Abstract:
A solid-state cooling apparatus for a galley installed in an aircraft that includes at least one storage enclosure for containing chilled beverage and/or foods for storage and a solid-state air-to-air thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side mounted in the galley and having at least one fan for circulating chilled air in proximity to the storage enclosure. A waste heat capture device is provided and includes a hot air outlet for discharging waste heat from the hot side of the cooling thermoelectric devices into the aircraft exterior to the galley.
Abstract:
An improved monument structure combining an integrated construction system with carbon fiber reinforced composites to form an exoskeleton chassis that significantly reduces the build times, manufacturing skill level requirements, post processing activities, and overall weight of a given aircraft monument.
Abstract:
A rotary latch assembly for a galley cart compartment door is disclosed comprising a barrel member rotating on a spindle and a handle connected to the barrel member. An interfering block outside the barrel member can prevent rotation of the barrel member when engaged with the barrel member, and be displaced by a lock button diametrically opposed with the interfering block. The handle of the rotary latch bears against the door in a locked position to prevent the door from opening, and the button when depressed releases the barrel member to rotate and the handle to pivot out of the path of the door.
Abstract:
A universal modular ducting apparatus for chilled aircraft galleys for either air over or air through carts has modular primary supply and return duct assemblies. Outlet port connection adapters are configured to connect chiller supply air duct outlet ports to either air through or air over configurations of aircraft galley food carts. The supply and return duct assemblies are internally insulated, and may be made from thermoformed plastic, prepreg, or a carbon fiber reinforced composite. Supply duct upper and lower portions may be connected by a connection adapter, and return duct upper and lower portions may be connected by a connection adapter, allowing the supply duct upper portion and the return duct upper portion to overlap.
Abstract:
In an illustrative embodiment, an intermediate retaining assembly secures a rearmost equipment item of at least two horizontally-stacked equipment items within an aircraft galley compartment. The intermediate retaining assembly may include a manual control coupled to a first end of a rod where rotation of the manual control causes rotation of the rod. A retaining lever may engage a second end of the rod upon moving the rod to an axially extended position such that rotation of the rod causes the retaining lever to rotate between a position for securing the rearmost equipment item and a position for removing the rearmost equipment item from or inserting into the compartment. A mounting plate may be secured to an interior surface of the compartment and may have a recess for receiving the retaining lever, preventing the retaining lever from interfering with the equipment item during insertion into or release from the compartment.
Abstract:
A solid-state cooling apparatus for a galley installed in an aircraft that includes at least one storage enclosure for containing chilled beverage and/or foods for storage and a solid-state air-to-air thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side mounted in the galley and having at least one fan for circulating chilled air in proximity to the storage enclosure. A waste heat capture device is provided and includes a hot air outlet for discharging waste heat from the hot side of the cooling thermoelectric devices into the aircraft exterior to the galley.
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.
Abstract:
A check valve for an aircraft galley plumbing system having a valve body including an inlet for a potable water supply line, and first and second outlet ports leading to a distribution manifold. In a preferred embodiment, quick disconnects that include reverse flow inhibitors seal the valve's output ports. A vertical channel extends through the valve body for draining water through the valve, which is coupled to a pressure line connection port that exerts pressure from the aircraft's pressure system. A piston reciprocating across the vertical channel and biased by a spring is in fluid communication with the pressure line connection port, such that when water pressure is introduced from a pressure line to the connection port of sufficient pressure to collapse said spring, the piston blocks said channel, and when the water pressure is insufficient to collapse said spring then the piston retracts to open said channel.
Abstract:
An aircraft galley plumbing is disclosed comprising water distribution components and assemblies to allow installation in a wet/refrigerated reduced foot print galley. The system includes a single potable water distribution manifold with quick disconnect couplings for the GAINS and built in air bleed devices facilitate rapid drainage and easy installation. The system also includes a compact pressure check valve to control filling operation and drain down of the potable water system. The use of a compact air stop valve and integrated master distribution block (manifold) and water filter system further enhance the system.
Abstract:
A service cart for an aircraft is disclosed with a housing of carbon fiber reinforced composites forming a multi-compartment carrier, the carrier adapted to hold four standard airline meal carriers. The cart includes at least a pair of cap doors at opposite ends of the cart, each cap door pivoting approximately 270 degrees to bear against a side of the cart, and a plurality of guides on inner walls of the multi-compartment for retaining the standard airline meal carriers. To prevent the doors of the cart from inadvertently opening, the cart also may include a redundant paddle latch system for each door.