초록 ▼

A modulated light source (31) transmits light pulses via a prism (27) through a monofilament optical fiber light channel (20) to an optical sensor (10) remotely located and flush mounted to an aerodynamic surface (14) of the aircraft most likely to accrete ice. In the absence of ice little to no lig

A modulated light source (31) transmits light pulses via a prism (27) through a monofilament optical fiber light channel (20) to an optical sensor (10) remotely located and flush mounted to an aerodynamic surface (14) of the aircraft most likely to accrete ice. In the absence of ice little to no light is reflected inward via the light channel. When water, ice, or de-icing fluid covers the light sensor, an increased amount of light pulses are reflected inward through the single fiber optic light channel and prism assembly where they are detected by a light detector (34) which generates an electrical output signal indicative of the type, amount, and rate of ice accretion. The output signal is visually displayed (37) and the pilot may be audibly warned. In an alternate embodiment the remote light sensor (70) is fuselage mounted (72) with an airfoil shaped probe (71) having a clear lucite leading edge (73) to which is secured a pair of fiber optic light pipes (75,76), one for outbound (76) and the other for inbound (75) light pulses. This mode requires no prism assembly. All electronics are housed in the computerized control/display unit (30) other than the fiber optic cable and remote mounted light sensor.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A substance detection system comprising:(a) an optical sensor configured and constructed to be mounted to a surface exposed to atmospheric conditions and which variably returns light as a function of the nature of a substance which covers the sensor,(b) an optical channel coupled to

[ I claim:] [1.] A substance detection system comprising:(a) an optical sensor configured and constructed to be mounted to a surface exposed to atmospheric conditions and which variably returns light as a function of the nature of a substance which covers the sensor,(b) an optical channel coupled to the optical sensor, and(c) a logic unit remote from the surface and coupled to the optical channel, and including:(i) a modulated light source coupled to and transmitting light pulses through the optical channel to the optical sensors, which sensor returns an amount of the light pulses in relation to the nature and presence of a substance on the optical sensor, and(ii) a light detector structured to receive the returned light pulses from the optical sensor through the optical channel and generate an electrical output signal indicative of the returned light pulses; and(iii) an indicator configured to signal the identity of the substance and the amount and rate of substance accumulation on the sensor.