Control System

Abstract

A control system is described that comprises a manifold, at least one valve device operable to control the delivery of fluid from the manifold, and a drive member located within the manifold and rotatable to control the operation of the at least one valve device.

1 . A control system comprising a manifold, at least one valve device operable to control the delivery of fluid from the manifold, and a drive member located within the manifold and rotatable to control the operation of the at least one valve device. 
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises part of a fuel system, the manifold comprising a fuel manifold from which fuel is delivered, in use, via the valve devices. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the manifold further houses at least part of an input gear arrangement whereby the drive member is rotated. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein an input drive shaft is provided to transmit rotary motion from a motor to the drive member and/or input gear arrangement. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein the input drive shaft is located within a fuel supply line whereby fuel is supplied to the manifold. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein the input drive shaft passes through a seal arrangement into the manifold and/or input gear arrangement. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein the motor is an electrically driven motor. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein the motor comprises a hydraulic motor driven using pressurised fuel. 
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the manifold houses a series of further drive members, and gear arrangements arranged to form a drive train. 
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 9 , wherein the drive train is in the form of a continuous loop. 
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 9 , wherein each gear arrangement is arranged to transmit rotary motion to one or more of said valve devices. 
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor to provide an output signal representative of the operating mode of the valve devices. 
     
     
         13 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein there is a continuous flow of fuel through the valve devices at all engine operating conditions, in use, thereby providing a means of maintaining the temperature of the valve devices at an acceptable level.