Abstract: A rotorcraft includes an avionics control unit (ACU) and multiple power distribution units (PDUs) electrically connected to an electrical bus, wherein each PDU of the multiple PDUs is electrically connected to a respective multiple electrical loads, and wherein each PDU of the multiple PDUs is configured to receive commands from the ACU to couple or decouple one or more of its respectively connected multiple electrical loads from the electrical bus. The ACU is configured to send commands to the multiple PDUs to couple or decouple a first set of electrical loads and to couple or decouple a second set of electrical loads from the electrical bus, wherein the coupling or decoupling of the first set and the coupling or decoupling the second set is based on a first priority of the first set and a second priority of the second set, respectively.

Abstract: A rotorcraft includes an avionics control unit (ACU) and multiple power distribution units (PDUs) electrically connected to an electrical bus, wherein each PDU of the multiple PDUs is electrically connected to a respective multiple electrical loads, and wherein each PDU of the multiple PDUs is configured to receive commands from the ACU to couple or decouple one or more of its respectively connected multiple electrical loads from the electrical bus. The ACU is configured to send commands to the multiple PDUs to couple or decouple a first set of electrical loads and to couple or decouple a second set of electrical loads from the electrical bus, wherein the coupling or decoupling of the first set and the coupling or decoupling the second set is based on a first priority of the first set and a second priority of the second set, respectively.

Abstract: A rotorcraft includes an avionics control unit (ACU) and multiple power distribution units (PDUs) electrically connected to an electrical bus, wherein each PDU of the multiple PDUs is electrically connected to a respective multiple electrical loads, and wherein each PDU of the multiple PDUs is configured to receive commands from the ACU to couple or decouple one or more of its respectively connected multiple electrical loads from the electrical bus. The ACU is configured to send commands to the multiple PDUs to couple or decouple a first set of electrical loads and to couple or decouple a second set of electrical loads from the electrical bus, wherein the coupling or decoupling of the first set and the coupling or decoupling the second set is based on a first priority of the first set and a second priority of the second set, respectively.

Abstract: A computer implemented method performed by a composite electrical load monitoring system includes determining, at a first time instant during a duration, a first margin between a first reading of a first electrical parameter and a first electrical parameter limit for a first power source, and determining, at the first time instant during the duration, a second margin between a second reading of a second electrical parameter and a second electrical parameter limit for a second power source. The method further includes determining, after the first time instant, that the first margin is less than the second margin in response to determining the first margin and the second margin, and displaying, in a display device and within the duration, an identifier for the first power source in response to determining that the first margin is less than the second margin.

Abstract: A computer implemented method performed by a composite electrical load monitoring system includes determining, at a first time instant during a duration, a first margin between a first reading of a first electrical parameter and a first electrical parameter limit for a first power source, and determining, at the first time instant during the duration, a second margin between a second reading of a second electrical parameter and a second electrical parameter limit for a second power source. The method further includes determining, after the first time instant, that the first margin is less than the second margin in response to determining the first margin and the second margin, and displaying, in a display device and within the duration, an identifier for the first power source in response to determining that the first margin is less than the second margin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination include propagating light energy into the stub optical fiber of a fiber optic connector, detecting and collecting the amount of optical power emanating from the stub optical fiber at a termination area of the connector, converting the optical power to an electrical signal proportional to the amount of collected optical power, and displaying the electrical signal on a feedback monitor, such as an optical power meter, an LCD bar graph, or an LED. An initial (i.e., reference) value is obtained with the field optical fiber not in physical contact with the stub optical fiber. A final (i.e., terminated) value is obtained with the field optical fiber in physical contact with the stub optical fiber and terminated to the connector. The final value is compared to the initial value to determine whether the change (i.e., difference) is sufficient. Alternatively, the final value is compared to a predetermined limit or threshold.

Abstract: A mechanical splice connector is shown and described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation by rotating a single, multiple-position cam member or multiple cam members from an unactuated position to a first actuated position and a second actuated position. The mechanical splice connector aligns and retains at least one stub optical fiber and the bare glass portion of at least one adjoining field optical fiber, as well as strain relieving a coated portion of the field optical fiber, or alternatively, a buffered portion of the field optical fiber. A method is also described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation, wherein the splice actuation is reversible prior to performing the strain relief actuation in the event that the optical continuity of the splice coupling is unacceptable, thereby avoiding potential damage to the field optical fiber or the connector.

Abstract: A mechanical splice fiber optic connector installation tool operable for performing splice terminations and verifying an acceptable splice termination includes a power source, a connector holder, an integrated Visual Fault Locater having an optical transmission element and a display for displaying the status of the termination. An adapter configured to receive the connector and align the connector with the optical transmission element, such that the optical transmission element is spaced apart from the connector at a predetermined distance and is in optical communication with the connector for propagating light energy through the adapter and along the stub optical fiber to a termination area of the connector.

Abstract: A splice connector for verifying an acceptable splice termination includes a ferrule having a stub optical fiber, a ferrule holder for receiving the ferrule, opposed splice components within the ferrule holder for receiving and aligning the stub optical fiber and a field optical fiber, a cam member for engaging one of the splice components to terminate the field optical fiber, and means for viewing an amount of glow emanating from a termination area. In one embodiment, a splice component and the portion of the ferrule holder disposed between the splice component and the cam member are optically transmissive. The cam member has a first array of wells and a second array of wells for viewing the amount of glow before and after the field optical fiber is terminated. In another embodiment, the ferrule holder is opaque and has a view port, while the cam member has a first well having a first depth and a second well having a second depth.

Abstract: A field installable fiber optic connector includes a housing and a ferrule holder inserted from the rearward end of the housing. A spring element inserted into the front of the housing and a spring element retainer attached to the ferrule holder bias the ferrule holder forward. An optical fiber stub is disposed between opposed splice members and a field fiber is inserted between the splice members and guided by a groove into abutment with the end of the optical fiber stub. A cam disposed about the ferrule holder is movable to facilitate insertion of the field fiber and to clamp the field fiber and the optical fiber stub between the splice members. In one embodiment, a trigger is coupled to the housing. The trigger is disposed about and slides relative to the ferrule holder, thereby biasing the housing forward relative to the ferrule holder to aid in latching the connector.