Abstract: The method of monitoring the wear of at least one sliding electrical contact of a brush, sliding over a track which can move with respect to the brush, comprises the measurement of the electrical resistance of this contact, the delivery of an image signal corresponding to this resistance, the following of its variations, the construction of a reference signal indicative of a state of wear of the contact, the comparison of the image signal with the reference signal and the derivation of a signal, resulting from this comparison, corresponding to the state of wear of the contact. The resistance is measured by the ratio of the variations in the voltage across the terminals of the contact to the variations in the current flowing through this contact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device which includes a cylindrical support provided with coaxial conducting rings, and a brush support carrying brushes respectively in sliding contact with the rings. An extension of this support constitutes another support for a set of longitudinal conducting tracks linked respectively to the brushes. The brushes in sliding contact with the tracks are carried by a brush support which is able to move translationally on the support. There may, therefore, be relative translational and rotational movements between a cable, the conductors of which are linked to the rings, and a cable, the conductors of which are linked to the brushes, while still providing electrical continuity between them. The device of the present invention is useful in supplying current to the blades of the tail rotor of a helicopter from a structure able to move translationally.