Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid flow control valve for regulating the flow of fluid, and a method for assembling the valve. The fluid flow control valve includes a housing having a generally spherical exterior portion sized to pivotally cooperate within a coupling oriented at an opening of a pressurized fluid duct. A control member is provided having a retaining member received within an outlet end of a central bore of the housing. The control member is provided with a knob for manual rotation. A closure member is threadably engaged within the housing or the control member and is fixed for axial translation relative to the other. The closure member is further adapted to sealingly engage with an inlet end of the housing central bore. Rotation of the control member provides axial displacement to the closure member for varying flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An air outlet device for a vehicle, especially for an aircraft, comprises a nozzle body with an air intake opening and an air outlet opening. The air outlet device further comprises a holding element formed with an accommodating opening having the nozzle body supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the air intake opening and the air outlet opening, and a valve body arranged coaxially within the nozzle body and guided by the holding element. Upon rotation of the nozzle body, the valve body can be displaced in the nozzle body between a closing position for blocking the air outlet opening and a maximum opening position for clearing the air outlet opening to the maximum extent. The valve body is of a hollow configuration.

Abstract: A system for the distribution of air to a row of seats in a passenger compartment of a means of transport, such as for example an aeroplane, train or bus, or in the room of a building, comprises a main duct and a series of outlets. The outlets are without valves for opening and closing, and the flow of the air through the outlets is controlled by control means associated to each outlet that exploit the Coanda effect.

Abstract: The air outlet device (10) for the interior of a vehicle, particularly for being arranged above a seat of a vehicle such as, e.g., an airplane, a bus or the like, is provided with an air outlet element (38) comprising at least one air inlet opening (44) and an air outlet opening (45). Further, the air outlet device (10) comprises a slide element (46) for blocking and unblocking the at least one air inlet opening (44) and an actuating element (30) for moving the slide element (46), which is arranged at the air outlet opening (45) and comprises a collar. The actuating element (30) is supported so as to be pivotable about a longitudinal axis (50) of the collar. When the actuating element (30) is rotated, the slide element (46) is movable along a curved path for blocking and unblocking.

Abstract: A mixer includes a fresh air tube defining a passage having an inlet receiving conditioned air from an air conditioning pack. The fresh air tube includes an outlet providing mixed air to a cabin of the aircraft. An outer tube at least partially surrounds the fresh air tube and receives recirculated air from the cabin. A circumferential corrugation in the fresh tube forms multiple lobes in the fresh air tube fluidly connect the outer tube to the fresh air tube. The warm recirculation air surrounds the portion of the fresh air tube to heat it preventing ice from forming. The warm recirculation air entering the fresh air tube through the lobes homogeneously mixes with the conditioned air from the pack to provide a uniform mixture of air within the fresh air tube, which further ensures the prevention of ice build up.

Abstract: A projection display is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The projection display includes a hollow case including a window opening, a screen formed on one portion of the case, and at least one mirror internally mounted to the case at a position to reflect light from the window opening to the screen. The projection display further includes a window mounted in the window opening. The projection display further includes an optical engine mounted to the case. The optical engine is positioned over the window and oriented so that emitted light from the optical engine is directed onto the at least one mirror. The projection display further includes a diaphragm internally attached to the case and dividing an internal volume of the case into a first portion and a second portion. The projection display further includes a gas filling the second portion of the case at an overpressure and a vent communicating with the first portion of the case and communicating with an external environment.

Abstract: An air outlet device (1) for vehicles, in particular airplanes, comprises a panel (2) with at least one receiving opening, an air outlet (3) arranged in the receiving opening, and a sealing means (6) sealing the air outlet (3) and the panel (2) against each other. At the panel (2) and/or the air outlet (3), a securing means (8) is configured, it serves to mount the air outlet (3) to the panel (2). During the assembly of the air outlet device (1), the securing means (8) holds the air outlet (3) in a defined position in the panel (2) so that curing adhesives can be used as sealing means (6) without any problem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A reduced bleed vapor compression cycle environmental control system for an aircraft. The environmental control system provides conditioned external ram air to compartments such as the cabin, the flight deck, avionics compartment, and other equipment compartments, where conditioned air is needed. The system includes a first compressor for compressing the external ram air to cabin pressure and an evaporator for cooling the external ram air to a desired temperature. The system further includes a low-pressure water separator for removing moisture from the ram air prior to the external ram air being delivered to the compartment(s). The ram air compressor as well as a compressor for a refrigerant loop are driven by a turbine that expands a minimal amount of bleed air from an engine.

Abstract: An air outlet device for a vehicle, especially for an aircraft, comprises a nozzle body with an air intake opening and an air outlet opening. The air outlet device further comprises a holding element formed with an accommodating opening having the nozzle body supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the air intake opening and the air outlet opening, and a valve body arranged coaxially within the nozzle body and guided by the holding element. Upon rotation of the nozzle body, the valve body can be displaced in the nozzle body between a closing position for blocking the air outlet opening and a maximum opening position for clearing the air outlet opening to the maximum extent. The valve body is of a hollow configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated enviromental control system for an aircraft. The system uses bleed air from a propulsion engine to drive an air turbine which provides power to at least one aircraft component such as an aircraft mounted accessory drive. The system uses the bleed air exiting the air turbine as an air source for the cabin and/or flight deck enviromental control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated air turbine driving system for providing aircraft environmental control. The system has at least one air driven turbine for providing power to an aircraft mounted accessory drive and for providing heated air to an aircraft anti-ice system. The system further has a subsystem for supplying cooled pressurized air to a flight deck and/or cabin and to aircraft avionics. Still further, the subsystem provides cooling air to other aircraft components such as a generator and/or an aircraft mounted accessory drive.

Abstract: A forward in flight entertainment system (IFE) which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the IFE equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further, potential IFE generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The forward IFE equipment is located in forward sections of the aircraft system switching from ground to air mode is accomplished through air/ground signal 10 responsive to landing gear truck tilt. Once the air/ground transition from ground mode to air mode has occurred, ventilation valves 1 and 2 will be closed and the heated air will be exhausted overboard by forward IFE cooling overboard valve 4 whose overboard flow increases with altitude and cabin to ambient pressure differential.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that allows a sitting airline passenger to control the direction and volume of the airflow from an overhead air conditioning nozzle by manipulating a remote control keyboard located near the passenger. It increases an individual's thermal comfort in an aircraft cabin by allowing the individual to regulate the thermal conditions at their seat. The present invention also allows an individual-supplemental air volume to be introduced into an aircraft cabin by means of individual spreadable and adjustable air outlets to provide a “local” climate zone that is distinct from the basic cabin climate or condition. The present invention also provides a means of remote passenger manipulation of the individual-supplemental air volume and direction and all from the comfort of the passenger seat. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling from a first environment to a second environment. More specifically, the present invention provides a hose in a container and a retractor. The retractor may have a drive unit with a belt. Protrusions on the hose may correspond with grooves on the belt. The belt of the drive unit may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container. In addition, the drive unit may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed. Further, a linear actuator may release the retractor from the hose allowing the hose to be pulled manually from the container.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin pressure control system that controls cabin altitude during aircraft ascent to a cruise altitude, such that, under most operational circumstances, the cabin altitude rate of change during the ascent is set to fixed value. The system uses a signal representative of the aircraft's expected cruise altitude. If, however, this signal is not available, the cabin pressure control system controls cabin altitude according to a schedule, and the cabin altitude rate of change may not be fixed during the aircraft's ascent.

Abstract: A restrictor plate assembly (46) for an air distribution nozzle (16) of an aircraft (13) includes a restrictor plate (84) and a support structure (80). The restrictor plate (84) has an outer periphery (66) with multiple notches (68). The support structure (80) is coupled to and supports the restrictor plate (84).

Abstract: An aft in flight entertainment system “IFE” which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the IFE equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further potential IFE generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The aft IFE equipment is located in the rear sections of the aircraft. Valves controlling air flow are responsive to input signals. A fan draws cooling air through a video control cabinet through a duct which splits into an overhead branch and an inboard branch.

Abstract: A device that allows a sitting airline passenger to control the direction and volume of the airflow from an overhead air conditioning nozzle by manipulating a remote control keyboard located near the passenger. It increases an individual's thermal comfort in an aircraft cabin by allowing the individual to regulate the thermal conditions at their seat. The present invention also allows an individual-supplemental air volume to be introduced into an aircraft cabin by means of individual spreadable and adjustable air outlets to provide a “local” climate zone that is distinct from the basic cabin climate or condition. The present invention also provides a means of remote passenger manipulation of the individual-supplemental air volume and direction and all from the comfort of the passenger seat.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling to an aircraft. More specifically, the present invention provides a hose in a container and a retractor. The retractor may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container. The container may deliver the hose to the aircraft via the retractor. In addition, the retractor may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed. Further, the retractor may be released from the hose and container, allowing the hose to be pulled manually from the container.

Abstract: A bleed valve assembly includes a valve poppet having a bleed portion and a base portion separated by a radially extending flange. The radially extending flange is located about the perimeter of the valve poppet to engage the valve seat on one side and receive a biasing member on the other. The flange engages the valve seat such that initial valve performance is similar to a disk valve, i.e., soft seating and very low leakage when closed. A plurality of openings extend through the bleed portion such that partial open operation of the bleed valve assembly is particularly tailored for a desired flow. As the valve poppet of the present invention moves off the valve seat, the initial gain is very low and then the gain increases steadily as more openings are exposed.

Abstract: An air outlet device (1) for vehicles, in particular airplanes, comprises a panel (2) with at least one receiving opening, an air outlet (3) arranged in the receiving opening, and a sealing means (6) sealing the air outlet (3) and the panel (2) against each other. At the panel (2) and/or the air outlet (3), a securing means (8) is configured, it serves to mount the air outlet (3) to the panel (2). During the assembly of the air outlet device (1), the securing means (8) holds the air outlet (3) in a defined position in the panel (2) so that curing adhesives can be used as sealing means (6) without any problem.

Abstract: An air outlet device for a vehicle, especially for an aircraft, comprises a nozzle body with an air intake opening and an air outlet opening. The air outlet device further comprises a holding element formed with an accommodating opening having the nozzle body supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the air intake opening and the air outlet opening, and a valve body arranged coaxially within the nozzle body and guided by the holding element. Upon rotation of the nozzle body, the valve body can be displaced in the nozzle body between a closing position for blocking the air outlet opening and a maximum opening position for clearing the air outlet opening to the maximum extent. The valve body is of a hollow configuration.

Abstract: A smoke evacuation device comprises a nozzle for connection to a source of clean air supply, the nozzle being adapted to vent clean air supply in all available directions in space therefrom to provide a volume of space with clean air in the proximity of the nozzle, thereby providing visibility and breathable air to the user. The nozzle is adapted to minimize entrainment of the surrounding smoke into the volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling aircraft airflow. An apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can include an air scoop having an inlet and an outlet and configured to mount to the aircraft and be movable relative to at least a portion of the aircraft between a first position and a second position. The air scoop can be oriented to capture air when in the second position. The outlet can be configured to be coupled in fluid communication with a pressurized portion of the aircraft when the air scoop is in the second position to convey air from the inlet to the pressurized portion. The air scoop can be configured to significantly increase the drag of the aircraft from a first value when the air scoop is in the first position to a second value when the air scoop is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature control system for an aircraft ventilation system that couples with existing aircraft upstream ventilation system architecture and downstream ventilation system architecture. The temperature control system includes an air duct arranged to receive a volume of ventilation air from the upstream ventilation system architecture and transfer the volume of air to the downstream ventilation system architecture. A heater is arranged to heat the ventilation air. A controller is arranged to control the heater responsive to a comparison of the actual temperature of the ventilation air to a desired range of temperatures. The controller maintains the actual ventilation air temperature within the predetermined range of temperatures such that formation of ice is minimized in the aircraft ventilation system. An exhaust shutoff valve between the air distribution system and the lavatory/galley ventilation system provides for ventilation in the event smoke is detected.

Abstract: An air outlet device (10) for a vehicle, especially for an aircraft, comprises a nozzle body (40) with an air intake opening (44) and an air outlet opening (46). The air outlet device (10) further comprises a holding element (14) formed with an accommodating opening (36) having the nozzle body (40) supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis (42) extending through the air intake opening (44) and the air outlet opening (46), and a valve body (68), arranged coaxially within the nozzle body (40) and guided by the holding element (14). Upon rotation of the nozzle body (40), the valve body (68) can be displaced in the nozzle body (40) between a closing position for blocking the air outlet opening (46) and a maximum opening position for clearing the air outlet opening (46) to the maximum extent. The valve body (68) is of a hollow configuration.

Abstract: What is described here is a method of air conditioning in vehicles and in aircraft in particular, wherein the air flow supplied to the passenger cabin consists of outside air possibly heated to a moderate temperature and a fraction of circulated air. The inventive method is characterised by the provision that the fraction of circulated air in the supplied air flow is limited by means of at least one CO2 sensor in such a way that the CO2 fraction in the air in the passenger cabin does not exceed a defined threshold. Alternatively or additionally it is possible, below the threshold of circulated air as pre-determined by the CO2 sensor, to control the circulated-air fraction in the supplied air flow in such a way that the relative humidity is maintained within a humidity range which is higher than the relative humidity after heating to room temperature, and that the supplied air flow is introduced into the passenger cabin via at least one filter.

Abstract: An environment control unit for an airplane is configured so that air is drawn out of a cabin (2), oxygen and water molecules alone are separated from the drawn air by a selective permeable membrane (21), the permeated oxygen and water is supplied to the cabin (2) again. The remaining nitrogen is supplied to a fuel tank (41) in order to prevent explosion, it is possible to reduce the amount of air extracted from an engine (1) that is required to facilitate respiration for passengers and to prevent explosion.

Abstract: Device for supplying air to an airplane. A device for supplying air to an airplane, which at least consists of means (3) for creating a forced air stream (4) and a pipe (5) to supply the forced air stream (4) from the above-mentioned means (3) to an airplane (2), whereby this pipe (5) consists at least of a flexible hose (15), wherein the device (1) is provided with at least one coil-up mechanism (17) for the above-mentioned hose (15) and/or for an intermediate element (18) coupled to the hose (15), whereby this coil-up mechanism (17) is mainly situated outside the air section of the air supplied through the hose (15), at least when being unwound.

Abstract: An air outlet device (10) for a vehicle, especially for an aircraft, comprises a nozzle body (40) with an air intake opening (44) and an air outlet opening (46). The air outlet device (10) further comprises a holding element (14) formed with an accommodating opening (36) having the nozzle body (40) supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis (42) extending through the air intake opening (44) and the air outlet opening (46), and a valve body (68), arranged coaxially within the nozzle body (40) and guided by the holding element (14). Upon rotation of the nozzle body (40), the valve body (68) can be displaced in the nozzle body (40) between a closing position for blocking the air outlet opening (46) and a maximum opening position for clearing the air outlet opening (46) to the maximum extent, The valve body (68) is of a hollow configuration.

Abstract: Passenger cabin ventilation air outlets located in the cabin ceiling blow air downward toward the passengers. An outlet for this location utilizes a series of high velocity jets exiting from a narrow ceiling nozzle to entrain cabin air to form a broad slow moving single jet. Three rows of slots are utilized, the outer rows to initially produce a wide air jet, and the center row to draw the outer jets back together outside of the nozzle. The center jets coalesce the outer jets into a slower moving total air stream.

Abstract: A positive shut-off air outlet comprises a nozzle having an internal surface with a spherical radius of curvature, a disc mounted within the nozzle having an external surface with a spherical radius of curvature adapted to interface with the internal surface of the nozzle, and a plurality of axle pins disposed in the external surface of the disc preferably extending beyond the external surface of the nozzle. A seal may also be provided encircling the nozzle in a space between the nozzle and a ball housing in which the nozzle is rotatably mounted at a point where the axle pins extend. The seal is adapted to rotate with the nozzle inside the ball housing. The disc is mounted for rotation and longitudinal movement within the nozzle between open positions permitting air flow and a closed position preventing air flow. The axle pins are received within axle openings disposed in the surface of the nozzle.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and method are provided for use in an aircraft having a pressurized area and an unpressurized area. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioning pack located in the unpressurized area of the aircraft that conditions fresh air. The air conditioning system also includes a first air duct for directing a flow of recirculation air from the pressurized area, through a pressure bulkhead, and into the unpressurized area. A mixer is also provided and advantageously positioned in the unpressurized area for mixing the conditioned air from the air conditioning pack and the recirculation air from the pressurized area. Advantageously, the mixer obviates the need for a mix manifold and saves valuable space for passengers, cargo, and other aircraft equipment. The air conditioning system also includes a second air duct that directs the mixture of conditioned air and recirculation air from the mixer to the pressurized area of the aircraft.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system for an aircraft, two pre-mixing units respectively mix cold air from two air conditioning units with recirculated fuselage interior air from two recirculation units, to prepare two pre-mixed air flows that are both directed into and mixed together in a common air distribution mixing chamber, from which mixed air distribution lines branch off to respectively associated separate air conditioning zones within the fuselage. Post-mixing units are respectively interposed in the mixed air distribution lines and respectively mix additional quantities of recirculated fuselage interior air into the mixed air distribution lines. Thereby, the admixture of recirculated air is divided into at least two stages, the system provides redundant failure tolerant operation, and the danger of ice formation in the air lines is reliably prevented even while the air conditioning units provide cold air at a temperature below the water freezing point.

Abstract: In an aircraft, tap water is filtered, vaporized and injected into a trim line of an environmental control system. Filtering is performed by a reverse osmosis filter. Hot, humidified air leaving the trim line is supplied to a cabin of the aircraft.

Abstract: A device for supplying air to an airplane, which at least consists of means (3) for creating a forced air stream (4) and a pipe (5) to supply the forced air stream (4) from the above-mentioned means (3) to an airplane (2), whereby this pipe (5) consists at least of a flexible hose (15), wherein the device (1) is provided with at least one coil-up mechanism (17) for the above-mentioned hose (15) and/or for an intermediate element (18) coupled to the hose (15), whereby this coil-up mechanism (17) is mainly situated outside the air section of the air supplied through the hose (15), at least when being unwound.

Abstract: An aft in flight entertainment system (IFE) which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the (IFE) equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further potential (IFE) generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The aft (IFE) equipment is located in the rear sections of the aircraft.

Abstract: A forward in flight entertainment system (IFE) which allows air to be directed to and exhausted from the (IFE) equipment in isolation from the cabin conditioned air. Further, potential IFE generated smoke may be kept isolated from the cabin air. The forward IFE equipment is located in forward sections of the aircraft.

Abstract: An integrated bleed air and engine starting system for an engine utilizes an innovative flow multiplier air turbine starter to provide bleed air supply to an ECS as well as starting an engine. The technique reduces bleed air consumption by mixing fan stage air and high stage air for ECS fresh air usage. It also can eliminate or reduce the size of the precooler heat exchanger. The system includes an air turbine starter subsystem and an air flow subsystem. The air turbine starter subsystem includes a compressor, a turbine, and a common shaft fixed between the compressor and turbine. Also provided is a gear coupled to a gearbox which links the engine with a shaft, as well as a variable nozzle valve intermediate the turbine and engine. The air flow subsystem comprises a diverter valve downstream of the turbine, an isolation valve intermediate the turbine and an auxiliary power unit, and a check valve downstream of the compressor and turbine. A fan is in air flow communication with the compressor and engine.

Abstract: An aircraft air-conditioning system provides ventilation, air-conditioning and fire protection for a below-deck stairwell and cargo hold that may be equipped with passenger sleeping compartment containers. An air mixing unit mixes fresh air and recycled air to supply mixed air through a first supply air main line (31) and a supply air unit (21) into the freight hold (4), and through a second supply air main line (32) into the stairwell (5). A trimming air unit (7A) provides hot bleed air from the aircraft engines into the mixed air supplied through the first and second supply air main lines (31, 32). An exhaust air line (11) extracts exhaust air from the freight hold (4), while an exhaust air supplemental line (15) extracts exhaust air from the stairwell (5), both of which are connected to an exhaust air main line with an exhaust air ventilator (16) that blows the exhaust air overboard. A bypass line (8) provides bypass air if needed for the demands of the ventilator (16).

Abstract: The below-deck space of an aircraft may be selectively configured as a freight hold or alternatively as a passenger sleeping cabin space by arranging a sleeping cabin container therein. An air conditioning system for this below-deck space provides air in a supply air main line (31), which branches off to at least one supply air delivery line (19). A first flange (23) is provided at the end of the supply air delivery line (19), and a seal collar (25) seals the end relative to the freight hold wall (29). When a sleeping cabin container is to be arranged in the below-deck space, a flap door (24) is pivoted into an open position, and the flange (28) at the end of a ventilation duct (27) of the sleeping cabin is connected directly to the flange (23).

Abstract: An environmental control system which is particularly suitable for use in aircraft comprises an air compressor (22) and an expansion turbine (36). The air compressor (22) is electrically driven at its optimum speed to deliver compressed air to the turbine (36). The compressed air expands through the turbine (36), thereby reducing in temperature as it drives the turbine (36). An electrical generator (44) is driven by the turbine (36). A condenser (33) is provided to condense water vapor in the air exhausted from the compressor (22).

Abstract: A slit curtain separating apparatus for separating a smoking area and a non-smoking area, defined in a passenger cabin of an airliner, with respect to cigarette smoke includes a curtain wall, which is suspended from the ceiling of the passenger cabin and extends along the boundary between the smoking and non-smoking areas. The curtain wall has slit curtains arranged individually over left- and right-hand aisles of the passenger cabin and a center curtain located between the aisles. The separating apparatus further includes a vent port array on the ceiling of the smoking area. The vent port array has aisle vent ports corresponding individually to the aisle and a center vent port located between the aisles. Smoke filled air in the smoking area is discharged from these vent ports.

Abstract: An alternate ventilation system for an aircraft having a body structure and a plurality of electronic devices is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation conduit, an inboard supply valve, a first outflow valve and a second outflow valve. The ventilation conduit is adapted to be coupled to the body structure for directing a ventilation flow of air along a predetermined flow path. The inboard supply valve is coupled to the ventilation conduit and adapted for drawing air from the cabin into the ventilation conduit when positioned in the open condition. The first outflow valve is coupled to the ventilation conduit and adapted for discharging at least a portion of the ventilation flow from the ventilation conduit to a point outside the body structure when positioned in the open condition. The second outflow valve is coupled to the body structure and operable in a first mode and a second mode.

Abstract: A heat ejection device is disclosed for a heating system. The heat ejection device is adapted to mix ambient air from an interior with bleed air from a heat source. The heat ejection device includes a housing with an inner passage, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is adapted to channel ambient air into the housing. The outlet is adapted to channel mixed heated and ambient air out of the housing. A dispenser is located in the housing between the housing inlet and outlet and includes an inner chamber which is adapted to receive heated air from a bleed line. The dispenser has a plurality of apertures formed in it which permit air to flow from the inner chamber into the inner passage for mixing with ambient air to form a flow of mixed air. An acoustically absorptive inlet liner is mounted on an inner surface of the housing at the housing inlet. The absorptive inlet liner is adapted to direct ambient air past the dispenser to minimize turbulence and absorb noise.

Abstract: An outflow valve for a cabin pressure control system of an aircraft cabin includes an aft door that is modified to disrupt or increase speed of cabin air flowing past the aft door and out of the outflow valve. The aft door may be modified by notches formed in its leading edge. In the alternative, the aft door may be modified by through-holes formed behind the leading edge. The outflow valve also includes a forward door. Bolt heads or a baffle may protrude from an inner surface of the forward door to disrupt or slow down cabin air flowing over the inner surface of the forward door and out of the outflow valve.

Abstract: A door and its frame especially in an aircraft are constructed for circulating air through the structure for preventing cold air from forming near the door in an aircraft cabin. For this purpose at least one air flow channel is provided in the door construction. The air flow channel communicates with at least one inlet port with at least one outlet port so positioned that air circulation is maintained through the door structure. The outlet port passes preferably through a cabin floor for discharging cold air into a space below the cabin floor.

Abstract: A high efficiency environmental control system uses air exhausted from a pressurized cabin to cool compressed air entering the cabin. Air exhausted from the cabin may flow directly from the cabin through a heat exchanger which cools the compressed air entering the cabin. Alternatively, air exiting the cabin may flow through a turbine which expands and cools the air prior to passing through the heat exchanger. The turbine may be used to drive a compressor to provide the compressed air to the cabin. Supplemental power to drive the compressor may be provided by a second turbine driven by bleed air from one or more turbine engines, or by an electric motor. Bleed air may also be mixed with air from the compressor to provide fresh air to the cabin. To further increase efficiency and meet the cooling requirements of the cabin on the ground and at altitude, switch dampers may be employed to selectably vary the flow path of air supplied to the cabin.

Abstract: The flow volume of used air to be discharged from an aircraft cabin is controlled in a valve control system in which each outflow valve has at least two slave controllers responsive to any one of at least two master controllers in a closed loop control system. For this purpose the slave controllers and the master controllers are interconnected by an intermeshed conductor network including a plurality of conductor sections interconnected by electrical conductor junctions or optical conductor couplers forming interfaces between the conductor sections to provide a redundant number of communication paths to keep the system operable even if failures or faults occur.

Abstract: An air distribution valve for use in a passageway of an environmental control system. The air distribution valve comprises a valve body including an input and multiple outputs defining a volume. The valve body is adapted for placement in the passageway for receiving the air in the input. A valve member is used for selectively distributing the air between the multiple outputs. Damping devices for damping the unstabilizing effect of the air flow on the valve member as the air flows to the multiple outlets allow, allowing for the lowest pressure drop configuration. An environmental control system designed for use with a vehicle includes an air cycle machine for conditioning air, ducting for distributing the air within the vehicle for a plurality of uses, and an air distribution valve for use in the ducting. The air distribution valve comprises a valve body including an input and multiple outputs defining a volume. The valve body is adapted for placement in the passageway for receiving the air in the input.