Abstract:
A pitot tube (10) includes a substantially cylindrical body portion (12) and a tip portion (14) extending along a pitot tube axis (16) from the body portion (12). The tip portion (14) includes an inlet opening (20) and a radially tapering outer surface (26) extending from the body portion (12) toward the inlet opening (20). Another pitot tube (10) includes a substantially cylindrical body portion (12) and a tip portion (14) extending along a pitot tube axis (16) from the body portion. The tip portion (14) includes an inlet opening (20). One or more electrical coils (34) including one or more coil wraps (46) are located at an interior (30) of the pitot tube (10). One or more bulkeads (58) are located between a forwardmost coil wrap (46A) and a drainage feature (58) to limit travel of particles ingested into the interior (30).
Abstract:
A method for managing icing conditions on a rotary aircraft via one or more ice protection controllers. The method includes steps for receiving an icing condition signal from an icing rate sensor (125) at an ice protection controller (205), determining, in response to the icing condition signal, a de-icing signal based at least in part a liquid water content (LWC). The method further includes steps for transmitting, via a digital communication bus (350) disposed in at least part of a slip ring assembly (107; 230), the de-icing signal to a upper distributor (215) to cause the upper distributor to transmit power to one or more heating elements (220) for a respective rotor blade.
Abstract:
An example apparatus (600) includes a non-certified computing platform (102; 302; 400; 602), a certified computing platform (102; 302; 400; 604) and a user interface (404). The non-certified computing platform (102; 302; 400; 602) includes first hardware (606) and is configured to host non-certified software. The certified computing platform (102; 302; 400; 604) is separate and distinct from the non-certified computing platform (102; 302; 400; 602), and it includes second hardware (616) and is configured to host certified software in a partitioned environment. The user interface (404) is coupled to both platforms and includes a display (416; 628) coupled to both the first hardware (606) and second hardware (616) via a controllable switch (630). According to this example, the non-certified computing platform (102; 302; 400; 602) and certified computing platform (102; 302; 400; 604) are configured to host the non-certified software and certified software such that both are capable of operating concurrently.
Abstract:
In an icing condition detection system, a circuit provides an output representing impending icing conditions as a function of power consumption of a single element detector. A thermal isolation pedestal includes a detector support end that supports the single element detector and an opposite strut mounting end. A thermal isolation controller controls a thermal isolation pedestal temperature to thermally isolate the single element detector from a strut mounting end.
Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting icing conditions on an aircraft. The apparatus including a laser system configured and operative to generate a light signal and direct the light signal into a cloud and a lens component configured and operative to collect echo signals from a cloud caused by the light signal directed into the cloud by the laser system. The apparatus further includes a beam splitter component configured and operative to redirect signals received and passing through the lens component into at least first and second paths. Further provided is a supercooled large droplet (SLD) detector positioned to receive the redirected signals from the beam splitter. The SLD includes a first signal detector component configured and operative to perform a first color measurement on the first redirected signal; and a second signal detector component configured and operative to perform a second color measurement on the second redirected signal wherein the SLD detector is configured and operative to use the first and second color measurements to determine liquid water content and droplet diameter distribution for the cloud in which the light signal was directed into by the laser system.
Abstract:
A system for determining in-plane acceleration of an object. The system includes an in-plane accelerometer with a substrate rigidly attached to an object, and a proof mass-formed from a single piece of material-movably positioned a predetermined distance above the substrate. The proof mass includes a plurality of electrode protrusions extending downward from the proof mass to form a gap of varying height between the proof mass and the substrate. The proof mass is configured to move in a direction parallel to the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of substrate electrodes when the object is accelerating, which results in a change in the area of the gap, and a change in capacitance between the substrate and the proof mass. The in-plane accelerometer can be fabricated using the same techniques used to fabricate an out-of-plane accelerometer and is suitable for high-shock applications.
Abstract:
A sensor (100) includes a clevis insert (108) for reception within a first bore (106) of a clevis (102). The clevis insert (108) is configured to accommodate a latch pin (104). A strain sensing element (112) is operatively associated with the clevis insert (108) for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the clevis insert (108) when a force acts on the clevis insert (108) through the pin (104). The invention also provides a method of retrofitting a cowl latch assembly.
Abstract:
A temperature measurement system comprises a) a temperature sensor adapted and configured to measure a temperature of a body and b) means for biasing the temperature sensor in the direction of the body In response to heat exchange with the body, wherein the means for biasing includes a bimetallic member adapted and configured to extend from a first position in the absence of the thermal energy source to a second position when In the presence of the thermal energy source, and wherein the bimetallic member includes multiple bimetallic strips attached to each other end to end in an accordion configuration.