40results about How to "Likelihood of failure" patented technology

Systems and methods which utilize spread spectrum sensing on live circuits to obtain information regarding a circuit under test are provided. In some embodiments S / SSTDR testing may be utilized to obtain R, L, C and Z measurements from circuit components. In yet further embodiments, these measurements may be utilized to monitor the output of sensors on a circuit.

A turbine airfoil support system for coupling together a turbine airfoil formed from two or more components, wherein the support system is particularly suited for use with a composite airfoil. In at least one embodiment, the turbine airfoil support system may be configured to attach shrouds to both ends of an airfoil and to maintain a compressive load on those shrouds while the airfoil is positioned in a turbine engine. Application of the compressive load to the airfoil increases the airfoil's ability to withstand tensile forces encountered during turbine engine operation.

A multiple piece turbine airfoil having an outer shell with an airfoil tip that is attached to a root with an internal structural spar is disclosed. The root may be formed from first and second sections that include an internal cavity configured to receive and secure the one or more components forming the generally elongated airfoil. The internal structural spar may be attached to an airfoil tip and place the generally elongated airfoil in compression. The configuration enables each component to be formed from different materials to reduce the cost of the materials and to optimize the choice of material for each component.

A keel is provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a split section that is divided into two sections. Each section can have a top open channel formed therein. Each channel is compressible during compression of the keel. A variably adjustable compression member can be provided. The connecting portion is rigidly connected to a rigid center support. The top of the center support can have a threaded connector, which allows for vertically adjustable connection of an adjacent prosthetic component. A heel is also provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a top open channel formed therein. The channel is compressible during compression of the heel. A variably adjustable compression member can be placed within the channel. A processor can be provided for controlling the amount of compression of each compression member.

A heat shield for a transition of a turbine engine for coupling a transition component of a turbine engine to a turbine vane assembly to direct combustor exhaust gases from the transition into the turbine vane assembly. The heat shield may be capable of reducing the temperature differential across a transition bracket extending from a transition component, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature failure of the bracket or the transition, or both. The heat shield may reduce the temperature differential by insulating the transition bracket and transition bracket rib from cooling gases. The heat shield may be formed from a tubular elongated body having first and second end attachments configured to attach the elongated heat shield body to the transition.

A keel is provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a channel that is compressible during compression of the keel. A variably adjustable compression member can be provided. The connecting portion is rigidly connected to a rigid center support. A heel is also provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a top open channel formed therein. The channel is compressible during compression of the heel. A variably adjustable compression member can be placed within the channel. Alternatively, heel and keel springs located at least partially external of the heel and keel can be provided. The heel spring can act against either the keel or the center support, and the keel spring can act against either the heel or the center support.

A power converter, and an associated method, for converting input power into output power. The power converter is capable of converting direct current input power as well as alternating current input power into direct current output power available for use to power an electrical load device, such as a consumer electronic device. The power conversion is performed at improved levels of efficiency, and less input power is dissipated as thermal energy.

A holder, a system and / or a method insulate and / or support a cup. A handle assists a consumer in drinking a beverage from the cup. A cover, a liner and a spine are assembled to form the holder. The cover and the liner are attached to form a pocket for holding the spine. The handle is rigidly attached to the spine. A rigidity of the spine may support a wall of the cup. A force placed on the cup when using the handle is distributed by the spine around the wall of the cup to reduce a likelihood of failure and / or of deformation of the cup. The cover, the liner and the spine retard heat transfer to and / or from a beverage in the cup.

The invention relates to a throttle device to be received in the intake system of an internal combustion engine, and includes a mechanism housing for receiving an actuator that actuates a throttle valve. A lid element which can be mounted on the mechanism housing is embodied in modular form and includes an opening for receiving a sensor module, which can be positioned independently of the mounting position of the lid element on the mechanism housing relative to a bearing point.

A method and apparatus for determining a route for a vehicle (6), the method comprising: measuring a position of the vehicle (6); providing a specification of a region (12) into which the vehicle (6) is to be moved; and, using the measurements and specification, determining the vehicle route. The route determination process comprises constructing a graph (34) within a state space (X) of the vehicle (6), identifying, within the graph (34), a path for the vehicle (6), performing a path shortening algorithm on the identified path, and, using the shortened path, determining the vehicle route. The path shortening algorithm comprises: selecting two vertices along the path that are separated by at least two edges; connecting the two selected vertices with an additional edge; and, depending on certain cost values, removing the edges and vertices by which the selected vertices are connected, and including, in the path, the additional edge.

A high-altitude railroad locomotive adapted for more reliable operation at high altitudes, wherein the high-altitude railroad locomotive includes a semiconductor electric power control component, and wherein due to the high altitude the locomotive would be exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation tending to damage the semiconductor electric power control component is provided. The high-altitude locomotive includes electric power generation equipment, a plurality of traction motors mechanically connected to wheels supporting the high altitude locomotive and an electric power transmission system for transmitting electrical power from the electric power generation equipment to the plurality of traction motors. A DC bus is also included and electrically connected to the traction motors and a power controller for controlling the transmission of power over the DC bus, the traction motors having a second active motor volume, wherein the second active motor volume is larger than the first active motor volume to enable the DC bus voltage of the high-altitude locomotive to be reduced relative to the first DC bus voltage while generating a range of mechanical power sufficient to propel the locomotive at high altitudes, whereby the combined effects on the semiconductor electric power control component caused by the DC bus voltage of the high-altitude locomotive and by the cosmic radiation correspond to these effects on the semiconductor electric power control components of the low-altitude locomotive when operating at low altitudes to reduce the likelihood of failure of the semiconductor electric power control component of the high-altitude locomotive.