US3874168A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for the in-flight cooling of the fuel carried by an aircraft
Assignee: Safran Aircraft Engines SAS
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Filing: 1974-01-29
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Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1994-01-29
Abstract
Abstract Structure for the in-flight cooling of the fuel carried by an aircraft which has a fuel feed pump for supplying fuel to the engine and a return line through which at least part of the fuel is recycled to the suction side of the pump. A heat exchanger is provided through which a coolant flows in thermal contact with the fuel and a fan is operable to accelerate the flow of coolant fluid through the heat exchanger. The fan is driven by a hydraulic motor which is supplied with part at least of the fuel flow passing through the return line.
Inventors
- 👤 Kleber Toure
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:10
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64D; B64D37/00; B64D37/34; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T50/00; Y02T50/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
Means for the in-flight cooling of the fuel carried by an aircraft which is equipped with a fuel feed pump for supplying fuel to the engine and a return line so that under certain engine operating conditions at least part of the fuel delivered by said feed pump can be recycled to the suction side of the pump, said cooling means comprising a heat exchanger through which a coolant flows in thermal contact with the fuel to be cooled, means operable to accelerate the flow of coolant fluid through said heat exchanger, a hydraulic motor for driving said accelerating means and means for supplying said hydraulic motor with at least part of the fuel flow passing through the return line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
Means for the in-flight cooling of the fuel carried by an aircraft which is equipped with a fuel feed pump for supplying fuel to the engine and a return line so that under certain engine operating conditions at least part of the fuel delivered by said feed pump can be recycled to the suction side of the pump, said cooling means comprising a heat exchanger through which a coolant flows in thermal contact with the fuel to be cooled, means operable to accelerate the flow of coolant fluid through said heat exchanger, a hydraulic motor for driving said accelerating means and means for supplying said hydraulic motor with at least part of the fuel flow passing through the return line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
Cooling means according to claim 1, wherein said hydraulic motor is a hydraulic turbine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Cooling means according to claim 2, wherein said hydraulic turbine is a ''''Pelton'''' turbine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
Cooling means according to claim 2, wherein said flow-accelerating means and said hydraulic turbine comprise one and the same rotor which has two radially spaced rings of blades respectively traversed by the cooling fluid and from the fluid flowing from the return line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
Cooling means according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for regulating the flow of fuel to said hydraulic motor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
Cooling means according to claim 5, wherein means are provided for detecting the temperature of the fuel and for controlling the fuel flow regulating means in dependence on said detected temperature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
Cooling means according to claim 1, wherein the cooling fluid is air and the flow-accelerating means comprises a blower.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Cooling means according to claim 6, wherein said temperature detecting meaNs comprise a chamber containing an expansible fluid and deformable capsules connected to a pilot valve.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |