Abstract:
An aircraft potable water supply system allows unused water to be recovered for later use. The system prevents cross contamination of potable water, waste water and foul water, drains down the entire system upon aircraft shutdown and refills the system in preparation for a resumption of service.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/697,693, filed Sep. 6, 2012, incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The invention generally relates to potable water systems for aircraft, and more particularly pertains to a system configuration which allows unused water to be recovered for later use. 
         [0003]    On commercial aircraft with in-flight catering services, it is common for one or more of the galleys installed on the aircraft to be “wet” i.e. to have a water supply (potable water), waste water drainage, and on occasion water used in a waste disposal unit (foul water—post use). 
         [0004]    The potable water is supplied under pressure to the galley, while gravity, which can be assisted by a vacuum, is used in water drainage and waste disposal. Potable water is used as drinking water, beverage making and cooking, such as in steam ovens, rice boilers and the like, and has to be fit for human consumption, to this end it has to meet certain minimum health and safety standards and is generally filtered to improve taste, smell and to remove bacteria, according to specific airline policy. The plumbing system therefore encompasses all aspects of water usage on a galley, its associated hardware, components and galley equipment which either consume or facilitate water handling. 
         [0005]    All galley plumbing systems must pass design and regulatory requirements specified by the aircraft manufacturers and have to undergo proving tests to ensure that the potable, waste and foul water systems are fully functional and remain separated ensuring cross contamination cannot occur. 
         [0006]    Also, when the aircraft shuts down on completion of a flight, or for longer periods of storage or maintenance, all of the systems must be capable of draining completely within a specified time, no residual water, that could potentially become contaminated, is allowed to be retained within the plumbing system, to this end it must be capable of letting air to be displaced during filling, and air to enter the system during drainage allowing rapid water displacement. 
         [0007]    It has previously been common practice for potable water that has passed through a water filter to be regarded as waste water, however recent changes in policy by aircraft manufacturers driven by the need to conserve water means that in some instances potable water only becomes waste water when potable water has entered a galley sink, has been exposed to air, or has become foul water such as passing through a galley waste disposal unit, for example, and all other water fed devices, including water boilers, faucets, ovens, filters and the like, can now be allowed drain back into the fresh water tanks. 
         [0008]    A galley plumbing system is needed that is capable of effectively and efficiently recovering potable water from water fed devices upon aircraft shutdown and refilling such water fed devices in preparation for a resumption of service. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides a galley plumbing system that precludes cross contamination of potable water, waste water and foul water, that recovers potable water from various water fed devices upon aircraft shutdown and that automatically recharges such water fed devices in preparation for a resumption of service. All sections of the potable water supply that may potentially trap air are capable of self-venting and self-sealing immediately after potable water has displaced air in order to the render the filling operation to be automatic without need of manual assistance at the resumption of service. The pressure when filling the potable water circuit is variable depending upon the aircraft and design. Hot water backflow to the faucet from galley inerts or appliances is prevented for safety concerns. Hydraulic pressure reduction serves to improve flow and increase water consumption capacity. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides distribution control and filtration for the aircraft supplied potable water, typically within a reduced “wet” galley envelope of 34 to 35 inches, for example. The invention takes the form of a manifold that distributes the potable water supply to water consuming galley inerts or appliances and a galley water faucet, and, additionally provides a pressurized supply for a pressure check valve, such as for use with a top fed or elevated potable water supply, for example. The manifold incorporates a direct acting shut off valve that isolates the potable water supply if required. 
         [0011]    In the case of a bottom fed potable water system, the potable water system supply is shut off remotely, since the shut off valve is typically located at a floor level aircraft interface port. The pressurized supply to the pressure check valve is also provided by the same device. Both manifolds incorporate a remote manual override for a compact air stop valve. 
         [0012]    The manifold accepts two low pressure high flow water filter cartridges, separately feeding the galley inerts or appliances and faucet, wherein such cartridges could be of the disposable canister type, be maintenance shop serviceable or be RTB (return to base) exchange renewable. Additionally the filters provide automatic drain down for the manifold/filter block when the potable water system is depressurized at the end of flight service. 
         [0013]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a first preferred embodiment of a galley plumbing system of the present invention with a top fed potable water supply. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a second preferred embodiment of a galley plumbing system of the present invention with a bottom fed potable water supply. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a back view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a back view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system similar to  FIG. 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a valve block assembly of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold taken along line  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9C  is a schematic view of the assembled valve block assembly of  FIG. 9B  showing the flow control valve in an open configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9D  is a schematic view of the assembled valve block assembly of  FIG. 9B  showing the flow control valve in a closed configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9E  is a top view of the water filter attachment stud of the assembled valve block assembly of  FIG. 9B . 
           [0027]      FIG. 9F  is a top view of the water flow control valve of the assembled valve block assembly of  FIG. 9B . 
           [0028]      FIG. 9G  is a top view of the water flow control valve locking ring of the assembled valve block assembly of  FIG. 9B . 
           [0029]      FIG. 9H  is a schematic exploded view of a water filter and a back view of the assembled valve block assembly of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 10A  is a schematic top view similar to  FIG. 9A  showing internal passages of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 10B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a valve block assembly of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold taken along line  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A  and showing internal passages. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10C  is a schematic view of the assembled valve block assembly of  FIG. 10B  showing the flow control valve in a closed configuration and showing internal passages. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10D  is a schematic exploded view similar to  FIG. 9H  and showing internal passages. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11A  is a side elevational view of the filter block and potable water distribution manifold of the galley plumbing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11B  is as side elevational view similar to  FIG. 9H  of a water filter of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 11C  is a schematic diagram of the housing assembly of the water filter of  FIG. 11B . 
           [0037]      FIG. 11D  is a side elevational view of the high flow carbon impregnated particle filter of  FIG. 9H . 
           [0038]      FIG. 11E  is a schematic diagram of the high flow carbon impregnated particle filter of  FIG. 11D . 
           [0039]      FIG. 11F  is a bottom view of the high flow carbon impregnated particle filter of  FIG. 11D . 
           [0040]      FIG. 11G  is a side elevational view of the high flow sintered carbon cartridge of  FIG. 9H . 
           [0041]      FIG. 11H  is a schematic diagram of the high flow sintered carbon cartridge of  FIG. 11G . 
           [0042]      FIG. 11I  is a bottom view of the high flow sintered carbon cartridge of  FIG. 11G . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    The present invention provides for an aircraft galley plumbing system that is capable of recovering potable water from throughout the system upon shut down and recharging the system for a resumption of service. The system is adaptable to both top fed as well as bottom fed potable water supplies. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 - 5 ,  9 A- 9 I,  10 A- 10 D and  11 A- 11 I, in a first preferred embodiment the present invention provides for an aircraft galley plumbing system  20  having a top fed potable water supply  22 . The general plumbing schematic diagram of  FIG. 1  shows the relationship of the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold  24 , depicted within the encircled region of  FIG. 1 , to other components and water lines of the aircraft galley plumbing system, further described hereinbelow. 
         [0045]    Referring to FIGS.  1  and  3 - 5 , the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold of the aircraft galley plumbing system with a top fed potable water supply includes a potable water inlet port  26 , through which water from the aircraft supply enters the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold at a potable water inlet port through a three way valve  27 , which distributes the water between a pressure check valve pressure line outlet port  28 , an individual galley inerts or appliances outlet port  30 , and an individual faucet outlet port  32 . The three way valve also distributes the potable water supply from the potable water inlet port to self-sealing flow control valves connected to cartridge filters, as will be further explained below. 
         [0046]    The pressure check valve pressure line outlet port is connected in fluid communication with a pressure check or pressure lock valve  34  which controls flow from a faucet drain line  36  from a T-connector  38  connected in turn with the individual faucet outlet port and a self-venting faucet  40  of a surface mounted sink  42 . The pressure check or pressure lock valve is also connected with a potable water supply system drain down line  44  which also receives waste water through a T-connector  46  from a sink waste water drain line  48  from the surface mounted sink, as well as waste water from a condensate drainage catch pot  50  and a GAIN drip tray  52  connected to the main waste water drain line. Flow of the sink waste water drain line and the potable water supply system drain down line through the potable and waste water drain line  54  to a galley waste water supply outlet  56  is controlled by a compact air stop valve  58  which is in turn controlled by activation of a backflow prevention valve manual override cable  60  that can be actuated by an air stop valve manual override control handle, knob or pull  62  provided in the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold. 
         [0047]    The individual galley inerts or appliances outlet port is connected in fluid communication with a self-venting galley inerts or appliances water distribution manifold  64  having one or more self-venting devices  66  and having individual galley inserts or appliances outlet connectors  68 , typically including a galley inert or appliance flex hose  70  with a quick disconnect connector, for example. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  9 A-J,  10 A-H and  11 A-I, the top fed water filter mounting block or manifold houses two self-sealing flow control valves  72 , typically including a first self-sealing flow control valve  72   a  configured to distribute potable water to the individual galley inerts or appliances outlet port and a second self-sealing flow control valve  72   b  configured to distribute potable water to the individual faucet outlet port, for example, that are connected in fluid communication through water filter supply lines  74  with the potable water inlet port to receive the potable water supply, to supply each of two individual water filter cartridges  76  that are configured to be removably connected to the self-sealing flow control valves of the top fed potable water filter/distribution mounting block/manifold, respectively. The self-sealing flow control valves include water filter attachment studs or nipples  78  that are connected in fluid communication with other internal valve components, and that provide attachments for each of two individual water filter cartridges, respectively, via the male threads  80 . As is illustrated in  FIGS. 9B and 10B , the water filter attachment studs include a central flange  82  that incorporates an O-ring seal  84  on the underside of the central flange, which allows the annular water flow control valve or puck valve  86  to be sealed by a closure spring  88  disposed between the water flow control valve and the filter block body  90 , when a water filter cartridge is removed, as is shown in  FIG. 9D , showing a cutaway of the valve block assembly when the control valve is in a closed configuration. 
         [0049]    The water filter attachment studs include a lower tubular shaft portion  92  connected to the central flange, and the lower tubular shaft portion includes male threads  94  that are received in a female threaded portion  96  of the filter block body. The whole assembly illustrated in  FIG. 9B  is held in place in the filter block body by a water flow control valve locking ring  98 , received in internal, female threads  100  of the filter block body. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 9B ,  9 C,  9 D,  9 F and  9 H, the action of screwing a water filter cartridge into place using female threaded connection  102  to a stud pushes the control valve down against the closure spring, such that the water flow control valve moves to an open configuration when a water filter cartridge is installed, which in turn exposes water inlet holes  104  of flow channels  106  that are normally seated against and closed by the locking ring, so that water can then flow through the water inlet holes to the outlets  108  of the flow channels in the annular water flow control valve&#39;s annular ring  110 . When fully depressed, the water control valve seals against a rubber O-ring  112  fitted to a protruding collar  114  within the filter block body. When fully installed, corresponding flow channels  116  in the annular ring  118  of a base  120  of a water filter cartridge allow water to pass into the water filter cartridge housing  122 , typically having an upper portion  123  threadably connected to a lower portion  125 , into the interior main chamber  124  of the water filter cartridge through the filter  126  of the water filter cartridge, into the interior main outlet channel  128 , out the central water outlet  130  of the water filter, and back into the water filter mounting block or manifold to the filtered water supply outlet ports. The water filter cartridge seals against the filter block body by means of a filter body seal  132 . In another presently preferred aspect, the water filter cartridge includes a self-venting sealing device  133 , typically at a top portion of the water filter cartridge. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11A  shows a side profile of the manifold block complete with mounted filter cartridges, the filter cartridge housing with the filter removed, external and internal views of the particle filter and bacteriological cartridge and detail of the particle filter base. The specific design and function of the filter cartridge may vary and include additional bacteriological inserts that may be combined with the basic cartridge to produce different filtration capabilities. The tabs of the filter base engage with slots in the filter cartridge mounting pedestal, the filter is rotated to secure it in place. 
         [0052]    Each potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold preferably includes a direct acting potable water shut off valve  134  actuated by a water shut off control knob or handle  136 , typically located at the front of the block, and operatively connected to the water shut off valve by a water shut off valve control cable or rod  138  that typically extends through the body of the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold to the potable water shut off valve from the water shut off control knob or handle. 
         [0053]    When the potable water shut off valve is activated, the pressure check valve pressure line outlet port feed line to the pressure check valve is typically pressurized slightly in advance of the filter supply lines to the self-sealing flow control valves, which allows the pressure check valve to start to close whilst the filters are self venting and the plumbing system is filling with water. When an aircraft has completed a flight, and the aircraft systems are turned off, the drop in potable water pressure allows the valve to open, letting the previously isolated water supply lines drain through the valve and avoiding the risk of contamination from water that may remain trapped in the system, air is allowed to enter the system via the filter and manifold venting devices facilitation rapid and complete drain down. 
         [0054]    Referring to FIGS.  2  and  6 - 8 , the present invention also provides for a second preferred embodiment of an aircraft galley plumbing system  220  having a bottom fed potable water supply  222 , adapted for use on aircraft that have a potable water system feed at floor level. The general plumbing schematic diagram of  FIG. 2  shows the relationship of the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold  224 , depicted within the encircled region of  FIG. 2 , to other components and water lines of the aircraft galley plumbing system, further described hereinbelow. 
         [0055]    Water from the aircraft supply enters the manifold or filter block at potable water inlet port  226 , through a two way valve  227 , which distributes the water to the individual galley inerts or appliances outlet port  230  and individual faucet outlet port  232 . The two way valve also distributes the potable water supply from the potable water inlet port to a first and second self-sealing flow control valves connected to cartridge filters and configured to distribute potable water to an individual galley inerts or appliances outlet port and an individual faucet outlet port, respectively. The bottom fed potable water supply is connected in fluid communication through a T-connector  233  via a pressure check valve direct feed line  235  to a pressure check or pressure lock valve  234 , which controls flow from a faucet drain line  236  from a T-connector  238 , connected in turn with the individual faucet outlet port and a self-venting faucet  240  of a surface mounted sink  242 . 
         [0056]    The pressure check or pressure lock valve is also connected with a potable water supply system drain down line  244 , which also receives waste water through a T-connector  246  from a sink waste water drain line  248  from the surface mounted sink, as well waste water from a condensate drainage catch pot  250  and a galley inert or appliance drip tray  252  connected to the waste water drain line. Flow of the sink waste water drain line and the potable water supply system drain down line through the potable and main waste water drain line  254  to a galley waste water supply outlet  256  controlled by a compact air stop valve  258 , which is in turn controlled by activation of a backflow prevention valve manual override cable  260  that can be actuated by an air stop valve manual override control handle, knob or pull  262  provided in the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold. 
         [0057]    The individual galley inerts or appliances outlet port is connected in fluid communication with a self-venting galley inerts or appliances water distribution manifold  264  having one or more self-venting devices  266 , and having individual galley inerts or appliances outlet connectors  268 , typically including a galley inert or appliance flex hose  270  with a quick disconnect connector  271 , for example. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , the bottom fed water filter mounting block or manifold houses two self-sealing flow control valves  272 , typically including a first self-sealing flow control valve  272   a  configured to distribute potable water to the individual galley inserts or appliances outlet port and a second self-sealing flow control valve  272   b  configured to distribute potable water to the individual faucet outlet port, for example, that are connected in fluid communication through water filter supply lines  274  with the potable water inlet port to receive the potable water supply, to supply each of two individual water filter cartridges  276  that are configured to be removably connected to the self-sealing flow control valves of the bottom fed potable water filter/distribution mounting block/manifold, respectively. Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the self-sealing flow control valves include water filter attachment studs or nipples  278  that are connected in fluid communication with other internal valve components, and that provide attachments for each of two individual water filter cartridges, respectively. In another presently preferred aspect, the water filter cartridge includes a self-venting sealing device  333 , typically at a top portion of the water filter cartridge. 
         [0059]    Each potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold preferably includes a direct acting potable water shut off valve  334  actuated by a water shut off control pull handle  336 , typically located at the front of the block, and operatively connected to the water shut off valve by a water shut off valve control cable or rod  338  that typically extends through the body of the potable water filter and distribution mounting block or manifold to the potable water shut off valve from the water shut off control knob or handle. 
         [0060]    Typically, in the case of a floor located potable water aircraft supply port, the shut off valve has to be located close to the port to avoid lengthy burst protection hosing for the supply line, consequently the water shut off is remotely operated by cable. As is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in contrast to the top fed system illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 , the rotary water shut off control can be replaced with a pull handle  339  for operating the water shut off valve, the cable emerging at the rear of the block  341 , and the potable water connection can be relocated to occupy the position of the pressure check valve connection, which is be relocated to the remote shut off valve, while the filtered water supply connection locations are unchanged. The air stop valve manual override remains the same for both block types. 
         [0061]    The aircraft galley plumbing of the present invention provides for the integration of the functional distribution and control of the potable water supply of an aircraft into a single unit. The unique high flow low back pressure self sealing water filter flow control valves allow rapid installation and removal of the filters. The twin filter design allows higher flow volumes and separate feeds for faucet and galley inerts or appliances eliminating hot water back flow issues from the galley inerts or appliances to the faucet without the need for a thermostatic shut off valve. The water cartridge design can be disposable, or have renewable internal filters using the same outer shell while the water filter cartridge filter modular design allows variation in filter capability with the same basis components. 
         [0062]    Moreover, the present invention serves to reduce part count and complexity of a typical galley plumbing system by concentrating control functionality and distribution into a single component. The systems improves system water flow volumes and reduces pressure restrictions while catering for differing water filtration requirements for faucet and galley inert or appliance supplies. The water filter cartridges are self venting and self sealing while the self sealing water control valves in the distribution block manifold can be overridden using a by-pass cap in emergencies. The system is readily configurable for both top fed as well as bottom fed aircraft potable water supply systems, and is lightweight as it can be made from non-metallic materials. A pressurized supply to the pressure check valve as part of the integrated compact galley plumbing system is provided and allows for automatic filling and drain down of the entire integrated compact galley plumbing system.