Abstract: A piston includes an outer shell having a receptacle at one end and a link retainer. The link retainer is configured to be positioned within the receptacle and affixed to the outer shell. The link retainer and the outer shell each define an opposing wall of a sealing ring groove, and one of the link retainer and the outer shell has an outer surface defining a base of the sealing ring groove.

Abstract: A butterfly valve includes a duct defining a flow pathway and a valve disc rotably disposed in the flow pathway. A pneumatic actuator includes an intermediate chamber housing an actuator piston and is operably connected to the valve disc to drive rotation of the valve disc. A downstream bleed conduit extends from the flow pathway downstream of the valve disc to the intermediate chamber to pressurize the intermediate chamber thereby reducing a rate of movement of the valve disc in the flow pathway.

Abstract: A variable pitch propulsor system with a propeller pitchlock system having a pitchlock solenoid valve located in communication with a pitchlock pressure circuit to selectively actuate pitchlocking in response to a controller. The pitchlock solenoid valve includes an electro-mechanical device which is normally closed but may be commanded to electrically open and dump the pitchlock pressure which causes actuation of the pitchlock system. The pitchlock solenoid provides a mechanism which will selectively pitchlock the propulsor system; permits a built in test routine to determine the condition of the pitchlock system through a commanded propeller pitchlock sequence; requires no mechanical link between the rotating and non-rotating propeller components to initiate pitchlock; is independent of engine and gearbox configurations; and can initiate pitchlock remotely with a signal from a remote location.

Abstract: A variable pitch propulsor system with a propeller pitchlock system which utilizes a follower style pitchlock ballscrew screw which tracks the actuator axial stroke. The pitchlock system transfers the propeller yoke loads, from the ballscrew ballnut to the pitchlock nut allowing the propeller to pitchlock; utilizes the same screw thread lead angle for normal ballscrew back driving operation as well as pitch locking capabilities; provides a single ballscrew which is capable of both being back driven by the ballnut and structurally adequate for reacting the blade loads resulting from any flight condition; and minimizes the requirement of additional rotation and torque transferring interfaces between the ballscrew and pitchlock nut.

Abstract: A thrust plate for a butterfly valve includes a thrust plate body that defines a recess. The recess extends between a bottom thrust surface, side walls and an open top. A wear-resistant coating is located on the bottom thrust surface.

Abstract: A butterfly valve comprises a housing including a bore, a rotatable shaft passing through the bore, a disc mounted to the shaft for controlling the flow of a fluid through the bore, a thrust load reacting section and a wear interface. The thrust load reacting section includes a thrust plug assembled in a thrust reacting end of the shaft and a thrust plate secured to the housing. The thrust plate has a well for axially retaining the thrust plug and the thrust reacting end of the shaft. The wear interface includes a first contact region on the thrust plug with a first contact surface and a second contact region at the base of the well with a second contact surface. A portion of the first contact surface is spherical and in contact with a portion of the second contact surface.

Abstract: A check valve (10) includes a valve housing (14) having at least one valve opening (16). At least one petal (12) is located in the valve housing (14) and is configured to substantially cover the at least one valve opening (16) when the at least one petal (12) is in a closed position. The at least one petal (12) is rotable about a hinge axis (22) toward an open position thereby allowing fluid to flow through the at least one valve opening (16). The check valve (10) includes at least one compliant petal stop (24), (36) to prevent rotation of the at least one petal (12) beyond the open position.

Abstract: A seal ring assembly has a carbon member extending between spaced ends, and with a step at an outer periphery. A ring is received in the step to maintain spaced ends of the carbon member towards each other. A valve disc and shaft, a butterfly valve, and a method of installing a carbon ring seal are also disclosed. In a separate feature, a valve housing for a butterfly valve includes a first housing portion defining a flow passage, and a second housing portion extending integrally from the first housing portion, and defining a space to mount a valve shaft.

Abstract: A check valve (10) includes a valve housing (14) having at least one valve opening (16). At least one petal (12) is located in the valve housing (14) and is configured to substantially cover the at least one valve opening (16) when the at least one petal (12) is in a closed position. The at least one petal (12) is rotable about a hinge axis (22) toward an open position thereby allowing fluid to flow through the at least one valve opening (16). The check valve (10) includes at least one compliant petal stop (24), (36) to prevent rotation of the at least one petal (12) beyond the open position.

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.