General Electric Company

L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics Corporation

United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

John W Devitt

Kevin George Harding

James Anthony Ruud

Alok Mani Srivastava

Holly Ann Comanzo

Anant Achyut Setlur

Bangalore Aswatha Nagaraj

Thomas E Bantel

David R Wade

Luke Nathaniel Brewer

Jeffrey J Voelker

Mark E Greiner

Tristan Van Hoorebeke

Antoinette E Weil

Melvin Robert Jackson

Lawrence Bernard Kool

Canan Uslu Hardwicke

Christopher Anthony Kaminski

Nelson R Corby, Jr

Yuk-Chiu Lau

Todd Garrett Wetzel

Konrad Roman Weeber

Anthony Sebastian Bauco

Robert Martin Roney, Jr

Vicki Herzl Watkins

Michael J Garter

Kristina Helena Valborg Hedengren

David Roy Parker

Veera Palanivelu Rajendran

Craig Alan Cantello

Vladimir Pilic

Thomas Bonner

Custodio J S Ferreira

Pratima Rangarajan

Janet S Kania

Joseph M Sparks

Eric A Anderson

Thomas R Edwards

A multi-channel imaging device is provided. The multi-channel imaging device comprises a focal plane array comprising an array of pixels configured to detect radiation in a predetermined wavelength band. Subsets of the array of pixels are arranged to define a plurality of unit cell image areas. The multi-channel imaging device also comprises a lens array comprising a plurality of lens elements configured to image a scene onto the plurality of unit cell image areas. The lens elements and the unit cell image areas define a plurality of unit cells comprising at least one lens element and at least one unit cell image area. Each of the plurality of unit cells is configured to create a complete image of the scene. Additionally, a plurality of unit cell filters corresponding to the plurality of unit cells is configured to filter radiation such that each unit cell is dedicated to an image channel is also provided.

Multi-channel imaging devices

A multi-channel imaging device is provided. The multi-channel imaging device includes a focal plane array having an array of pixels configured to detect radiation in a predetermined wavelength band. Subsets of the array of pixels are arranged to define a plurality of unit cell image areas. The multi-channel imaging device also includes a lens array having a plurality of lens elements configured to image a scene onto the plurality of unit cell image areas. The lens elements and the unit cell image areas define a plurality of unit cells having at least one lens element and at least one unit cell image area. Each of the plurality of unit cells is configured to create a complete image of the scene. Additionally, a plurality of unit cell filters corresponding to the plurality of unit cells is configured to filter radiation such that each unit cell is dedicated to an image channel is also provided.

Multi-channel imaging devices comprising unit cells

Methods and systems for detection of. One method includes receiving light of a predetermined wavelength range from a source, and splitting the received light into multiple components having differing wavelengths. The method further includes directing the components toward individual locations spaced from one another. In addition, this illustrative method includes detecting at least some of the components at the locations. One illustrative system includes a plurality of detectors provided along an image facing plane of an array, wherein each detector has a width less than or equal to that of its conesponding pixel location, wherein at least two detectors are located within a single pixel location, wherein the size of each pixel location is approximately equal to the blur spot or smallest visible spot for the focal plane array, and a plurality of light pipe regions, wherein at least two light pipe regions are located within a single pixel location.

Methods and systems for distinguishing multiple wavelengths of radiation and increasing detected signals in a detection system using micro-optic structures

A system for in situ inspection of a surface of a hot gas component of a turbine includes a robot having an elongated inspection arm extending toward the surface of the hot gas component; and an inspection head carried adjacent an end of the inspection arm remote from controls for the robot. The inspection head is manipulated by the inspection arm to locate the inspection head adjacent interior wall portions defining the hot gas component including by displacing the inspection head in a generally axial direction and generally radially toward a wall portion of the hot gas component being inspected. The inspection head is configured with a UV system to excite and detect fluorescence from a taggant material disposed in a coating on the hot gas component.

Imaging system for robotically inspecting gas turbine combustion components

An apparatus for selectively limiting undesired radiation from a scene which, in one embodiment, includes an optic that is operative to attenuate radiation by selectively losing transparency in response to radiation within a first wavelength band from a source. The loss of transparency affects the passage through the optic of radiation within a second wavelength band from that source. The optic can be positioned between a sensor and the scene such that the sensor is configured to receive radiation from the scene through the optic. In one embodiment, an optical limiter includes a plurality of such optics, wherein the optical limiter is configured to facilitate transmission of light corresponding to a scene, and wherein each optic is configured to receive a respective portion of the light corresponding to a respective portion of the scene. A light detector assembly and a method of limiting light energy are also included.

Methods and apparatuses for selectively limiting undesired radiation

A method for forming a monitoring deposit on a substrate comprises determining a temperature range to subject the substrate to provide a high temperature of operation up to less than a critical substrate deterioration temperature; selecting a binder to monitor temperature by emitting an indicator within the determined temperature range; combining the indicator and the binder; and applying the combined indicator and binder to the substrate to form the monitoring deposit. An article comprises a substrate; and a combined indicator and binder applied into the substrate, wherein the binder emits the indicator within a temperature range determined to subject the substrate to high temperature operation up to less than a critical substrate deterioration temperature. Also, a method of monitoring a gas turbine system comprise selecting a binder to monitor temperature by emitting an indicator within a temperature range determined to permit subjecting a substrate in the system to high temperature operation up to less than a critical turbine substrate deterioration temperature; combining the indicator and the binder; and applying the combined indicator and binder to the substrate to form the monitoring deposit. A system for monitoring a gas turbine engine comprises a substrate; and a combined indicator and binder applied onto the substrate, wherein the binder emits the indicator within a temperature range determined to permit subjecting the substrate to high temperature operation up to less than a critical substrate deterioration temperature.

Forming a monitoring deposit on a substrate

A system for measuring a condition of a turbine engine component comprises an assemblage of at least a film comprising an electrically conducting material disposed on a film of an electrically non-conducting material, the assemblage being disposed on a surface of the turbine engine component without removing material from the turbine engine component to compensate for thickness of at least one of the films. The electrically non-conducting material has a thermal expansion coefficient such that each of the films remains adhered to adjacent films through at least one cycle of extreme operating temperature. In addition, communication links can be provided to transmit the measurement representing the condition of the turbine engine to a remote user.

Systems and methods for determining conditions of articles and methods of making such systems

A method for determining past-service conditions and/or remaining useful life of a component of a combustion engine and/or a thermal barrier coating ('TBC') of the component comprises providing a photoluminescent ('PL') material in the TBC, directing an exciting radiation at the TBC, measuring the intensity of a characteristic peak in the emission spectrum of the PL material, and correlating the intensity of the characteristic peak or another quantity derived therefrom to an amount of a new phase that has been formed as a result of the exposure of the component to extreme temperatures. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a radiation source that provides the exciting radiation to the TBC, a radiation detector for detecting radiation emitted by the PL material, and means for relating a characteristic of the emission spectrum of the PL material to the amount of the new phase in the TBC, thereby inferring the past-service conditions or the remaining useful life of the component.

Thermal barrier coatings, components, method and apparatus for determining past-service conditions and remaining life thereof

A sensor measures temperature in stationary components of electrical machines using fiber optics. An optical fiber is embedded in a non-metallic ribbon. Notches are cut in the ribbon to effect bends that accommodate a shape of a stationary component. The ribbon and optical fiber are attached to the stationary component. A series of laser pulses can be injected from at least one end of the optical fiber, and the stationary component temperature can be monitored by interrogation of reflections from the series of laser pulses.

Measuring temperature in stationary components of electrical machines using fiber optics

A method facilitates inspection of a component surface. The method comprises positioning a surface of the component to be inspected in an optical path of at least one infrared radiation detector, heating the component surface using electromagnetic radiation to cause an increase in radiance from a defect present at the component surface, and detecting temperature variations within the component surface using the at least one infrared radiation detector, such that the surface irradiance is measured at predetermined locations across the component surface. The method further comprises detecting cracks in the component by analyzing radiation transient response data received by the infrared radiation detector, and correlating the temperature variations to the radiation transient response data to determine a depth of the detected cracks.

Methods for determining the depth of defects

A method of objectively evaluating a surface mark provides an objective test methodology for the optical quantification of surface marks. The method may include the steps of reproducibly producing a surface mark on an object and optically evaluating the surface mark. The surface mark may be reproducibly produced by loading a stylus, contacting a surface on the object with the loaded stylus and moving the object and the surface thereon relative to the loaded stylus so as to thereby produce a mark on the surface. Any surface mark is optically evaluated by optically producing images of the surface mark, electronically capturing the optically produced images and measuring selected parameters of the captured optically produced images.

Method of objectively evaluating a surface mark

An apparatus for determining past-service conditions and/or remaining useful life of a component of a combustion engine and/or a thermal barrier coating (&ldquo;TBC&rdquo;) of the component comprises a radiation source that provides the exciting radiation to the TBC to excite a photoluminescent (&ldquo;PL&rdquo;) material contained therein, a radiation detector for detecting radiation emitted by the PL material, and means for relating a characteristic of an emission spectrum of the PL material to the amount of a crystalline phase in the TBC, thereby inferring the past-service conditions or the remaining useful life of the component or the TBC.

Apparatus for determining past-service conditions and remaining life of thermal barrier coatings and components having such coatings

An inspection and sorting system for part repair includes at least one sensor for inspecting a part. The sensor is configured to obtain inspection data for the part. A comparison module is configured to receive the inspection data, to generate a repair profile for the part using the inspection data, and to compare the repair profile with a baseline to arrive at a repair recommendation for the part. A method includes inspecting a part with at least one sensor to obtain preliminary inspection data for the part. The method further includes generating a preliminary repair profile from the preliminary inspection data, comparing the preliminary repair profile with a baseline, and arriving at a repair recommendation for the part based on the comparison.

Inspection and sorting system and method for part repair

An infrared inspection system and an induction heating system used in conjunction enable the inspection of rubber coated rolls, such as rolls used in the pulp and paper industry. The system effects non-destructive inspections of rubber coated rolls to detect a debonded condition between the metal core and rubber coating. The method includes supporting a roll for inspection, evenly heating or cooling the roll, and observing a thermal transient of the roll generated by the evenly heating process. Using an infrared camera, observed areas that are not transferring heat uniformly with respect to neighboring areas are suspected debonded areas.

System and method for detecting debonding in rubber coated rolls

A method for nondestructive/noncontact detection of alpha case on a surface of a workpiece made of titanium or a titanium-based alloy. Infrared radiation is reflected off of a selected portion of the workpiece surface and sensed by a detector which may comprise a scanning infrared radiometer, an infrared camera, or a spot radiometer. The presence of any alpha case in the selected portion of the workpiece surface is detected by comparing the intensity of the reflected infrared radiation to a predetermined intensity known to be indicative of the absence of alpha case. An image of the reflected infrared radiation may be created and the step of detecting the presence of alpha case may include the step of comparing the intensity of the reflected infrared radiation within the image to the predetermined intensity. According to a preferred embodiment, a target may be disposed between the source of the infrared radiation and the workpiece surface so as to create a predetermined pattern within the image. In this embodiment, the step of detecting may further include the step of comparing the clarity of the predetermined pattern with the image created from the reflected infrared radiation from the selected portion of the workpiece surface to the clarity of the predetermined pattern within an inspection standard image known to be indicative of the absence of alpha case.

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Loveland, OH, United States of America

John W Devitt