Patent US4775118A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4775118A
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Ice detecting system
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1985-11-26
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Granted: 1988-10-04
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Expires: 2005-11-26
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 James W. Daniels
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 02:39
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64D; B64D15/00; B64D15/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 comprising means for selectively supplying an input signal of first and second levels to said removal means to indicate and remove ice, respectively, said first level being less than said second level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said removal means comprises a solenoid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said sensing means comprises a current detector connected in circuit relationship with said solenoid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said current detector is connected in series with said solenoid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises means for sensing the current passing through said solenoid upon generation of an input signal of said first level.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said sensing means comprises means for sensing acceleration of said surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said sensing means comprises means for sening movement of said surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said sensing means comprises a Hall effect transducer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said removal means exerts an ice removal force upon said surface in a manner so as to excite a plurality of vibrational modes in said surface and said sensing means comprises means for sensing one of said vibrational modes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 comprising means for automatically generating an input signal of said second level upon generation of said ice-presence indicating signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said supplying means continuously and automatically provides periodic pulses of said first level, and upon generation of said indicating signal ceases supply of pulses at said first level and provides a plurality of pulses at said second level.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said removal means comprises a pneumatic boot attached to said surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said removal means, said sensing means, and said generating means are located on the interior of said surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus for sensing the presence of ice on a structural surface, comprising: 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.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus for sensing the presence of ice on a structural surface, comprising: 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.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
102 words
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: 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.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
102 words
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: 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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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-04 | 1992-04-04 | 1992-10-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-04 | 1996-04-04 | 1996-10-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-04 | 2000-04-04 | 2000-10-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |