Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a discrete input circuit comprising: a switch, a capacitor coupled to the switch, a first resistor connected in series with the capacitor and coupled to a power supply, and a second resistor coupled to the power supply and the switch, wherein a value of the capacitor, a value of the first resistor, and a value of the second resistor are selected to provide a wetting current from the power supply to the switch when the switch is closed in order to clean contacts associated with the switch.

Abstract: A system comprises a package with top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of high-power transient voltage suppressors arranged within the package, and a robust lead frame. Each of the transient voltage suppressors has first and second major surfaces substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the package. The lead frame comprises leads connected to the major surfaces of the transient voltage suppressors. Each of the leads has a thickness greater than about 0.015 inches (or 0.381 mm) in a mounting portion, in order to dissipate heat from the transient voltage suppressors and to resist vibration-induced stress on the package.

Abstract: A method of monitoring operation of a fuel system includes urging a fuel flow from a fuel source toward a pressure regulating valve via a fuel pump. A pressure of the fuel flow is detected at the pressure regulating valve, and a pump speed required to produce a selected pressure at the pressure regulating valve is detected. The pump speed is compared to a range of acceptable pump speeds, and an operational status of the fuel pump is determined based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A power generator, such as a permanent magnet alternator (“PMA”) or a permanent magnet generator (“PMG”), may be used to provide electric power to a deicing system, for example. The power generator is embedded within a spinner, and may be in communication with a locally mounted electronic control unit (“ECU”).

Abstract: A variable vane control system for use with a gas turbine engine includes an actuator, a mechanical linkage assembly, and a vane position sensor. The gas turbine engine has a plurality of variable vanes each having an airfoil disposed in a gas flow path of the gas turbine engine. The plurality of variable vanes includes a first variable vane. The mechanical linkage assembly operably connects the actuator to at least the first variable vane. The vane position sensor is connected to one of the first variable vane or a portion of the mechanical linkage assembly proximate the first variable vane for sensing angular position of the first variable vane.

Abstract: A method of monitoring operation of a fuel system includes urging a fuel flow from a fuel source toward a pressure regulating valve via a fuel pump. A pressure of the fuel flow is detected at the pressure regulating valve, and a pump speed required to produce a selected pressure at the pressure regulating valve is detected. The pump speed is compared to a range of acceptable pump speeds, and an operational status of the fuel pump is determined based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A distributed electronic engine control system includes an airframe module, an electronic engine control module, and an engine I/O module. The modules are arranged in locations remote from one another. A serial communications bus interconnects the modules with one another. A first engine controls device is connected to the engine I/O module and is configured to interact with an engine component and provide a first data. The engine I/O module includes inner loop control logic that uses the first data and produces a second data in response thereto. The electronic engine control module includes an outer loop control logic using the second data and produces a third data in response thereto. The airframe module receives power and distributes the power to the electronic engine control and engine I/O modules. The first, second and third data are provided on the serial communications bus.

Abstract: A dual-pump fuel system for use with a gas turbine engine comprises a fuel metering system, a mechanical fuel pump, an electric fuel pump and an engine controller. The fuel metering system is configured to dispense fuel flow to the engine based on operational needs of the gas turbine engine. The mechanical fuel pump is configured to deliver fuel to the metering system dependent on operational speeds of the engine. The electric fuel pump is configured to deliver fuel directly to the engine independent of operation of the engine. The engine controller is connected to the metering system and the electric fuel pump and is configured to cause the electric fuel pump to deliver fuel to the engine to start and operate the engine until the engine operates the mechanical fuel pump to deliver fuel to the metering system sufficient to sustain operation of the engine.

Abstract: A starter for an auxiliary power unit includes a direct current motor operably connectable to an auxiliary power unit. A clutch is arranged in an electrically parallel relationship and configured to operably connect the motor to the auxiliary power unit when engaged, the motor and the clutch powered by a common input line. A time delay switching element is located and configured to delay power delivery to the direct current motor thus providing for full engagement of the clutch prior to initiation of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A system comprises a package with top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of high-power transient voltage suppressors arranged within the package, and a robust lead frame. Each of the transient voltage suppressors has first and second major surfaces substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the package. The lead frame comprises leads connected to the major surfaces of the transient voltage suppressors. Each of the leads has a thickness greater than about 0.015 inches (or 0.381 mm) in a mounting portion, in order to dissipate heat from the transient voltage suppressors and to resist vibration-induced stress on the package.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a fuel supply system for a turbine engine, the fuel supply system comprising a fuel pump and a pressure regulation valve configured to receive fuel from an outlet of the fuel pump includes determining by a bypass monitor an amount of bypass flow in a bypass path located between the pressure regulation valve and an inlet of the fuel pump; determining an amount of leakage flow in the fuel supply system by the bypass monitor based on the bypass flow; and determining whether the leakage flow exceeds a predetermined threshold by the bypass monitor, and in the event the leakage flow exceeds the predetermined threshold, indicating a need for maintenance of the fuel supply system.

Abstract: A power generator, such as a permanent magnet alternator (“PMA”) or a permanent magnet generator (“PMG”), may be used to provide electric power to a deicing system, for example. The power generator is embedded within a spinner, and may be in communication with a locally mounted electronic control unit (“ECU”).

Abstract: An engine mountable gearbox is provided and includes a body formed to define a plurality of connection points at which a main engine generator and one or more accessories are mounted, a first transmission disposed within the body at the connection point of the main engine generator to run the main engine generator at a controlled constant speed at varying speeds of the engine rotation and a second transmission disposed within the body at least at one of the connection points of the one or more accessories to run the one of the one or more of the accessories at a controlled constant speed at varying speeds of the engine rotation.

Abstract: A starter for an auxiliary power unit includes a direct current motor operably connectable to an auxiliary power unit. A clutch is arranged in an electrically parallel relationship and configured to operably connect the motor to the auxiliary power unit when engaged, the motor and the clutch powered by a common input line. A time delay switching element is located and configured to delay power delivery to the direct current motor thus providing for full engagement of the clutch prior to initiation of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A starter for an auxiliary power unit includes a direct current motor operably connectable to an auxiliary power unit. A clutch is arranged in an electrically parallel relationship and configured to operably connect the motor to the auxiliary power unit when engaged, the motor and the clutch powered by a common input line. A time delay switching element is located and configured to delay power delivery to the direct current motor thus providing for full engagement of the clutch prior to initiation of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: An assembly has an electrical control including electrical connectors and electric circuits. The electric circuits are programmed to control an aircraft engine. The electrical control is attached to a cooling plate, which includes internal fluid passages for circulating a cooling fluid, and providing cooling to the electrical control. In a separate feature, an electric element is mounted to a cooling plate that is in turn mounted to an outer housing of an engine.

Abstract: A dual-pump fuel system for use with a gas turbine engine comprises a fuel metering system, a mechanical fuel pump, an electric fuel pump and an engine controller. The fuel metering system is configured to dispense fuel flow to the engine based on operational needs of the gas turbine engine. The mechanical fuel pump is configured to deliver fuel to the metering system dependent on operational speeds of the engine. The electric fuel pump is configured to deliver fuel directly to the engine independent of operation of the engine. The engine controller is connected to the metering system and the electric fuel pump and is configured to cause the electric fuel pump to deliver fuel to the engine to start and operate the engine until the engine operates the mechanical fuel pump to deliver fuel to the metering system sufficient to sustain operation of the engine.

Abstract: A distributed electronic engine control system includes an airframe module, an electronic engine control module, and an engine I/O module. The modules are arranged in locations remote from one another. A serial communications bus interconnects the modules with one another. A first engine controls device is connected to the engine I/O module and is configured to interact with an engine component and provide a first data. The engine I/O module includes inner loop control logic that uses the first data and produces a second data in response thereto. The electronic engine control module includes an outer loop control logic using the second data and produces a third data in response thereto. The airframe module receives power and distributes the power to the electronic engine control and engine I/O modules. The first, second and third data are provided on the serial communications bus.

Abstract: An example reconfigurable vehicle monitoring arrangement includes a housing securable relative to a vehicle, a communication base at least partially disposed within the housing, and a universal connector assembly configured to selectively operatively connect the communication base with a plurality of different modules. At least one of the modules is configured to communicate data gathered from a plurality of vehicle data sources to the communication base.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interface provides device-specific processing through software rather than hardware. The reconfigurable interface that samples an output from at least one device and converts it to a digital signal. The digital signal can then be processed in any desired manner, such as to extract intelligence or condition the signal. The conversion and the processing are controlled by data in a configuration table, which are easily modified and reconfigured to accommodate different systems and devices. The same reconfigurable interface can be used for any type of device and the devices do not require customized hardware interfaces to communicate with a signal processor.