Aviatorial valve assembly
A valve for use in aircraft comprises a body, a selective interrupter positioned inside the body for rotation therein, a flow arrangement between the selective interrupter and the body, a bonnet connected to the body and in contact with the selective interrupter, an arm extending through the bonnet and connected to the selective interrupter, and an actuator movably connected to the arm.
This is a divisional application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/612,354, filed Jul. 7, 2000 and entitled “Aviatorial Valve Assembly”, hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAcrobatic and mock emergency maneuvers place undue stress on the pneumatic gyroscopes within aircraft instrumentation. Most of the time, the gyroscopes in aircraft instrumentation are unaccustomed to withstanding routine acrobatic and mock emergency maneuvers. Because extremes in pitch and roll can damage the flight instruments' gimbals and bearings, common practice has been to disconnect the instrumentation's driver source prior to flight. This practice makes it impossible to return to instrument flight should nighttime or inclement weather arise prior to landing. Further, opening the instrument air system may allow airborne contaminants to harm the delicate gyroscopic instruments. Another common practice during testing and training procedures has been to simulate instrument failure, through simulated instrument conditions, by visual obstruction of the instruments. This common practice is unrealistic.
Prior attempts to lock or cage the gyroscopes still fail to prevent the excessive stress and wear on the gyroscopes' gimbals and bearings. In these attempts, mechanical devices are used to hold the gyroscopes rigid, which will not prevent damage to the gyroscopes' gimbals and bearings during acrobatic and mock emergency maneuvers.
In the non-analogous field of oil and gas, back pressure has been diverted by employing a diverter. In the non-analogous field of physical chemistry, directed at minimizing turbulence back pressure has been diverted without changing the back pressure or primary flow. But such instruments cannot fit within the standard airplane instrument panel.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device, system, and method for disengagement of the instruments in a convenient manner that will, at the same time, protect the instruments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, a unique configuration and application for a valve is provided. According to this aspect of the invention, a low-pressure valve functions over a wide range of temperature, and selectively interrupts the driver source directed to the pneumatic-gyroscopic flight instruments. The stress that instrument air sources endure is limited by preventing spikes in and maintaining the pneumatic flow, and thus, the back pressure. The valve is lightweight, easily installed, and designed to fit within a standard hole of a small airplane instrument panel. Further, the valve interfaces with existing air and vacuum sources and other equipment within the airplane. This aspect of the present invention permits acrobatic maneuvers without disconnecting the driver source prior to flight. Moreover, the present aspect enables a remarkably rapid return to instrument flight, which safety alone warrants in the event of inclement weather or nighttime flight.
According to another aspect of the invention, a realistic simulation of instrument failure conditions during testing and training procedures is provided. Because, in this aspect, the present invention can prevent pneumatic flow to the instrument, the instrument becomes non-operational, and thereby mimics an in-flight instrument failure condition. But the ability to return to instrument flight ensures that safety is coupled to realism in producing the simulated instrument failure.
In a more specific aspect of the invention, a valve is provided for use in aircraft, the valve comprising a body, a selective interrupter positioned inside the body for rotation therein, a flow arrangement between the selective interrupter and the body, a bonnet connected to the body and in contact with the selective interrupter, an arm extending through the bonnet and connected to the selective interrupter, and an actuator movably connected to the arm.
In a further aspect of the invention, a system is provided for protecting a pneumatic-gyroscopic aircraft instrument, and a driver source drives the instrument. The system comprises a means for allowing a pneumatic flow to the instrument during flight, and a means for selectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow to the instrument.
In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for protecting a pneumatic-gyroscopic aircraft instrument, wherein a driver source drives the instrument. The method comprises allowing a pneumatic flow to the instrument during flight, and then selectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow to the instrument.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A first aspect of invention, as seen in
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A further embodiment of the invention includes the valve (346) constructed of a lightweight material. The lightweight material is lighter than some instruments commonly installed in airplanes. In alternative embodiments, the lightweight material is a metal, a non-metal, a metalloid or an alloy. Non-limiting examples of a lightweight material used to construct the valve (346) are aircraft grade aluminum or nylon. In further embodiments of the invention, the valve (346) is constructed of a fire resistant material. Similarly, in alternative embodiments, the fire resistant material is a metal, a non-metal, a metalloid or an alloy. An example of a suitable fire resistant material for the valve (346) is aircraft grade aluminum. In still further embodiments, the valve (346) is constructed of an aircraft quality material in order to withstand the pressures that airplane instrumentation necessarily endure. Again, in alternative embodiments, the aircraft quality material is a metal, a non-metal, a metalloid or an alloy. A suitable example of an aircraft quality material is aircraft grade aluminum. Further still, in another embodiment of the invention, the valve (346) is constructed of a temperature-stable material such that the valve (346) functions within the temperature range of −20° F. to 212° F. In alternative embodiments, the temperature-stable material is a metal, a non-metal, a metalloid or an alloy. A suitable example of a temperature-stable material for the valve (346) is aircraft grade aluminum.
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In still a further embodiment, the horizontally staggered arrangement (138) further includes a vertical separation (142) between the second aperture (376b) of the at least three apertures (376a, 376b, 376c) and the third aperture (376c) of at least three apertures (376a, 376b, 376c). The second aperture (376b) and the third aperture (376c) are vertically positioned on the exterior wall (130) in such a way as to prevent any horizontal overlap in the horizontally staggered arrangement (138).
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In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in
In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one routed portion (150) includes a routed band (157) that is in contact with the one aperture (12) of the at least the first aperture (376a) of the at least three apertures (376a, 376b, 376c) and the another aperture (14) of the at least the first aperture (376a) of the at least three apertures (376a, 376b, 376c). The routed band (157) encircles the exterior wall (130) of the selective interrupter (100). In a still further embodiment, as shown in
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In a further embodiment, the outer wall (170) further includes a raised block (411). The second body aperture (378b) and the third body aperture (378c) of the at least three body apertures (378a, 378b, 378c) are within the raised block (411). Further still, the raised block (411) is integrally connected to the outer wall (170). A non-limiting example of the integral connection is welding the raised block (411) to the outer wall (170).
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In a further embodiment of the invention, as seen in
In a still further embodiment of the invention, the interior (131) includes at least two separated channels (188a, 188b) within the interior (131) of the selective interrupter (100). A further embodiment, as shown in
In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least two separated channels (188a, 188b) are at least two substantially cylindrical channels. But in further and alternative embodiments, the at least two separated channels (188a, 188b) are substantially conical channels or threaded channels. Other shapes and arrangements of the channels will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art, but these other shapes and arrangements do not depart from the scope of the present invention.
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A further embodiment of the invention includes the actuator (382) having a motor that is connected to a drive shaft. The motor provides the power to move the drive shaft, which moves the actuator (382), which in turn, moves the selective interrupter (100). In a further and alternative embodiment of the invention, the actuator (382) includes a solenoid (4), which transforms its electrical energy into mechanical energy, and thereby actuates the selective interrupter (100).
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In a further and alternative embodiments, the connecting cylinder (94) is a bolt, which may be a screw, a dog-nose screw, a pin or any other device that will movably secure the arm (102) to the actuator (382). In a still further embodiment, the connecting cylinder (94) is threadedly connected to the actuator (382) and the arm (102). Further, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the connecting cylinder (94) is threadedly connected to a nut (89).
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In a further embodiment, the plurality of mounting cylinders (34) are connected to the body (344) and the bonnet (125). In a further and alternative embodiment, the plurality of mounting cylinders (34) are threadedly connected to the body (344) and the bonnet (125). Further alternative embodiments of the invention include the plurality of mounting cylinders (34) being a plurality of bolts or a plurality of pins.
In another embodiment of the invention, the bonnet (125) further includes a stop (50). The stop (50) limits the rotary movement (501) of the selective interrupter (100). As such, in one embodiment, the stop (50) is a raised stop (51), which prevents the actuator (382) from turning beyond a certain maximum. In turn, this limits the rotation of the selective interrupter (100). The raised stop (51) prevents the user from endlessly actuating the selective interrupter (100), and thereby, the raised stop (51) adds safety and ease of use to the design of the valve (346).
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In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuator (382) includes a software program that will control the rotation of the selective interrupter (100) based on data input from various sensing devices within or external to the airplane. For example, the software program will determine the frequency, speed and degree to which the at least three apertures (376a, 376b, 376c) and the at least three body apertures (378a, 378b, 378c) should be open in order to maintain a balanced pressure system.
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Now turning to a third aspect of the invention, a method exists for protecting a pneumatic-gyroscopic aircraft instrument (302). The drawings for the system claims are referenced below for purposes of discussing the method claims. In discussing the method claims, it is understood that any reference to the system claim drawings refers to elucidation of the method claims.
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Accordingly, while various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the invention. The embodiments described here are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. The different teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
Claims
1. A valve for use in aircraft, the valve comprising:
- a body;
- a selective interrupter positioned inside the body for rotation therein;
- a flow arrangement between the selective interrupter and the body;
- a bonnet connected to the body and in contact with the selective interrupter;
- an arm extending through the bonnet and connected to the selective interrupter; and
- an actuator movably connected to the arm.
2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve is adapted to be installed into an aircraft instrument panel.
3. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a lightweight material.
4. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a fire resistant material.
5. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises an aircraft quality material.
6. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a temperature-stable material such that the valve functions within the temperature range of −20° F. to 212° F.
7. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve further comprises a tolerance between the selective interrupter and the body sufficient to prevent air leakage therebetween without using a lubricant.
8. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve further comprises a lubricant between the selective interrupter and the body.
9. The valve of claim 1, wherein the selective interrupter comprises an exterior wall, an interior, a first end, a second end, and at least three apertures.
10. The valve of claim 9, wherein the at least three apertures comprise at least a first aperture of the at least three apertures in contact with a driver source, a second aperture of the at least three apertures in contact with an instrument, and a third aperture of the at least three apertures in contact with a dummy load.
11. The valve of claim 10, wherein the at least three apertures comprise a horizontally staggered arrangement of the second aperture of the at least three apertures and the third aperture of the at least three apertures along the exterior wall, and the second end comprising the first aperture of the at least three apertures.
12. The valve of claim 11, wherein the horizontally staggered arrangement further comprises a vertical separation between the second aperture of the at least three apertures and the third aperture of at least three apertures wherein the second aperture and the third aperture are vertically positioned to prevent horizontal overlap in the horizontally staggered arrangement.
13. The valve of claim 9, wherein the at least three apertures comprise a horizontally staggered arrangement of a first set of two apertures of the at least three apertures and a second set of two apertures of the at least three apertures on the exterior wall,
- wherein the first set comprises one aperture of at least a first aperture of the at least three apertures and a second aperture of the at least three apertures and,
- wherein the second set comprises another of at least a first aperture of the at least three apertures and a third aperture of the at least three apertures.
14. The valve of claim 9, wherein the selective interrupter further comprises at least one routed portion in contact with at least one of the at least three apertures to form a depression in the exterior wall.
15. The valve of claim 9, wherein the body comprises an outer wall, an inner wall, a primary end, a secondary end, and at least three body apertures.
16. The valve of claim 15, wherein the at least three body apertures comprise substantially cylindrical body apertures, substantially oval slot-shaped body apertures, threaded body apertures, or a combination thereof.
17. The valve of claim 15, wherein the at least three body apertures comprise at least a first body aperture of the at least three body apertures in contact with a driver source, a second body aperture of the at least three body apertures in contact with an instrument, and a third body aperture of the at least three body apertures in contact with a dummy load.
18. The valve of claim 17, wherein the at least three apertures and the at least three body apertures are positioned for the flow arrangement comprising a complete alignment of:
- the at least the first aperture of the at least three apertures with the at least the first body aperture of the at least three body apertures, and
- the second aperture of the at least three body apertures with the second body aperture of the at least three body apertures,
- wherein the third aperture of the at least three apertures and the third body aperture of the at least three body apertures are completely misaligned.
19. The valve of claim 17, wherein the at least three apertures and the at least three body apertures are positioned for the flow arrangement comprising a complete alignment of:
- the at least the first aperture of the at least three apertures with the at least the first body aperture of the at least three body apertures, and
- the third aperture of the at least three body apertures with the third body aperture of the at least three body apertures,
- wherein the second aperture of the at least three apertures and the second body aperture of the at least three body apertures are completely misaligned.
20. The valve of claim 17, wherein the at least three apertures and the at least three body apertures are positioned for the flow arrangement comprising a partial alignment of:
- the at least the first aperture of the at least three apertures with the at least the first body aperture of the at least three body apertures,
- the second aperture of the at least three apertures with the second body aperture of the at least three body apertures, and
- the third aperture of the at least three apertures with the third body aperture of the at least three body apertures.
21. The valve of claim 15, wherein the at least three body apertures comprise:
- a horizontally staggered arrangement of a second body aperture and a third body aperture of the at least three body apertures on the outer wall, and
- the secondary end comprising a first body aperture of the at least three body apertures,
- wherein the at least three body apertures are positioned such that a vertical plane bisects the at least three body apertures.
22. The valve of claim 15, wherein the outer wall comprises a raised block with a second body aperture and a third body aperture of the at least three body apertures embedded therein, wherein the raised block is integrally connected to the outer wall.
23. The valve of claim 15, wherein the at least three body apertures comprise a horizontally staggered arrangement of the at least three body apertures on the outer wall, wherein the at least three body apertures are positioned such that a vertical plane bisects the at least three body apertures.
24. The valve of claim 15, wherein the primary end comprises an open end.
25. The valve of claim 15, wherein the secondary end comprises a closed end.
26. The valve of claim 9, wherein the interior of the selective interrupter comprises a hollow cavity open at the second end.
27. The valve of claim 9, wherein the interior of the selective interrupter comprises at least two separated channels.
28. The valve of claim 27, wherein the at least two separated channels comprise a first separated channel and a second separated channel,
- wherein the at least two separated channels are positioned between the first end and the second end, and
- wherein the at least two separated channels are positioned such that rotary movement of the selective interrupter gradually permits a flow relationship to iteratively transition from solely within the first separated channel to solely within the second separated channel.
29. The valve of claim 9, wherein the first end comprises a closed end.
30. The valve of claim 9, wherein the second end comprises an at least partially opened end.
31. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises a handle.
32. The valve of claim 1, wherein the arm further comprises gearing.
33. The valve of claim 32, wherein the actuator further comprises a geared drive shaft in mesh with the gearing.
34. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises a motor connected to a drive shaft.
35. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises a solenoid.
36. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises an arm hole positioned to at least partially receive the arm.
37. The valve of claim 1, wherein the arm further comprises an arm connection hole.
38. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises an actuator connection hole.
39. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve farther comprises a connecting cylinder for connecting the actuator to the arm.
40. The valve of claim 39, wherein the connecting cylinder is threadedly connected to a nut.
41. The valve of claim 1, wherein the bonnet further comprises a plurality of mounting holes positioned for connecting the bonnet to the body.
42. The valve of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a plurality of receptacle cylinder holes positioned for connecting the body to the bonnet.
43. The valve of claim 1 wherein the valve further comprises a plurality of mounting cylinders positioned to connect the bonnet to the body.
44. The valve of claim 43, wherein the plurality of mounting cylinders are connected to the body and the bonnet.
45. The valve of claim 1, wherein the bonnet further comprises a stop, wherein the stop limits a rotary movement of the selective interrupter.
46. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve further comprises a friction member located between the bonnet and the body.
47. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises a pressure pin.
48. The valve of claim 47, wherein the bonnet further comprises at least two pressure pinholes for sliding the pressure pin into a locked position therein.
49. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises a software program to control rotation of the selective interrupter.
50. The valve of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a lip.
51. The valve of claim 50, wherein the lip further comprises a plurality of installation holes positioned for installing the valve into an aircraft instrument panel.
52. The valve of claim 51, wherein the valve further comprises a plurality of installation cylinders that fit within the plurality of installation holes to connect the valve to the aircraft instrument panel.
53. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve is formed of aircraft grade aluminum.
54. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve is substantially cylindrical shape.
55. The valve of claim 5, wherein the valve is formed of a metal, a non-metal, a metalloid or an alloy.
56. The valve of claim 9, wherein the at least three apertures comprise substantially conical apertures, oval slot-shaped apertures, beveled apertures, or a combination thereof.
57. The valve of claim 14, wherein the routed portion is graduated.
58. The valve of claim 14, wherein the routed portion is a routed band that encircles the exterior wall of the selective interrupter.
59. The valve of claim 14, wherein the routed portion comprises a first routed portion appurtenant to a second aperture of the at least three apertures and a second routed portion appurtenant to a third aperture of the at least three apertures.
60. The valve of 27, wherein the at least two separated channels comprise substantially cylindrical channels, substantially conical channels, threaded channels, or a combination thereof.
61. The valve of claim 32, wherein the gearing comprises keyed gearing or screwed gearing.
62. A valve for protecting an aircraft instrument comprising:
- a body, and
- a selective interrupter positioned inside the body for rotation therein;
- wherein rotation of the selective interrupter disengages, without disconnecting, the instrument from a pneumatic flow source.
63. The valve of claim 62 wherein the valve comprises apertures for coupling the valve to the instrument, the pneumatic flow source, and a dummy load.
64. The valve of claim 63 wherein at least a first rotational position of the selective interrupter enables a flow relationship between the pneumatic flow source and the instrument.
65. The valve of claim 63 wherein at least a second rotational position of the selective interrupter enables a flow relationship between the pneumatic flow source and the dummy load.
66. The valve of claim 63 wherein at least a third position of the selective interrupter enables a flow relationship between the pneumatic flow source and both the instrument and the dummy load.
67. The valve of claim 62 farther comprising an actuator for rotating the selective interrupter.
68. The valve of claim 62 further comprising a stop to limit rotation of the selective interrupter.
69. The valve of claim 62 further comprising a lock to maintain disengagement of the instrument from the pneumatic flow source.
70. The valve of claim 62 wherein rotation of the selective interrupter does not interrupt flow from the pneumatic flow source.
71. A valve for protecting an aircraft instrument comprising:
- a body having at least three body apertures comprising at least one non-closeable body aperture and at least two closeable body apertures; and
- a selective interrupter positioned inside the body for rotation therein;
- wherein rotation of the selective interrupter redirects, without interrupting, a pneumatic flow to the instrument.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 14, 2004
Publication Date: Aug 18, 2005
Inventor: Rob Parrish (Bellaire, TX)
Application Number: 10/756,917