Abstract: A mobile platform is provided. The mobile platform includes a interior overhead structure and at least one compartment rotatably coupled to the interior overhead structure. The compartment is rotatable into an opened position and a closed position. The mobile platform further includes a pivot system coupled to the interior overhead structure and the compartment to enable the compartment to rotate into the opened position and the closed position. The pivot system comprises a first fitting that defines a raceway and a second fitting that defines a hub and a guide. The hub of the second fitting is for engagement with the raceway and the guide directs the first fitting into the second fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

Abstract: A pivot system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. The pivot system includes a first fitting that defines a raceway and an engagement feature and a second fitting. The second fitting includes a hub for engagement with the raceway and a mating engagement feature to secure the first fitting within the second fitting. The second fitting also includes a guide that directs the first fitting into the second fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

Abstract: An aircraft stowage bin assembly includes shear fittings configured to route a content load from the bucket of the bin assembly to the airframe in the event of a forward load condition, such as a crash or severe turbulence. When the forward inertial load factor on the stowage bin is greater than about 1 g, the shear fittings create an efficient load path from the bucket to the airframe which bypasses the large metallic or composite endframes required by the designs of many conventional overhead stowage bins. As a result, significant reductions in overall bulk and weight, as well as lower manufacturing costs, can be realized.

Abstract: A latch assembly is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the latch assembly includes at least one latch unit having a latch unit housing, a latch notch provided in the latch unit housing, a lock bracket pivotally mounted in the latch unit housing adjacent to the latch notch and positional between latched and unlatched positions and an actuating arm engaging the lock bracket; a torque shaft coupled to the actuating arm; a handle unit having a handle housing and a handle plate pivotally mounted in the handle housing and coupled to the torque shaft; and at least one position indicator lip provided on the handle plate.

Abstract: A pivot system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. The pivot system includes a first fitting that defines a raceway and an engagement feature and a second fitting. The second fitting includes a hub for engagement with the raceway and a mating engagement feature to secure the first fitting within the second fitting. The second fitting also includes a guide that directs the first fitting into the second fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

Abstract: To fabricate a joint in a panel, a groove is generated and the panel is bent along the groove. The panel includes a first skin, second skin, and core. The core is sandwiched between the first skin and the second skin. The groove passes through the first skin and at least a portion of the core. The groove includes a set of tabs and a corresponding set of slots. The set of tabs intermesh with the set of slots in response to bending the panel along the groove.

Abstract: Lightweight structural elements are fabricated by machining a serpentine groove in a sheet of structural material such as honeycomb composite material, filling the groove with adhesive, and folding the sheet along the groove to achieve a desired configuration. The groove defines one or more tabs and one or more corresponding recesses. The tabs enter corresponding recesses when the sheet is folded and force excess adhesive from the groove which then can be removed to reduce weight of the structural element. In some applications, the use of adhesive may be eliminated entirely. This technique of building lightweight structural elements is particularly attractive in the aerospace industry where weight reduction is of paramount concern.

Abstract: An assembly for providing an indicator includes a light source, a stationary member, a first optical fiber coupled to the light source and to the stationary member, a movable panel, and a first latch assembly coupling the stationary member and the movable panel. The latch assembly has an unlatched position and a latched position. The assembly further includes a second optical fiber coupled to the movable panel, an indicator coupled to the movable panel, and a second optical fiber whereby in the last position, light from the first optical fiber is coupled to the second optical fiber differently than in the latched position.