Abstract: A method includes receiving pump cycle location data associated with a fluid power system. The fluid power system includes a plurality of pumps (including at least a first pump, a second pump, and a third pump). Based on the pump cycle location data having a first value, the method includes activating the first pump as a primary pump. Based on the pump cycle having a second value, the method includes activating the second pump as the primary pump. The method also includes activating the third pump as a secondary pump when the fluid power system is in a multiple-pump operating mode.

Abstract: A method includes receiving pump cycle location data associated with a fluid power system. The fluid power system includes a plurality of pumps (including at least a first pump, a second pump, and a third pump). Based on the pump cycle location data having a first value, the method includes activating the first pump as a primary pump. Based on the pump cycle having a second value, the method includes activating the second pump as the primary pump. The method also includes activating the third pump as a secondary pump when the fluid power system is in a multiple-pump operating mode.

Abstract: A composite vehicle architecture without a current return network for reducing lightning threats. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the vehicle. Equipment loads within the vehicle are each serviced by the nearest MEC. Twisted and shielded electrical conductor pairs provide secondary power to the equipment loads to minimize the amount of wire throughout the aircraft as well as the return currents on the aircraft.

Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.

Abstract: A plurality of remote module equipment centers (RMECs) distributed throughout a vehicle to aggregate sensor and control information into localized areas of the vehicle. The RMECs provide power and bidirectional communications to vehicle subsystems thereby localizing the computing and networking functions close to the associated electrical components of the subsystem. In one or more configurations, the RMECs are utilized outside the pressure vessel of an aircraft to minimize the routing distance and size of the wire bundle passing through the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads and each equipment load is serviced by the nearest MEC. In at least one embodiment, only primary power is distributed across section breaks of the vehicle to minimize the number of connections between section breaks, reduce overall vehicle weight, and to increase vehicle build rate.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant self-indicating surge protector system and methods are presented. An unwanted surge of electrical energy induced by a lightning strike is directed away from a sensitive electrical or electronic component, and the unwanted surge of electrical energy is directed through series connected pairs of varistors. A voltage signal is extracted from a center tap point between the series connected pairs of the varistors, and the voltage signal is monitored for a health of the varistors. A high impedance in a varistor among the varistors is provided for a low voltage across the varistor, and a low impedance in the varistor is provided and the unwanted surge of electrical energy is diverted through the varistor in response to a high voltage across the varistor.

Abstract: A modular truss assembly for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, a MEC incorporate inductive power coupling for powering a line replaceable unit (LRU) in proximity to the modular truss assembly without exposed electrical connections and such that the MEC may forgo power conversion equipment. In one or more configurations, a sensor is embedded in one or more transfer layers of the truss for measuring a power trace embedded in the modular truss assembly.

Abstract: A composite vehicle architecture without a current return network for reducing lightning threats. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the vehicle. Equipment loads within the vehicle are each serviced by the nearest MEC. Twisted and shielded electrical conductor pairs provide secondary power to the equipment loads to minimize the amount of wire throughout the aircraft as well as the return currents on the aircraft.

Abstract: A plurality of remote module equipment centers (RMECs) distributed throughout a vehicle to aggregate sensor and control information into localized areas of the vehicle. The RMECs provide power and bidirectional communications to vehicle subsystems thereby localizing the computing and networking functions close to the associated electrical components of the subsystem. In one or more configurations, the RMECs are utilized outside the pressure vessel of an aircraft to minimize the routing distance and size of the wire bundle passing through the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A modular truss assembly for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, a MEC incorporate inductive power coupling for powering a line replaceable unit (LRU) in proximity to the modular truss assembly without exposed electrical connections and such that the MEC may forgo power conversion equipment. In one or more configurations, a sensor is embedded in one or more transfer layers of the truss for measuring a power trace embedded in the modular truss assembly.

Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.

Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads and each equipment load is serviced by the nearest MEC. In at least one embodiment, only primary power is distributed across section breaks of the vehicle to minimize the number of connections between section breaks, reduce overall vehicle weight, and to increase vehicle build rate.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant self-indicating surge protector system and methods are presented. An unwanted surge of electrical energy induced by a lightning strike is directed away from a sensitive electrical or electronic component, and the unwanted surge of electrical energy is directed through series connected pairs of varistors. A voltage signal is extracted from a center tap point between the series connected pairs of the varistors, and the voltage signal is monitored for a health of the varistors. A high impedance in a varistor among the varistors is provided for a low voltage across the varistor, and a low impedance in the varistor is provided and the unwanted surge of electrical energy is diverted through the varistor in response to a high voltage across the varistor.

Abstract: A combined smoke detector and cooling control system for a mobile platform is operable to control multiple electronic units. A smoke detector is connected to the electronic unit and operates to identify a smoke event. A cooling system is connected to the electronic unit. A fan in the cooling system includes a switch which indicates if a cooling system fault occurs. A plurality of relays connect to the electronic unit, the smoke detector and the cooling system. If a cooling system fault occurs, a first relay immediately de-energizes the cooling system. After a fixed period of smoke persistence during a smoke event, a second relay de-energizes the cooling system.

Abstract: A forward in flight entertainment system (IFE) which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the IFE equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further, potential IFE generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The forward IFE equipment is located in forward sections of the aircraft system switching from ground to air mode is accomplished through air/ground signal 10 responsive to landing gear truck tilt. Once the air/ground transition from ground mode to air mode has occurred, ventilation valves 1 and 2 will be closed and the heated air will be exhausted overboard by forward IFE cooling overboard valve 4 whose overboard flow increases with altitude and cabin to ambient pressure differential.

Abstract: An aft in flight entertainment system “IFE” which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the IFE equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further potential IFE generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The aft IFE equipment is located in the rear sections of the aircraft. Valves controlling air flow are responsive to input signals. A fan draws cooling air through a video control cabinet through a duct which splits into an overhead branch and an inboard branch.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a tiltable wheel truck of a main landing gear includes an auxiliary strut, a ground mode system operably connected with the aircraft for detecting and providing signals indicative of when the aircraft is on the ground; a takeoff mode system operably connected with the aircraft for detecting and providing signals indicative of when the aircraft is operating in a throttled-up mode; and an auxiliary strut control unit operably connected with the ground mode system, takeoff mode system, and auxiliary strut. The auxiliary strut control unit is operable to issue a lock-up command signal to the auxiliary strut upon detecting signals from the systems indicating that the aircraft is on the ground and that the aircraft is operating in a throttled-up mode, whereby the auxiliary strut is caused to lock up during a takeoff roll but is unlocked during other operating modes of the aircraft.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a tiltable wheel truck of a main landing gear includes an auxiliary strut, a ground mode system operably connected with the aircraft for detecting and providing signals indicative of when the aircraft is on the ground; a takeoff mode system operably connected with the aircraft for detecting and providing signals indicative of when the aircraft is operating in a throttled-up mode; and an auxiliary strut control unit operably connected with the ground mode sensor, takeoff mode sensor, and auxiliary strut. The auxiliary strut control unit is operable to issue a lock-up command signal to the auxiliary strut upon detecting signals from the sensors indicating that the aircraft is on the ground and that the aircraft is operating in a throttled-up mode, whereby the auxiliary strut is caused to lock up during a takeoff roll but is unlocked during other operating modes of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aft in flight entertainment system (IFE) which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the (IFE) equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further potential (IFE) generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The aft (IFE) equipment is located in the rear sections of the aircraft.