Abstract: An optical storage device for storing data includes at least one optical waveguide for receiving an optical interrogation signal and providing a response to the optical interrogation signal and a plurality of optical elements arranged relative to the at least one optical waveguide. The plurality of optical elements are responsive to the optical interrogation signal provided through the at least one waveguide to return a prescribed data value through the at least one optical waveguide. The plurality of optical elements represent encoded data concerning a function of an optical sensor.

Abstract: A passive optical circuit breaker includes a substrate and an optical waveguide assembly arranged relative to the substrate. The optical waveguide assembly includes a first optical waveguide portion having a first low-loss portion and a first high-loss portion, and a second optical waveguide portion having a second low-loss portion. The first low-loss portion and the second low-loss portion define a first optical path through the optical waveguide assembly, and optical energy directed through the first high-loss portion exceeding a prescribed threshold causes the first optical waveguide portion to physically deflect relative to the second optical waveguide portion and interrupt the first optical path through the optical waveguide assembly.

Abstract: An optical storage device for storing data includes at least one optical waveguide for receiving an optical interrogation signal and providing a response to the optical interrogation signal and a plurality of optical elements arranged relative to the at least one optical waveguide. The plurality of optical elements are responsive to the optical interrogation signal provided through the at least one waveguide to return a prescribed data value through the at least one optical waveguide. The plurality of optical elements represent encoded data concerning a function of an optical sensor.

Abstract: A passive optical circuit breaker includes a substrate and an optical waveguide assembly arranged relative to the substrate. The optical waveguide assembly includes a first optical waveguide portion having a first low-loss portion and a first high-loss portion, and a second optical waveguide portion having a second low-loss portion. The first low-loss portion and the second low-loss portion define a first optical path through the optical waveguide assembly, and optical energy directed through the first high-loss portion exceeding a prescribed threshold causes the first optical waveguide portion to physically deflect relative to the second optical waveguide portion and interrupt the first optical path through the optical waveguide assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting energy to a sensor and/or an environment in which the sensor is located. A high current sensor driver is powered through a resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit. In a failure mode, the RC circuit constrains output of a sensor driver to the sensor in order to limit average current applied to the sensor. In one embodiment, the capacitor is chosen so that it can provide adequate current to the sensor driver for a short period of time. The value of the resistor may be chosen to ensure that under short circuit conditions direct current (DC) is limited to a safe value. The combined values of the resistor and capacitor may be adjusted such that the capacitor can charge to a prescribed level during the interval between active pulses.

Abstract: An in-line fuel properties measurement unit (IFPMU) (50) for in-line assembly in a fluid flow path, in particular a fuel flow path of an aircraft, includes a compensator section (58) and a densitometer section (60). The densitometer section is connected in-line with the compensator section such that full fluid flow is seen by each section. The IFPMU further includes a circuit card having tabs or “arms” for electrically interfacing with cylinders of the compensator section, wherein the cylinders include reliefs formed therein to create an air gap between the cylinder and the tab.

Abstract: An in-line fuel properties measurement unit (IFPMU) (50) for in-line assembly in a fluid flow path, in particular a fuel flow path of an aircraft, includes a compensator section (58) and a densitometer section (60). The densitometer section is connected in-line with the compensator section such that full fluid flow is seen by each section. The IFPMU further includes a circuit card having tabs or “arms” for electrically interfacing with cylinders of the compensator section, wherein the cylinders include reliefs formed therein to create an air gap between the cylinder and the tab.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting energy to a sensor and/or an environment in which the sensor is located. A high current sensor driver is powered through a resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit. In a failure mode, the RC circuit constrains output of a sensor driver to the sensor in order to limit average current applied to the sensor. In one embodiment, the capacitor is chosen so that it can provide adequate current to the sensor driver for a short period of time. The value of the resistor may be chosen to ensure that under short circuit conditions direct current (DC) is limited to a safe value. The combined values of the resistor and capacitor may be adjusted such that the capacitor can charge to a prescribed level during the interval between active pulses.

Abstract: A gas measuring method, apparatus and system for measuring a concentration of a gas of interest is disclosed. The gas concentration is based on a propagation delay of a sonic or ultrasonic wave as the wave travels through the gas. The propagation delay is measured such that delay contributions from sources other than the gas itself are canceled. A sensor in accordance with the invention includes an sonic or ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, and a control module for performing calculations. The sensor can be used in various applications, including on-board inert gas generating systems (OBIGGS).

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for determining a fluid level within a container, includes a transducer for generating sonic or ultrasonic waves and a wave guide. The wave guide has a first end operatively coupled to the transducer and a second end for immersion into the fluid, the second end spaced a predetermined distance from the first end, wherein a gap is formed between the first end and the second end. The sensor can be used to measure a fluid level using both an impedance mismatch signal and a fluid conductance signal.

Abstract: A gas measuring method, apparatus and system for measuring a concentration of a gas of interest is disclosed. The gas concentration is based on a propagation delay of a sonic or ultrasonic wave as the wave travels through the gas. The propagation delay is measured such that delay contributions from sources other than the gas itself are canceled. A sensor in accordance with the invention includes an sonic or ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, and a control module for performing calculations. The sensor can be used in various applications, including on-board inert gas generating systems (OBIGGS).

Abstract: An optical communications link for an electrical communications system, e.g., an ARINC 429 protocol system, includes a first logic device to convert an input signal of a given level to a first electrical signal of a duration corresponding to such level, a first optical device (transmitter) presenting an optical signal of a duration corresponding to such first electrical signal, a second optical device (receiver) to convert the optical signal to a second electrical signal of a duration representative of the duration of the optical signal, an optical coupling between the optical devices, and a second logic device to convert the second electrical signal to an output electrical signal having a level representative of the duration of the optical signal. A communications system including electrical communications input and output devices, the optical and an optical communications link coupled between those devices.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for determining a fluid level within a container, includes a transducer for generating sonic or ultrasonic waves and a wave guide. The wave guide has a first end operatively coupled to the transducer and a second end for immersion into the fluid, the second end spaced a predetermined distance from the first end, wherein a gap is formed between the first end and the second end. The sensor can be used to measure a fluid level using both an impedance mismatch signal and a fluid conductance signal.