초록 ▼

A modulated light source (31) transmits light pulses through an optical channel (20) to an optical sensor (10) remotely located from the cockpit and mounted proximate an aerodynamic surface (14) of an aircraft. In the absence of ice a baseline amount of light is returned inward via the optical chann

A modulated light source (31) transmits light pulses through an optical channel (20) to an optical sensor (10) remotely located from the cockpit and mounted proximate an aerodynamic surface (14) of an aircraft. In the absence of ice a baseline amount of light is returned inward via the optical channel. When water, ice, or de-icing fluid covers the light sensor, a detectable variable amount of light pulses are returned by the sensor inward through the optical channel, and are detected by a light detector (34) which generates an electrical output signal that varies as a function of the type, amount, and rate of substance accretion. The output signal is visually displayed (37) and the pilot may also be audibly warned. In one alternate embodiment the remote light sensor (70) may be fuselage mounted (72) with an airfoil shaped probe (71) having a clear lens in the leading edge (73) to which is secured a single fiber optic channel 76 or a pair of fiber optic light pipes (75,76), one for outbound (76) and the other for inbound (75) light pulses. In another embodiment, the optical sensor is mounted in the throat 93 of a carburetor 92 to detect carburetor ice. All electronics are housed in the logic or control/display unit (30) other than the fiber optic cable and remote mounted light sensor. Analog and digital implementations are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A substance detection system comprised of:(a) an optical sensor placed proximate a surface to be monitored and configured to return light pulses as a function of the presence or absence and type of substance on the monitored surface;(b) a first optical channel coupled at

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A substance detection system comprised of:(a) an optical sensor placed proximate a surface to be monitored and configured to return light pulses as a function of the presence or absence and type of substance on the monitored surface;(b) a first optical channel coupled at its outboard end to the optical sensor;(c) an optical coupler/splitter coupled to the inboard end of the first optical channel;(d) a second optical channel coupled at its outboard end to the optical coupler/splitter;(e) a light source coupled to the inboard end of the second optical channel, and configured to generate light pulses that are communicated through the second optical channel, the optical coupler/splitter and the first optical channel, to the optical sensor;(f) a third optical channel coupled at its outboard end to the optical couple splitter;(g) a light detector coupled to the inboard end of the third optical channel, and configured to detect light pulses that are returned from the optical sensor, through the first optical channel, the optical coupler and the third optical channel, and generating an output signal that varies in accordance with variations in the detected light pulses;(h) a processing circuit coupled to the output of the light detector and configured to analyze the output signals and determined the presence and type of substance on the surface to be monitored, and including an output defining the presence and type of substance on the surface; and(i) an indicator coupled to the output of processing circuit and configured to indicate the presence and type of substance on the surface.