In-flight refueling system, bladder device and method for preventing oscillations in in-flight refueling system components
US7137597B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D39/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An in-flight refueling system, bladder device and method are provided for enhancing the stability of an elongate hose extending from a tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation. The various embodiments of the present invention provide a compact, lightweight, and low-profile bladder device that may fill with fuel from a fuel conduit defined in the elongate hose so as to minimize the occurrence of oscillations within the elongate hose by selectively adding additional weight to a portion of the elongate hose. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may minimize the occurrence of oscillations in the elongate hose by stabilizing the elongate hose as it extends from the tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.