Abstract: A multi-slice hinge-line actuator includes a plurality of actuator slices mounted around a common axis of rotation and arranged to be rotated around the axis of rotation by a drive means in response to a control signal, the slices spaced axially along the axis of rotation. Each actuator slice has a first attachment means for attachment to a relatively fixed structure and a second attachment means for attachment to a moveable structure to be moved by the actuator in response to the control signal. The actuator also includes means for monitoring a strain pattern in the actuator at a plurality of locations along the axial direction of the actuator.

Abstract: A leadscrew assembly includes a screw shaft along which is formed a first helical groove and a primary nut along which is form a second helical groove. The first helical groove and the second helical groove cooperate to define a track. The assembly also includes a secondary nut along which is formed a third helical groove. The first helical groove and the third helical groove cooperate to define a track with a nominal running clearance. A preload X is provided wherein when a load applied to the screw exceeds the predetermined preload, the secondary nut engages with the track such that load of the screw above preload X is transferred through the secondary nut and thus protecting the primary nut.

Abstract: A locking system includes a locking element which is movable between a first, locking position and a second unlocking position and an unlocking actuator for moving the locking element (from the first position to the second position over an unlocking stroke length (Su). The system further comprises a control unit configured to command the unlocking actuator to move the locking element from the first position to a third position over an anti-icing stroke length (Sa) which is shorter than the unlocking stroke length (Su).

Abstract: An apparatus configured to measure the output of a rotary actuator unit includes a rotary actuator unit. The unit includes a stationary portion, a rotating portion, and a main rotational axis (L) that runs in an axial direction from a first end of the rotary actuator unit to a second end of the rotary actuator unit. The first end is opposite the second end. The apparatus also includes a linear position sensor comprising a follower, a sensor, and a sensor arm, wherein the follower is attached to the sensor by sensor arm; and wherein the sensor is attached to the stationary portion. The apparatus also includes a follower track attached or formed in, or on, to the rotating portion. The follower track is aligned in the circumferential direction that is perpendicular to axial direction of the main rotational axis (L). The follower is configured to follow the follower track.

Abstract: A thrust reverser is described that comprises a new type of locking means for locking an actuator in position so that maintenance can be performed on the machine. The locking means comprises a removable locking device for preventing movement of an actuator. The locking means may also function in one configuration as an end cap. An actuator is also described comprising a removable torque limiting device for limiting torque of the actuator.

Abstract: A system for stopping rotation of a first gear and a second gear on a shaft, The first gear and second gear are concentric and rotatable about said shaft. The first gear and the second gear are driven by the same input system and the first gear and the second gear are configured to rotate at differential speeds and independently to each other. The first gear comprises a first end stop and the second gear comprises a second end stop and the first end stop and the second end stop are configured to engage each other when the first gear and the second gear have each rotated a predetermined number of turns. Engagement of the first end stop with the second end stop is configured to prevent rotation of the first gear and the second gear and cause a stall in the system.

Abstract: An actuator system for controlling movement of a plurality of panels. The system includes two lifting mechanisms connected to each panel at two separate locations on the panel, and, for each panel: an actuator in engagement with a first of the lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism to move the panel, and a torque tube having a first end in engagement with the actuator so as to be rotated by the actuator as the actuator drives the lifting mechanism, the torque tube having a second end in engagement with the other of the two lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism due to rotation of the torque tube.

Abstract: A system for driving a tilt rotor between vertical and horizontal using a variable displacement motor controlled in response to a swash angle of the motor measured in a feedback loop.

Abstract: An assembly for moving a tip of an airfoil (e.g., an aircraft wing tip) relative to a fixed body of the airfoil. The assembly includes a linear actuator configured to pivotally attach to both the fixed body of the airfoil and the movable tip of the airfoil, such that the linear actuator is configured to extend between a first pivotal attachment on the fixed body and a second pivotal attachment on the movable tip. The linear actuator is configured to repeatedly move the tip of the airfoil from an unfolded position to a folded position, wherein throughout such movement the linear actuator is configured to pivot about both the first and second pivotal attachments.

Abstract: A ballscrew assembly includes a nut having a first helical groove formed on a radially inner surface and defining an axis, a screw disposed along the axis (X) and within the nut and that includes a second helical groove formed on a radially outer surface and opposed to the first helical groove so as to form a helical raceway. The assembly also includes a plurality of balls disposed in the helical raceway and an annular seal disposed radially between the nut and the screw. The seal includes a resilient body and a layer formed of PTFE and disposed radially between the resilient body and the screw and configured to contact the radially outer surface of the screw. An optional annular scraper is disposed axially adjacent to the seal and is configured to receive fluid at one axial end and expel fluid at a second axial end.

Abstract: An actuation system is provided comprising an electric motor having a motor output shaft, a first actuator and a transmission system linking the electric motor to the first actuator. The transmission system comprises a drive shaft having an input end and an output end, the output end connected to an input of the first actuator, and a torque limiter. The torque limiter is positioned at an upstream end of the transmission system and connects the motor output shaft of the electric motor to an input end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly includes a screw shaft along which is formed a first helical groove; a nut along which is form a second helical groove; the first helical groove and the second helical groove cooperating to define a track, a plurality of balls arranged in the track and configured to move along the track in response to relative motion between the screw shaft and the nut such that rotational motion of the screw is translated to linear motion of the nut via the balls and vice versa. The assembly also includes a bypass shoe arranged between the nut and the track and spaced from the track by a predetermined preload X, wherein when a load applied to the nut exceeds the predetermined preload, the bypass shoe engages with the track such that motion of the screw is transferred to motion of the nut via the shoe and bypasses the balls.

Abstract: A cover for a rod end of an actuator comprises a mounting collar for surrounding and mounting to a portion of the rod end. The collar is deformable such that it may be mounted over a rod eye mounted to the rod end. The cover further comprises a shield extending from the collar and shaped such that when attached to the rod end the shield shields a portion of rod end to prevent fluid or foreign object ingress to the rod end.

Abstract: A manual brake override system includes a gear system, an electric motor in operative communication with the input of the gear system, a holding brake in operative communication with the input of the gear system. The holding brake is configured to prevent movement within the gear system when engaged. A manual handwind is provided in operative communication with the input of the gear system and the manual handwind and holding brake are configured such that the input of the gear system can be driven, with the manual handwind, whilst the holding brake is engaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), the apparatus comprising: an input shaft; a first component located concentrically around the input shaft; a second component located concentrically around the first component; a first ballscrew mechanism between the input shaft and the first component, and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft causes a translational movement of the first component via the first ballscrew mechanism; and a second ballscrew mechanism between the first component and the second component, and configured such that rotational movement of the first component causes a translational movement of the second component via the second ballscrew mechanism.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a screw shaft comprising a screw thread and having a longitudinal axis A, a nut movable along the screw shaft from a retracted position to an extended position, and a plurality of rollers movable with the nut. Each roller includes a cylindrical surface configured to roll along one or more flanks of the screw thread, such that rotation of the screw shaft causes the rollers to roll along the flank(s) so that the nut translates in an axial direction along the screw shaft. The screw thread has a variable lead angle. The actuator can be part of a power door opening system of an aircraft.

Abstract: A spring assembly comprises an edge wound wave spring and a shim. The spring comprises a plurality of axially spaced, axially compressible wave-like turns extending between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion comprises a plurality of closely arranged parallel turns. The shim comprises a shim body and at least one mounting lug projecting radially from the shim body. The mounting lug is received between adjacent turns of the first end portion of the edge wound wave spring for retaining the shim to the edge wound wave spring.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the health of a brake plate having a solenoid with a solenoid air gap includes creating a reference solenoid current profile for the brake plate solenoid air gap, by: calculating a nominal solenoid current profile based on the air gap under nominal conditions, calculating a upper and lower limit of the nominal solenoid current profile, based on an impact of at least one external variation and/or tolerance of the brake plate, and creating the reference solenoid current profile by combining said upper and lower limits into the nominal solenoid current profile. The method also includes generating and measuring a solenoid current curve of the brake plate and determining if said generated curve of the brake plate is between said upper and lower limits to determine that the brake plate is healthy.

Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system for a jet propulsion engine for a vehicle, the thrust reverser actuation system comprising: a plurality of hydraulically-driven thrust reverser actuators for actuating one or more thrust reverser components of the jet propulsion engine, each actuator comprising: a hydraulic circuit; and a bi-directional electrically-driven pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit, wherein the hydraulic circuit and the pump are configured such that the direction of the pump dictates the direction of the actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises an S-shaped locking member which comprises respective locking hooks arranged at the end of opposed arms of the locking member. A pivot is arranged between the arms of the locking member. The locking member rotates around the axis (A) of the pivot. The locking mechanism further comprises a coupling for coupling the locking member to an actuator for rotating the locking member around the pivot axis (A). The coupling comprises at least one coupling element, an actuator coupling for coupling the at least one coupling element to the actuator and first and second drive couplings for coupling the at least one coupling element independently to each arm of the locking member for transmitting rotational movement thereto, such that failure of one arm of the locking member will not cause loss of drive to the other arm of the locking member.