Moog Gmbh

Moog Controls Limited

Michael Baker

A firing mechanism () for activation of a pneumatic stored energy system having a motor () connected to a vessel () by a tether, the vessel () containing a pressurized fluid. Activation of the motor () causes the tether to wind, applying a linear force to an attachment region of the vessel, fracturing the vessel () to release the pressurized fluid thereby activating the pneumatic stored energy system.

Firing mechanism

Apparatus ( ) for testing the extent of contaminants in a fluid during a test period, comprises: a source (P ) of pressurized fluid to be tested; a fluid sump (R); a first flow restriction (R ) adapted to be supplied with fluid flow from the source, the first flow restriction being configured as an annular clearance between a first land ( ) and a first bore ( ) and being sized and arranged so as to be progressively occluded by contaminants in the fluid flow during said test period; a second flow restriction (R ) arranged between the first flow restriction and said sump, the second flow restriction being configured as an annular clearance between a second land ( ) and a second bore ( ), the second flow restriction being substantially the same dimensionally as the first flow restriction so that the second flow restriction will not be occluded by contaminants passing through the first flow restriction and the pressure drops across each of the flow restrictions will be substantially equal at the beginning of a test period. In use, the improved apparatus performs an improved method.

Method and apparatus for measuring fluid contaminants

The invention provides an improvement in apparatus ( ) for testing the level of contaminants in a fluid during a test period. The apparatus has a source of pressurized fluid (P ) to be tested; a fluid sump (R); and a test passage ( ) which is substantially free of occluding contaminants at the beginning of the test period and which is adapted to be supplied with a flow of fluid from the source. The passage is so configured and arranged as to be progressively occluded by contaminants in the fluid flow. The apparatus also includes a device ( ) defining a variable-volume chamber ( ). The volume of said chamber is variable between a minimum value and a maximum value. The improvement comprises: a valve ( ) operatively arranged to direct fluid that has passed through the test passage to the chamber when it is desired to expand the volume of the chamber, and arranged to direct fluid that has passed through the test passage to the sump and to permit fluid in said chamber to flow to the sump when it is desired to contract the volume of said chamber; a return mechanism ( ) for selectively urging the chamber to contract; a calibrated sensor ( ) for measuring the volume of the chamber; a controller ( ) for operating the valve and return mechanism to cause the chamber to repeatedly expand and contract cyclically during said test period; and timer ( ) for measuring the time required for the fluid flow through the test passage to cause the chamber to increase from a first volume to a second volume. The flow through the test passage during each of the successive cycles of the chamber may be calculated.

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Gretton, United Kingdom

Michael Baker