Aircraft temperature probe

Abstract

A temperature probe has an elongated spindle-like body with an axial bore of uniform diameter extending entirely therethrough. The forward end of the probe has a knife-sharp edge surrounding the bore opening for ice-free performance. An annular air intake in the bore wall leads to an annular, rearwardly and radially outwardly extending sensor channel containing a bare wire element in an annular zig-zag pattern relative to air flow in the channel. The channel has an outlet near the radially widest part of the probe body, allowing venturi action of the exterior air stream to aid in drawing air through the channel from the bore. A heating element may be mounted downwind of the sensor element. The channel and sensor element are radiation shielded by a hollow area in the probe body between cooperating walls, and bleed holes may direct boundry layer air into the hollow area upwind of the sensor element and out of the hollow area downwind of the sensor element.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.