Aircraft defueling apparatus and method
US6896013B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D37/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.