Abstract: A power distribution assembly (PDA) includes AC and/or DC power modules and control modules that are installed within a chassis that is mounted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft. Each module includes a wiring harness connector and a control connector for attachment to a motherboard. A wiring harness is externally mounted to the chassis to provide a simplified connection for the wiring harness connector. The modules can be individually and selectively removed from the chassis for repair or replacement without having to remove the entire PDA from the aircraft. This is accomplished by simply removing the module from the chassis, thereby disconnecting the aircraft interface and motherboard connectors for the selected modules. Also, a common PDA can be utilized on different types of aircraft by installing desired modules within the chassis.

Abstract: A power distribution assembly (PDA) includes AC and/or DC power modules and control modules that are installed within a chassis that is mounted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft. Each module includes a wiring harness connector and a control connector for attachment to a motherboard. A wiring harness is externally mounted to the chassis to provide a simplified connection for the wiring harness connector. The modules can be individually and selectively removed from the chassis for repair or replacement without having to remove the entire PDA from the aircraft. This is accomplished by simply removing the module from the chassis, thereby disconnecting the aircraft interface and motherboard connectors for the selected modules. Also, a common PDA can be utilized on different types of aircraft by installing desired modules within the chassis. Thus, the number and type of modules are selected to meet predetermined specifications for a specific aircraft and then installed within a PDA common to all aircraft.

Abstract: A conductive bus member operable over a selected operating frequency range includes a cylindrical main body and first and second legs secured to the main body at first and second points whereby first and second current paths having first and second impedances are defined between the first and second points. A predetermined relationship between the first and second impedances is maintained over the selected operating frequency range.

Abstract: Prior capacitor assemblies used in high power applications have been difficult to mount on circuit boards and have generated large amounts of heat which leads to operational difficulties. In order to overcome these problems, a capacitor assembly includes first and second spaced thermally conductive members each having a channel therethrough for passage of a fluid coolant and a capacitor having first and second electrodes. Thermal paths are established between the capacitor and the fluid coolant in the channels of the first and second members so that heat developed by the capacitor is carried away during operation.

Abstract: The inverter module according to the present invention includes a component support for supporting components attached thereto, an AC/DC converter attached to the support for converting input AC into DC, inverter switches attached to the support for inverting the DC into single-phase output AC, a switch controller attached to the support for controlling the inverter switches, and connectors for interconnecting the AC/DC converter, the inverter switches, and the switch controller so that input AC is converted to a single phase of output AC.

Abstract: Plate fin heat exchangers (11,12 or 34,35,36) for transformers (10) and inductors (30) made of laminated iron cores (16 and 44) and insulated wire coils (13,14,15 or 45, 46, 47, 48) placed around the legs of the cores (16 and 44) is provided in the form of a plate fin between the coils of wire. The wire coils (13,14,15 or 45,46,47,48) and respective heat exchangers (11,12 or 34,35,36) are sandwiched together with the leg of the iron core (16 or 44) passing through the sandwich. The heat generated in the coils is in direct contact with the surface of the heat exchangers (11,12 or 34,35,36). A narrow air gap (28 or 49) is incorporated in each of the plate fin heat exchangers (11,12 or 34,35,36) at the core leg of each coil (13,14,15 or 45,46,47,48) to reduce the path eddy currents can travel and thereby reduce eddy current losses which reduce the power of the transformer (10) or inductor (30).

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, high current, feed-through capacitor for variable speed constant frequency aircraft power systems to provide filtering for unwanted higher harmonics and electromagnetic interference produced by the systems which provides a high temperature, high current feed-through capacitor having a hollow conductive housing, a conductive feed-through stud within the housing, an annular capacitive element for conducting electrical energy, and an electrical coupling, comprising a first conductor composed between an outer surface of the stud and an inner surface of the capacitive element, the first conductor providing an electrical path from the stud to the capacitive element for electrical energy present in the stud and a second conductor disposed radially between an outer surface of the capacitive element and an inner surface of the housing, the second conductor providing an electrical path for the electrical energy conducted by the capacitive element from the stud.

Abstract: A disassemblable capacitor mount for large, high power, high temperature ceramic capacitors is disclosed. The capacitor mount allows the capacitors to be mechanically secured to a printed circuit board or other planar surface and allows for good electrical contact to be made with the capacitors to handle high power. The capacitor mount comprises a pair of substantially parallel, spaced-apart conductors, the conductors provided with a plurality of corresponding spaced-apart lateral slots on facing planar sides thereof. A plurality of compressible contactors are disposed within the slots. A plurality of capacitors having opposed electrode ends are disposed between the conductors, the ends positioned within the slots and contacting the contactors. Finally, a rigid mechanism removably fixes the conductors to a planar surface. The conductors compressingly urge against the capacitors.