Abstract: A SkyCharger™ Node or “Node” that contains programmed instructions and/or “intelligence” for monitoring communication traffic on a communications network such that appropriate reactions to commands received over the communications network occurs. The “Nodes” also broadcast commands and status information to the network for the purpose of being monitored and/or responded to by other “Nodes” on the network. The “Nodes” provide a way to monitor, control, provide information to or from, or react to, information provided by way of SkyCharger™ network(s).

Abstract: A “Sky Charger Node” or “Node” that contains programmed instructions and/or “intelligence” for monitoring communication traffic on a communications network such that appropriate reactions to commands received over the communications network occurs. The “Nodes” also broadcast commands and status information to the network for the purpose of being monitored and/or responded to by other “Nodes” on the network. The “Nodes” provide a way to monitor, control, provide information to or from, or react to, information provided by way of “Sky Charger” network(s).

Abstract: A power supply with a programmable voltage slew rate is disclosed for generating a regulated voltage at a predetermined set-point. The power supply includes a programmable current source for generating a controllable level of current flow and a capacitive element coupled to the current source. The capacitive element is responsive to the current flow to establish a reference voltage that varies linearly with respect to variations in the current flow. The power supply additionally includes a power device having a control element disposed in sensed communication with the reference voltage and an output for driving a load. The output is operative to generate an output voltage following that of the reference voltage.

Abstract: A current sharing apparatus for use in a power device system having a plurality of power devices disposed in parallel relationship. The power devices each include a programmable current source, a capacitive element coupled to the current source to generate a reference voltage, a power device configured to generate an output voltage following that of the reference voltage, and a slew rate controller. The controller has an input disposed in sensed communication with the output voltage to generate an error signal and control current from the current source. The current sharing apparatus includes a system output drawer connected to the respective power supply outputs to collect a total system output and a system output detector coupled to the system output drawer. The detector measures the total output through the drawer and is operative to generate a signal indicative of the total output and feed the signal to the respective slew rate controller inputs to further modify the error signals.

Abstract: A ground fault and over-voltage detector and method is disclosed for sensing a loss of neutral continuity between the respective neutral conductors of a ground power unit and an aircraft power system coupled to the unit. The detector includes a feedback path for carrying a feedback signal from the aircraft to the ground power unit. The feedback signal comprises a voltage signal referenced to the aircraft neutral and includes a ground fault voltage component. The detector further includes a signal conditioner disposed in the ground power unit for receiving the feedback signal and generating a signal representative of the magnitude of the ground fault voltage component. A comparator connected to the output of the signal conditioner contrasts the ground fault voltage magnitude signal to a predetermined threshold and a cutoff mechanism responsive to the comparator, when the ground fault voltage is greater than the threshold, to interrupt ground power from the ground power unit to the aircraft.

Abstract: A ground power unit capable of no-break power transfer includes a rectifier for converting power from commercial mains to direct current, a switching circuit, a power transformer, and a pattern generator for controlling the operation of the switching circuit. Voltage and current sensors monitor whether the phase of the ground power unit is leading or lagging the phase of the aircraft power bus at the tinge of power transfer. The frequency and phase of the pattern generator converter is adjusted to bring the two systems into alignment quickly, well before the power transfer operation is completed. The ground power unit limits the power transfer between the two systems to prevent the overloading of either.