Patent Description:
Aircraft and other passenger transportation vehicles typically have onboard holding tanks that carry fluids, such as potable water, waste tanks, fuel tanks, and others. Many of these tanks have certain vacuum/pressure requirements due to their use on board aircraft and at high altitudes. Because of the enclosed nature of these tanks, it is also a requirement that they have a leak proof fittings.

Waste tank assemblies typically have a waste inlet, a rinse nozzle, and a tank drain or outlet. It is necessary for all of these areas of the tank and their accompanying connections to be able to withstand possible motion of the tank due to aircraft turbulence and possible expansion of the tank due to various temperature differences, all while managing fluid flow without leaking or dislodging.

With respect to wastewater holding tanks, a further requirement is that the waste holding tank be capable of being emptied or drained. For example, certain types of ball valves have been used to manage the waste drain. Ball valves are typically spherical units having a cylindrical passageway running through the unit. Control of drain ball valves may be via a lever. Movement of the lever into the open position aligns the cylindrical passageway with the waste holding tank and the exterior outlet drain, such that opening of the valve allows outflow of the waste material. Movement of the lever in the closed position can rotate the ball valve such that the valve body blocks both the holding tank and outlet drain. This prevents outflow of the waste material from the waste tank. Typically, a service technician manages opening and closing of the lever in order to drain the waste tank.

This disclosure relates specifically to an improved drain ball valve that manages fluid flow out of the tank. Various types of valves are provided for fluid flow out of aircraft waste tanks. In most instances, a conduit or other fluid carrying tube is attached to an outlet of the tank, leading the fluid exiting the tank to its ultimate destination. The exiting fluid (waste) is often delivered to and through a service panel for proper disposal.

<CIT> discloses a seal and seat for ball valves, having an open torus which has a substantially "v" shaped spring fitted within the "u" shaped opening of the torus. The spring member is slightly compressed between the ball and the housing, and the ball can "float" between a pair of substantially similar seals on the input and output sides of the ball valve, respectively. <CIT> discloses an airplane toilet drain valve assembly comprising a rotatable valve mounted within a housing and a moveable sealing member arranged in contact with the valve surface when the valve is in a closed position and which during operation of the valve is moved away from the valve surface.

The disclosed drain ball valve, according to appended claim <NUM>, has an upper shell that is shaped to be received within a tank drain plumbing line and a lower shell receiving a funnel and a bellow component in order to help direct waste or other fluids exiting the tank. The drain ball valve finds particular use in connection with aircraft waste tanks.

The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention" "the present invention," "disclosure," "the disclosure," and "the present disclosure," used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below.

In one example, there is provided a drain ball valve for use in connection with a fluid-holding tank having a tank drain, the drain ball valve comprising an upper shell with an upper raised wall configured to be received within a plumbing line of the tank drain; and a lower shell comprising a connection area for receiving a bellow component. The upper shell may have a first circular flange, a curved face, and a second circular flange. The upper shell may also have a first upper circumference and a second lower circumference, wherein the second lower circumference is larger than the first upper circumference.

In use, the tank drain comprises an interface flange, and the interface flange and the first circular flange abut one another when the drain ball valve is positioned within the plumbing line. A clamp may be used to secure the interface flange and first circular flange to one another.

In a further example, the lower shell of the valve may have a connection area that comprises a beaded end. The bellow component may have an inner mating surface that cooperates with the connection area/beaded end of the lower shell. A clamp may be used to secure the bellow component to the lower shell.

According to the invention, the valve comprises a funnel. In one example, the funnel may have a hook and the lower shell may have a notch configured to receive the hook of the funnel.

In a further example, the valve may have a handle that cooperates with an arm to actuate the drain ball valve.

This disclosure is described with respect to a ball valve for use in connection with an aircraft waste tank. The disclosed drain ball valve <NUM> incorporates a standard drain valve body <NUM> with improved upper and lower shells. The valve <NUM> also incorporates a standard shaft <NUM> and handle <NUM> to actuate the drain valve body <NUM>.

Referring now to the exploded view of <FIG>, as well as <FIG>, the upper shell <NUM> is shown having an upper raised wall <NUM>. Upper raised wall <NUM> defines a first upper circumference. Upper raised wall <NUM> extends up from a first circular flange <NUM>. Extending between the first circular flange <NUM> and a second circular flange <NUM> is a curved face <NUM>. The second circular flange <NUM> defines a second lower circumference. The second lower circumference is larger than the first upper circumference. The curved face <NUM> curves outwardly from the first circumference to the second circumference. As shown by the assembled drain ball valve <NUM> in <FIG> (and specifically by the cross-sectional view of <FIG>), the upper raised wall <NUM> can be received by the upper interfacing plumbing line <NUM> of the waste tank. As shown by <FIG>, this lowers the plane of the upper raised wall <NUM> such that the ball valve is more compact and smaller than previous versions. Once positioned, the first circular flange <NUM> can abut a lower end face of the interface flange <NUM> of tank drain. This is illustrated by the cross-sectional view of <FIG>. These abutted flanges <NUM>, <NUM> may then receive a V-band coupling <NUM> that secures around the first circular flange <NUM> and the V-band interface flange <NUM> in order to secure the upper shell <NUM> to the tank drain of a waste tank (described in more detail below).

This is in contrast to securement of drain ball valves of the prior art. Referring now to <FIG>, which illustrates a prior art drain ball valve <NUM>, earlier valves had a flat top flange <NUM> that was attached to a plumbing tubing or line extending out from the waste tank, and a flat bottom flange <NUM> attached to the service panel. These types of prior art drain ball valves are not designed to be received by any part of the tank or tank tubing. Instead, they were attached in abutting relationship. By contrast, the currently disclosed drain ball valve <NUM> has an upper shell <NUM> that is shaped and configured to be received by and within the plumbing line <NUM> of the waste tank outlet. From a side cross sectional view, the upper shell <NUM> is essentially integrated into and with the waste tank outlet. It reaches inside of the plumbing line <NUM> of the tank. This can save space as compared to earlier drain ball valves. The new design does not require any change in the tank outlet or plumbing line size, nor does it require any change or alteration of the spring-loaded seals of the prior art. This can ensure preserved seal quality while reducing the required size of the ball valve.

By having the upper raised wall <NUM> reaching inside of the plumbing line <NUM>, installation can also be eased because the raised wall <NUM> is centered with respect to and fits within the plumbing line <NUM>, rather than requiring alignment of prior art flat top flange <NUM> with a lower end of the plumbing line. <FIG> illustrates a side-by-side comparison between a prior art drain ball valve <NUM> and the disclosed drain ball valve <NUM>, and shows the possible space-saving features of the new valve for use in limited height environments.

The drain ball valve <NUM> also has a lower shell <NUM>, illustrated in partial cross-sectional view by <FIG>. The lower shell <NUM> may be designed to interface with a funnel (shown by <FIG>) and/or bellow component <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and described in more detail below. <FIG> shows a side view (in partial cross-section) of the lower shell <NUM> with a funnel <NUM> in place. <FIG> shows a side view of the lower shell <NUM> with a bellow component <NUM> in place. <FIG> shows a side view of the lower shell <NUM> with a bellow component <NUM> in place, with the bellow component <NUM> showed transparent so that the funnel <NUM> is visible.

Referring now back to <FIG>, the lower shell <NUM> has a circumferential flange <NUM> leading downwardly to a side wall <NUM>. The side wall has a beaded end <NUM>, which may be used to support the flexible bellow component <NUM>. The beaded end <NUM> provides a side protrusion that can support an inner wall/inner mating surface of the bellow component <NUM>. When the bellow component <NUM> is positioned over the beaded end <NUM>, a clamp may be tightened around the bellow component in order to secure the bellow into place. The inner mating surface of the bellow component <NUM> can be generally flat and can conform to the ball valve beaded end <NUM> as the clamp is tightened around the two parts in order to secure them together. Extending distally from the side wall <NUM> is a wall ledge <NUM>. Further distally from the wall ledge <NUM> is a reduced diameter lower wall <NUM>. The lower wall <NUM> can include an optional notch <NUM> that can be used to support a funnel <NUM>. The design principle of providing a funnel is to maximize the drain opening and also provide a clear direction into the service panel adapter <NUM>. The funnel <NUM> may be an internal funnel, guiding the waste through the bellow component <NUM> during draining.

Two exemplary funnel <NUM> options are illustrated by <FIG>. These figures show a funnel <NUM> with a hook <NUM> configured to be received by the notch <NUM>, providing a mechanical lock. <FIG> shows a funnel with a lower angle that is received by the service panel adapter <NUM>. <FIG> shows a funnel with a straight wall that is guided into the service panel adapter <NUM>.

The funnel may be made of a flexible material such as nitrile rubber. Specific examples may be nitrile per AMS-P-<NUM>, <NUM> +/-<NUM> durometer/hardness and/or RUBBER per MIL-PRF-6855F. Other examples are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure.

The general goal is that it does not become brittle during use. It is also possible for the funnel to be covered with plies of fiberglass, and/or coated with neoprene. Any materials that are suitable for platforms and waste applications are possible. Other appropriate material options are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure.

A bellow component <NUM> is shown by <FIG> (and secured with respect to the lower shell in <FIG> and <FIG>). The bellow component <NUM> may be made of a flexible material, such that it can be stretched to fit in place over the sidewall <NUM> of the lower shell <NUM> and be flexible in the event that movement between the ball valve <NUM> and the service panel takes place. The bellow component <NUM> may have an upper portion <NUM> with a first circumference and a lower portion <NUM> with a second smaller circumference. In a specific example, the first circumference may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) in diameter and the second smaller circumference may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) in diameter. The upper portion <NUM> is shown having an upper side <NUM>, a groove <NUM>, and a curved
side <NUM>. The upper side <NUM> is shaped and configured to fit over the side wall <NUM> of the lower shell <NUM>, and when positioned, the groove <NUM> receives the beaded end <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. Once positioned, a clamp <NUM> may be positioned around the upper side <NUM> to secure the bellow component <NUM> with respect to the lower shell <NUM>. Clamp <NUM> may be a hose clamp or any other appropriate clamp that can secure the bellow component <NUM> into place. The bellow component <NUM> is generally desired to be made of a material that can withstand repeated freezing without damage under extreme environments. The material should also be able to withstand deflection based on aircraft loads. Possible materials include but are not limited to rubber constructions, such as nitrile rubber. The materials for both the bellow component and the funnel may be the same. The materials may have different layer counts and/or constructions in order to achieve the desired flexibility. The material may be coated with various plies of fiberglass and/or coated with neoprene. Any materials that are suitable for platforms and waste applications are possible. Other appropriate material options are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure.

<FIG> illustrate how the disclosed drain ball valve <NUM> may be assembled with respect to a waste tank <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a close-up view of a tank drain <NUM> of a waste tank <NUM>. The tank drain <NUM> is shown having a V-band interface flange <NUM>. As the drain ball valve <NUM> is secured to tank drain <NUM>, a V-band clamp or coupling <NUM> may be secured around the first circular flange <NUM> of the upper shell <NUM> and the V-band interface flange <NUM> of the tank drain <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side cross-sectional view of the V-band clamp <NUM> securing the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> shows a view of the drain ball valve <NUM> mounted on the tank drain <NUM> of the waste tank <NUM>. <FIG> shows a full perspective view of a waste tank with a drain ball valve mounted thereon.

<FIG> show possible actuation assemblies that may be associated with the shaft <NUM> and handle <NUM> in order to open and close the ball valve. In one example, a bracket <NUM> may be attached to the interface shaft <NUM> that cooperates with the handle shaft <NUM> and handle <NUM>. <FIG> shows an arm <NUM> that can be actuated in order to move an intermediate bracket <NUM> which is secured to two points 90a and 90b on the bracket <NUM>. Securement may be via springs <NUM> or any other appropriate connection mechanism. <FIG> shows an alternate embodiment that works similarly, but uses only a single securement point <NUM> on the handle <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is connected without an intermediate bracket. <FIG> shows and a further embodiment for actuation. In this example, arm <NUM> is secured to rotatable member <NUM>. Movement of the arm <NUM> causes movement of the rotatable member, which opens and closes the ball valve.

Beneficial features of the disclosed drain ball valve include but are not limited to its low clearance installation envelope. Providing the described modified upper shell <NUM> geometry allows a portion of the shell <NUM> to be inserted into the interfacing plumbing line <NUM>. This can be done all while maintaining the current sealing principles and current ball opening diameters of the currently available tanks and valve bodies. This disclosure of the upper/lower shell modification allows the installation envelope to be reduced by about <NUM> inches (<NUM>). The disclosed V-band can secure the shell to the tank drain. The disclosed bellow can help enclose any waste that could potentially seep out from the connection area.

The disclosed V-band connection and beaded and connection are provided as examples only. It should be understood that other connection options are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the connections may be customized to the particular aircraft in use. The connections may be bolted connections depending upon the interfacing plumbing line connection and clearance requirements.

The subject matter of certain embodiments of this disclosure is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Claim 1:
A drain ball valve (<NUM>) for use in connection with an aircraft fluid-holding tank (<NUM>) having a tank drain (<NUM>), the drain ball valve (<NUM>) comprising:
an upper shell (<NUM>) with an upper raised wall (<NUM>) configured to be received within a plumbing line (<NUM>) of the tank drain (<NUM>);
and a lower shell (<NUM>); characterised in that the drain ball valve (<NUM>) comprises a bellow component (<NUM>), wherein the lower shell (<NUM>) comprises a connection area for receiving the bellow component (<NUM>);
and in that the drain ball valve (<NUM>) further comprises a funnel (<NUM>) received on the lower shell (<NUM>).