Abstract: An AC to DC power supply includes a first node, a second node, a switch, a switch control circuit, and a capacitive circuit. The switch is electrically coupled between the first node and the second node. The switch is configured to receive AC power at the first node, a switch control circuit electrically coupled to the first node and the switch. The switch control circuit is configured to open and close the switch based upon a voltage of the AC power at the first node. The capacitive circuit is electrically coupled to the second node. The capacitive circuit is configured to store energy when the switch is closed and provide DC power when the switch is open.

Abstract: A distributed controller of an aircraft includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and at least one processor. The first communication device is configured to transmit heater status data and receive heater command data via radio waves or power-line communication. The second communication device is configured to transmit at least one heater control signal and to receive heater sensor data. The at least one processor is configured to provide heater control based upon the heater command data and the heater sensor data and to provide heater status information based upon the received heater sensor data.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing system includes a vessel and an electrode. The vessel includes a vessel wall separating a vessel interior from a vessel exterior. The electrode is mounted to an exterior side of the vessel wall spanning a distance corresponding to a desired-level-determining range. The vessel wall is a dielectric gap between the electrode and the vessel interior. The electrode is configured to collect a charge corresponding to a liquid level. A method for determining a liquid level in a vessel includes collecting a charge on an electrode, sensing the collected charge on the electrode with a capacitance sensor through an electrical line, and determining a liquid level in a vessel based on the collected charge sensed by the capacitance sensor.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing system includes a vessel and an electrode. The vessel includes a vessel wall separating a vessel interior from a vessel exterior. The electrode is mounted to an exterior side of the vessel wall spanning a distance corresponding to a desired-level-determining range. The vessel wall is a dielectric gap between the electrode and the vessel interior. The electrode is configured to collect a charge corresponding to a liquid level. A method for determining a liquid level in a vessel includes collecting a charge on an electrode, sensing the collected charge on the electrode with a capacitance sensor through an electrical line, and determining a liquid level in a vessel based on the collected charge sensed by the capacitance sensor.

Abstract: A sensing device (10) is provided for sensing whether an electrically-conductive fluid (14) has reached a predetermined level within a container (12). In this device (10), a first electrode (22) is electrically connected to a source (20) and a second electrode (24) is electrically connected to ground. When the electrode gap (26) is filled with the fluid (14), the sensing circuitry causes the electrodes (22, 24) to switch roles as the anode depending upon whether a positive voltage pulse or negative voltage pulse is being received from the source (20).

Abstract: An aircraft potable water system (20) comprises outlet facilities (30) and a recirculation path (40) that supplies potable water thereto. The system (20) can operate in a high-usage condition whereat recirculation through path (40) is temporarily interrupted, thereby permitting supply water pressure to remain relatively high despite water being quickly tapped therefrom.

Abstract: A sensing device (10) is provided for sensing whether an electrically-conductive fluid (14) has reached a predetermined level within a container (12). In this device (10), a first electrode (22) is electrically connected to a source (20) and a second electrode (24) is electrically connected to ground. When the electrode gap (26) is filled with the fluid (14), the sensing circuitry causes the electrodes (22, 24) to switch roles as the anode depending upon whether a positive voltage pulse or negative voltage pulse is being received from the source (20).