Westinghouse Electric

About: Westinghouse Electric is a company organization based out in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Brake & Signal. The organization has 27959 authors who have published 38036 publications receiving 523387 citations.

Multiple coil eddy current probe and method of flaw detection

Abstract: An improved eddy current probe system and method for simultaneously detecting different types of flaws at different depths within a metallic wall, such as a section of Inconel tubing, is disclosed herein. The system comprises a current generator for generating alternating currents of substantially different frequencies, a probe head including first, second and third concentrically arranged coils in separate communication with the current generator, shielding material disposed between the coils for preventing cross talk between each coil and the pulsating magnetic field of the coils adjacent to it, and a detector circuit which may include an inductive bridge for providing an electrical output representative of the impedance changes in the respective coils. In operation, each of the coils conduct currents having substantially different frequencies, the highest frequency being conducted by the smallest-diametered coil and the lowest frequency being conducted by the largest-diametered coil. The different levels of magnetic field penetration provided by the coils as it is helically moved around the inside surface of a section on Inconel tubing not only allows the probe system to detect diverse kinds of flaws such as cracks, pits, or regions of thinning, but also flaws located at different depths throughout the tube wall. In the method of the invention, a computer is used to adjust the frequencies of the alternating currents conducted through the coils during the scanning operation in order to maximize the impedance changes in each coil, thereby maximizing the resolution of the probe system.

Microminiature ganged threshold accelerometers compatible with integrated circuit technology

Abstract: The device described permits threshold acceleration detection in a wide range from a few ten's of g's up to maybe 100 000 g's. It is a threshold sensing device with an extremely high on-to-off resistance ratio. The device consists of a flexible metal beam and an associated contact pad, which is activated by the force of the beam's inertial mass when being accelerated in a direction normal to the contact plane. The mechanical and electrical operation of the accelerometer is analyzed and expressions are given for the relationship between beam deflection, acceleration detection level, and various required beam dimensions. A batch fabrication procedure is demonstrated and acceleration test results up to 8000 g's are reported for multiple ganged accelerometers.

Comparison Tests of Fourteen Distribution load Forecasting Methods

Abstract: Fourteen methods of forecasting future distribution system loads are tested in a uniform comparison of forecast accuracy, data needs, and resources.Concentration is on comparison of techniques compatible with modern computer and distribution engineering systems Evaluation is based on usefulness as a planning tool, forecast accuracy, and cost of application. Results are generalized as to applicable situations as a function of utility size and growth rate.

Turbine rotor blade cooling and sealing system

Abstract: An assembly for sealing the root portions of gas turbine rotor blades of the side entry type into a rotor. The assembly also provides cooling for the blades. A radially directed three-sided channel disposed on the upstream side of the rotor near its periphery forces cooling fluid radially outward to a chamber beneath each blade root. The rotor, when rotating, causes the channel to act as a pump due to centrifugal force imparted to the cooling fluid. The coolant fluid is forced out the channel and into the chamber, then the coolant fluid is discharged radially through the blade root. A chamber sealing plate prevents axial leakage of the coolant past the downstream side of the blade root. The chamber sealing plate is fitted into a groove on the periphery of the rotor radially inwardly of and near the downstream end of the blade root. The sealing plate is notched, and interlocks with a corresponding tab in the downstream base of the blade root, which prevents the seal plates from moving circumferentially during turbine operation. The seal plate is further restrained axially by contact with an exhaust sealing and locking plate that is mounted in another peripheral groove downstream of the chamber sealing plate. The exhaust plate seals the downstream side of the blade entry channels, and locks the blades into the rotor.

Selectable grade and uniform net shoe force braking for railway freight vehicle

Abstract: A railway freight brake method and apparatus for operating vehicles in a freight train having a locomotive and a number of railway freight vehicles wherein the individual railway freight vehicles can be controlled in a grade descending mode. When desired, such as when the locomotive transmits a grade mode signal to the individual vehicles, the individual vehicles can brake to produce a generally uniform net shoe force on the wheels of the vehicles. The generally uniform net shoe force can be limited on each vehicle to a value or ratio, such as a percentage of net braking ratio of the given vehicle. On-board calculations can be done in a microprocessor to calculate the vehicle brake cylinder pressure corresponding to the desired net shoe force. This calculation can be done using car parameters stored on-board the vehicle.