Combined aerial refueling coupling and pressure regulator

Claim 1

The combination with a refueling connection for the transfer of fluid between aircraft in flight and which includes a drogue having a socket member supported for universal movement, of a fluid flow regulator, comprising: a. a tubular housing comprising an extension secured to said socket member for universal movement therewith and having a flow channel therein for fluid being transferred by said refueling connection; b. a fluid flow regulating valve member supported in said housing for axial closing and opening movements in relation to an associated valve seat carried by said housing; c. valve actuating means for controlling the position of said valve in response to changes in the pressure of the transferred fluid within said housing, and being operative at a predetermined value of the pressure of said fluid to maintain the valve in a balanced position against movement, at a fluid pressure below said predetermined value to actuate the valve in an opening movement, and at a fluid pressure above said predetermined value to actuate the valve in a closing movement, said actuating means comprising a piston operatively associated with a cylinder and having a piston rod connected with said valve, said piston having one side subject to the transferred fluid pressure, balanced against a spring pressure and ambient pressure on the opposite side of said piston; and d. an inlet for said fluid into said cylinder on said one side of said piston; and e. a valve including means providing a fast inflow of said fluid through said inlet into said cylinder, and restricted outflow of said fluid through said inlet from said cylinder.