Abstract: Systems (224, 222, 700) and methods (800) for providing wireless health monitoring for a locator beacon (216). The methods involve: coupling a Transponder and Sensor Module (TSM) to the locator beacon such that at least one condition of the locator beacon or a battery (230) of the locator beacon can be remotely monitored; periodically detecting the condition by the TSM (224); and periodically and wirelessly transmitting, from the TSM to a wireless device (222, 700) located in proximity to the TSM, a signal including information describing the condition detected by the TSM. The TSM can include, but is not limited to a transponder (e.g., an RFID tag) and sensor. The wireless device, can include, but is not limited to a transponder interrogator.

Abstract: Data recording systems and methods for synchronizing data of a plurality of different data types on a single packet. The methods involve: receiving the data and an audio frame containing voice data and timing data communicated over a plurality of channels; generating, in response to the reception of the audio frame, a combined packet on which the audio frame and at least a portion of the data are time synchronized to each other; and substantially simultaneously storing the combined packet in a primary data store and a secondary data store of a data recorder for subsequent use in reconstructing events leading up to a crash of a land vehicle, aircraft or vessel. The portion of data may include data link data, flight data and/or image/video data. The channels may include a cockpit channel and a plurality of pilot channels.

Abstract: Data recording systems (100) and methods (400) for synchronizing data of a plurality of different data types on a single packet (300). The methods involve: receiving the data and an audio frame containing voice data and timing data communicated over a plurality of channels; generating, in response to the reception of the audio frame, a combined packet on which the audio frame and at least a portion of the data are time synchronized to each other; and substantially simultaneously storing the combined packet in a primary data store and a secondary data store of a data recorder for subsequent use in reconstructing events leading up to a crash of a land vehicle, aircraft or vessel. The portion of data may include data link data, flight data and/or image/video data. The channels may include a cockpit channel and a plurality of pilot channels.

Abstract: Systems (224, 222, 700) and methods (800) for providing wireless health monitoring for a locator beacon (216). The methods involve: coupling a Transponder and Sensor Module (TSM) to the locator beacon such that at least one condition of the locator beacon or a battery (230) of the locator beacon can be remotely monitored; periodically detecting the condition by the TSM (224); and periodically and wirelessly transmitting, from the TSM to a wireless device (222, 700) located in proximity to the TSM, a signal including information describing the condition detected by the TSM. The TSM can include, but is not limited to a transponder (e.g., an RFID tag) and sensor. The wireless device, can include, but is not limited to a transponder interrogator.

Abstract: A flight recorder includes an information input device, heat sensitive memory device electrically connected to the information input device, and housing enclosing the heat sensitive memory device. The housing is made with a first material and having a plurality of openings made through the housing. A sacrificial material is disposed between the housing and heat sensitive memory device. The sacrificial material having a lower melting temperature than the first material such that the sacrificial material changes state and egresses through the openings in the housing when exposed to heat to create an air gap between the housing and heat sensitive memory device. The first material includes nickel and the sacrificial material includes aluminum. A heat insulating layer is disposed between the sacrificial material and heat sensitive memory device. A second sacrificial material is disposed between the heat insulating layer and heat sensitive memory device.

Abstract: A flight data recorder includes an enclosure and electronic interface within the enclosure. The electronic interface is coupled for receiving data. A crash survivable memory unit is disposed within the enclosure. The crash survivable memory unit includes a memory module electrically coupled to the electronic interface for storing the data. A locator beacon is disposed within the enclosure or within the crash survivable memory unit. The locator beacon is an acoustic resonator which emits ultrasonic pulses. A battery is disposed within the enclosure or within the crash survivable memory unit for providing operating power to the locator beacon. The battery is rechargeable. The battery status is stored in the memory module. A beacon control circuit is disposed within the enclosure or within the crash survivable memory unit for monitoring the battery. A beacon activation device detects a crash event and notifies the beacon control circuit to activate the locator beacon.

Abstract: A flight recorder includes an information input device, heat sensitive memory device electrically connected to the information input device, and housing enclosing the heat sensitive memory device. The housing is made with a first material and having a plurality of openings made through the housing. A sacrificial material is disposed between the housing and heat sensitive memory device. The sacrificial material having a lower melting temperature than the first material such that the sacrificial material changes state and egresses through the openings in the housing when exposed to heat to create an air gap between the housing and heat sensitive memory device. The first material includes nickel and the sacrificial material includes aluminum. A heat insulating layer is disposed between the sacrificial material and heat sensitive memory device. A second sacrificial material is disposed between the heat insulating layer and heat sensitive memory device.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for determining the cryolite concentration in a cryolite-alumina electrolysis cell. The apparatus uses a reference electrode comprising a solid oxygen electrolyte tube containing a reference electrode of a cryolite melt supersaturated with alumina. A measuring electrode is combined with such a reference electrode to provide a potential representative of alumina concentration in the alumina electrolysis cell.