US4324569A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aircraft fuel booster pump assembly with altitude start capabilities
Assignee: Crane Co
•
Filing: 1977-03-22
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Granted: 1982-04-13
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Expires: 1997-03-22
Abstract
Abstract The pump assembly includes a rotatably mounted impeller with vented shroud surrounding same for venting air and vapors from the liquid being pumped to avoid possible vapor lock so that the pump will start and prime itself over a wide range of altitudes and temperatures. The impeller is preferably of the mixed flow type which, together with the inlet venting, assures that the pump will adequately separate the air and vapors from the liquid being pumped and deliver substantially vapor-free liquid at the desired pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony J. Klimczak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:40
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02M; F02M37/00; F02M37/20; F04; F04D; F04D29/00; F04D29/18; F04D29/22; F04D29/2261; F04D29/2277
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A centrifugal aircraft fuel booster pump with altitude start capabilities comprising a housing containing an inlet and an outlet for the fuel to be pumped, a pump impeller rotatably mounted in said housing for pressurizing the fuel received from said inlet and delivering such pressurized fuel to said outlet, said housing including a shroud surrounding said impeller, and vent means extending radially outwardly from said impeller through said shroud for venting vapor and air bubbles in the fuel away from said impeller to facilitate priming of said pump during starting at high altitudes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A centrifugal aircraft fuel booster pump with altitude start capabilities comprising a housing containing an inlet and an outlet for the fuel to be pumped, a pump impeller rotatably mounted in said housing for pressurizing the fuel received from said inlet and delivering such pressurized fuel to said outlet, said housing including a shroud surrounding said impeller, and vent means extending radially outwardly from said impeller through said shroud for venting vapor and air bubbles in the fuel away from said impeller to facilitate priming of said pump during starting at high altitudes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A pump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said impeller is a mixed flow impeller and comprises a helical blade on a tapered hub with the spacing between adjacent portions of said blade increasing away from said inlet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said impeller is a mixed flow impeller and comprises a helical blade on a tapered hub, and said shroud closely surrounds said helical blade.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A pump as set forth in claim 3 wherein said shroud has a cylindrical inner wall closely surrounding said helical blade.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A pump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said vent means comprises at least one axial slit in said shroud.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A pump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said vent means comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial slits in said shroud.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pump as set forth in claim 6 wherein each said slit starts at a level approximately opposite said inlet and extends approximately to the level of the discharge height of said impeller.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A pump as set forth in claim 6 wherein there are three of said slits each spaced approximately 120° apart and each approximately 0.095 inch wide and 0.9 inch long.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A pump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said vent means comprises a curvilinear slit in said shroud, said slit starting at a level approximately opposite the inlet and extending approximately to the level of the discharge height of said impeller.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
A pump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said vent means comprises a plurality of holes arranged in staggered staircase pattern in said shroud around the periphery thereof from adjacent said inlet approximately to the level of the discharge height of said impeller.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pump as set forth in claim 10 wheein said holes are axially elongated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-04-12 | 1985-10-12 | 1986-04-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-04-12 | 1989-10-12 | 1990-04-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-04-12 | 1993-10-12 | 1994-04-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |