Abstract: A filter for a fluid system is designed to capture and retain large debris. The filter includes a structure that captures the debris, and due to the design, configuration, or conformation of the structure, the structure makes it difficult for the captured debris to break loose and thereby prevents repeated impact of the debris with a filter surface. Different embodiments form regions of reduced turbulence such as an angled annular wall, angled wall, or baffles, or a contoured basket in an inlet region that captures large debris, and retains the debris in the structure of the filter.

Abstract: Vane pump 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 is supported by a journal bearing. A relatively low sliding velocity is imposed between the cam ring and the vanes). 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 variable output pump assembly includes an input drive member and a primary pump member operatively driven thereby. A second drive member supplements the pump assembly. A magnetic coupling is interposed between the input drive member and the second drive member to variably drive the pump assembly.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a pump unit having at least a fixed displacement pump supplying pressurized flow. A fuel control assembly receives flow from the pump unit and includes at least one metering valve and at least one throttling valve. A control (bypass valve control) for the fixed displacement pump receives first and second pressure signals indicative of a pressure differential across the throttling valve, or across the metering valve/throttling valve combination, for altering output from the fixed displacement pump in response to the pressure differential. In other embodiments, the pump unit includes a centrifugal pump and a fixed displacement pump that can be fully or partially redundant depending on sizing of the pumps, and the system requirements.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump unit having a centrifugal pump and a variable pump supplying pressurized flow. A fuel control assembly receives flow from the pump unit and includes at least one metering valve and at least one throttling valve. A control for the variable pump receives first and second pressure signals indicative of a pressure differential across the throttling valve, or across the metering valve/throttling valve combination, for altering operation of the variable pump in response to the pressure differential.

Abstract: An assembly or system is provided for selectively regulating journal bearing lubrication between at least first and second levels in an aircraft engine. A high pressure pump includes movable portions at least in part supported by a journal bearing. A selector valve is configured to selectively supply lubrication flow to the journal bearing. In addition, a relief valve is configured to receive a signal from the selector valve defining a pressure level at which the relief valve should relieve pressure.

Abstract: Vane pump 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 is supported by a journal bearing. A relatively low sliding velocity is imposed between the cam ring and the vanes). 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: Vane pump 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 is supported by a journal bearing. A relatively low sliding velocity is imposed between the cam ring and the vanes. 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 for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a fuel delivery system for actuators and fuel control system of an aircraft engine includes a wash flow filter. Fuel flow velocity is increased through the filter through use of a recirculating passage that is effectively achieved through use of an ejector pump. A portion of the pressurized fuel delivered by the main fuel pump is diverted and serves as a motive fluid that scavenges unfiltered flow from downstream of the filter and recirculates or discharges the recirculated flow to an inlet of the filter. This provides increased velocity to maintain sufficient washing of the filter openings.

Abstract: An assembly or system is provided for selectively regulating journal bearing lubrication between at least first and second levels in an aircraft engine. A high pressure pump includes movable portions at least in part supported by a journal bearing. A selector valve is configured to selectively supply lubrication flow to the journal bearing. In addition, a relief valve is configured to receive a signal from the selector valve defining a pressure level at which the relief valve should relieve pressure.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a housing, and a rotating component received therein for rotation relative to the housing. A shaft imparts rotational movement to the rotating component around a first axis from an associated motive input. A bearing assembly is interposed between the rotating shaft and the housing and the bearing assembly includes a bearing member that is self-aligning. The self-aligning bearing assembly includes a bearing member having a recess extending substantially parallel to the first axis, and a journal sleeve received in the recess and interposed between the shaft and the bearing member. The journal sleeve is fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith and includes a flexible joint connection with the shaft to permit self-alignment of the shaft and bearing.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a housing having a chamber in communication with an inlet and an outlet. A rotating ring, variable displacement vane pump is received in the chamber. The pump, and particularly the rotating ring, is supported by a fluid bearing in the chamber. A control is provided for selectively altering fluid flow to the bearing in response to one of hydrodynamic bearing pressure, boost flow pressure, and the pump stroke.

Abstract: A multi-stage concentric centrifugal pump includes a start stage. An inner impeller stage is driven by drive shaft while an electric motor drive is selectively switched on for starting, and off for normal operation to drive an outer impeller stage. The electric motor driven outer stage builds required system pressure and flow at engine starting, and then permits the electric motor to be switched off and allow the outer stage to act as a free rotating disk to improve operating efficiency of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange system for a closed loop fuel delivery system. The heat exchange system generally includes a first pump, a heat exchanger, a high pressure pump pressurizes fuel. The heat exchanger, which is located downstream of the first pump, receives the pressurized fuel flow. The high pressure pump, which is located downstream of the heat exchanger, delivers a predetermined amount of fuel flow to a jet engine. The circulating pump receives fuel flow downstream of the heat exchanger and recirculates the fuel flow upstream of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a housing having a chamber in communication with an inlet and an outlet. A rotating ring, variable displacement vane pump is received in the chamber. The pump, and particularly the rotating ring, is supported by a fluid bearing in the chamber. A control is provided for selectively altering fluid flow to the bearing in response to one of hydrodynamic bearing pressure, boost flow pressure, and the pump stroke.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a fuel delivery system for actuators and fuel control system of an aircraft engine includes a wash flow filter. Fuel flow velocity is increased through the filter through use of a recirculating passage that is effectively achieved through use of an ejector pump. A portion of the pressurized fuel delivered by the main fuel pump is diverted and serves as a motive fluid that scavenges unfiltered flow from downstream of the filter and recirculates or discharges the recirculated flow to an inlet of the filter. This provides increased velocity to maintain sufficient washing of the filter openings.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a housing, and a rotating component received therein for rotation relative to the housing. A shaft imparts rotational movement to the rotating component around a first axis from an associated motive input. A bearing assembly is interposed between the rotating shaft and the housing and the bearing assembly includes a bearing member that is self-aligning. The self-aligning bearing assembly includes a bearing member having a recess extending substantially parallel to the first axis, and a journal sleeve received in the recess and interposed between the shaft and the bearing member. The journal sleeve is fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith and includes a flexible joint connection with the shaft to permit self-alignment of the shaft and bearing.

Abstract: A method for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure.

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.