 is in series with the temperature sensing device. The supplementary thermocouple is in parallel with the resistor 52. In one embodiment the temperature sensing device is the junction of a second thermocouple.

Abstract: An arrangement for sensing temperature in an interstage cavity 24 comprises an extractable temperature probe 44 having a radially inner end sensing portion 46 disposed in a bore 40 in a seal housing 22, the bore 40 receiving bypassing fluid flow which enters the bypassing passage 34 from a location intermediate the axial extent of a sealed leakage path 32 between the upstream and downstream regions 24a and 24b, respectively, of the interstage cavity. These components collectively form the self-aspirating disc cavity seal temperature measuring system.

Abstract: System for measuring the temperature of a gas by sampling, having a measurement probe with a certain permanent error. The system includes in addition two corrective probes placed in contact with said gas sample, one of the probes having essentially the same error as the measurement probe, the other probe having a double error. These three probes are advantageously thermocouples connected in opposition in a predetermined order so that the measurement error .DELTA.T obtained by the measurement probe in relation to the real temperature of the gases Tg is compensated for by those from the corrective probes.

Abstract: One or more temperature sensing elements, for example thermo couples (13, 14, 16, 17), NTC or PTC or resistance wires (18) or capillary fluid temperature sensor elements (20, 21) are located on or in the immediate vicinity of a portion of the inner wall of the combustion chamber, for example and preferably by being integrated within a head liner or facing (15, 15') of the cylinder head gasket or seal (10). The output signals, in electrical or hydraulic form are connected to an evaluation stage (E, E') which determines if the temperature within the cylinder, representative of knocking, has exceeded a predetermined level. Preferably, a speed signal (n) is derived from the engine so that the signals from the sensing elements can be strobed with respect to the time within the engine cycle during which ignition may or is intended to occur so that temperature variations due to normal engine operating strokes are eliminated from the systems output.

Abstract: A device for inserting a sensor into the exhaust conduits of an internal combustion engine, wherein the support of the sensor is formed by the sealing element of the assembly gaskets of these exhaust conduits. In accordance with a first variation the sensor is inserted by means of the gasket located between the manifold and the exhaust pipe, and in accordance with a second variation the sensor is inserted by means of the gasket located between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold. This gasket may comprise several sensors, one per exhaust port. The sensor to be inserted may in particular be of the electrochemical collector type comprising a measuring cell of the concentration-stack type.

Abstract: Apparatus senses the temperature in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus comprises a spark plug having a central electrode located on the axis of the spark plug, a ceramic insulator encircling the centrally located electrode, a metal casing encircling the ceramic insulator, and a second electrode extending from the metal casing to a position adjacent to the central electrode. The metal casing has continuous threads formed therein and encircling the metal casing for threaded engagement with corresponding threads of an internal combustion engine. A thermocouple is located within the outer periphery of the metal casing and extends to a position adjacent to the gap between the electrodes. The thermocouple has a temperature-sensing junction adjacent to the gap and which junction is located in the cylinder when the spark plug is threaded with the corresponding threads of the engine. A meter connected with the thermocouple indicates the temperature in the cylinder when the engine is operated.