Abstract At the sides of the runway and between the sides of the runway where water can collect in standing pools, the occurrence and depth of such standing water is continuously monitored by means of electrodes which serve as switches closed by the coming into contact with water. Electrodes are spaced at calibrated levels so that they become closed by contact with the water when the water reaches a prescribed height. The water height is determined by closing of a ''''switch'''' consisting of electrode contact with water when it reaches a prescribed height. An associated remotely disposed indicator is energized to signal the occurrence of water at the so-indicated height. The indicators consist of a number of lamps such as light emitting diodes and the like, and each lamp is independently energized by a direct current voltage derived from an alternating current source acting through a transformer diode bridge and choke. Each lamp has an associated switch which can turn the lamp ''''on'''' and ''''off'''' independently of the indicator electrode to verify working ability of the lamp.
In a process for continuously monitoring the depth and location of standing water on aircraft runways and the like, the improvement comprising the steps of sensing the depth of water through a series of probes each having at least one exposed conductor portion at spaced increments from the surface of the runway and each independently and electrically operatively connected to a remotely disposed readout device having a series of indicator means, supplying a rectified direct current energy source to each of said read out devices which are connected in parallel, connecting each of said readout devices to said rectified direct current supply voltage through separate and independently operatable switching means to determine the workability of each such indicator means and separately and independently communicating an alternating current source through a transformer means and diode bridge to provide a DC voltage communicable to each such indicator means through said respective exposed conductor portions which act as sensing switches and wherein each indicator means includes a resistance to protect each such indicator means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
In a process for continuously monitoring the depth and location of standing water on aircraft runways and the like, the improvement comprising the steps of sensing the depth of water through a series of probes each having at least one exposed conductor portion at spaced increments from the surface of the runway and each independently and electrically operatively connected to a remotely disposed readout device having a series of indicator means, supplying a rectified direct current energy source to each of said read out devices which are connected in parallel, connecting each of said readout devices to said rectified direct current supply voltage through separate and independently operatable switching means to determine the workability of each such indicator means and separately and independently communicating an alternating current source through a transformer means and diode bridge to provide a DC voltage communicable to each such indicator means through said respective exposed conductor portions which act as sensing switches and wherein each indicator means includes a resistance to protect each such indicator means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process in accordance with claim 1 including the step of seapratEly and independently communicating an alternating current source through a transformer means and diode bridge to provide a DC voltage source.