AIRCRAFT ICING SENSOR
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice comprising:
- a sensory circuit including a sensor operable to be coupled to a surface that is subject to moisture exposure, the sensory circuit operable to create a standing wave;
a heating element coupled to the surface and to a first transmission line;
a first source coupled to the first transmission line and operable to apply a driving signal to the first transmission line, the driving signal operable to drive the heating element;
a mixing element coupled to the sensory circuit and to the first transmission line and operable to produce a mixed signal from the driving signal and standing wave; and
a comparator operable to compare at least one characteristic of the mixed signal with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the surface.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice comprising:
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a sensory circuit including a sensor operable to be coupled to a surface that is subject to moisture exposure, the sensory circuit operable to create a standing wave; a heating element coupled to the surface and to a first transmission line; a first source coupled to the first transmission line and operable to apply a driving signal to the first transmission line, the driving signal operable to drive the heating element; a mixing element coupled to the sensory circuit and to the first transmission line and operable to produce a mixed signal from the driving signal and standing wave; and a comparator operable to compare at least one characteristic of the mixed signal with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for detecting the presence of ice on a surface, the method comprising the steps of:
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coupling a sensory circuit to a portion of the surface the sensory circuit including a sensor and being operable to create a standing wave; coupling a heating element to the surface and to a first transmission line; introducing a driving signal into the first transmission line, the driving signal operable to drive the heating element; producing a mixed signal from the driving signal and standing wave; and comparing at least one characteristic of the mixed signal with reference data indicating the presence of ice. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification