Abstract: A fuel pump monitoring system (10) for monitoring fuel pumps (16) and a method for using the system are provided. The fuel pump monitoring system includes a display device (22), an information network (20), a data communication network (18), a monitoring device (12), and an information server (14). The monitoring device collects environmental parameters and operates independent from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the monitoring device uses GPS technology. The fuel pump information server provides fuel pump information and related information to a subscriber. In one embodiment, the monitoring device is in communication with an Iridium satellite constellation (28) and the information is displayed to the subscriber when the fuel pump is substantially anywhere in the world.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that provides independently operated or controlled circuits in a single device. An exemplary application adapts a variable displacement roller pump into an engine geometry control system that uses one circuit of the pump during start-up and then removes the circuit from the system and satisfies other pumping needs with the other circuit of the pump.

Abstract: A dual lobe, split ring, variable displacement roller vane pump is provided for supplying an aircraft engine varying amount of fuel. In a preferred application, the pump is used with a gas turbine engine. The pump includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing and having a plurality of slots, and a plurality of roller vanes operatively mounted within the slots. The pump further includes a pair of port plates mounted on either side of the rotor and two cam segments received around the rotor. The cam segments each have a curvilinear surface for cooperating with the rotor, the port plates, and the roller vanes to define a plurality of pumping chambers. The cam segments are independently movable to create varying volumetric pumping chambers along the curvilinear surface of the cam segments.

Abstract: A small, compact, self-contained fastener. The fastener has a cylindrical housing of which one of the embodiments has threads located on its exterior for releasably securing the housing to a one of the two objects being fastened. Inside the housing is located a cooperating member which extends in the axial direction of the housing. The cooperating member is movable between an engaged position in which the cooperating member engages the second object and a dis-engaged position in which the cooperating member does not engage the second object. The cooperating member has a cooperating member stop shoulder opposed to the housing stop shoulder and adapted to mate with the housing stop shoulder when the cooperating member is in the engaged position. When the cooperating member is in the engaged position, the cooperating member can retain the second object at a selected position with respect to the first object.

Abstract: A valve, such as a compressor or line service valve, for use in refrigeration or air conditioning fluid circuits having an improved flow for improved energy efficiency is disclosed. The valve incorporates a rotary ball member with a 90.degree. fluid passage diameter that is equal to or greater than the diameter of the fluid line that it services. Rotation of a primary actuator stem rotates the ball member to open and close the valve. An annular ball seal provides a seat against which the ball may be positively sealed. A secondary stem is aligned on an alternate axis from the primary stem that is preferably collinear with a fluid line. The secondary stem effectuates a positive engagement between the rotary ball member and the ball seal. A plunger cooperates with locator indentations and a groove in the rotary ball member to center the ball within the valve and align its fluid passage with fluid line connectors.

Abstract: A cartridge or plug-in pump for use in a fluid holding receptacle such as an aircraft fuel tank. A pump housing on the fluid holding receptacle has an inlet opening to allow passage of fluid from the receptacle into the pump housing. A plug-in pump assembly is axially and rotatably positionable in the pump housing. A pump inlet closure is mounted on the pump housing for movement between inlet open and closed postions. Seals are provided between the pump housing and the pump assembly. A first actuator moves the closure to its inlet closed position in response to rotational movement of the pump assembly relative to the pump housing. A second actuator moves the pump assembly axially relative to the pump housing to break the seals also in response to rotational movement of the pump assembly relative to the pump housing. The first and second actuators are synchronized whereby the closure is in its inlet closed position at the time the seals are broken.

Abstract: A lubricant delivering coupling adapted to interconnect a power transfer unit and a load having a rotary input. The coupling is comprised of a pair of concentrically disposed inner and outer hollow members. The outer member is in a torque transmitting relationship between the power transfer unit and the load. The inner hollow member is secured at both ends to an inner surface of the outer member and is adapted to receive lubricant from a lubricant source within the transfer device for delivery to and through the hollow inner member.The inner and outer members each have intermediate the respective ends thereof a shear section. Upon overloading of the outer member and the shearing failure thereof, the inner member continues to twist until rupture at the inner member shear section.

Abstract: A bidirectional brake for use in a drive train to permit a rotary driving element to drive a rotary driven element but not the reverse including a rotary input shaft and a rotary output shaft coaxial with the input shaft. At least one rotatable brake element is carried by the output shaft and is rotatable therewith and at least one non-rotatable brake element is mounted in proximity to the rotatable brake element and engageable therewith. A spring normally urges the rotatable brake element away from the non-rotatable brake element and a limited lost motion connection is established between the shafts. A cam is responsive to relative rotary movement between the shafts for moving the rotatable brake element against the spring towards the non-rotatable brake element and a drag brake is operative associated with the input shaft.

Abstract: A self-propelled combine includes a corn picker head having a cornstalk harvesting and windrow attachment on its underside which includes gathering guide fingers for each row for feeding stalks into a sickle cutter and either a paddle reel or rotary cutter forwardly of augers which optionally convey cut stalks to a centrally positioned discharge whereby the stalks are dropped onto the ground in a windrow or upon opening of a gate rearwardly of the augers the stalks are discharged directly onto the ground. A gathering chain is provided on one of the guide fingers for each row and includes upper and lower sections with the lower return section being displaced laterally outwardly away from the stalks engaged by the upper section. The sickle cutter is positioned rearwardly of the forward end of the snapping rollers and cutting of the stalks occurs after the stalks are engaged by the snapping rollers which rotate inwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: A self-propelled combine includes a corn picker head having a corn stalk harvesting and windrow attachment on its underside which includes gathering guide fingers for each row of feeding stalks into a sickle cutter and paddle reel forwardly of augers which convey cut stalks to a centrally positioned discharge, whereby the stalks are dropped onto the ground in a windrow.

Abstract: A urine collection container carried by a person confined to a wheelchair includes a drain tube which is connected to a valve mounted on the person's wheelchair to permit the person, unattended, to empty the contents of the collection container onto the ground or into a floor drain beneath the wheelchair. The valve may be manually operated, as by a lever within reach of the wheelchair occupant, or may be operated using a solenoid. The latter construction permits remote operation of the valve utilizing a low current sensitive switch operable, for example, by a quadraplegic. In addition, the solenoid operated valve permits the use of a timing circuit which automatically closes the valve a predetermined period of time after the valve is open to prohibit the valve from accidentally being left open and additionally to permit handicapped persons to both open and close the valve with a single switch operation.