Abstract: A multi-function air data sensing probe has a strut that is mounted on an aircraft and extends laterally from the aircraft skin. The strut is supported on a base plate, and has a pitot pressure sensing tube at the outer end thereof, with a pitot port facing upstream, and also includes a passageway for total air temperature sensor including a forwardly facing inlet scoop that leads to a chamber in the strut that is laterally offset from the inlet scoop so that flow changes direction as it enters the chamber. The surface defining the change of direction between the scoop and the chamber is provided with bleed holes for bleeding off boundary layer air. A vane type air data sensor is mounted on a shaft that rotates freely and is supported on the strut, and is positioned to sense the relative air flow past the strut to determine changes of relative angles of such air flow. In addition, the strut has static pressure sensing ports on lateral sides thereof leading to a separate chamber on the interior of the strut.

Abstract: A multi-function air data sensing probe has a strut that is mounted on an aircraft and extends laterally from the aircraft skin. The strut is supported on a base plate, and has a pitot pressure sensing tube at the outer end thereof, with a pitot port facing upstream, and also includes a passageway for total air temperature sensor including a forwardly facing inlet scoop that leads to a chamber in the strut that is laterally offset from the inlet scoop so that flow changes direction as it enters the chamber. The surface defining the change of direction between the scoop and the chamber is provided with bleed holes for bleeding off boundary layer air. A vane type air data sensor is mounted on a shaft that rotates freely and is supported on the strut, and is positioned to sense the relative air flow past the strut to determine changes of relative angles of such air flow. In addition, the strut has static pressure sensing ports on lateral sides thereof leading to a separate chamber on the interior of the strut.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor used for determining liquid levels in a sealed container includes a heat source bonded to the container, a first temperature sensor mounted on the container adjacent the heat source, and a second temperature sensor mounted on the container spaced from the heat source. The temperatures at the first and second temperature sensors are sensed while the heat source is operating, and the differential in the temperatures is measured and used to control power to the heater. Changes in the differential in temperature between the first and second temperature sensors indicates when the heat conductivity between the first and second temperature sensors changes, due to presence or absence of a liquid in the container at the level of the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor is used on a sealed container comprises a heat source bonded to the container, a first temperature sensor mounted on the container adjacent the heat source, and a second temperature sensor mounted on the container spaced from the heat source. The temperatures at the first and second temperature sensors are sensed while the heat source is operating, and the differential in the temperatures is measured and used to control power to the heater. Changes in the differential in temperature between the first and second temperature sensors indicates when the heat conductivity between the first and second temperature sensors changes, due to presence or absence of a liquid in the container at the level of the temperature sensors.

Abstract: An ice detector of the vibrating element type comprises a tube that vibrates along its longitudinal axis, and is driven by an excitation coil at the natural frequency of the tube is sealed by a diaphragm which has a surface exposed to an air stream in which icing is to be sensed. The exposed diaphragm surface is deflectable during vibration of the tube at a flexible support portion of the diaphragm. As ice accumulates on the exposed surface of the flexible support the spring rate or flexibility of the flexible support changes, thereby changing the natural frequency of the vibration of the tube section. The changes in the natural frequency are sensed to determine that ice is accumulating. The diaphragm is of low mass, and small so that stiffness of small amounts of ice significantly changes the spring constant of the flexible support and the diaphragm is shaped to conform to adjacent aerodynamic surfaces.