Patent ID: 6439506
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: B60K,B64D,Y10T

Abstract:
A fuel tank arrangement for a helicopter, comprising:a first fuel tank; a first breathing channel having a first tank end connected to an upper portion of said first fuel tank and a first venting end communicating with the atmosphere; a second fuel tank; a second breathing channel having a second tank end connected to an upper portion of said second fuel tank and a second venting end communicating with the atmosphere; a connecting channel that is connected to and communicates between said first breathing channel and said second breathing channel; a first mechanical connection adapted to connect said first fuel tank to the helicopter; and a first ventilation valve interposed and communicating between said first fuel tank and said first tank end of said first breathing channel; wherein: said first ventilation valve comprises a first valve housing with a first tank port communicating into said first fuel tank, a first breathing port communicating into said first tank end of said first breathing channel, and a first interior chamber communicating between said first tank port and said first breathing port; said first ventilation valve further comprises a first safety shut-off device that includes a movable valve seal ball arranged in said interior chamber of said valve housing; said first safety shut-off device mechanically cooperates with said mechanical connection so as to be adapted to close at least one of said first tank port and said first breathing port responsive to said mechanical connection being disrupted; and said valve seal ball is arranged and adapted to close said first breathing port dependent on and responsive to a level of fuel provided in said first tank.