Abstract: Apparatus for improving the accuracy of a fuel gaging system already installed on an airplane of the type having a number of fuel level sensors that each produce an output signal that can be combined to determine fuel volume. The apparatus includes control means for energizing the sensors, receiving the sensor signals and calculating a first volume value. An attitude indicator may be provided that is connected to the control means and that produces signals corresponding to the attitude of the fuel level relative to the sensors; the control means includes memory means for storing volume measurement compensation data based on predetermined volume measurement errors that are a function of fuel volume, and attitude when the attitude indicator is used; the control means compensating the first volume value to produce a second fuel volume value that is more accurate than the uncompensated first volume value.

Abstract: An airfoil deicing system includes an airfoil substructure having an apex corresponding to the portion of the airfoil where the radius of curvature of the airfoil is smallest, the airfoil and the apex being bisected by a centerline, a deflectable shell disposed over the airfoil substructure for meeting and breaking an impinging airstream, a deflection means disposed between the airfoil substructure and the deflectable shell at the apex for deflecting the deflectable shell in the area of the apex away from the airfoil substructure and, at least one compressible zones provided beneath the deflectable shell adjacent the apex on either side of the centerline, the compressible zones facilitating deflection of the deflectable shell overlying the compressible zones toward the airfoil substructure when the deflection means deflects the deflectable shell.

Abstract: An auto-correlation filter for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in a signal having synchronous analog components to be detected and associated asynchronous noise components includes a circuit for inputting a plurality of cycles of the signal and noise components; a circuit for digitizing the signal and noise components over a time period that is a function of the time duration of each cycle; a circuit for storing for an n.sub.th cycle the digitized components at the end of the time period until the start of an n.sub.th +1 cycle; a circuit for converting the stored n.sub.th cycle digital components into a corresponding restored analog signal; and a circuit for summing the n.sub.th cycle restored analog signal with signal and noise components of the n.sub.th +1 cycle.

Abstract: An energy absorbing motor vehicle barrier includes a collapsible energy absorption assembly which is stored in a vault in the ground. Upon deployment, the energy absorption apparatus is lifted out of its vault, where it thereby expands and deploys. The energy absorption apparatus includes four stages of pairs of elastomeric torsion springs configured into scissors arrangements, with each stage having a progressively higher effective spring rate, to thereby decelerate a vehicle which strikes the apparatus.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for use in an ultrasonic system for measuring the level of a contained volume of liquid by calculating the density of the liquid by determining the dielectric constant thereof. The baffle assembly is located at the lower end of a stillwell located within the volume of liquid, The assembly includes a pair of concentric sleeves formed of electrically conductive material located to surround the lower end portion of the stillwell. The sleeves are uniformly radially spaced from one another so as to function as a capacitor so that the electrical capacitance between the respective opposed surfaces of the sleeves may be determined.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining static torque on a rotatable shaft includes at least two elements that when coupled to the shaft have a torque dependent relationship to each other; a sensor for detecting the torque dependent relationship when the shaft is under static load; and means for rotating the sensor about the shaft under static load and through an arc that is less than a full rotation about the shaft.

Abstract: A modular ice protection system for an airfoil includes a deflection assembly attached to the airfoil and a removable outer shell having a modulus of elasticity of at least 40,000 kPa impermanently disposed over the deflection assembly, wherein the deflection assembly causes distortion of the separable outer shell during de-icing. The deflection assembly may likewise be removable from an underlying substructure which is attached to the airfoil.

Abstract: An improved electrothermal apparatus includes a stranded heater wire having a plurality of strands, the number of which vary as a function of position to provide a varying output power density. The stranded heater wire is disposed within a blanket which is conformable to the item to be heated. The heater wire is broken into a number of zones, with each zone having a varying number of strands. The strands of the wire are soldered or crimped together at the beginning of each zone. A controller provides electrical energy to the heater assembly.

Abstract: A wiper control system which includes dual wiper control circuits operating from a single rotary control switch, which is mounted in a cockpit of an aircraft remote from the rest of the wipers and system components which are mounted near an aircraft windscreen in a housing from which a motor converter drive shaft protrudes generally normal to a portion of the airframe surface. The drive shaft is connected to one end of a wiper arm and the second end of the wiper arm is rotatably attached to the wiper blade. The dual wiper control circuits are electrically isolated from each other. The rotary switch includes dual voltage dividers and a single axial rotating member to create an analog voltage output signal representative of the control switch position which is interpreted by a controller circuit. The rotary switch speed selections include a HIGH speed, a LOW speed, an INTERMITTENT delay selection, and also a selection for PARK and OFF.

Abstract: A pneumatic deicing system for deicing an airfoil includes a flexible deicing member having inflatable tube-like passages provided therein for being inflated with a pressurized fluid, wherein the deicing member is bonded to a shell having a snap type connector for mating with another connector either on the airfoil or integrated into another part of the shell. An air connector extends through the shell and is utilized for putting the deicing member in fluid connection with the fluid source. Radar absorptive material may be disposed between the shell and the deicing member for reducing the radar cross section of the airfoil.

Abstract: A pneumatic deicing distribution valve 10 includes a body 12, a cap assembly 14 and a rotary member 30 contained therein. Rotary member 30 selectively connects an input port 18 with a plurality of output ports 20 for selectively pressurizing one of a number of deicing apparatuses. A vacuum port 24 places all output ports not being pressurized under vacuum.

Abstract: A constant force mechanism includes a base (410), a load arm (414) pivotally connected to the base at one end, a spring arm (412) pivotally connected to the base at one end with a torsion spring (416), and a pinch roller (420) for rotationally and translationally connecting the load arm to the spring arm, wherein a load is applied to the load arm end (424) opposite the end connected to the base.

Abstract: An air data module connector and filter that provides a shielded housing 12 for supporting a standard air data signal carrying cable connector 22 on an exterior wall thereof, and having an access opening that has a cover plate 34 on an opposite wall from the mounting wall for the connector. The cover plate 34 has a plurality of tubular filters 36 installed therein with pins 40 extending into the housing toward the cable connector. A flexible circuit board 44 has opposite ends which fit on the pins of the connector 23, and the pins 40 of the filters 36 extending through the cover plate, respectively, so that the flexible circuit board 44 can be installed on the cable connector 23 and on the pins 40 for the filters on the cover plate 34 prior to assembly of the cable connector and the cover plate 34 in the housing 12.

Abstract: An apparatus detects an air turbulence and wind shear encountered by an air vehicle having an accelerometer sensing air vehicle vertical acceleration. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor having a pressure sensing port for sensing a pressure parameter of a local air flow which changes with changes in the local airflow turbulence, and a fast time constant pressure transducer coupled to the pressure port for generating a transducer signal representative of the parameter. Differentiating means calculates a time derivative of the transducer signal and provides a turbulence signal representative of the time derivative. Subtracter means provides the difference between the turbulence signal and a vertical acceleration signal from the accelerometer, to provide a wind shear indicating signal indicative of an increase in air turbulence.

Abstract: An aircraft deicing assembly 101 for attachment to an airfoil 99 includes a deflection shell 101 disposed over a deflection means 102. The deflection shell is comprised of a primary layer 116 comprised of a high strength fabric reinforced with a phenolic resin and a backing layer 115 comprised of a high strength fabric reinforced with an epoxy resin. The thickness of the backing layer is varied as a function of curvature of the airfoil and spanwise length of the airfoil.

Abstract: A decking structure 30 includes a bottom layer 16 of UHMWP, an elastomeric layer 18 disposed on the bottom layer, an intermediate UHMWP layer 22 disposed on the elastomeric layer, and a top UHMWP layer 24 abrasive particles and having a pattern 32 provided therein by increasing the traction thereof. A pattern of cavities is provided in the elastomeric layer 18 and the bottom layer 16 for improving the shock absorption capabilities of the decking structure 30.

Abstract: An electroexpulsive deicing system 18 in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of expulsive elements 18, 22 comprised of printed circuit boards 12 having a plurality of parallel metal lines 14 formed thereon in a predetermined pattern. A plurality of conductive bridges 115 provide a fail safe aspect to the system while lowering net resistance. Adjacent expulsive elements have current flowing in opposite directions for creating expulsive electromagnetic forces between elements.

Abstract: A pneumatic deicer assembly 32 for attachment to an airfoil includes a pair of plies 52, 54 which are stitched together with a zig-zag stitch line which periodically crosses over the airfoil leading edge.

Abstract: An electroexpulsive deicing system 18 in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of expulsive elements 18, 22 comprised of printed circuit boards 12 having a plurality of parallel metal lines 14 formed thereon in a predetermined pattern. Adjacent expulsive elements have current flowing in opposite directions for creating expulsive electromagnetic forces between elements.

Abstract: A heat dissipation apparatus for dissipation of thermal energy from an isolated active silicon region to an underlying supportive substrate is disclosed. Such an apparatus comprises a diamond filled trench having walls extending through the isolated active silicon region, an underlying insulative layer, and into the supportive substrate, whereby said diamond filled trench provides a high thermal conductive path from said active silicon region to said substrate.