Roy D Earwood

US Patent:

7093421, Aug 22, 2006

Filed:

Feb 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/775846

Inventors:

Robert L. Ponziani - West Chester OH, US
Roy Earwood - Lebanon OH, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H01T 13/00
F02C 7/266

US Classification:

60 39827, 123169 E, 123169 EI, 313140

Abstract:

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 auxiliary electrode is provided, which is embedded in and covered by a solid insulator. During initial phases of operation, no part of the plasma generated contacts the auxiliary electrode. However, eventually, the covering insulation is eroded by the plasma, and the auxiliary electrode becomes exposed and available as a return path for the plasma. The igniter is constructed so that, when this erosion occurs, the lifetime of the igniter is near its end. Detection of this erosion, as by detecting the new current in the auxiliary ground electrode, indicates the approaching end-of-lifetime.

US Patent:

7093422, Aug 22, 2006

Filed:

Feb 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/775847

Inventors:

Robert L. Ponziani - West Chester OH, US
Roy Earwood - Lebanon OH, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

F02C 7/226
F02P 17/12

US Classification:

60 39827, 123169 E, 313118

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.

US Patent:

7188466, Mar 13, 2007

Filed:

Feb 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/775876

Inventors:

Robert L. Ponziani - West Chester OH, US
Roy Earwood - Lebanon OH, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

F02C 7/226
F02P 17/12

US Classification:

60 39827, 123169 E, 313118

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 signal produced is small, and requires amplification. However, the environment is hot, often exceeding 400 degrees F. The invention utilizes an amplifier composed of passive components, in the form of an RLC circuit.

US Patent:

7242195, Jul 10, 2007

Filed:

Feb 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/775851

Inventors:

Robert L. Ponziani - West Chester OH, US
Roy Earwood - Lebanon OH, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

F02P 17/00
G01R 31/00

US Classification:

324399, 324402, 324502

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 pick-up can take the form of a coil embedded in a mounting bracket which is used to fasten the igniter to the engine.

US Patent:

7375531, May 20, 2008

Filed:

Feb 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/775864

Inventors:

Robert Louis Ponziani - West Chester OH, US
Roy Dale Earwood - Lebanon OH, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

F02P 17/00
G01R 31/00

US Classification:

324399, 324388, 324502

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. A detection system detects the spark, and informs the pilot of the aircraft of the detected spark. Thus, if the pilot encounters a problem in starting the engine, the pilot can rapidly determine whether the igniter is involved in the problem.

US Patent:

20050174121, Aug 11, 2005

Filed:

Feb 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/775887

Inventors:

Robert Ponziani - West Chester OH, US
Roy Earwood - Lebanon OH, US

International Classification:

F02P017/00
G01R031/08

US Classification:

324402000, 324522000

Abstract:

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 used to detect current which produces the spark, the thereby infer the presence of spark. Further, the sensor is located directly adjacent the igniter, in a hot environment, often exceeding 400 F.