Abstract:
A pitch control system (10) has a main electronic control (26), a mechanical back-up control (28) and a switching system (30) for transferring pitch control from the electronic to the mechanical control in the event of electronic control failure. The switching system (30) utilizes a switch (152) for comparing the output of the electronic and mechanical control systems, the switch choosing the mechanical system if a failure occurs in the electronic control system. In certain failure modes, an enable solenoid (156) simultaneously locks out the switch, to ensure mechanical pitch range control, and resets the mechanical back-up control to provide a lower degree of pitch control than conventional back-up controllers.
Abstract:
Electric power is transferred to a rotating member (14) by a rotating conductive ring (24) and a retractable carrier (20). At least one brush (26) in the carrier (20) contacts the conductive ring (24) when transferring electric power. When the carrier (20) is retracted, the brush (26) and conductive ring (24) are separated.
Abstract:
A dish-shaped wheel (1) having an essentially slot-shaped conically extending cutting tip (2) with the tip extending annularly from the wheel surface. The tip (2) includes a super abrasive plating suitable for nondressable cutting such as cubic boron nitride. The wheel (1) is of sufficient diameter to cut an ellipse approximating the arc formed as the wheel moves in the arc through the article (8), the apparatus further includes means for orienting the wheel (6), means for rotating the wheel (4) and means for translating the wheel (1) or the article (8) in a desired arc (9) for producing a curved slot (20). The apparatus has particular application for producing a curved slot. The apparatus has particular application for producing narrow curved featherseal slots (20) in turbine vane platforms (21), allowing increased complexity in vane design while enhancing seal integrity.
Abstract:
A method of establishing a dielectric periodic index of refraction phase grating (16) upon the core (19) of an optical waveguide (15) by intense angled application of several tranverse beams (99) of ultraviolet light, enabling the establishment of a distributed, spatially resolving optical fiber strain gauge (13).
Abstract:
A distributed, spatially resolving optical fiber strain gauge (13) in which the core (19) of the optical fiber (15) is written with periodic grating patterns (16) effective for transmitting and reflecting light injected into the core (19). Spectral shifts in the transmitted and reflected light indicate the intensity of strain or temperature variations at positions of the grating (16) corresponding to the associated wavelength of injected light.
Abstract:
An epoxy resin based composite with improved damping properties along with good strength and modulus of elasticity. The composition comprises a stiff epoxy such as epichlorohydrin-bisphenol A diglycidal ether epoxy mixed with a flexible epoxy such as linoleic dimer acid glycidyl ester epoxy and a flexible cross-linking agent such as a long chain amine-fatty acid amide. The composition in admixture with high modulus fibers such as graphite forms composites with high damping properties, good strength and high modulus of elasticity. Typical uses for the composites of the present invention are flexural beams for hingeless-bearingless rotors and acoustical barrier material.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved fixture (10) for facilitating the coating of workpieces (38) such as turbine blades and vanes. The fixture (10) has a hollow core member (12) and a plurality of workpiece receptacles (36) positioned along the length of and about the periphery of the core member (12). Each of the workpiece receptacles (36) comprises an open sided workpiece support structure (46) and a cover (48) for closing the open side of the support structure (46). During the coating operation, the fixture (10) of the present invention is rotated about its longitudinal axis (14) while the workpieces (38) being coated remain stationary within the receptacle (36).
Abstract:
An air treatment system for conditioning cabin air of a vehicle or enclosure is disclosed. The system comprises an air duct for directing air having a first flow direction to the cabin; a circulating air treatment substance; a membrane positioned in the air duct for treating the air with the circulating air treatment substance prior to the air entering the cabin. The membrane is positioned substantially transverse to the first flow direction. A supply for supplying an air treatment substance to the membrane and circulating the air treatment substance in the membrane for use in treating the air, is also provided. A screen (10) is also disclosed for use in treating air, having a flow path, with an air treatment substance, prior to expulsion of the air from an air duct into a cabin. The screen (10) comprises a membrane (11) including a plurality of hollow fiber membrane elements (12). The membrane (11) is adapted for placement in the duct transverse to the flow path of the air. The screen further comprises channels for circulating the air treatment substance through the membrane for treatment of the air.
Abstract:
An electrically non-conductive plate structure, for use in high pressure electrochemical cells employing ion-exchange membranes that creep or flow under pressure, is provided. Such plate structures are provided with a means for impeding membrane creep or flow when the cells are subjected to high axial loadings. When two such structures are positioned on either side of an ion-exchange membrane, so as to forcibly contact the surfaces thereof, such structures serve to contain, and thereby form a fluid tight seal with, the membrane while maintaining the electrical integrity of the cell. Preferably, said impeding means comprise a raised pattern, such as radially oriented ridges, or a screen patern, that are contained on said first surface of each said plate structure.
Abstract:
A gas generator (1) for a passive airbag restraint has a housing (1) including a combustion chamber (5) and a gas passage end, the chamber containing a solid gas generating fuel (6). A diffuser plate having a plurality of orifices (11) is located in the gas passage to direct a gas generated by the combustion of the solid fuel (6) to an airbag. The diffuser plate is shaped preferably by bending or folding, to have a greater surface area than the cross-sectional area of the gas passage. The greater surface area allows for an increased number of orifices (11) to maximize port area to increase gas flow therethrough.