Abstract A failure detection apparatus useful with a hydraulic system for maintaining fluid pressure signals present in the system to detect predetermined disparity therebetween. The apparatus includes a movable sleeve mounted within a housing and defining a central bore as well as transverse fluid flow passageways therethrough. A piston is mounted within the bore in the sleeve and normally blocks the fluid flow passageways defined within the sleeve. Fluid pressure signals to be monitored for detection of disparity therbetween are applied to opposite ends of the movable sleeve. Upon movement of the sleeve, fluid under pressure is applied through the passageways and through bores provided in the pistons thereby to cause movement of the piston to apply the fluid under pressure to a shut-off valve and a failure indicator mechanism. The piston latches in a limit position to retain the detection device and the shut-off valve in the actuated position. The operational portions of the system are isolated from the fluid pressures in the failure detection portions thereof.
Hydromechanical failure detection and latching apparatus comprising: (A) a housing; (B) a sleeve defining a bore longitudinally therethrough and slidably disposed in said housing; (C) means for applying first and second pressure signals to be monitored to opposite ends of said sleeve for causing said sleeve to slide responsive to a predetermined difference between said signals; (D) a piston slidably disposed within said bore in said sleeve and movable therein between first and second limit positions; (E) spring means centering said piston centrally of said bore in said sleeve; (F) said piston defining reentrant bores at each end thereof and separated by a central portion of said piston; (G) a source of fluid under pressure; and (H) passageway means for communicating said fluid pressure from said source through one of said reentrant bores to an end area of said piston responsive to sliding of said sleeve, said central portion of said piston normally blocking said passageway means, said piston moving to one of its said limit positions responsive to application of said source of fluid pressure to an end of said piston.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
Hydromechanical failure detection and latching apparatus comprising: (A) a housing; (B) a sleeve defining a bore longitudinally therethrough and slidably disposed in said housing; (C) means for applying first and second pressure signals to be monitored to opposite ends of said sleeve for causing said sleeve to slide responsive to a predetermined difference between said signals; (D) a piston slidably disposed within said bore in said sleeve and movable therein between first and second limit positions; (E) spring means centering said piston centrally of said bore in said sleeve; (F) said piston defining reentrant bores at each end thereof and separated by a central portion of said piston; (G) a source of fluid under pressure; and (H) passageway means for communicating said fluid pressure from said source through one of said reentrant bores to an end area of said piston responsive to sliding of said sleeve, said central portion of said piston normally blocking said passageway means, said piston moving to one of its said limit positions responsive to application of said source of fluid pressure to an end of said piston.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 which further includes means for preloading said sleeve to preclude movement thereof until said predetermined difference between said signals is applied across said sleeve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said preload means is a spring positioned at each end of said sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 which further includes valve means, said passageway means being coupled to said valve means, said valve means being responsive to said source of fluid under pressure transmitted only through said piston for providing a failure indication signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said valve means further includes means for bypassing said first and second pressure signals to be monitored when said valve means responds to said source of fluid under pressure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 which further includes switch means, said valve means activating said switch means when said valve means responds to said fluid pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 which further includes means for isolating said pressure signals to be monitored from said source of fluid under pressure.