Probe and integrated ice detection and air data system
First Claim
1. A probe for detecting the presence and thickness of ice, the probe comprising:
- a housing in the shape of an airfoil having an outer surface and a recessed surface in said outer surface, said recessed surface including a base portion and first and second side portions extending away from opposite ends of said base portion;
at least one beam emitter to generate a beam, said emitter is positioned to direct said beam from the first side portion of said recessed surface towards the second side portion of said recessed surface; and
at least one beam detector, positioned to detect said beam after said beam has traveled from the first side portion of said recessed surface to the second side portion of said recessed surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated air data probe capable of measuring pressure, temperature, relative humidity, turbulence, heading, air speed, the presence of ice, and other relevant measurements for use in building a real time map of the aircraft flying conditions. The probe is attached to the external surface of an airplane such as the wing, fuselage or empannage and is adapted to collect and relay these measurements to a receiving station. By utilizing these probes on numerous airplanes, real time data from numerous data points can be mapped to provide pilots and airlines complete information regarding flying conditions. Additionally, the probe includes a recessed surface for detecting the presence, thickness, and continued buildup of ice by mounting the recessed surface directly into the airflow. One or more light beams are passed over and parallel to the recessed surface, and if ice is present the beams are interrupted.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A probe for detecting the presence and thickness of ice, the probe comprising:
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a housing in the shape of an airfoil having an outer surface and a recessed surface in said outer surface, said recessed surface including a base portion and first and second side portions extending away from opposite ends of said base portion;
at least one beam emitter to generate a beam, said emitter is positioned to direct said beam from the first side portion of said recessed surface towards the second side portion of said recessed surface; and
at least one beam detector, positioned to detect said beam after said beam has traveled from the first side portion of said recessed surface to the second side portion of said recessed surface.
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2. An integrated ice detection and air data system for mounting on an aircraft, comprising in combination:
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ice sensing means for detecting the presence and accumulation of ice on an exterior surface of an aircraft, and air sensing means for monitoring at least one of the air parameters including air pressure, temperature, humidity, and pitot pressure. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An integrated ice detection and air data system for mounting on an aircraft, comprising in combination:
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ice sensing means for detecting the presence and accumulation of ice on an exterior surface of an aircraft, and air sensing means for monitoring of the air parameters including air pressure, temperature and pitot pressure. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification