Oxford University Innovation Limited

Jonathan Shamus Sullivan

Kamaljit Singh Chana

The invention relates to detecting a composition of a sample or contamination in liquids by detecting corresponding changes in their thermal properties. In a disclosed arrangement, an apparatus is provided comprising a first probe element configured to provide a first surface in direct contact with the sample and a second surface that is not in direct contact with the sample. A measurement system measures a rate of heat transfer through the first surface. A processing unit analyses the measured rate of heat transfer in order to detect a heat transfer characteristic of the sample that is indicative of a composition of the sample.

Detecting composition of a sample based on thermal properties

Apparatus and methods for reactance measurements are disclosed. The apparatus and methods are particularly suitable for eddy current proximity sensors in turbo-machine assemblies. In one arrangement, there is provided an apparatus comprising a circuit for receiving a sensing component of a sensor. The circuit has a unit having fixed reactance. An electrical source is provided for driving an alternating current through the circuit. An analysis unit measures the phase of a signal in the circuit that is dependent on the reactance of the sensing component. A measure of the reactance of the sensing component is output based on the measured phase.

Reactance measurement

Methods and apparatus for measuring the position of an object relative to a reference are disclosed. In an arrangement, a pressurized fluid is used to drive rotation of a cylinder around a piston and to bias the cylinder longitudinally. Ducts are provided in the cylinder and arranged so at to provide pulses of the fluid out of the cylinder through a reading port, the pulses being such as to uniquely identify the position of the cylinder relative to the piston and thereby of the object relative to the reference.

Fluid driven position sensor

The invention relates generating timing signals registering the passage of a component past a sensor. The invention relates particularly to the generation of timing signals in real time for health monitoring of a mechanical system, for example for detecting excessive distortion or vibration of rotor blades in a turbine. In a disclosed arrangement, a method is provided in which a the sensor is configured to output a signal that is dependent on a separation between a component and the sensor, and the method comprises: performing a first passage event integral of an output from the sensor over at least a portion of a first passage event of a reference component past the sensor; performing a second passage event integral of an output from the sensor over at least a portion of a second passage event of a component to be measured past the sensor, the second passage event occurring after the first passage event; and generating a timing signal when the second passage event integral is equal to a predetermined fraction of the first passage event integral. By integrating the signal, short noise pulses will not cause timing errors. Optionally, only a part of the received signal will be integrated, e.g. portions of the signal which are above the average value of the signal in a preceding period of time.

Growing community of inventors

Fleet, United Kingdom

Jonathan Shamus Sullivan