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.

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 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 transition duct support system for a transition duct that channels hot gases from a combustor exit to a gas turbine inlet of a turbine engine. The transition duct support system includes a transition support frame formed from a body positioned around a transition duct body at an outlet transition section. The transition support frame may include a first inner surface aligned with and positioned proximate to portion of the outlet transition section that is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the outer wall of the transition duct body to limit linear movement of the transition duct body in a first direction. The transition support frame may also include a second inner surface positioned at an oblique angle to limit linear movement of the transition duct body in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In a charging system in which a charging current flows to a cell via power supply lines in a state where a charger and a battery pack are connected, two FETs for opening and closing a route in each power supply line are provided both at the charger side and the battery pack side. When the charger and the battery pack are connected to each other and FETs at the charger side and FETs at the battery pack side are set to be open, the power supply lines between FETs at the charger side and FETs at the battery pack side can be used as a communication line.

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 compression member can be placed within each channel to control or limit the amount of keel spring compression. 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 compression member can be placed within the channel to control or limit the amount of heel spring compression.

A data storage system includes a controller and a non-volatile memory array having a plurality of blocks each including a plurality of physical pages. The controller maintains a logical-to-physical translation (LPT) data structure that maps logical addresses to physical addresses and implements a first data protection scheme that stripes write data over the plurality of physical blocks. In response to a read request requesting data from a target page stripe, the controller detecting errors in multiple physical pages of the target page stripe. In responsive to detecting errors in multiple physical pages of the target page stripe, the controller scans the LPT data structure to identify a set of logical addresses mapped to the target page stripe and triggers recovery of the target page stripe by a higher level controller that implements a second data protection scheme, wherein triggering recovery includes transmitting the set of logical addresses to the higher level controller.

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 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.

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 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 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.

In methods of manufacturing a capacitor and a semiconductor device, a mold layer is formed on a substrate having a contact plug. The mold layer includes an opening exposing the contact plug. A conductive layer is formed on the contact plug, an inner sidewall of the opening and the mold layer. A photoresist pattern is formed to substantially fill the opening. A cylindrical lower electrode is formed by partially removing the conductive layer. The mold layer is selectively removed while the photoresist pattern prevents damage to the lower electrode, the contact plug and the substrate. The photoresist pattern is removed, and then a dielectric layer and an upper electrode are sequentially formed on the lower electrode. Damage to the lower electrode and the contact plug are effectively prevented due to the presence of the photoresist pattern during selective removal of the mold layer.

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth an integrated circuit package including a substrate, an integrated circuit die, and a plurality of solder bump structures. The substrate includes a first plurality of interconnects disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The integrated circuit die includes a second plurality of interconnects disposed on a first surface of the integrated circuit die. The plurality of solder bump structures couple the first plurality of interconnects to the second plurality of interconnects. The first plurality of interconnects are configured to be substantially aligned with the second plurality of interconnects when the integrated circuit package is at a first temperature within a range of about 0° C. to about −100° C. The first plurality of interconnects are configured to be offset from the second plurality of interconnects when the integrated circuit package is at a temperature above the first temperature.

An MRI system is provided with a refrigeration system that includes dual compressors that are coupled to a single coldhead that cools the liquid helium in the MRI system. Because the single coldhead receives the compressed refrigerant regardless of the compressor that is being used, the unacceptable cooling loss that would have occurred with redundant coldheads is avoided. By coupling two compressors to a single coldhead, continuous operation can be provided despite a failure of either compressor. The dual refrigeration system may comprise a water-cooled compressor and an air-cooled compressor to enhance MRI system reliability in the event of a failure of the primary compressor or the cooling water circulation system. Alternatively, two water-cooled compressors may be provided, each with its own independent water system. Check valves may be used to enable passive control of the refrigerant gas flow from either compressor to the coldhead, thereby further improving the reliability.

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 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 protective shield (100) comprises a body (105) for protecting a user from a projectile or impact, the body comprising a front strike face (110) and an opposing rear face (115); and a connector arrangement (125, 126) provided on the body adapted so as to allow the shield to connect to an adjacent protective shield, wherein the strike face has a perimeter defined by the edges of the strike face; and wherein the connector arrangement is arranged so that an adjacent protective shield can be connected to the connector arrangement with the body of the adjacent protective shield abutting and / or overlapping with the strike face of the protective shield at any point about the perimeter of the strike face.

The commutator has a cylindrical collector (1), disposed on a motor armature shaft, and electrical-contact means (4, 5), which during one rotation of the collector (1) touch at least two each of a plurality of commutator laminations (3) that are present on the collector (1) and thereby establish an electrical connection between the applicable commutator laminations and external current connections (21, 22). The electrical-contact means becomes especially low-wearing because the electrical-contact means comprise at least two electrically conductive cylinders (4, 5) disposed in line with one another in the axial direction of the collector (1), the longitudinal axes (6, 7) are parallel to the longitudinal axis (2) of the collector (1); and that the at least two cylinders (4, 5) are placed relative to the collector (1) in such a manner and have a diameter such that the collector (1), in its rotation, rolls over the inside faces (8) or the outside faces of the at least two cylinders (4, 5), and in the process each of the cylinders (4, 5) is touched always by only one lamination (3) of the collector (3).

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.