Abstract: A method of controlling a propeller assembly, having a blade, piston end cap, and piston, with a pitch control unit, having a transfer bearing and a blade angle unit, the method comprising: axially moving a transfer tube relative to and circumscribing the transfer bearing, and sensing an axial movement of the transfer tube with the blade angle unit.

Abstract: A handheld mobile device may be configured for use within a cockpit or cabin of an aircraft. The handheld mobile device may include a display and memory that includes an application configured to utilize the display. The handheld mobile device may also include a processor coupled to the memory. The application, via the processor, may be configured to receive aircraft-specific configuration data. The application may also receive, from a tracker module, input data corresponding to blade height and position. The application may additionally receive airframe vibration data from an accelerometer module. The application may further calculate recommendations regarding track and balance. The application may also further output, via the display, the track and balance recommendations.

Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods and/or computer program products that facilitate measuring weight and balance and optimizing center of gravity are provided. In one embodiment, a system 100 utilizes a processor 106 that executes computer implemented components stored in a memory 104. A compression component 108 calculates compression of landing gear struts based on height above ground of an aircraft. A gravity component 110 determines center of gravity based on differential compression of the landing gear struts. An optimization component 112 automatically optimizes the center of gravity to a rear limit of a center of gravity margin.

Abstract: A power distribution assembly that includes a planar substrate, a set of switchable elements arranged on the planar substrate, a conductive bus bar underlying the planar substrate and interconnected with the set of switchable elements, and a set of power connections. The power distribution assembly distributes power from a power source to one or more loads.

Abstract: A method of controlling an aircraft includes tracking, using at least one sensor, one of an input by a pilot or a biometric parameter of a first pilot during flight of the aircraft. The method also includes determining a lack of attention by the pilot or a depth of sleep of the pilot based on the biometric parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting conditions favorable for icing, includes sensing a value indicative of a thermal cycling period, comparing, the sensed thermal cycling period with a threshold value, determining, if the sensed thermal cycling period satisfies the threshold value, and indicating, by the controller module, that conditions favorable for icing are present when the sensed thermal cycling period satisfies the threshold value.

Abstract: A method 140 of assessing an operator emotional state 131 and sending an alert 144 based on the emotional state 131. The method 140 includes tracking 141 during a time period, using at least one sensor 103, 105, 106, 112, 117, one of an image sensor data, voice data or a biometric parameter of an operator. Determining 142, using a controller 120 that is operatively connected to at least one sensor 103, 105, 106, 112, 117, a probability of a likely emotional state 131 from a list of emotional states 131 of an operator based on one of the image sensor data, voice data or the biometric parameter. Comparing 143, using a processor, the probability of one of the likely emotional states 131 of the operator with a baseline emotional state 131 of the operator. Sending 144, using the controller 120, an alert if most likely emotional state deviates from the baseline emotional state by a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A power distribution node for a power architecture, and method for operating, includes a microgenerator configured to generate a supply of electrical power, and a power distribution unit connected with a power supply bus and the microgenerator and configured to selectively energize at least a subset of electrical loads disposed proximately to the power distribution node. The energizing power is operably supplied by at least one of the power supply bus or the microgenerator.

Abstract: A contactor assembly and method for operating the contactor assembly can include a first conductor having a first set of axially extending protrusions and a second conductor having a second set of axially extending protrusions interdigitally arranged with the first set of protrusion. At least a subset of the first set of extending protrusions and at least a subset of the second set of protrusions can be conductively connected.

Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods and/or computer program products that facilitate landing on emergency or unprepared landing strip in low visibility condition are provided. In one embodiment, a system 100 utilizes a processor 106 that executes computer implemented components stored in a memory 104. A selection component 108 selects candidate spaces from a navigation database or machine vision data for landing an aircraft. A guidance component 110 guides landing the aircraft on a landing strip from among the candidate spaces in low visibility condition.

Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods and/or computer program products that facilitate automating fault isolation of flight control surfaces and damage detection of aircraft are provided. In one embodiment, a system 100 utilizes a processor 102 that executes computer implemented components stored in memory 104. One or more sensors 106 monitor wing and flight control surface from one or more vantage points to obtain full coverage of the wing. A machine vision component 108 assesses condition of the wing and the flight control surface based on results of the one or more sensors 106. A spectrographic component 110 detects leaks by monitoring airflow for traces of fuel or hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system, includes providing a solid state switch downstream of a power source and upstream of an electrical load, the solid state switch operable in a conducting mode that enabling conduction from upstream to the output and a non-conducting mode that disables conduction from the input to the output, and providing a transient voltage suppressor defining a breakdown voltage upstream of the solid state switch.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a power source can include selecting, by a controller module, a rechargeable power storage device from a set of power storage devices arranged to selectively provide a summated output of the power source, and selectively enabling the selected power storage device to discharge its stored power at the output of the power source. The controller module can compare a sensed voltage of the selected power storage device with a minimum voltage threshold.

Abstract: A power distribution system can include a power source, a power distribution unit, and at least one electrical load supplied by the power distribution unit. A detection circuit can be utilized in the power distribution system to sense or detect the occurrence of an electrical failure within the power or electrical unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system includes a power converter adapted to receive a power supply and convert the power supply to a power output, a set of solid state switching elements connected with the power output, a set of sensors adapted to sense a power demand at the set of solid state switching elements, and a controller module communicatively connected with the set of sensors and the set of solid state switching elements.

Abstract: A handheld mobile device may be configured for use within a cockpit or cabin of an aircraft. The handheld mobile device may include a display and memory that includes an application configured to utilize the display. The handheld mobile device may also include a processor coupled to the memory. The application, via the processor, may be configured to receive aircraft-specific configuration data. The application may also receive, from a tracker module, input data corresponding to blade height and position. The application may additionally receive airframe vibration data from an accelerometer module. The application may further calculate recommendations regarding track and balance. The application may also further output, via the display, the track and balance recommendations.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining aircraft component phase position are provided. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving a set of data from a data acquisition system associated with a component. The method can include identifying a plurality of phase reference points based, at least in part, on the set of data. Each phase reference point can be indicative of a phase position of the component relative to the data acquisition system at a respective point in time. The method can include generating a model based, at least in part, on the plurality of phase reference points. The model can be indicative of the phase position of the component relative to the data acquisition system at a plurality of times. The method can include determining the phase position of the component at one or more points in time based, at least in part, on the model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a power distribution system, includes providing, from a power source having a set of dischargeable power storage devices connected by way of selectable connections, a power supply to a voltage output, and switchably connecting the voltage output to a set of power outputs having different electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A method and circuit for determining and extinguishing electrical faults includes a power supply, and electrical load, a controller module, and electrical sensors, and when the controller module does not extinguish the electrical fault, another switch blows a fuse.