Ice detecting system
First Claim
1. Apparatus for sensing and removing ice from a surface, comprising:
- removal means responsive to an input signal for exerting an ice-removal force upon said surface;
means for sensing a parameter which is a function of said input signal and of the presence of ice; and
means for generating an ice-presence indicating signal when said sensed parameter reaches a predetermined reference level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Ice detection apparatus for use with aircraft having an EIDI solenoid mounted in proximity to the aircraft skin includes a current pulse generator selectively supplying the EIDI solenoid with current pulses of first and second levels, the second level being effective to generate force upon the skin to remove ice from the skin, and the first level being less than the second level. An accelerometer mounted on the interior surface of the skin produces an output signal in response to force imposed on the skin by current pulses of the first level. The output of the accelerometer is a function of both the current pulse level and of the presence of ice. A comparator is provided to generate an output signal indicative of the presence of ice when the accelerometer output signal reaches a predetermined level.
44 Citations
16 Claims
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1. Apparatus for sensing and removing ice from a surface, comprising:
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removal means responsive to an input signal for exerting an ice-removal force upon said surface; means for sensing a parameter which is a function of said input signal and of the presence of ice; and means for generating an ice-presence indicating signal when said sensed parameter reaches a predetermined reference level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. Apparatus for sensing the presence of ice on a structural surface, comprising:
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a solenoid for exerting a force on said surface; means for sensing the response of said surface to said force; and means for generating an ice-presence indicating signal when said sensed response reaches a predetermined reference level, thereby indicating, the presence of ice.
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16. A method for sensing ice on a structural surface equipped with a device for removing ice from said surface upon application of an input signal, comprising the steps of:
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applying said input signal to said device at a first level; sensing a parameter which is a function of said input signal and of the presence of ice; and generating an ice-presence indicating signal when said sensed parameter reaches a predetermined level, thereby indicating the presence of ice; said device for removing ice being effective to remove ice upon application of said input signal at a second level greater than said first level.
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Specification