Abstract: An electrical switch for use in an electrical actuation system is provided including a switch box having an upper surface with an opening. A stem guide is coupled to the switch box adjacent the opening. A lock out mechanism is received within a central bore of the stem guide and the opening. The lock out mechanism is configured to move between a first position and a second position to selectively break a flow of power through the electrical switch. A pin is configured to couple the lock out mechanism to the stem guide in one of the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A system for use between a heat generating electronic device having a die having a shape placed thereon and a heat sink, includes a thermally conductive slug having a plurality of edges; a plurality of discrete strips each of the strips having a proximal end attaching to one of the edges of the thermally conductive slug, a distal end wherein the distal end is rigid for attachment to the heat sink, a flexible portion between the distal end and the thermally conductive slug wherein the slug may move as the electronic device moves and wherein the strips are comprised of two of more discrete layers, or strands that create a braid.

Abstract: A cooling system for an integrated circuit die comprises a heat exchanger and a heat transfer device. The heat transfer device is formed of a plurality of stacked foils. The stacked foils are fused at a heat exchanger region abutting the heat exchanger, and are fused at a die region abutting the integrated circuit die, but are flexible between the heat exchanger region and the die region.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a semi-conductor based circuit breaker as a transient current limiter includes a semi-conductor switch that operates in a linear mode during a transient event and thereby reduces the transient current passing through the switch.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes multiple uniform power distribution modules and multiple uniform mating connectors. A portion of the mating connectors are connected to the power distribution modules directly and the remainder are connected to the power distribution modules via a ground fault interrupt adapter.

Abstract: A solid state switch module is provided for use in a power distribution network including an input differential protection connection for receiving a measured current value from an upstream module. The solid state switch module also includes an output differential protection connection for sending a measured current value. The solid state switch module includes a trip outlet for sending a trip signal to an upstream solid state switch, and a trip inlet for receiving a trip signal from a downstream solid state switch. The trip inlet is operably coupled to the switch. A current sensor measures the current value of a connected power transmission line across the solid state switch module. A summer adds a current input from a parallel module with the current measures by the current sensor. A comparator determines whether an amount of current lost between the solid state switch module and an upstream module is acceptable.

Abstract: A power management and distribution system includes a source block having a power distribution line, wherein the power distribution line includes a distribution switch. At least one load block is in operable communication with the power distribution line and having a plurality of load block power output lines, wherein each of the plurality of load block power output lines includes a load switch. Further included is a plurality of loads each carried power by at least one of the plurality of load block power output lines. Yet further included is a protection logic unit comprising at least one algorithm for comparing a power characteristic to a power characteristic threshold at a plurality of locations, wherein the protection logic unit selectively determines which of the source block switches, distribution switches and the load switches of the plurality of load block power output lines are opened based on at least one comparison.

Abstract: An aircraft power distribution system is disclosed that includes a power distribution box. A generator supplies power to the power distribution box, and a load receives power from the power distribution box. The power distribution box includes a board supporting plug-in pins receiving the power. A contactor is supported by the board to selectively providing power to a secondary power distribution connector supported on the board. The board includes power traces that are run within the board to connect the plug-in pins to the secondary power distribution connector. Protection and secondary power distribution circuitry is also supported by the board and connected to the contactors and/or power traces by control traces. The power and control traces eliminate loose wiring and harnesses.

Abstract: A current measurement and comparing assembly for a power distribution system includes a solid state contactor module having a control section and a power section, wherein the power section includes at least one solid state switch. Also included is a current sensor disposed in the control section and in operable communication with the at least one solid state switch, wherein the current sensor distributes current data to a switch control configured to control the at least one solid state switch and distributes current data to a current measurement and comparison circuit.

Abstract: A printed wiring board (PWB) includes a substrate having first and second opposing surfaces and a busbar coupled to the substrate. The busbar includes a power input connector and a cross-sectional dimension configured and disposed to carry at least 100 amperes. At least one semiconductor device is mounted to the busbar. The at least one semiconductor device includes an input electrically coupled to the busbar and an output. One or more output conductors are electrically coupled to the output of the at least one semiconductor device. The one or more output conductors include a cross-sectional dimension configured and disposed to carry at least 50 amperes.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a plurality of power sources for generating power. Also included is at least one power routing element in operable communication with each of the plurality of power sources, the at least one power routing element being configured to selectively receive power from the plurality of power sources. Further included is at least one load in operable communication with the at least one power routing element, wherein the at least one power routing element controllably determines which of the plurality of power sources to selectively receive power from.

Abstract: An interface module includes a first side having a plurality of input connectors of a same cross-sectional area corresponding to a same amperage rating, a second side having a plurality of output connectors of different cross-sectional areas from each other corresponding to different amperage ratings from each other, and wiring in the interface module configured to connect a first number of input connectors to a first one of the output connectors having a first amperage rating, and configured to connect a second number of input connectors to a second one of the output connectors having a second amperage rating different from the first amperage rating.

Abstract: A power distribution unit includes a first solid state power module comprising a first plurality of solid state power controllers, where the first solid state power module comprises a first set of power characteristics. Also included is a second solid state power module comprising a second plurality of solid state power controllers. The second solid state power module comprises a second set of power characteristics. Also, the first solid state power module and the second solid state power module are interchangeably coupled to a first location of a common chassis.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a semi-conductor based circuit breaker as a transient current limiter includes a semi-conductor switch that operates in a linear mode during a transient event and thereby reduces the transient current passing through the switch.

Abstract: An aircraft power distribution architecture including an Auxiliary Power Unit, a power distributor, and an electric generator distributes power to multiple aircraft systems.

Abstract: A solid state power control module contains non-volatile memory. A switch for opening is provided to break a supply of power to a component. The switch is operable to trip (open) when an undesirable condition is detected, and further to be opened upon receiving a control signal. A status of the switch is stored in the non-volatile memory. A detector is provided for identifying when a module has been mounted in a housing, and communicates with the non-volatile memory if it is determined that the module is newly installed in a housing. A system and method are also claimed.

Abstract: An electrical connection includes a socket having a bore and a pin. The pin is allowed to move along an axis defined inwardly into the socket bore, and also to move radially relative to the axis. The socket bore has a generally conical portion. The pin has a generally conical face. The generally conical face of the pin is in contact with the generally conical portion of the socket. A motor system including such a connection is also disclosed. In another feature, an electrical connection includes a socket having a bore and a pin. The pin is allowed to move along an axis defined inwardly into the bore, and also to move radially relative to the axis. The pin is spring-biased into the bore such that an end of the pin seats on an end face of the bore.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system provides a Line Replaceable Modules (LRM) with a printed wire board (PWB) which is of a relatively thick construction. The PWB is manufactured of a relatively thick construction to provide structural support for a multitude of electrical components as well as a board mounted contactor. Each contactor is mounted directly to the PWB. As the primary contactor switch function is board mounted, support functions such as coil drivers, economizing switches, auxiliary switches become PWB mounted components that are assembled to the PWB for communication through the board circuit traces rather than the heretofore required wiring harnesses.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for sensing relative movement between adjacent panels includes a base and first and second arms pivotally mounted to the base. An electrical connecting element is attached to the first and second arms and holds the first and second arms in a first position to indicate a first condition. When the first and second arms have moved relative to each other by a predetermined amount, the electrical connecting element breaks to indicate a second condition.

Abstract: An electric power generation and distribution system includes a primary distribution panel, which preferably operates at 230 VAC, and a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) panel in direct electrical communication therewith. The HVDC panels power motor controllers which drive electric motors residing in the center or aft sections of the aircraft. As many of the large electrical loads are located in the aft section of the aircraft, an aft electronics bay is located adjacent the aircraft wing roots to house the primary distribution panels and the HVDC panels.