Abstract: A system for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses is disclosed. The system includes a first conduction body in thermal contact with a heat source and a second conduction body in contact with a heat sink. A thermal expansion component operatively connects to the first conduction body and moves the body between first and second positions at a predetermined temperature. In the first position the first conduction body is spaced apart from the second conduction body, thermally isolating the heat source from the heat sink. In the second position the first conduction body thermally contacts the second conduction body, and conducts heat from the heat source, through the conduction bodies and into the heat sink. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A battery system including a passive cooling system for cooling a plurality battery cells during normal operation and during overheating of the battery cells. The passive cooling system may include a housing, a cooling fluid (coolant pool) within the housing, and a plurality of dividers between each of the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a high density power source is disclosed. The system includes a housing with an interior divided into first and second compartments. The first compartment is configured and adapted to house at least one electrical battery and the second compartment defines a coolant reservoir. A fluid release member connects the first and second compartments. Upon the first compartment reaching a temperature in excess of a predetermined limit, the fluid release member releases coolant form the second compartment into the first compartment to cool the at least one battery within the first compartment.

Abstract: A free-surface liquid transfer apparatus for rotating machinery includes a stationary member. The stationary member includes a main surface configured to align to a rotating member, a landing surface arranged around the main surface configured to receive and slow a continuous film of working fluid transferred from the rotating member, an annular gap arranged around the landing surface, and a hollow torus cavity arranged proximate the annular gap configured to receive the slowed continuous film of working fluid transmitted through the annular gap.

Abstract: An air cycle system for a gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a turbine and a heat exchanger fluidly connected between the compressor and the turbine. A fluid source communicates a fluid through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger exchanges heat between the fluid and an airflow communicated through the heat exchanger from the compressor to provide a conditioned airflow.

Abstract: A system for providing heating and cooling to an aircraft has a single compressor for compressing and heating a fluid, a first zone and a second zone. The first zone has a first expansion valve without a condenser and a first heat exchanger removing heat from or adding heat to the first zone. The compressed fluid passes through the first zone and the first expansion valve. The second zone requires cooling and has a second expansion valve without a condenser and a second heat exchanger for removing heat from the zone. The compressed fluid passes through the second expansion valve after going through the first expansion valve and before passing through the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a tank, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve located on a conduit. The heat exchanger is located downstream of the tank, the pump is located between the tank and the heat exchanger, and the valve is located downstream of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger places the coolant in a heat exchange relationship with a heat load from the vehicle such that the coolant vaporizes. The valve regulates pressure within the heat exchanger and controls exhaustion of the vaporized coolant from the vehicle. Water, used as a coolant, can be replenished in flight by condensing a portion of the heat exchanger exhaust or condensing water as part of the environmental control system function or by condensing a portion of the engine exhaust.

Abstract: A cooling assembly comprises an electronic component, a thermal spreader, a cold plate, and a phase change thermal capacitor. The thermal spreader conducts heat freely between the electronic component, the phase change thermal capacitor, and the cold plate. The cold plate dissipates heat. The phase change thermal capacitor stores undissipated heat in a phase transition of a phase change material.

Abstract: An aircraft tug includes a tow bar which extends from a chassis, the tow bar operable to autonomously attach with an aircraft main landing gear assembly and transfer electrical power therebetween.

Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes a retainer mounted in a housing which lockingly couples a first endform to the housing. Latch arms bendably extend from the housing for latching engagement with a second endform. An inner diameter of the latch arms are proximate the outer diameter of the first endform inserted through the housing to prevent substantial movement of the latch arms in a direction which would disengage the latch arms from the second endform. In another aspect, the retainer has inner arms which engage a recessed surface engagement feature in the first endform to lock the other endform to the housing. A portion of a spherical surface is formed on the ends of the inner arms to reduce the push in force required to insert the first endform through the housing and past the retainer.

Abstract: An enhanced electrical distribution unit (EDU) of an aircraft includes power control circuitry disposed to communicate with a power source, a regenerative load control circuit in communication with the power control circuitry and disposed to communicate with a regenerative load, and a passive load control circuit in communication with the power control circuitry and the regenerative load control circuit, the passive load control circuit disposed to communicate with a passive load. The regenerative load control circuit and the passive load control circuit are disposed to arrange a conductive path between the regenerative load and the passive load in response to operation of the regenerative load.

Abstract: An aircraft cooling system includes a refrigerant cycle including a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a compressor. A component of the aircraft is in thermal communication with the first heat exchanger. A heat sink fluid passes through the second heat exchanger to absorb heat from the refrigerant cycle. A hydraulic motor is mechanically connected with the compressor and powered by the heat sink fluid, which is circulated by a pump.

Abstract: A cooling system with a compression cooling cycle for a working fluid that passes an expendable fluid through a warm side heat exchanger for the cooling system to cause the expendable fluid to vaporise and thus absorb heat from the working fluid by way of latent heat or enthalpy of vaporisation and then running the vaporised expendable through a turbine that drives a compressor for the cooling system.

Abstract: An aircraft tug includes a tow bar which extends from a chassis, the tow bar operable to autonomously attach with an aircraft main landing gear assembly.

Abstract: An aircraft tug includes a tow bar which extends from a chassis, the tow bar operable to autonomously attach with an aircraft main landing gear assembly and transfer electrical power therebetween.

Abstract: A plumbing test cap has a body with a bore extending from a first end which is mountable over a stub-out having a surface engagement feature. The body has a closed second end. A retainer is carried on the body for transverse movement from a first position allowing movement of the body relative to the stub-out and a second position in which the retainer is locked to the body, in turn locking the body on the stub-out.

Abstract: A plumbing test cap has a body with a bore extending from a first end which is mountable over a stub-out having a surface engagement feature. The body has a closed second end. A retainer is carried on the body for transverse movement from a first position allowing movement of the body relative to the stub-out and a second position in which the retainer is locked to the body, in turn locking the body on the stub-out.

Abstract: A stub-out assembly includes a stub-out conduit that defines a major diameter and a minor diameter. The minor diameter defines an attachment groove for receipt of a mount housing and a valve housing. The mount housing includes a multitude of circumferential fingers which each include a barbed end that engage a corresponding internal groove within the valve housing of the valve assembly. The mount housing fits over the minor diameter and a retainer in the mount housing is aligned with the attachment groove. The retainer includes a partially annular set of conduit attachment legs and a set of housing attachment legs. The conduit attachment legs engage the attachment groove to axially retain the conduit therein. The housing attachment legs each include a barbed end which engage a corresponding surface located within the slot.

Abstract: An in-shaft cryogenic cooler mounts entirely within the shaft of a dynamoelectric machine that has a rotor comprising a high temperature superconductor.

Abstract: An in-shaft cryogenic cooler mounts entirely within the shaft of a dynamoelectric machine that has a rotor comprising a high temperature superconductor.