Portable testing apparatus for airplane engines
First Claim
1. A portable testing apparatus for monitoring the operating parameters of an aircraft reciprocating engine having cylinders, an intake manifold circuit, magnetos, and oil flowing through an oil pressure circuit and through an oil temperature port, the portable testing apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of sensors detachably attached to the cylinders and to the oil temperature port to facilitate deployment of the testing apparatus and for sensing the temperature thereof and for generating analog temperature signals corresponding to the sensed temperature;
a multiposition selector switch connected to each of said sensors, said selector switch being adapted for receiving and selecting one of said analog temperature signals so that indicia of said signals may be displayed singularly for ready analysis by an operator;
a temperature indicating computer connected to said multiposition selector switch, said temperature indicating computer being adapted for converting said analog temperature signals into digital signals and for displaying said digital signals;
a tachometer connected to the magnetos, said tachometer being adapted for measuring an operating speed of the engine;
a manifold pressure gauge in communication with the intake manifold circuit, said manifold pressure gauge being adapted for measuring intake manifold pressure;
an oil pressure gauge in communication with the oil pressure circuit, said oil pressure gauge being adapted for measuring oil pressure;
an oil pressure switch in communication with the oil pressure circuit, said oil pressure switch being adapted to close when the engine develops oil pressure; and
a rechargeable power supply means for providing the portable testing apparatus with a self-contained source of electrical energy so that said portable testing apparatus may monitor operating parameters of the engine.
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Abstract
A self-powered and self-contained portable testing apparatus for monitoring critical operating parameters of an aircraft reciprocating engine. The portable testing apparatus is typically used for the running-in of aircraft engines after overhaul, before returning the engines to service. The portable testing apparatus includes a plurality of sensors for sensing and generating analog signals corresponding to temperature at various locations inside and outside the engine. A multiposition selector switch electrically connects to each of the sensors. The switch is designed to select one of the analog temperature signals and to transmit the selected signal to a computer having a display. The computer converts the selected signal into a digital temperature signal and indicates the digital signal in corresponding numerical representation on its display. Also included is a tachometer for measuring and displaying the operating speed of the engine. The tachometer has a memory, and can calculate and store in its memory the average operating speed of the engine and the maximum operating speed achieved during the run-in of the engine. A manifold pressure gauge senses and displays intake manifold pressure and an oil pressure gauge senses and displays engine oil pressure. A run time monitor electrically connects to an oil pressure switch which, in turn, connects to the oil pressure circuit. The oil pressure switch closes when the engine is turned on and develops oil pressure. The monitor is supplied with electrical power upon oil pressure switch closure and commences to monitor engine run time.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A portable testing apparatus for monitoring the operating parameters of an aircraft reciprocating engine having cylinders, an intake manifold circuit, magnetos, and oil flowing through an oil pressure circuit and through an oil temperature port, the portable testing apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of sensors detachably attached to the cylinders and to the oil temperature port to facilitate deployment of the testing apparatus and for sensing the temperature thereof and for generating analog temperature signals corresponding to the sensed temperature; a multiposition selector switch connected to each of said sensors, said selector switch being adapted for receiving and selecting one of said analog temperature signals so that indicia of said signals may be displayed singularly for ready analysis by an operator; a temperature indicating computer connected to said multiposition selector switch, said temperature indicating computer being adapted for converting said analog temperature signals into digital signals and for displaying said digital signals; a tachometer connected to the magnetos, said tachometer being adapted for measuring an operating speed of the engine; a manifold pressure gauge in communication with the intake manifold circuit, said manifold pressure gauge being adapted for measuring intake manifold pressure; an oil pressure gauge in communication with the oil pressure circuit, said oil pressure gauge being adapted for measuring oil pressure; an oil pressure switch in communication with the oil pressure circuit, said oil pressure switch being adapted to close when the engine develops oil pressure; and a rechargeable power supply means for providing the portable testing apparatus with a self-contained source of electrical energy so that said portable testing apparatus may monitor operating parameters of the engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A portable testing apparatus for monitoring the operating parameters of an aircraft reciprocating engine having cylinders, an intake manifold pressure circuit, magnetos, and oil flowing through an oil pressure circuit and through an oil temperature port, the portable testing apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of sensors detachably attached to the cylinders and to the oil temperature port for sensing the temperature thereof; a temperature indicating computer connected to said plurality of sensors; a tachometer connected to the magnetos for measuring an operating speed of the engine; and pressure sensing means in communication with the intake manifold and oil pressure circuits, the portable testing apparatus enabling operating parameters of the engine to be monitored when the engine is mounted in the aircraft. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification