Rolls-royce Corporation

Joel M Rubel

Andrew D Copeland

Andrew J Pool

Perry J Patzer

Stephen E Hollander

Molly Harrison

A fuel system for an aircraft is provided having an improved fluid circuit and method of operation. Un-burnt fuel is directed via a return loop towards a fuel tank reservoir. A turbine is located in the return loop and upstream from the fuel tank. The pressurized un-burnt fuel energizes the turbine and the fuel passes to the fuel tank. The turbine is harnessed to a generator for providing a power.

Return flow powered turbine

A material wear indication system is provided that includes a friction plate capable of engaging a moving surface and a wear indicator. The friction plate includes a wearable portion and a non-wearable portion. In one embodiment the wear indicator is embedded in the non-wearable portion and is prevented from contacting the moving surface until the wearable surface has been sufficiently eroded. When the wear indicator contacts the moving surface it emits a particulate matter that can be detected by a sensor. The sensor is operable to generate an electrical signal that is transmitted to a control unit when the wearable surface has eroded thereby exposing the wear indicator to the moving surface.

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Maineville, OH, United States of America

Joel M Rubel