Importance

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Abstract

An aircraft fuel pump (10) capable of running dry for extended periods of time without sustaining damage includes a housing (12). The housing is divided into a first fluid chamber (31), and a second fluid chamber (73). An impeller (26) is mounted for rotational movement in the first chamber. The impeller is mounted in connection with an armature (76) housed within the second chamber. A fluid passage (38) connects the first and second chambers. A check valve (40) is positioned at an upper end of the passageway in the second chamber. The housing also includes a fuel inlet (18) in communication with the first chamber, a fluid outlet (71) from the second chamber and a pump discharge (32) from which fuel is supplied to the remainder of an aircraft fuel system. In operation fluid from the tank fills the inlet and is moved upward by the action of the impeller. Most of the fluid passes through the pump discharge to the remainder of the fuel system, however some fuel travels through the passageway and check valve into the second chamber. The fluid flow through the second chamber cools the components located therein. The fuel then passes through the fluid outlet which is located at the uppermost portion of the housing. When fuel is depleted from the tank in which the pump is mounted, the check valve holds fuel in the second chamber enabling the pump to run dry for extended periods.

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First Claim