Abstract: A throttling valve assembly actuated by a stepper motor having a double diaphragm seal and integral throttling surface. The throttling surface interfaces to a mating orifice and port arrangement to provide a smooth control regime for various process fluids. Because of the unique design of the flow paths the fluids will remain in a laminar flow state throughout the throttling range, thus providing smooth and continuous response to the control input. The valve opening to the fluid controlled by a stepper motor through a direct drive mechanism. The embodiment shown here employees all PTFE construction for the wetting parts, but any material could be used that would be compatible with the process fluid. Additional features are minimal capture of the process fluid, free draining, and no metallic parts in close communication with the process fluid.

Abstract: A monitoring system (10) for measuring fuel consumption of an engine having a supply tank and an input fuel line extending between the supply tank and the engine is provided. Structure (12, 14) is disposed within the input fuel line for measuring the fuel flow rate of fuel flowing from the supply tank to the engine and for generating an output digital pulse stream proportional to the fuel flow rate. Circuitry (56, 58) is provided for generating a signal representing an initial amount of fuel stored in the supply tank. An electronic processor (18) is responsive to the digital pulse stream and the signal representing the initial amount of fuel for generating an output signal representing the fuel consumption rate of the engine. A display (50) is interconnected to the electronic processor (18) for displaying the electronic processor output signal representing the fuel consumption rate of the engine, fuel status and other measured parameters.

Abstract: The specification discloses a temperature monitoring system for monitoring thermal operating characteristics of aircraft engines. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors located in different temperature monitoring zones within the aircraft engine to produce electrical sensor output signals proportional to the temperature of the corresponding zones. The temperature monitoring system further includes circuitry for automatically and sequentially scanning the sensor output signals. An electronic processor generates temperature difference signals representing the temperature difference between the hottest and coldest scanned sensor output signals. A visual display displays the generated temperature difference signal, the number of the temperature monitoring zone being monitored and the temperature of the hottest temperature monitoring zone. The system thus enables the aircraft operator to accurately and quickly observe the thermal operating characteristics of the aircraft's engine.

Abstract: A throttling valve assembly actuated by a stepper motor having a double diaphragm seal and integral throttling surface. The throttling surface interfaces to a mating orifice and port arrangement to provide a smooth control regime for various process fluids. Because of the unique design of the flow paths, the fluids will remain in a laminar flow state throughout the throttling range, thus providing smooth and continuous response to the control input. The valve opening to the fluid is controlled by a stepper motor through a direct drive mechanism. The embodiment shown here employees employs all PTFE construction for the wetting parts, but any material could be used that would be compatible with the process fluid. Additional features are minimal capture of the process fluid, free draining, and no metallic parts in close communication with the process fluid.