Abstract: In an aircraft, there is included a Flight Management System (FMS), Autopilot and Autothrottle for controlling the aircraft. The apparatus has a plurality of outputs for definition of the real-time targets, controlled by the Autopilot and Autothrottle, to guide the vertical position of the aircraft to a desired vertical position along the desired vertical flightplan (or profile) according to a set of operational procedures. The FMS includes an apparatus that comprises an element which provides information denoting actual vertical position of the aircraft, and an element which generates information specifying the desired vertical position of the aircraft along the predetermined desired flightplan.

Abstract: When an interlock trip condition occurs, a back tracing of interlock logic occurs by examining input signals to an output gate of the interlock logic to determine which input signal caused the interlock trip condition. If the input signal is a predetermined interlock condition, that signal is deemed to be the cause of the interlock trip, saved and displayed. If the input signal is the output of another gate, then the inputs to that gate are examined to determine which input signal caused that gate to switch state. This process is repeated until a predetermined interlock condition is found which has switched state. By knowing the structure of the interlock logic and knowing the state of logic signals outputted from the interlock logic, the determination is made and saved such that even if the predetermined interlock condition that caused the interlock trip subsequently changes state as a result of placing the device in a safe state, the cause of the interlock trip is ascertained and saved by this method.

Abstract: A computer system, having external peripherals, includes an operating system and application packages residing therein. Data exchange logic permits an outside application package (generated by a third party to perform a predefined application function in a general purpose computer environment) to be integrated into the computer system. A data file containing information for making the necessary data available to the outside application package in the computer system is generated off-line. When the outside application package is executing in the computer system and it is desired to obtain the necessary data, a first package is accessed. The first package utilizes information contained in the data file to generate commands to obtain the necessary data. Information of the data file includes source information of the necessary data internal to or external to the computer system. If, however it is desired to output results of the predefined application function, a second package is accessed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributed fuel system, wherein a plurality of fuel tanks used for storing fuel are distributed in different locations.The fuel tanks are connected to each other via a manifold which permits fuel to flow therein. The distributed fuel system includes a plurality of control components interposed at predetermined points of the manifold to permit or restrict the flow of the fuel contained in the manifold in response to control signals. A method for distributing the fuel between the fuel tanks to achieve predetermined levels in each of the fuel tanks comprises the steps of determining the status and condition of the fuel system. The functions to be performed are then selected. Based on the system status and the functions to be performed, the configuration of the control elements is selected to perform the functions to be performed.

Abstract: The apparatus detects a difference of frequency between a first signal having a first frequency and a second signal having a second frequency, the first and second signals being digital signals. A phase shifter shifts the first signal such that the first signal and the shifted first signal are sufficiently out of phase to keep the rising and falling edges of the two signals from occurring at the same time thereby avoiding subsequent simultaneous triggering conditions and jitter conditions between the first and second signal. A first gate samples the second signal by the shifted first signal to output a first sampled signal. A second gate samples the second signal by the first signal to output a second sampled signal. A sample gate samples the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal to generate a difference signal, the difference signal containing a difference value of the frequency difference between the first and second signal.

Abstract: In a computer system having fault recoverable capability, there is included a first and second data processing unit (DPU), wherein each of the first and second DPU is executing the same task essentially in parallel. Each DPU comprises a processor, a memory and a protected memory. The protected memory stores system data, such that the system data stored in the protected memory is immune from transient conditions. Also included is a monitor, which is operatively connected to the monitor of the other DPU. The monitor detects the occurrence of an upset to reinitialize the DPU, the DPU being reinitialized to a condition just prior to the occurrence of the upset thus avoiding utilization of any potentially erroneous data, and thereby permitting the DPU to return to its normal processing with valid data.

Abstract: A multi-layered printed wiring board for high frequency application includes a first board of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) having a metallic sheet on each side. The first side is etched to form high frequency circuity using micro-strip technology and the second side being a metallic sheet forming the ground plane. Laminated to the ground plane of the first board is a fiberglass board of thickness, A. Further, laminated to the fiberglass board is a second board of fiberglass having a thickness, A. The second board also has metallic sheets on both side, the side being laminated to the fiberglass board being etched to form strips, prior to being laminated, forming signal and transmission lines utilizing strip-line technology. Vias are formed to interconnect predetermined metallic layers.

Abstract: In an aircraft having an aircraft tracking system (ATS), the aircraft being a monitoring aircraft, the monitoring aircraft interrogates target aircraft in the vicinity of the monitoring aircraft in order to determine potentially dangerous situations. The target aircraft responds to the interrogations with parameter information which includes identification (ID). A method of interrogating the target aircraft comprises the steps of receiving unsolicited signals from the target aircraft in the vicinity of the monitoring aircraft. The received unsolicited signals are received by the monitoring aircraft at a first power level. Based on the first power level of the received unsolicited signals, the monitoring aircraft interrogates the target aircraft with a first interrogation signal.

Abstract: The method allocates a demanded amount of power to a plurality of power output apparatus, each power output apparatus having a cost curve associated therewith, such that each of the power output apparatus supplies a portion of the demanded power, and the total power outputted from the plurality of power output apparatus being optimally cost efficient. Data is entered for each of the power output apparatus into a controller. Solutions are generated for all possible output power demands using an optimization by parts technique within output power bounds of each of the power output apparatus. The solutions indicate the portion of power each power output apparatus is to supply to provide the total power demanded at the optimal cost efficient. The solutions are stored in tables within a storage unit of the controller. Upon receipt of a demand for power, a search is performed of the solution tables to obtain the amount of power each power output apparatus is to supply to meet the demand.

Abstract: In an aircraft which has a tracking system, the aircraft interrogates all target aircraft in the vicinity of the aircraft in order to determine potentially dangerous situations. The interrogation has a predetermined interrogation sequence which includes interrogation pulses and suppression pulses. The target aircraft respond to the interrogation with predetermined parameter information, the target aircraft sometimes responding to the suppression pulses of the interrogation resulting in an indication of false tracks to the monitoring aircraft. A method is implemented which reduces the false tracks resulting from replies to the suppression pulses. The method comprises the steps of forming tracks on responses to the interrogations wherein the responses meet a first set of predetermined criteria. The formed tracks are then identified as suppression pulse tracks or non-suppression pulse tracks in accordance with a second set of predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Data bases of a first and second input output processor (IOP), which are primary and secondary slave IOPs, respectively, are synchronized, and communications by a master controller is made only to the first IOP. Each IOP is executing the same tasks utilizing their own clocking systems. A method for periodically verifying that the first and second data base remain synchronized comprises the steps of sending a sync-verify type message to the first IOP. The second IOP eavesdrops on the communications, and when the second IOP recognizes that the message is addressed to the corresponding primary slave IOP, accepts the message. Upon detecting the message is of the sync-verify type by each IOP, operations by each IOP are suspended. A number is generated by each IOP of its own data base, the number being indicative of the contents of the information stored in the data base.

Abstract: Data bases of a first and second input output processor (IOP), which are primary and secondary slave IOPs, respectively, are synchronized, and communications by a master controller is made only to the first IOP. Each IOP is executing the same tasks utilizing their own clocking systems. A method for guaranteeing that the first and second data base remain synchronized comprises the steps of communicating a message to the first IOP to update the first data base. The second IOP eavesdrops on the communications, and when the second IOP recognizes that the message is to the corresponding primary slave IOP and that the first IOP has successfully received the message, accepts the message. The first IOP and the second IOP execute the received message. The master controller issues a status request type message to the first IOP, and then issues a status request type message to the second IOP.

Abstract: An input data stream (a manchester encoded data stream which includes a clock signal component and has some jitter) is inputted to a clock extractor for extracting the clock signal component, the clock signal component having missing clock pulses. A delay line oscillator provides the missing clock pulses and outputs a recovered clock signal. The recovered clock signal has a first delay time as a result of inherent delays in the delay line oscillator and the clock extractor. A latch element receives the recovered clock signal and the input data stream, the input data stream being delayed a second delay time, the first delay time and the second delay time being essentially the same. The latch element reclocks the input data stream thereby removing a maximum amount of jitter and removes any distortion of the input data stream.

Abstract: In a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System on an aircraft having a plurality of antennas, an optimal bearing value is obtained for each target aircraft by generating a target data block for each response to an interrogation, each target data block including a measured bearing value and an associated priority code. A priority code is assigned based on the antenna receiving the information, and the number of valid bearing measurements used to determine a measured bearing value for the reply. If more than one target data block is obtained in a surveillance period, one target data block is retained based on predetermined criteria. The measured bearing value of all the target data blocks having the same, highest priority code are selected or combined, the result being saved in the target data block. The priority codes are then used to select the proper reply bearing measurement, the bearing track update filtering parameters, and to aid in the reply qualification for bearing track initialization.

Abstract: A system has at least one output device, the output device having a first set of output terminals connected to a corresponding field device. Each output device has a corresponding redundant output device having a corresponding first set of output terminals connected to the same corresponding field device as the corresponding output device. The output device and the redundant output device each have a second set of output terminals corresponding to the first set of output terminals, the second set of output terminals being connected to an apparatus for controlling the information outputted from the first set of output terminals. The apparatus comprises a plurality of switching elements, having a set of first and second contact points. Each of the second set of output terminals of the output device being connected to a corresponding first contact point, and the second set of output terminals of the redundant output device being connected to the corresponding second contact point.

Abstract: A controller of a control system, which operates as a master, has a slave input/output processor (IOP) connected thereto which communicates with at least one device of a predetermined type, and a backup slave IOP connected thereto of the same type as the slave IOP, the slave IOP operating as a primary IOP to the device. A method for providing backup to the slave IOP by the backup slave IOP comprises the steps of loading the backup slave IOP with the same data base as the slave IOP. The backup slave IOP eavesdrops on all communications from the controller to the slave IOP. When a write command is communicated to the slave IOP, the backup slave IOP taps the data from the bus and updates its data base. If the command is not a write command, ignores the communication. When a fault is detected by either the slave IOP or the backup slave IOP, the detection of the fault is communicated to the other IOP.

Abstract: A process control system which is controlling a continuous process produces an output product having a first grade. The process control system performs quality checks at predetermined times on the output product for verifying predetermined parameters of the output product of the first grade are within predetermined limits. A method for dynamically monitoring the continuous process (without shutting down the process) when the grade of the output product is changed to a second grade having second predetermined limits, comprises the steps of initiating new setpoints for the continuous process to produce an output product having the second grade. The predetermined parameters of the output product is verified by the process control system to be within second predetermined limits of the second grade. When the predetermined parameters of the output product fall outside the second predetermined limits, an alarm is indicated, and the output product divert to a bypass path.

Abstract: An apparatus of a process control system for controlling a process variable of a process includes an adaptive controller tuned to the process. The process variable output signal of the process is coupled to a difference device and also coupled to the adaptive controller, thereby permitting the adaptive controller to monitor the process variable signal independently of an error signal outputted from the difference device. Any changes detected in the process variable signal without a corresponding change in the setpoint signal inputted to the difference device initiates an adjustment in the tuning parameters of the adaptive controller thereby providing continual, optimal, control of the process.

Abstract: A primary (first) and secondary (second) slave (IOP) collect input pulses from a field device, each independently maintaining an interim total number of pulses. A master controller executes a method for maintaining the total number of pulses for the entire process by requesting the interim total number of pulses, a process variable, and a flag from the first IOP by the controller. If the flag indicates no anomaly in the interim total number of pulses or the process variable, the master controller determines a new interim total number of pulse and the process variable since the previous request. The new interim total number of pulses and the process variable is saved in a temporary holding area, such that upon a failover of the first IOP, differences in the interim total number of pulses transmitted by the second IOP can be handled without causing an error in the total number of pulses for the entire process being maintained by the master controller.

Abstract: A plant control system includes a plant control network for performing the overall supervision of a process being controlled. The plant control network has at least one external bus for operatively connecting a corresponding interface apparatus to the plant control network. Further, each interface apparatus interfaces with at least one predetermined field device, each field device being a type having a corresponding predetermined signal type. The interface apparatus comprises a controller for controlling the input/output (I/O) of the interface apparatus. At least one I/O module, connected to the controller, preprocesses information signals to and from the predetermined field device connected to the I/O module. The preprocessing is a translation between the signal type of the field device and signals compatible with the controller.