Abstract: A fuel delivery system (10) comprises a variable displacement pump (20) for pressurizing fuel. The variable displacement pump has a distinct first pump displacement setting for a first desired mass flow of fuel and a distinct second pump displacement setting for a second desired mass flow of fuel. The variable displacement pump operates in only one of the first and second pump displacement settings. A fuel control (22) with a metering valve downstream of the variable displacement pump selectively regulates fuel delivery.

Abstract: A contaminant detector disposed within a base fluid for detecting the presence of a contaminating fluid includes a conductive core, a conductive sensor probe extending from the core in non-conductive relation, and a circuit board within the core. The circuit board is electrically connected to the sensor probe and electrically insulated from the core. Electrical power applied to the core creates a closed field loop for measuring the localized capacitance of the base fluid. When sufficient contaminating fluid exists in the base fluid to change the localized capacitance, an alarm is sounded to indicate the presence of the contaminating fluid.

Abstract: Vane pump (10) mechanical losses are reduced by removing vane friction losses and replacing them with lower magnitude journal bearing fluid film viscous drag losses. A freely rotating cam ring (70) is supported by a journal bearing (80). A relatively low sliding velocity is imposed between the cam ring and the vanes (26). This permits the use of less expensive and less brittle materials in the pump by allowing the pump to operate at much higher speeds without concern for exceeding vane tip velocity limits.

Abstract: A contaminant detector disposed within a base fluid for detecting the presence of a contaminating fluid includes a conductive core, a conductive sensor probe extending from the core in non-conductive relation, and a circuit board within the core. The circuit board is electrically connected to the sensor probe and electrically insulated from the core. Electrical power applied to the core creates a closed field loop for measuring the localized capacitance of the base fluid. When sufficient contaminating fluid exists in the base fluid to change the localized capacitance, an alarm is sounded to indicate the presence of the contaminating fluid.

Abstract: A pilot valve actuator for use with a hydrant valve has a pilot valve and a removable actuator. The pilot valve blocks communication between a primary hydrant chamber and a piston chamber when in a closed position. Under pressure, the actuator opens the pilot valve against its biasing force permitting the flow of fluid between the hydrant chamber and the piston chamber. The pilot valve is permanently attached to the hydrant valve. The actuator is removable from the pilot valve by a quick disconnect mechanism permitting storage of the actuator remote from the hydrant valve.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is provided for a fuel delivery system that includes a pump (10) having a housing that rotatably receives a rotor (20) carrying vanes (26) thereon, a cam ring (70) received between the housing and rotor (20), and a support member of yoke (50) encompassing the cam ring (70) to selectively vary fuel flow. The bearing assembly (80) is a journal bearing between the yoke (50) and the cam ring (70) and includes an annular surface having a central opening therethrough. The annular surface includes a first, high pressure pad (102) and a second, low pressure pad (104) substantially diametrically opposite the first pad and separated by first and second lands (106, 108). The circumferential extent of the first pad (102) is at least as great as an inner diameter of the cam ring (70). Circumferential ends of the second pad (104) are wider than circumferential ends of the first pad.

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: A tracking system (10) for tracking movable assets (16) and a method for using the system are provided. The tracking system includes a monitoring device (22), a tracking information network (20), a data communication network (18), a tracker tag (12), and a tracking information server (14). The tracker tag operates independent from the asset and uses GPS technology. The tracking information server provides tracking information and related information to a subscriber. The method is for tracking the movable asset and providing tracking information to the subscriber. In one embodiment, the tracker tag is in communication with an Iridium satellite constellation (28) and the tracking information is displayed to the subscriber when the asset is substantially anywhere in the world.

Abstract: A tracking system (10) for tracking movable assets (16) and several methods for using the system are provided. The tracking system includes a monitoring device (22), a tracking information network (20), a data communication network (18), a tracker tag (12), and a tracking information server (14). The tracker tag uses GPS technology. The tracking information server provides programmed instructions to the tracker tag in messages via a messaging system. The tracker tag selectively retrieves the messages from the messaging system. The tracking information server provides tracking information and related information to a subscriber. In one embodiment, the tracker tag is in communication with an Iridium satellite constellation (28) and tracking information is displayed to the subscriber when the asset is substantially anywhere in the world.

Abstract: Vane pump (10) mechanical losses are reduced by removing vane friction losses and replacing them with lower magnitude journal bearing fluid film viscous drag losses. A freely rotating cam ring (70) is supported by a journal bearing (80). A relatively low sliding velocity is imposed between the cam ring and the vanes (26). This permits the use of less expensive and less brittle materials in the pump by allowing the pump to operate at much higher speeds without concern for exceeding vane tip velocity limits.

Abstract: A method and assembly of replacing a receptacle seal is provided. A seal removal kit includes a poppet depressing member, retaining collar, seal removing tool, and a seal insertion sleeve that allows the seal to be replaced without removal of the receptacle or portions thereof from a vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system provides for closed loop mass flow control of fuel between a metering valve and a pump, such as a variable delivery pump. Changes in pressure across the metering valve are monitored and pump operation is altered in response thereto. A thermal controller monitors fuel temperature and recirculates a portion of the fuel flow through a heat exchanger. The fuel delivery system can be provided as original equipment or as a retrofit.

Abstract: A method and assembly of replacing a receptacle seal is provided. A seal removal kit includes a poppet depressing member, retaining collar, seal removing tool, and a seal insertion sleeve that allows the seal to be replaced without removal of the receptacle or portions thereof from a vehicle.

Abstract: A dry break disconnect and process provides a frangible connection in the fuel line to prevent damage in case of a drive away event. Frangible connecters such as rivets are intended to shear at a predetermined force to separate upstream and downstream body portions of the disconnect assembly and thereby actuate upstream and downstream poppet members to seal and prevent further spillage of fuel.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system provides for closed loop mass flow control of fuel between a metering valve and a pump, such as a variable delivery pump. Changes in pressure across the metering valve are monitored and pump operation is altered in response thereto. A thermal controller monitors fuel temperature and recirculates a portion of the fuel flow through a heat exchanger. The fuel delivery system can be provided as original equipment or as a retrofit.

Abstract: A fuel system for providing a desired fuel flow to an engine comprises a metering assembly for providing a variable portion of metered fuel flow to an associated nozzle system. The variable portion corresponds to a variable demand signal received by the metering assembly. A centrifugal pumping assembly is adapted to receive fuel from an associated pumping system. The centrifugal pumping assembly is capable of pressurizing and delivering adequate fuel flow to the metering assembly. A throttling valve is in fluid communication between the metering assembly and the centrifugal pumping assembly to maintain a constant pressure rise across the metering assembly. An electronic engine control provides the variable demand signal to the metering assembly.

Abstract: A pumping system for selectively activating the stages of a multi-stage centrifugal pump is provided. The pumping system has a first stage impeller for receiving fluid into the system and imparting rotational energy into the fluid. The system also has a second stage impeller for centrifugally imparting additional rotational energy into the fluid after the first stage impeller. A valve selectively closes an inlet to the second stage impeller so that the system operates as a single stage centrifugal pump while the second stage impeller remains wetted.

Abstract: A method of increasing the pressure of a fluid in an aircraft centrifugal pump by forcing the fluid to make multiple passes through one impeller of the aircraft centrifugal pump is provided. It includes providing fluid through a pump inlet to an aircraft impeller inlet. The fluid then exits the impeller through a first set of discharge ports and the exiting fluid is directed to a second inlet on the same impeller. The fluid then exits the impeller through a second set of discharge ports to a pump outlet. Each pass through the impeller by the fluid increases the pressure thereof.

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.