GB485324A - Method and apparatus for forming aircraft flotation members from fuel tanks - Google Patents

Abstract

485,324. Aircraft fuel-jettisoning apparatus. KIDDE & CO., Inc., W. April 14, 1937, No. 10586. Convention date, April 15, 1936. [Class 4] Fuel is rapidly evacuated from an aircraft fuel tank, to permit use of the tank as a flotation member, by fluid pressure which is used first to open the fuel discharge port then to close the usual tank air vent and finally is introduced into the tank to force the fuel therefrom. The fuel discharge port at the base of the tank is normally closed by a valve 141, Fig. 6, and a frangible disc 153. To evacuate the fuel gas is supplied from a cylinder to ports 197, 199, fractures a frangible disc 167 and then the disc 153, allowing gas to escape on the left side of a piston 177 which is thereupon forced to the left by the gas supplied by the port 197, thus closing the port 199 and opening a valve 195 and allowing gas to be supplied by port 191 and piping to a valve 19, Fig. 2, at the top of the tank. The gas enters by a port 35 and drives a piston valve 89, 97 to the left which closes the normal vent opening 69: the gas then passes a check valve 54 into the tank and drives the fuel past the valve 141. A link 115 connected at one end to the rod of piston 89, 97 and the other end of which moves in slots 109 against a spring maintains the piston in either of its end positions.