Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a structural electrical system includes an electrical power source operable to provide electrical current, a structural composite, and a plurality of output devices. The structural composite includes alternating layers of conductive layers and insulative layers. Each conductive layer is less than or equal to 500 nanometers thick and each conductive layer is in electrical communication with the electrical power source. The plurality of output devices are in electrical communication with each conductive layer and are operable to receive electrical current from the electrical power source through the conductive layers.
Abstract:
A rotor system for a rotorcraft having at least one rotor blade pair operably associated with a differential pitch assembly operably for controlling a pitch angle of an upper rotor blade and the lower rotor blade in the rotor blade pair. Operation of the differential pitch assembly changes the pitch of the upper rotor blade more severely than the pitch of the lower rotor blade. As such, the rotor system is configured to provide optimum pitch of the upper and lower rotor blades during a helicopter mode and an airplane mode.
Abstract:
A tunable vibration isolator with active tuning elements having a housing, fluid chamber, and at least one tuning port. A piston is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chambers and the tuning ports. The tunable vibration isolator may employ either a solid tuning mass approach or a liquid tuning mass approach. The active vibration elements are preferably solid-state actuators.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a control assembly includes a first gimbal and a second gimbal. The first gimbal is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The first gimbal comprises a first linkage attachment point offset from the first axis of rotation. The second gimbal is rotatably coupled to the first gimbal and rotatable relative to the first gimbal about a second axis of rotation. The second gimbal comprises a second linkage attachment point offset from the second axis of rotation and a control shaft attachment point.
Abstract:
A tool is provided and includes a hook member which is attached to an extendable and retractable pole member, and a retainer which can retain the pole member in a collapsed position. The hook member is used to twist a short portion of a workpiece around a long portion of a workpiece in order to secure the short portion to the long portion when the workpiece is hung from an overhead support member. The retainer retains an inner pole of the pole member within an outer pole of the pole member when the pole member is in a collapsed position.
Abstract:
A nut assembly includes a base plate and a nut. The base plate includes a bearing surface with bore for the passage of a bolt or the like therethrough. The nut includes a bearing surface engaged with the bearing surface of the base plate. The said nut includes a bore engageable with a bolt or the like passing through the bore of the base plate. The base plate may include foot members disposed around the bore of the base plate.
Abstract:
A brake assembly is provided for implementation with a brake system and includes a support bracket, a master cylinder supported by the support bracket and operable to provide hydraulic pressure to the brake system, an accumulator piston extending from the master cylinder and operable to maintain hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic brake system, and an accumulator assembly extending from the support bracket. The accumulator assembly includes a compression plate engaging the accumulator piston, an end cap and an accumulator spring disposed between the compression plate and the end cap, biasing the compression plate against the accumulator piston. A booster arm is pivotally supported by the support bracket and is actuable between first and second positions. In the first position the booster arm limits axial movement of the compression plate against the accumulator piston and in the second position the booster arm permits increased axial movement thereof.
Abstract:
A removable hoisting apparatus for use on an aircraft to hoist cargo and people into the aircraft. The removable hoisting apparatus comprises a base member, a telescoping mast member, a boom member, and a hoist assembly carried by the boom member. The base member is of negligible weight and is adapted for attachment to the floor of the aircraft. The telescoping mast has a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion is releasably connected to the base member, and the top portion is releasably connected to the bottom portion. The top portion extends through an opening in the aircraft. A shoulder member is connected to the top portion, and a boom member is connected to the shoulder member. A rigid link member connects the boom member to the aircraft. The removable hoisting apparatus can be quickly removed from the aircraft by releasing only three quick-release fasteners, leaving only the base member attached to the aircraft.
Abstract:
A method and system for generating and displaying in flight a signal representative of the maximum power available from an aircraft turbine engine. Compressor inlet temperature and pressure, and output shaft speed are measured engine parameters employed to generate the desired signal.
Abstract:
A lubricant seal for a grip and spindle assembly attaching rotor blades to a helicopter mast. An elongated grip has a clevis for attachment to a helicopter blade. A spindle extends into a chamber in the inboard end of the grip. The grip is mounted to rotate on the spindle for blade pitch change. An annulus between the exterior of the spindle and inside of the grip houses bearing means rotatably positioning the grip on the spindle. Lubricant in the annulus is sealed in by seals positioned at the ends of the annulus. The seals are elastomeric cylinders each having one end rigidly attached to the spindle and the other end rigidly attached to the grip.