Accelerometer based power control apparatus for aircraft subsystem

• US 5,004,963 A
• Filed: 03/13/1990
• Issued: 04/02/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Whittaker Corp (Parker-Hannifin Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Systron Donner Corporation (Parker-Hannifin Corporation)
• Inventors: Hay, Wayne R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hickey, R. J.
• Application Number:
  US07/493,136
• Time in Patent Office: 385 Days
• Field of Search: 320/13, 307/10 BP, 307/116, 307/117, 307/121
• US Class Current: 320/127
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/005 using a power saving mode for copiers G03G15/5004

Abstract

An accelerometer based power control apparatus for use in an aircraft subsystem (where the subsystem may be a fire extinguishing system) utilizes an independent battery source. The battery is connected to the aircraft subsystem only during the flight of the aircraft by a positive indication of an associated accelerometer which closes a switch connecting the battery to the aircraft subsystem.

Claims

1. Power control apparatus for an aircraft subsystem comprising:

self-contained and independent electrical battery means carried by said aircraft, said aircraft subsystem being powered exclusively by said battery means;

switching means responsive to vibration or acceleration of said aircraft for electrically connecting said battery means to said aircraft subsystem to power said subsystem, whereby said battery means powers said subsystem only during flight of said aircraft to prolong battery life.

2. Power control apparatus for an aircraft subsystem as in claim 1 where said switching means includes an accelerometer responsive to said vibration or acceleration.

3. Power control apparatus for an aircraft subsystem as in claim 2 where said switching means includes monostable switching means driven by an output from said accelerometer resulting from said vibration for connecting said battery means to said subsystem.

4. Power control apparatus for an aircraft subsystem as in claim 3 where said switching means includes a level comparator responsive to said output of said accelerometer for driving said monostable switching means.