The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 22, 2006
Filed:
Feb. 10, 2004
Robert L. Ponziani, West Chester, OH (US);
Roy Earwood, Lebanon, OH (US);
Robert L. Ponziani, West Chester, OH (US);
Roy Earwood, Lebanon, OH (US);
General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY (US);
Abstract
A system for detecting spark in an igniter for a gas turbine engine. An igniter generates a plasma, or spark, somewhat similar to an automotive spark plug. In the invention, an inductive pick-up is positioned adjacent the igniter, to detect current pulses in the igniter, to thereby infer the presence of spark. The Inventors have found that this approach is effective, despite the fact that the inductor is surrounded by grounded shielding intended to suppress rf interference, and to protect personnel from high voltages present. The shielding is intended to block the very signals which the invention detects.