Abstract:
An electrical rotating apparatus is provided that has variable impedance. This is achieved by connecting one of the polyphase components of the apparatus in a mesh connection. The spanning value, L, of such a mesh connection may be varied by changing the harmonic content supplied by an inverter component. Also provided is a method for connecting an inverter to a motor, wherein a switching arrangement permits the simple alteration between various mesh connections of different span value, changing thereby the Volts/Hertz ratio of the motor.
Abstract:
An electrical rotating apparatus comprises an inverter system that outputs more than three phases. The apparatus further includes a stator comprising a plurality of slots and full span concentrated windings, with the windings being electrically coupled to the inverter system, and a rotor electromagnetically coupled to a magnetic field generated by the stator. A signal generator generates a drive waveform signal, that has a fundamental frequency, and the drive waveform signal drives the inverter system. The drive waveform signal has a pulsing frequency and is in fixed phase relation to the fundamental frequency. Additionally, the inverter system may be fed by a drive waveform signal that is fed through at least one signal delay device.
Abstract:
Methods for making low work function electrodes either made from or coated with an electride material in which the electride material has lattice defect sites are described. Lattice defect sites are regions of the crystal structure where irregularities and deformations occur. Also provided are methods for making electrodes which consist of a substrate coated with a layer of a compound comprised of a cation complexed by an electride former, in which said complex has lattice defect sites. In addition, methods for making electrodes which consist of a bulk metal coated with a layer of an electride former having lattice defect sites are described. The electride former stabilizes the loss of electrons by surface sites on the metal, lowering the work-function of the coated surface.
Abstract:
A new use for thermionic vacuum diode technology is disclosed wherein a vacuum diode is constructed using very low work function electrodes. A negative potential bias is applied to the cathode relative to the anode, and electrons are emitted. In the process of emission the electrons carry off kinetic energy, carrying heat away from the cathode and dissipating it at an opposing anode. The resulting heat pump is more efficient than conventional cooling methods, as well as being substantially scalable over a wide range of applications. Fabrication using conventional microelectronic fabrication techniques is possible.
Abstract:
A close spaced planar vacuum diode is constructed with a photoemissive first electrode and a low work function second electrode. As a result of photon flux on said photoemissive first electrode, electrons are emitted into the vacuum space and travel to said second electrode. This electron current may then flow through an external load, powering said external load.
Abstract:
A metal surface is coated with a heterocyclic multidentate ligand compound, reducing work function and facilitating the emission of electrons.
Abstract:
A system is provided for dissipating heat in an onboard non-engine powered aircraft wheel drive assembly with drive means that power one or more aircraft wheels to drive the aircraft autonomously on the ground without directly using the aircraft engines. The heat dissipation system is integral with a wheel drive assembly mounted substantially completely within a nose or main landing gear wheel. A reservoir mounted outboard or inboard of the wheel drive assembly increases thermal distribution mass and fluidically communicates with wheel drive assembly components to automatically circulate heat transfer fluid between the wheel drive assembly and the reservoir when the operating temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature during aircraft ground travel. The heat dissipating system can be retrofitted in an existing aircraft to improve thermal distribution and prolong wheel drive assembly and drive means operation and useful life.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed for reversing an aircraft on the ground comprising driving the aircraft using at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel. An apparatus for controlling at least one of speed and at least one direction of an aircraft having a self-propelled nosewheel, on the ground, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a control arm; a control unit; means for transmitting information to said self-propelled nosewheel; means for receiving information at said self-propelled nosewheel; and means for controlling at least one of the speed and direction of said nosewheel; whereby airport ground staff can intuitively control the movements of said aircraft by holding said arm and moving it in the direction of required movement of said aircraft.
Abstract:
A method of measuring the weight of an aircraft is disclosed. The method comprises, in a self-propelled aircraft undercarriage having a electrical rotating machine, the steps of: measuring the current and voltage going into the rotating machine using current and voltage measuring means, calculating the power into the rotating machine, measuring the speed (or torque or acceleration) of said machine using speed sensing means, and comparing the power and speed (or torque or acceleration) results with a database of power and speed relationships of comparable aircraft of varying weights.
Abstract:
A turbine starter/generator machine for a turbine, said turbine comprising: at least one fan blade; at least one turbine enclosure; said starter/generator machine comprising: at least one rotor having rotor elements; at least one stator having stator elements; wherein said stator elements are mounted on said at least one air duct and said rotor elements are mounted on said at least one fan blade; whereby said stator elements magnetically interact with said rotor elements.