Fluid loading system
AssigneeKeybank, National Association
InventorsLee Ramage, Alan B. MacDonald, Rory D. Parker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pump system for loading fluid into a tank onboard a translating aircraft includes a substantially rigid tube member having a diving device on the distal end of the tube member. A strut structure may also be provided on a front face of the tube member. In use, the tube member is directed rearward relative to the translating aircraft so that splashing of fluid onto the underside of the aircraft is substantially avoided.
Claims29
A fluid conduit device comprising
- a tube member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for connection to an aircraft in communication with an onboard tank, the distal end having a diving device that substantially maintains the distal end of the tube member below a surface of a fluid source while the aircraft translates over the fluid source.
A fluid conduit device comprising
- a tube member having a proximal end, and a front face, the proximal end being configured for connection to an aircraft in communication to an onboard tank, the front face having a strut structure configured to stabilize a submerged distal end of the tube member, and to reduce drag, while the aircraft moves over a fluid source.
A pump system comprising
- an aircraft having an underside,
- a tank onboard the aircraft for containing fluid, and
- a substantially rigid tube member, connected to the aircraft in communication with the tank, wherein the tube member is movable to a downward orientation rearward relative to the aircraft for accessing a fluid source below the aircraft.
A fluid conduit device comprising
- a substantially rigid tube member having a proximal end configured for connection to an aircraft in communication with an onboard tank, wherein the tube member is movable into a downward orientation for accessing a fluid source spaced away from the aircraft,
- wherein the tube member has a distal end equipped with a diving device that substantially maintains the distal end of the tube member below a surface of a water source while the aircraft translates over the water source.
A fluid conduit device comprising
- a substantially rigid tube member having a proximal end configured for connection to an aircraft in communication with an onboard tank, wherein the tube member is movable into a downward orientation for accessing a fluid source spaced away from the aircraft,
- wherein the tube member has a front face, and a strut structure formed on the front face for decreasing drag when the aircraft translates over the fluid source.
A fluid conduit device comprising
- a tube member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for connection to an aircraft in communication with an onboard tank so that the tube member maintains a substantially rearward linear orientation when the aircraft translates over the fluid source and the distal end of the tube member is submerged.
A method of loading water onto an aircraft comprising
- pumping fluid from a source through a tube member onto a tank on an aircraft, while the aircraft moves over the source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.