Spokane Industries, Inc.

Other

Portacare, LLC

James P Kuntz

Tyrus Neil Tenold

Jack D Gordon

Michael D Cossette

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for containing aircraft fuel. According to some embodiments the apparatus includes a structural connector comprising an open shape, a first surface and a second surface, a seal defining a suction area disposed in the first surface, and a boot extending from the structural connector. The boot may comprise a lateral opening. The boot includes first and second ends, such that the first end of the boot may be attached to the structural connector and the second end may be spaced from the structural member. According to some embodiments the second end comprises a center offset laterally from the center of the structural connector.

Suspended containment system

A method and apparatus for defueling an aircraft. The apparatus includes a defueling fitting comprising one or more structural connectors, which may include one or more suction cups. The suction cups are disposed in a mount. The suction cups may be raised from a surface in the mount and arranged in a non-circular pattern to facilitate connection to contoured surfaces. An actuator assembly may be attached to the mount for opening an aircraft defueling valve. The suction cups may be operatively connected to a vacuum source to connect the defueling fitting to an aircraft body, with the actuator assembly positioned at the aircraft defueling valve. The defueling fitting facilitates safe and convenient defueling of aircraft, even aircraft with significantly contoured surfaces.

Contoured surface defueling fitting

A method and apparatus for defueling an aircraft. The apparatus includes a defueling fitting comprising one or more structural connectors, which may include one or more suction cups. The one or more structural members are attached to a mount. The mount may be of any shape, including generally straight, angled, polygonal, or circular. An actuator assembly is attached to the mount for opening an aircraft defueling valve. The first and second suction cups are operatively connected to a vacuum source to connect the defueling fitting to an aircraft body, with the actuator assembly positioned at the aircraft defueling valve. The defueling fitting facilitates safe and convenient defueling of certain aircraft that have recessed or covered fuel drain valves. For example, the Boeing C-17 has fuel drain valves that are recessed behind doors, heretofore presenting a great obstacle to appropriate defueling. The defueling fitting described herein may be used in small and tight spaces, even when other conventional defueling fittings are not helpful.

Aircraft defueling apparatus and method

An apparatus and method for defueling and aircraft. The apparatus includes a vacuum fuel tank comprising a first vacuum generator, a defueling hose in fluid communication with the vacuum fuel tank, a first defueling fitting attached to the first defueling hose, and a second vacuum generator operatively connected to the first defueling fitting. By providing both a first and a second vacuum generator, the defueling fitting can be attached and detached from an aircraft independent of the suction used to withdraw fuel from an aircraft. According to some embodiments, there may be multiple defueling hoses and additional vacuum generators. Further, some embodiments include a telescoping funnel that can be selectively isolated from the vacuum fuel tank so that the tank can be held at vacuum pressure.

Aircraft defueling system

A wheelchair access system includes a wheelchair having a frame, rear wheels, front wheels, a seat, and a backrest. An extension extending rearwardly of the wheelchair frame includes a bracket coupled to an adjacent rear wheel, which allows the rear wheel to be moved horizontally away from the side of the wheelchair seat. A platform, coupled to a slide bracket attached to the wheelchair, can be positioned to the side of the wheelchair to facilitate access into and out of the wheelchair. The wheelchair access system is designed so that the physically impaired can access the wheelchair without the assistance of another person.

Wheelchair access system

A walker device ( ) includes a frame assembly ( ), which supports the user during operation and carries the other assemblies discussed below. Left and right front wheel assemblies ( ) include a pivoting fork supporting a wheel, thereby allowing directional control over the walker during use. Left and right rear wheel assemblies ( ) are fixed-direction. A brake assembly ( ) allows the user to apply a frictional brake element to the both rear wheels, and prevents unwanted movement by the walker. A support sling assembly ( ) carries some or all of the user's weight. Left and right lift cylinder assemblies ( ), ( ) lift and lower the support sling assembly to the desired elevation during use. A compressed air assembly ( ) provides power to the lift cylinder assemblies. A valve assembly ( ) provides independent control over both lift cylinder assemblies, to provide extra help to one side, if needed.

Walker device with power assisted lift

An upflow clarifier comprises an enclosure defining a bounded volume for holding liquid. An inlet is coupled to the enclosure, and an outlet is coupled to the enclosure above the inlet. A barrier is provided in the enclosure, between the inlet and the outlet. The barrier has a plurality of apertures therethrough, and the barrier defines an upper compartment above the barrier and a lower compartment below the barrier. A plurality of filter membranes are respectively mounted to the apertures, wherein liquid flowing through the apertures flows through the filter membranes. The filter membranes extend upwardly from the barrier.

Upflow clarifier

A waste water treatment system includes a first stage oil separator having a plurality of conically shaped members disposed inside an enclosure. The conically shaped members are preferably made of polypropylene. Oil within the waste water coalesces upon contacting the conically shaped members. Waste water is circulated in vortical flow paths between the conically shaped members to lengthen the flow path of the waste water between the members thereby promoting coalescence of oil. A second stage oil separator involves a bead pack container unit filled with polypropylene beads through which waste water passes to remove residual oil and debris from the waste water coming from the first stage oil separator.

Oil and water separator

A liquid clarifier in the form of an enclosure in which a conical filter membrane is mounted. An inlet is mounted to the enclosure below the conical filter membrane and an outlet is mounted to the enclosure above the membrane so than an upflow of liquid is created during filtering. The upflow causes the liquid to sweep across the conical filter membrane to prevent accumulation of particulate matter on the membrane. A conical baffle is coupled to the inlet to reduce turbulence of the liquid at a lower end of the enclosure to promote separation by gravity of the particles from the liquid.

Liquid clarifier

A defueling fitting is adapted to facilitate removal of fuel from an aircraft fuel cell through a flush-mounted fuel drain having a depressable valve stem. It includes a flange with spaced circumferential seals. A vacuum outlet leads between the seals to facilitate attachment of the flange to an exterior aircraft surface surrounding a fuel drain. A separable probe includes a pin actuator for depressing the valve stem of the fuel drain and one or more liquid passages for directing draining fuel through the flange through an attached hose. The method for defueling involves first attaching the flange to the aircraft surface surrounding a fuel drain by application of reduced pressure between the circumferential seals and subsequently depressing the valve stem of the fuel drain to direct fuel through an enclosed liquid passage.

Defueling fitting and method for removing fuel from an aircraft fuel cell

A lid is described for floating on the surface of a liquid in a storage tank. The lid spans the tank interior and includes an inflatable peripheral seal arrangement selectively operable to seal the liquid within the tank upon inflation and, on deflation, will allow the lid to float freely on the surface of the liquid. The lid is formed of two plates spaced apart by a circumferential rim defining a flotation cavity. Buoyance of the lid is such that the inflatable seal is carried above the liquid surface. The bottom plate is arched toward the top plate of the lid by a tension member extending between the two. The tension member is hollow and open to the area below the lid. The pressure relief valve is mounted in the hollow passageway to selectively allow escape of pressurized gas from below the lid. The seal arrangement is made so that the liquid level always remains below the sealed area between the lid and tank walls.

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Spokane, WA, United States of America

James P Kuntz