Abstract: Systems and methods that use an optical impedance sensor that eliminates electricity for measuring fuel quantity in fuel tanks. The optical impedance sensor comprises two optical fibers spaced apart inside a meniscus tube, one to transmit light along its length and the other to receive light along its length. The meniscus tube minimizes the sloshing of fuel level. The fuel level in the tank modulates the optical impedance between the two optical fibers, resulting in changes in the total light received by an optical detector. Depending on fuel tank height, the optical impedance sensor may comprise different embodiments in which the detection apparatus shapes the light to be unidirectional (emitted and collected only on one side of the fiber) or omnidirectional (all directions).

Abstract: Systems and methods that use an optical impedance sensor that eliminates electricity for measuring fuel quantity in fuel tanks. The optical impedance sensor comprises two optical fibers spaced apart inside a meniscus tube, one to transmit light along its length and the other to receive light along its length. The meniscus tube minimizes the sloshing of fuel level. The fuel level in the tank modulates the optical impedance between the two optical fibers, resulting in changes in the total light received by an optical detector. Depending on fuel tank height, the optical impedance sensor may comprise different embodiments in which the detection apparatus shapes the light to be unidirectional (emitted and collected only on one side of the fiber) or omnidirectional (all directions).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft electrical power are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electric motor, an aircraft load coupled to the electric motor and powered by the electric motor, and a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to vary an output of the electric motor. The motor controller is changeable among a fixed number of preset controller modes, with individual controller modes corresponding to an operation mode of the aircraft and a non-zero output level of the electric motor. In further embodiments, motor controllers can be substituted for each other, e.g., in the event one motor controller becomes unoperational.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel scavenge system incorporates a scavenge pump receiving fuel from a center tank and depositing the fuel in a wing tank. A water separator receives fuel through an inlet tube providing a plurality of momentum changes to incoming fuel, the water separator having a fuel outlet connected to the scavenge pump and a water outlet. A water manifold is connected from the water outlet to an input to a fuel supply line to an engine.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel scavenge system incorporates a scavenge pump receiving fuel from a center tank and depositing the fuel in a wing tank. A water separator receives fuel through an inlet tube providing a plurality of momentum changes to incoming fuel, the water separator having a fuel outlet connected to the scavenge pump and a water outlet. A water manifold is connected from the water outlet to an input to a fuel supply line to an engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft electrical power are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electric motor, an aircraft load coupled to the electric motor and powered by the electric motor, and a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to vary an output of the electric motor. The motor controller is changeable among a fixed number of preset controller modes, with individual controller modes corresponding to an operation mode of the aircraft and a non-zero output level of the electric motor. In further embodiments, motor controllers can be substituted for each other, e.g., in the event one motor controller becomes unoperational.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft electrical power are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electric motor, an aircraft load coupled to the electric motor and powered by the electric motor, and a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to vary an output of the electric motor. The motor controller is changeable among a fixed number of preset controller modes, with individual controller modes corresponding to an operation mode of the aircraft and a non-zero output level of the electric motor. In further embodiments, motor controllers can be substituted for each other, e.g., in the event one motor controller becomes unoperational.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft electrical power are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electric motor, an aircraft load coupled to the electric motor and powered by the electric motor, and a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to vary an output of the electric motor. The motor controller is changeable among a fixed number of preset controller modes, with individual controller modes corresponding to an operation mode of the aircraft and a non-zero output level of the electric motor. In further embodiments, motor controllers can be substituted for each other, e.g., in the event one motor controller becomes unoperational.

Abstract: An alternate ventilation system for an aircraft having a body structure and a plurality of electronic devices is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation conduit, an inboard supply valve, a first outflow valve and a second outflow valve. The ventilation conduit is adapted to be coupled to the body structure for directing a ventilation flow of air along a predetermined flow path. The inboard supply valve is coupled to the ventilation conduit and adapted for drawing air from the cabin into the ventilation conduit when positioned in the open condition. The first outflow valve is coupled to the ventilation conduit and adapted for discharging at least a portion of the ventilation flow from the ventilation conduit to a point outside the body structure when positioned in the open condition. The second outflow valve is coupled to the body structure and operable in a first mode and a second mode.