Inventors:
Daniel E. Gebhart - East Peoria IL
Edward G. Meints - Peoria IL
Brace C. Smith - Peoria IL
Assignee:
Caterpillar Tractor Co. - Peoria IL
International Classification:
F01B 2526
F01D 1712
Abstract:
The invention is concerned with an improvement in a movable vane assembly of the type used in a gas turbine engine or compressor for interaction with a gas stream. Most particularly, the invention is an improved temperature independent means for indicating the rotational position of a plurality of radially aligned vanes circumferentially arranged in an annular passage formed by a housing, said vanes being supported for rotation about their radial axes to vary the effective cross-sectional area of said annular passage, a plurality of rotatable gear means connected for rotation with said plurality of aligned vanes, a ring gear having teeth means adapted for simultaneous engagement with teeth means of said plurality of rotatable gear means such that rotation of said ring gear causes rotation of said plurality of vanes, actuating means including first and second link means connected at first and second diametrically opposed points on said ring gear, and motor means for simultaneously actuating said first and second link means to rotate said ring gear. The improved temperature independent means of the present invention comprises a potentiometer having a body and a stem rotatable with respect to the body with the resistance of the potentiometer being a function of the relative rotation between the body and the stem. Means are provided mounting the body to rotate a first distance in a first direction responsive to a first change in size of the first link means.