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: 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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: An impeller for a centrifugal pump is provided. It has an inlet side and an outlet side. Additionally, the impeller has a base, a plurality of guide elements extending from the base fluid flow channels, and a centrally disposed inlet opening. The fluid flow channels defined by the guide elements impart energy to the fluid during rotation of the impeller. The second member serves as a shroud and encloses the fluid flow channels. The centrally disposed inlet opening through the shroud admits fluid into the flow channels of the impeller to then be conducted outwardly upon rotation of the impeller.

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 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 bearing for a gear pump including a bearing dam which has a surface, an inlet face relief located on the bearing dam, and a discharge face relief located on the bearing dam. A bearing dam wall is located between the inlet face relief and the discharge face relief and a bleed hole arrangement. The bleed hole arrangement includes a blind passage located on the discharge face relief, and a second passage positioned perpendicular to and connected to the blind passage. The second passage extends to the surface of the bearing dam. In an alternative embodiment, the second passage is of a stepped configuration. The bleed hole arrangement reduces cavitation on the bearing and gear surfaces by pulsing fuel into an inter-tooth volume formed between the gear teeth during gear rotation.

Abstract: A two-piece mechanical joint light weight bearing includes a liner of leaded bronze joined with an outer sleeve of an aluminum alloy. The joint consists of a straight cylindrical section and a threaded section along the axial direction of the bearing. Both the threaded and straight cylindrical sections of the bearing employ a radial interference fit to ensure positive contact between the bronze and aluminum materials. The interference fit is selected to compensate for radial differential thermal expansion between the liner and sleeve and provides a prevailing torque to prevent rotational movement between the liner and sleeve. A molded elastomer seal is located on a first end of the bearing to provide a seal between the liner and sleeve. A method of assembling the bearing includes establishing a relative temperature differential between the component parts, assembling the component parts while held at the differential temperature and then stabilizing the completed assembly at room temperature.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer composite fuel pump housing is provided. The method calls for the application of an elastomeric material onto a mandrel surface to create a substantially continuous elastomeric layer thereon. A fiber-reinforced resin layer is added to the elastomeric layer. The application of the fiber-reinforced resin layer is accomplished by either autoclave or resin transfer molding (RTM). The fiber-reinforced layer and elastomeric layer are then subjected to curing and the mandrel is removed. The resulting fuel pump housing comprises a leak and abrasion resistant elastomeric liner bonded to the fiber-reinforced resin layer.