GB724159A - Improvements in or relating to pipe joints - Google Patents

Abstract

724,159. Pipe joints. BOEING AIRPLANE CO. Aug. 29, 1952. [Sept. 11, 1951] No. 21790/52. Class 99 (1). [Also in Group XXIX] A joint permitting universal movement, e.g., between the base 10 and the tip 14 of a nozzle, Fig. 1, to be coupled to the receiver, Fig. 2 of an aircraft in-flight refuelling system such as that described in Specifications 682,375 and 724,092, [both in Group XXIII], comprises an internal load-bearing universal joint, one part 28 of which is supported centrally from the base 10 by fins 30 and the other part 32 from the tip 14 by fins 34, and an external non-loadbearing ball-and-socket joint 16, 18, a rubber O-ring 22 in the socket providing a fluid-tight seal. To provide self-alignment of the base 10 and tip 14, a spring-pressed sleeve 42 acts on one side of the gimbal ring 36 of the universal joint through rollers 48 at right angles to the axis of joint pins 40, and a similar spring-pressed sleeve 52 with rollers 50 acts on the other side. Receiver. The nozzle enters the end 90<SP>1</SP> of a funnel-shaped member 90 and advances into a throat 92 the outer face of which is engaged by a sealing ring 88 on the nozzle. During the latter part of the movement of the nozzle, rollers 86 thereon ride on a lining 94.to ensure alignment. On completion of the joint (see below), an electrical signal causes actuation of hydraluic jacks 128 whereby latches 132 are swung from retracted positions into nozzleholding positions. Any residue of fuel after the valves close (see below) escapes through a drain 108 or is blown out by nitrogen. Carbon dioxide gas may be injected to put out any flames. Valve mechanism. Fingers 96<SP>1</SP> extending from a normally-closed poppet valve 96 in the receiver engage a face 58<SP>1</SP> on a similar valve 58 in the nozzle whereby the valves are opened when the joint is completed, the valve springs being such that the valve 96 opens first and closes last. The valve 58 slides on a shaft 62 on the outer end of which is a spider 66 the arms of which fit in radial notches 72 in the valve in the closed position thereof. A slotted slide 74 on the valve skirt rides on a guide pin 78. A dash-pot device (see Group XXIX) cushions the closing movement of the valve. Indicating completion of joint. A switch 110 on the receiver is closed by a cam 112 carried by a plunger 114 engaged by a striker 116 on the nozzle whereby an induction coil 118 is energized, and a similar coil 124 in the nozzle enters the coil 118 with the result that a voltage impulse is detected in the tanker aircraft and a surge of current in the coil 118 is detected in the receiver aircraft. These.impulses may be employed to initiate the action of auxiliaries such as hydraulic jacks 128 controlling nozzle-holding latches, and the coils may serve for transmission of signals between the aircraft.