Abstract: A surface vehicle includes a microphone detecting sounds originating outside of the surface vehicle. A heating element is mounted in association with the microphone and provides heat for preventing accumulation of ice near the microphone wherein the ice accumulation would degrade an ability of the microphone to detect sounds originating outside of the surface vehicle.

Abstract: A device for measuring the accretion of ice on a studied surface. The device has two arms, a first arm and a second arm, the second arm forming an enclosure for housing an image acquisition system disposed to acquire, through an orifice, images of a part of the studied surface located on the first arm. The device thus makes it possible to dissociate the support of the image acquisition system from that of the studied surface on which ice accumulates. Consequently, it is possible to place the second arm in the direction of the flow of the stream of air flowing along the aircraft while the first arm passes through the stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of either or both of water and ice within a system, more specifically, but not exclusively, the detection of either or both of water or ice crystal ingestion, or ice accretion on an aerofoil, within a gas turbine engine. The apparatus and method compares the measured temperature of the first region with a second temperature value, measured at a distinct second region of the aerofoil, wherein the second radial position of the second sensor is radially offset from the first radial position of the first sensor.

Abstract: An optical ice detector and airspeed probe includes an ice detection module and an airspeed module. The ice detection module detects the presence or absence of ice, water, or ice and water particles, and the airspeed module determines a line-of-sight speed along a directional vector, each based on backscatter light returns emitted from a common collimated light source. An electronics module determines an airspeed of an aircraft based on the line-of-sight speed determined by the airspeed module and at least one aircraft parameter received from the air data system.

Abstract: Road maintenance activities are subject to data analytics. Data regarding a road can be received from a variety of sources including vehicle mounted sensors and network accessible services. A road treatment recommendation, such as plowing or treatment material distribution, can be automatically determined or inferred based on received data. The treatment recommendation can be conveyed to a service center or driver to facilitate road maintenance.

Abstract: A number of devices are provided for detecting presence of ice in an airstream. In some examples such device includes a housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber, and a partition wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber has at least one inlet opening on a front housing wall facing the airstream, and at least one outlet opening, smaller than the at least one inlet opening. The second chamber is configured for being operatively coupled to at least one electromagnetic (EM) system that is configured for transmitting EM energy to the first chamber at least via the partition wall, which is transparent and/or translucent with respect to the EM energy, the EM energy being configured for melting ice that can accrete with respect to the inlet opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting conditions favorable for icing, includes sensing a value indicative of a thermal cycling period, comparing, the sensed thermal cycling period with a threshold value, determining, if the sensed thermal cycling period satisfies the threshold value, and indicating, by the controller module, that conditions favorable for icing are present when the sensed thermal cycling period satisfies the threshold value.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns the detection of ice within a system. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure concerns the detection of ice accretion within a gas turbine engine. The apparatus and method relies on heating a first region (38) of a component (44) and comparing the measured temperature of the first region (38) with a second temperature value, possibly measured at a distinct second region (40) of the component (44).

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and monitoring physical properties of a material under test (MUT) from a vehicle, e.g., using complex electromagnetic impedance. Various embodiments include a method including: obtaining displacement data about a position of a sensor array relative to a material under test (MUT); comparing the displacement data with reference displacement data to determine whether the sensor array is at a reference distance relative to the MUT; in response to determining that the sensor array is located at the reference distance, instructing the sensor array to transmit a set of electromagnetic impedance signals into the MUT; obtaining a return electromagnetic impedance signal from the MUT; and calculating at least one physical property of the MUT based upon the transmitted set of electromagnetic impedance signals, the return electromagnetic impedance signals, and the displacement data.

Abstract: Vehicular maintenance is predicted using real time telematics data and historical maintenance data. Different statistical models are used, and an intersecting set of results is generated. Environmental weather may also be used to further refine predictions.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system providing sensor feedback for property condition monitoring, including: a plurality of sensors disposed in a roof structure of a property; the plurality of sensors providing output indicative of ice formation associated with the roof structure; a hub device that receives output from the plurality of sensors, the hub device detecting at least one sensor output indicative of ice formation and providing a notification regarding the ice formation; a computing device of an insurance carrier that receives the notification, the computing device updating a status of the property in an insurance carrier database in response to the notification; and a communication link between the plurality of sensors, the hub device and the computing device of an insurance carrier. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle with a wheel housing includes a wheel well liner secured to the wheel housing and disposed in a wheel well defined by the wheel housing. The system further includes a heating element in contact with the wheel well liner and operable to heat the wheel well liner. A method of heating a wheel well liner includes determining whether an ambient temperature around the wheel well liner is less than a predetermined temperature, determining whether a weight of a load on the wheel well liner is greater than a predetermined weight, and activating a heating element in contact with the wheel well liner if the ambient temperature is less than the predetermined temperature and the weight on the wheel well liner is greater than the predetermined weight.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for detecting weather conditions using vehicle onboard sensors are provided. An example method includes receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle, and the laser data includes a plurality of laser data points. The method also includes associating, by a computing device, laser data points of the plurality of laser data points with one or more objects in the environment, and determining given laser data points of the plurality of laser data points that are unassociated with the one or more objects in the environment as being representative of an untracked object. The method also includes based on one or more untracked objects being determined, identifying by the computing device an indication of a weather condition of the environment.

Abstract: Aspects identify different, mutually exclusive actions that each apply to usage of a roadway during occurrences of different respective associated combinations of temporal and road condition values. Current temporal data and combination road condition values that are associated with the mutually exclusive actions are determined. An active electronic display of a traffic sign device is driven to indicate one of the mutually exclusive actions as an active traffic requirement as a function of an association of the combination of the determined temporal and road condition values with the action, and to indicate a time or road condition value that differs from a respective one of the combination of the determined temporal and road condition values that are associated with the action as relevant to triggering application instead of another, different one of the mutually exclusive actions as the active traffic requirement.

Abstract: An ice detection system, in particular a method, apparatus and controller for detecting icing conditions and the presence of ice formed on a structure. Also, a method, apparatus and controller to detect the prevailing environmental conditions to determine whether or not ice may form on a structure. Two heaters of an ice protection system (experiencing substantially the same environmental conditions) are driven to different temperatures (the first greater than or equal to 0° C., and the second less than 0° C.). A difference in the powers required to drive the two heaters indicates the prevailing environmental conditions. In another embodiment, a heater of an ice protection system is driven and the rate of change of surface temperature is measured over several periods. A substantial deviation from a rate of change of surface temperature, which indicates the presence of ice on the surface of the structure, is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for defrosting an evaporator in a refrigeration system using an infrared emitting diode includes i) a frost detection sensor configured to receive a frost sensing signal from an output part of a control processor and to transmit a frost detection signal into an input part of a control processor, wherein the frost detection signal is generated by projecting infrared to the frost and receiving reflection-infrared from the frost; ii) a control processor configured to convert the frost detection signal into a digital signal in the signal converting part, to evaluate if the frost detection signal is higher than a threshold value which is set from a signal setting part, and to transmit the operation signal to the defroster, as well as the display signal to the signal display part; and iii) a defroster.

Abstract: In a radar apparatus, one frequency pair is extracted from among all frequency pairs, and an eigenvalue ratio in relation to the extracted pair is derived. The number of incoming waves is estimated according to the number of eigenvalue ratios each of which is not less than a reference threshold. Then, a proportion of the frequency pairs each estimated to have a plurality of incoming waves, relative to all frequency pairs (hereinafter referred to as plural detection proportion) is calculated as an evaluation value. These steps are repeated every time radar waves are transmitted and received. As a result, when a state where the plural detection proportion becomes not less than a specified proportion is detected over a specified number of cycles, it is determined that noise factor materials have adhered to a covering member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a de-icing arrangement for de-icing a structural element {170; 270; 370). The structural element could be made of a whole polymeric or metallic material. The arrangement comprises a power source (250) being electrically connected to an electrode configuration (200), said power source is arranged to, when applicable, electrically charge said electrode configuration (200). The electrode configuration (200) is arranged to generate an impulsive force (Fn) for removal of ice adhered on said structural element (170; 270; 370). The invention relates to a method for de-icing a structural element. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product. The invention also relates to a platform carrying the arrangement.

Abstract: A method monitors the consumption of materials, including determining the presence of materials in a smart receptacle using a sensor located in the smart receptacle. A server is alerted when an actionable item is detected.

Abstract: To distinguish a region (e.g. hand) within a data set (e.g. digital image), data elements (e.g. pixels) representing a transition (e.g. hand outline) are identified. The direction toward the region is determined, for example using weighted direction matrices yielding a numerical maximum when aligned inward. A test element displaced one or more steps inward from the boundary element is tested against a standard for identifying the region. If the tested element meets the standard, that element is identified as part of the region. By examining data elements away from the transition, noise in the transition itself is avoided without altering the transition (e.g. by smoothing) while still only examining a linear data set (i.e. a contour or trace of the feature rather than a flooded interior thereof). The direction to the exterior of the region, an exterior contour, other features, and/or the transition also may be identified/followed.

Abstract: Method for controlling a device for changing the spreading ring sector of a disc spreader including a controllable metering device, a distributor disc arranged underneath the metering device and provided with thrower blades, and the device for changing the spreading ring sector of the granular material on the ground. Functional dependencies of a setting parameter of the device for changing the spreading ring sector on a throwing parameter are stored in a database of a control unit assigned to the device for adjusting the spreading ring sector, and a set point value of the throwing parameter or of the setting parameter corresponding thereto is input in the control unit. An actual value of the throwing parameter is determined using a sensor, arranged near to the circumference of the distributor disc, and the actual value of the throwing parameter is compared with the set point value thereof in the control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a sensor system and an icing condition detector. The sensor system is configured to collect drops of water from air on an exterior of an aircraft and generate a number of images of the drops of water collected. The icing condition detector is configured to detect a presence of a number of types of icing conditions for the aircraft using the number of images from the sensor.

Abstract: An optical system for detection of atmospheric ice particles is described. The optical system includes a laser light source configured to emit laser light, a photodetector, a first lens element and detection electronics. The first lens element is arranged to image light from the laser light source onto a measurement volume, and to direct scattered light received from the measurement volume to the photodetector. The detection electronics is connected to the photodetector, and is configured to receive a light detection signal from the photodetector and to indicate whether or not the atmospheric ice particles exist in the measurement volume based on the light detection signal.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a housing defining a cavity, an actuator formed from an alloy transitionable between first and second states, a plunger attached to the actuator, and a resilient member configured for translating the plunger within the cavity. The plunger is not translatable during a first condition in which a coating of debris is disposed on the housing as the alloy transitions between the first and second states to define a first stress on the actuator. The plunger is translatable during a second condition in which the housing is substantially free from the coating as the alloy transitions to define a second stress on the actuator that is less than the first stress. The alloy transitions from the first to the second state at a first transformation temperature during the first condition, and at a second transformation temperature that is less than the first temperature during the second condition.

Abstract: An ice detection system comprising a first group of sensors and a second group of sensors. The first group of sensors is located in a first group of locations on an aircraft. The first group of sensors in the first group of locations is configured to detect a first type of icing condition for the aircraft. The second group of sensors is located in a second group of locations on the aircraft. The second group of sensors in the second group of locations is configured to detect a second type of icing condition for the aircraft.

Abstract: A flight display for an aircraft includes a virtual ice accretion meter having a liquid water content portion and an ice thickness portion. A method for determining ice accretion includes integrating over a time period a constant K multiplied by a liquid water content (LWC) and true airspeed (TAS).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are present for monitoring a runway. Data is received about the runway from a number of sensors associated with an aircraft while the aircraft performs an operation on the runway. A number of conditions are identified for the runway using the data received from the number of sensors.

Abstract: A device which detects or senses liquid level in a beverage containment vessel, and produces either light, audio or a data output based on the liquid level being equal to or less than a predetermined level. The device, in practice, preferably retains the shape of the beverage containment vessel (e.g., cylindrical), and have an outer housing of opaque or semi-translucent material. The device is either integrated into a new beverage containment vessel, or retrofitted to existing vessels. The device is powered by battery, and can be switched on, off, or into various operating modes by internal switching mechanism.

Abstract: In one example, a first vehicle traveling on a road is provided. The vehicle comprises a communication device coupled in the first vehicle configured to receive information transmitted by a second vehicle traveling on the road, the information identifying road surface conditions experience by the second vehicle; and a controller configured to adjust a vehicle operating parameter of the first vehicle in response to receiving the transmitted information from the second vehicle.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for monitoring an atmosphere includes a sensor system arranged to obtain data about the atmosphere at its location and a communications system coupled to the sensor system for providing data obtained by the sensor system to a monitoring facility, e.g., by wireless transmits, which monitors the atmosphere. A location determining system may be arranged in connection with the sensor system for determining the location thereof. The communication system is coupled to the location determining system and transmits the location of the sensor system along with the data obtained by the sensor system to the remote facility.

Abstract: An optical system is proposed which is configured to detect an obscuration of the optical components and to optionally initiate measures, which either warn the driver and/or activate a heater which reduces the detected obscuration of the image. The system is controlled by a method for detecting an obscuration, which comprises a high reliability for detecting obscurations through the evaluation of additional sensors.

Abstract: An inexpensive and simple-to-operate ice safety device is provided for deployment in a body of water. Once deployed, the ice safety device can be activated to check whether ice has formed to a predetermined thickness around the ice safety device. If ice has not formed to the predetermined thickness, the ice safety device indicates an unsafe condition. The ice safety device can be moored to a fixed location.

Abstract: A lighting system for an emergency exit from an occupied space: an array of lighting elements located around the emergency exit to illuminate the exit and facilitate egress for an occupant of the space; a control unit; and sensors to detect one or more trigger conditions and actuate the lighting elements in response to a first trigger condition from any of the sensors, the sensors comprising: an impulse detector operable to send a signal to the control unit indicating that the impulse detector has experienced an impulse; and a roll and/or pitch detector operable to send a signal to the control unit indicating that the roll and/or pitch detector has experienced roll and/or pitch, wherein upon detection of the first trigger condition the control unit actuates one or more of the lighting elements to illuminate the exit.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring arrangement for an electro-thermal ice protection system is provided for a slat of an aircraft wing, incorporating heater mats of composite material, wherein, in order to avoid or at least substantially reduce some of the problems associated with use of discrete temperature sensing elements, one or more optical fiber temperature sensors are embedded within the heater mats for sensing an overheating condition of each mat. Advantageously, a control system is used to monitor the temperature of the mats, and adjusts power supplied, or switches off power, in response to detection of an overheating condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for prospecting for water ice on heavenly bodies with the apparatus consisting of site preparation tools and a water ice detector unit. The apparatus is attached at the end of any robotic arm equipped lander or rover spacecraft; for instance, lander designs such as Mars Phoenix or rover designs such as Mars Spirit and Opportunity. Supported on an internal, moveable carriage, the apparatus is also incorporated into smaller, dedicated water ice detection rover spacecraft. The water ice detection unit inserts electrodes into or against a potential water ice deposit and confirms the presence of water ice by making combination impedance and thermal conductivity measurements.

Abstract: Methods for determining need for treating a vehicle travel surface include sensing, at a first time, a characteristic of a vehicle travel surface from a mobile sensor. Sensed characteristics include temperature, friction coefficient, material volumetric buildup, e.g., composition, such as an amount or percentage of ice or snow, density, depth, freeze point and chemical concentrations. The sensed characteristic is recorded as a first measurement in a database, and GIS information correlating a location with the first measurement is attached. The characteristic of the vehicle travel surface is sensed at a second time, at the location, and recorded in the database, for example as a second measurement. GIS information correlating the location with the second measurement may be attached, and the first and second measurements compared.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detection of surface properties or conditions, in particular detection of water, snow and ice and in particular to road surfaces by means of detector means mounted on individual vehicles, and transmitting the data from the vehicle, preferably together with position data of the vehicle, to be used by drivers of other vehicles for warning of slippery road conditions ahead of the vehicle. According to a particular aspect, it has been realised that the fact that polarized light which is mirror reflected by e.g. ice or water on a surface, preserves its polarization, whereas polarized light which is diffuse reflected largely becomes depolarized, may be utilised to separate the two types of reflection and thus provide a much more compact sensor device for surface properties, in which the light may be emitted close to or parallel to the road surface normal.

Abstract: An optical system for detecting ice and water on the surface of an aircraft includes an elongated transparent optical element having first and second end portions. A light source and light detector are disposed in one end of the optical element and a reflective surface is disposed in the opposite end portion. The reflective surface defines a critical angle and reflects light from the light source to the light detector when the critical angle is in contact with air and refracts the light toward the external environment when the reflective surface is in contact with ice or water. The system may also incorporate an optical element wherein the reflective surface includes a continuous array of convex elements extending outwardly from and across one end of the optical element and wherein each of the convex elements defines a critical angle.

Abstract: An inexpensive and simple-to-operate ice safety device is provided for deployment in a body of water. Once deployed, the ice safety device can be activated to check whether ice has formed to a predetermined thickness around the ice safety device. If ice has not formed to the predetermined thickness, the ice safety device indicates an unsafe condition. The ice safety device can be moored to a fixed location.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting ice crystal formation on a heat exchange surface in an ice-making machine comprises at least one microphone monitoring the sound made by a rotating blade assembly within the ice-making machine during ice slurry formation. A filter filters the output of the microphone to remove background noise. A comparator receives the output of the filter and compares the filtered microphone output with a threshold to determine if the filtered microphone output signifies ice crystal formation on the heat exchange surface. The operation of the ice-making machine can then be adjusted in a manner to allow the formed ice crystals to be removed from the heat exchange surface.

Abstract: A surface condition sensing and treatment system includes a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) toward a surface material disposed upon a vehicle travel surface. Reflected EMR is received and signals indicative of the reflected EMR are processed to produce output corresponding to a characteristic of the surface material. Characteristics include friction, depth and composition, including ice present in the surface material. Sensing may be locally or remotely, automatically or manually initiated. The system may include a display and at least one computer with a database of surface material characteristics, historical, environmental and GIS positional information. Sensed characteristics processed with database information may determine a surface treatment, according to a selected outcome or level of service. A spreader system applies the surface treatment responsive to local, remote, automatic or manual command.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice includes a sensory circuit including a sensor operable to be coupled to a surface exposed to moisture. The sensory circuit is operable to create an electromagnetic standing wave. A heating element is coupled to the surface and a first transmission line. A first source is coupled to the first transmission line and is operable to inject a driving signal into the first transmission line, the driving signal being operable to drive the heating element. A mixing element is coupled to the sensory circuit and first transmission line and is operable to produce a mixed signal from the driving signal and a measure of the standing wave. A comparator is operable to compare at least one characteristic of the mixed signal with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the sensor.

Abstract: An optical system for detecting ice and water on the surface of an aircraft includes an elongated transparent optical element having first and second end portions. A light source and light detector are disposed in one end of the optical element and a reflective surface is disposed in the opposite end portion. The reflective surface defines a critical angle and reflects light from the light source to the light detector when the critical angle is in contact with air and refracts the light toward the external environment when the reflective surface is in contact with ice or water. The system may also incorporate an optical element wherein the reflective surface includes a continuous array of convex elements extending outwardly from and across one end of the optical element and wherein each of the convex elements defines a critical angle.

Abstract: Methods for determining need for treating a vehicle travel surface include sensing, at a first time, a characteristic of a vehicle travel surface from a mobile sensor. Sensed characteristics include temperature, friction coefficient, material volumetric buildup, e.g., composition, such as an amount or percentage of ice or snow, density, depth, freeze point and chemical concentrations. The sensed characteristic is recorded as a first measurement in a database, and GIS information correlating a location with the first measurement is attached. The characteristic of the vehicle travel surface is sensed at a second time, at the location, and recorded in the database, for example as a second measurement. GIS information correlating the location with the second measurement may be attached, and the first and second measurements compared.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice includes a sensor including a radio-frequency transmission line providing a characteristic impedance, a source coupled to the transmission line and operable to inject a wave into the transmission line, a summer operable to create standing wave, the standing wave including the sum of the injected wave and a reflected wave reflected by the end of the transmission line, the summer being connected between the source and the transmission line, and a detector for detecting the voltage of the standing wave. An embodiment may further include a comparator operable to compare the detected voltage with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the sensor.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for monitoring slurry from a central location and replenishing the slurry as needed. The method/system allows a slurry supplier to track various properties of the slurry, as well as monitor various aspects of the slurry storage and delivery system. When the volume of slurry at the remote location falls below a predetermined point, the slurry supplier can schedule both the production of the appropriate slurry and its timely delivery to the customer. Changes in the condition of existing slurry, as well as leaks and other malfunctions in the slurry storage system, may be promptly detected and the slurry supplier immediately notified so that corrective actions may be taken. Multiple slurry storage systems at several remote locations may be monitored simultaneously from the central location. Such an arrangement offers a complete, one-stop solution to customers whose businesses depend on a reliable supply of “field ready” slurry.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detection of surface properties or conditions, in particular detection of water, snow and ice and in particular to read surfaces by means of detector means mounted on individual vehicles, and transmitting the data from the vehicle, preferably together with position data of the vehicle, to be used by drivers of other vehicles for warning of slippery road conditions ahead of the vehicle. According to a particular aspect, it has been realized that the fact that polarized light which is mirror reflected by e.g. ice or water on a surface, preserves its polarization, whereas polarized light which is diffuse reflected largely becomes depolarized, may be utilized to separate the two types of reflection and thus provide a much more compact sensor device for surface properties, in which the light may be emitted close to or parallel to the road surface normal.

Abstract: Ice detection apparatus for monitoring ice accretion on aircraft surfaces, comprising an array of optical fibres which are mounted flush with an outer surface of an aircraft skin, and an intermediately located electromagnetic radiation emitter which is provided by an optical fibre. In use radiation is emitted by the emitter generally outwardly of the aircraft surface, and the layer of accreted ice diffuses the emitted radiation scattered and reflected. The diffused radiation is detected by the sensors, and the spatial distribution of the detected intensity diffused radiation about the emitter can be used to calculate the thickness of the layer of ice and the type of ice.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice includes a sensor including a radio-frequency transmission line providing a characteristic impedance, a source coupled to the transmission line and operable to inject a wave into the transmission line, a summer operable to create standing wave, the standing wave including the sum of the injected wave and a reflected wave reflected by the end of the transmission line, the summer being connected between the source and the transmission line, and a detector for detecting the voltage of the standing wave. An embodiment may further include a comparator operable to compare the detected voltage with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the sensor.

Abstract: An electric field sensor may be used to detect accumulation of frozen material. In one embodiment, an e-field system includes a first electrode, a second electrode located at a distance from the first electrode, the second electrode forming a capacitive element with the first electrode, wherein a gap is present between the first and second electrodes, and an electric field sensor having an electrode terminal coupled to the first electrode and providing an electric field output value representative of an amount of frozen material located in the gap between the first and second electrodes. The system may also include a first insulator adjacent the first electrode and outside the gap, and a conductive layer adjacent the first insulator, where the first insulator is between the first electrode and the conductive layer, and where a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the conductive layer.