Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the presence of water or ice on a structure, for example on the surface of an aircraft. A plurality of heaters (202-214) are thermally coupled to a structure (for example on the back of a wing) (104) in order to detect the presence of water or ice on the structure. The heaters are arranged adjacent one another from a GC region of a leading edge (106) of the structure (that is exposable to an impinging airflow) and extending aft of the leading edge of the structure. The heaters, which may be controlled individually, are supplied power that is sufficient to heat the surface of the structure to substantially the same temperature. A controller senses the power required for the heaters to achieve the same surface temperature at the respective regions.

Abstract: We describe an ice protection system used for removing ice and/or other accretions from a structure. An actuator, coupled to a structure, is driven to generate vibrations in the structure. A controller drives the actuator using a signal that comprises a frequency chirp over a first period of time, and the controller controls the frequency chirp and the first period such that vibrations generated in the structure by the actuator propagate through the structure to coincide at a desired area of the structure remote from the actuator to remove ice and/or other accretions from the desired area of the structure.

Abstract: We describe an ice protection system used for removing ice and/or other accretions from a structure. An actuator, coupled to a structure, is driven to generate vibrations in the structure. A controller drives the actuator using a signal that comprises a frequency chirp over a first period of time, and the controller controls the frequency chirp and the first period such that vibrations generated in the structure by the actuator propagate through the structure to coincide at a desired area of the structure remote from the actuator to remove ice and/or other accretions from the desired area of the structure.

Abstract: A flexible hose comprising: a flexible conduit for carrying a pressurized fluid; a flexible inner support for supporting the conduit; and a compression layer surrounding the flexible conduit.

Abstract: A circuit for simulating a capacitance fuel probe, the circuit comprising: an input for receiving an alternating current (AC) excitation signal; an output for outputting an output signal representing a capacitance of the simulated fuel probe; a single reference capacitance; a first amplifier connected to the reference capacitance, the first amplifier being configured to cause a current flow through the reference capacitance; a second, variable gain, amplifier, the second, variable gain amplifier being configured to output an AC signal representing a multiple of the current flow through the reference capacitance, wherein the AC signal output by the second amplifier is used to generate the output signal.

Abstract: A filter for use with a brushless DC motor to filter a signal received from a floating terminal of the brushless DC motor, wherein the filter is configured such that a time delay introduced by the filter to the signal received from the floating terminal is equal to the time taken for a rotor of the motor to rotate through an angle equal to half of a commutation step of the motor.

Abstract: A mechanical link includes a carrier for supporting a conductor within a mechanical link. The mechanical link may include a first arm and a second arm, the second arm being arranged for movement with respect to the first arm, and a flexible helical carrier for supporting a conductor, wherein the flexible helical carrier is received within the first and second arms. The carrier may be, or may include a generally helical member of a flexible material, the generally helical member comprising a continuous support portion having on both sides thereof upstanding wall portions.

Abstract: A mechanical link (100, FIG. 5), the mechanical link comprising a first arm (120), a second arm (140) and an interconnection member (160), wherein: the first arm is rotatable about a first axis of the interconnection member; the second arm is rotatable about a second axis of the interconnection member, the second axis being orthogonal to the first axis; and wherein: a flexible member (400) extends along the first and second arms and is adapted to accommodate rotation of the arms about the first and second axes, the flexible member having a single coiled portion (440) which is received within the interconnection member such that the coiled portion can coil and uncoil to accommodate rotation of the first arm, wherein the coiled portion is further configured to twist about an axis of the flexible member to accommodate rotation of the second arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the presence of water or ice on a structure, for example on the surface of an aircraft. One or more separate heaters are thermally coupled to a structure (for example on the back of wing leading edge skins). A controller applies power to the heaters to heat the different regions of the surface of the structure. The controller detects the presence of water or ice by comparing the power required to achieve the desired surface temperature, and a reference power, where the reference power is the power required to heat the surface of the structure to the same temperature if the structure were in a dry air environment (i.e. an environment devoid of water). If the power consumed by the heater is greater than the reference power, the presence of water or ice is inferred.

Abstract: A proximity sensor core for a proximity sensor is provided. The core has a head portion extending across a width of the sheet of material and the head has a first length. First and second leg portions extend for a second length from the same edge of the head portion. Each of the first and second leg portions extend across a portion of the width of the head portion. First and second foot portions extend for a third length from the respective first and second leg portions. The first and second foot portions have the same width as the respective leg portions. The core has a first bend between each of the first and second foot portions and the respective first and second leg portions so that the first and second foot portions extend generally perpendicular to the respective first and second leg portions.

Abstract: A filter for use with a brushless DC motor to filter a signal received from a floating terminal of the brushless DC motor, wherein the filter is configured such that a time delay introduced by the filter to the signal received from the floating terminal is equal to the time taken for a rotor of the motor to rotate through an angle equal to half of a commutation step of the motor.

Abstract: A circuit for simulating a capacitance fuel probe, the circuit comprising: an input for receiving an alternating current (AC) excitation signal; an output for outputting an output signal representing a capacitance of the simulated fuel probe; a single reference capacitance; a first amplifier connected to the reference capacitance, the first amplifier being configured to cause a current flow through the reference capacitance; a second, variable gain, amplifier, the second, variable gain amplifier being configured to output an AC signal representing a multiple of the current flow through the reference capacitance, wherein the AC signal output by the second amplifier is used to generate the output signal.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to proximity sensor monitors and proximity monitor systems incorporating proximity sensor monitors. A proximity sensor monitor measures the impedance or other electrical characteristics of a proximity sensor component to determine the presence of a target. The proximity sensor monitor performs this measurement independently of a separate proximity sensor. The proximity sensor monitor is configured to compensate for differences between the measurement frequency of the proximity sensor monitor and the driving frequency of the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A link assembly has a pair of mechanical links pivotally connected to rotate relative to one another about a pivot axis. A cable protector is provided as part of the link assembly. The cable protector has a cup with an end wall which defines a first end of a winding chamber, and an annular side wall which extends from the end wall and defines a side of the winding chamber. A lid defines a second end of the winding chamber opposite to the first end. The lid is coupled to the cup by a bearing so that the cup and lid can rotate with respect to each other. An opening is formed in the side wall of the cup and a slot is formed in the lid. The assembly is fitted with a cable having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the width of the cable is greater than its thickness.

Abstract: A system for transmission of data and electrical power comprising: a plurality of independent power sources, each one of the plurality of independent power sources being connected to a respective one of a plurality of electrical power lines; and a modulator configured to modulate a carrier signal with a data signal received at an input of the modulator so as to generate a modulated carrier signal at an output thereof, wherein the output of the modulator is coupled to each of the plurality of electrical power lines, to permit transmission of the modulated carrier signal over the plurality of electrical power lines, such that the plurality of electrical power lines form a data network while maintaining electrical isolation between each of the plurality of electrical power lines.

Abstract: An ice detection system, in particular a method, apparatus and controller for detecting icing conditions and the presence of ice formed on a structure. Also, a method, apparatus and controller to detect the prevailing environmental conditions to determine whether or not ice may form on a structure. Two heaters of an ice protection system (experiencing substantially the same environmental conditions) are driven to different temperatures (the first greater than or equal to 0° C., and the second less than 0° C.). A difference in the powers required to drive the two heaters indicates the prevailing environmental conditions. In another embodiment, a heater of an ice protection system is driven and the rate of change of surface temperature is measured over several periods. A substantial deviation from a rate of change of surface temperature, which indicates the presence of ice on the surface of the structure, is detected.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of acoustic sensors (acoustically coupled to a structure for monitoring) is connected to a network bus system via a preamplifier for capturing, processing and reporting acoustic events in a structure, for example aircraft structures. Each of the preamplifiers processes the acoustic event signals received from the sensors when an acoustic emission resulting from an acoustic event (defect in a structure, impact on the structure etc), and passes digital processed signal data relating to the detected acoustic event to a Remote Data Concentrator over the network for collation. The collated data is then stored and/or further processed (at a later time or in near real-time) to determine the source and/or location of detected acoustic emissions in the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the presence of water or ice on a structure, for example on the surface of an aircraft. One or more separate heaters are thermally coupled to a structure (for example on the back of wing leading edge skins). A controller applies power to the heaters to heat the different regions of the surface of the structure. The controller detects the presence of water or ice by comparing the power required to achieve the desired surface temperature, and a reference power, where the reference power is the power required to heat the surface of the structure to the same temperature if the structure were in a dry air environment (i.e. an environment devoid of water). If the power consumed by the heater is greater than the reference power, the presence of water or ice is inferred.

Abstract: A linkage guides a flexible cable between two structures. The linkage includes a proximal arm with a proximal pivot joint for coupling the proximal arm to a first one of the two structures; and a distal arm which is coupled to the proximal arm by one or more intermediate pivot joints. The distal arm is shaped to follow a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length. Shaping the distal arm to form a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length enables the distal arm to pass through a relatively small aperture as the linkage is adjusted between its retracted and extended positions. It also enables the proximal arm to move in a locus of movement which does not interfere with other system components. The linkage can be used to guide a flexible cable between any two structures, for instance a fixed aircraft wing and a slat.