Abstract: Systems and methods for a segmented aircraft refueling tube with a tube interface include a plurality of seals configured to deform while allowing relative movement between tube segments. The systems include a tube interface that includes a first ring, a second ring, a first seal disposed between a first ferrule and the first ring, a second seal disposed between a second ferrule and the second ring, a third seal disposed between the first ring and a sleeve, and a fourth seal disposed between the second ring and the sleeve. The plurality of seals per ring allow for misalignment between the ferrules to be accommodated by two or more seals.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for a segmented aircraft refueling tube with a tube interface that includes a plurality of seals configured to deform while allowing relative movement between tube segments. The systems described herein include a tube interface that includes a first ring, a second ring, a first seal disposed between a first ferrule and the first ring, a second seal disposed between a second ferrule and the second ring, a third seal disposed between the first ring and a sleeve, and a fourth seal disposed between the second ring and the sleeve. The plurality of seals per ring allow for misalignment between the ferrules to be accommodated by two or more seals. Thus, the amount of deformation per seal for any given misalignment is lower and easy to install seals such as O-rings are used.

Abstract: A colleted bushing includes a collet and a bushing. The collet has a collet proximal end and a collet bore having collet threads. In addition, the collet has a collet bore taper located adjacent the collet proximal end, and a plurality of collet fingers located adjacent the collet proximal end and configured to be inserted into a workpiece hole of a workpiece. The bushing has a bushing proximal end, a bushing bore, a bushing outer surface, and bushing threads formed along a section of the bushing outer surface. The bushing is configured to be inserted into the collet bore and the bushing threads are configured to engage the collet threads in a manner resulting in movement of the bushing proximal end into contact with the collet bore taper causing the collet fingers to be urged radially outwardly and removably locking the collet within the workpiece hole.

Abstract: A colleted bushing includes a collet and a bushing. The collet has a collet proximal end and a collet bore having collet threads. In addition, the collet has a collet bore taper located adjacent the collet proximal end, and a plurality of collet fingers located adjacent the collet proximal end and configured to be inserted into a workpiece hole of a workpiece. The bushing has a bushing proximal end, a bushing bore, a bushing outer surface, and bushing threads formed along a section of the bushing outer surface. The bushing is configured to be inserted into the collet bore and the bushing threads are configured to engage the collet threads in a manner resulting in movement of the bushing proximal end into contact with the collet bore taper causing the collet fingers to be urged radially outwardly and removably locking the collet within the workpiece hole.

Abstract: A pump including a cylinder body having first and second ends and a cylinder bore, a plug shaft including first and second ends and a plug shaft bore, wherein the first end of the plug shaft is fixed relative to the cylinder body, and wherein the second end of the plug shaft includes a stop, a first piston received within the cylinder bore to partially bound a first gas chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber, the first piston being received over the plug shaft and axially moveable relative to the plug shaft, a socket shaft including first and second ends and a socket shaft bore, the socket shaft bore being configured to sealingly receive the plug shaft, a second piston received within the cylinder bore to partially bound a second gas chamber and the hydraulic fluid chamber, the second piston being connected to the socket shaft.

Abstract: The fastener installation apparatus and method of the present invention include a housing and a moveable body at least partially within the housing. The moveable body defines a plurality of openings and is fixably attached to at least one piston, which is in moveable contact with the housing. First and second cavities are defined on opposite sides of the piston and respective openings in the moveable body are in communication with opposite sides of the piston. In addition, a valve directs a fluid through the appropriate openings in the moveable body and into the first cavity or the second cavity, as desired, which, in turn, alternately extends and retracts the moveable body relative to the housing. A jaw extends from the housing in alignment with the moveable body, such that the jaw and the moveable body cooperate to install a fastener upon extension of the moveable body.

Abstract: The fastener installation apparatus and method of the present invention include a housing and a moveable body at least partially within the housing. The moveable body defines a plurality of openings and is fixably attached to at least one piston, which is in moveable contact with the housing. First and second cavities are defined on opposite sides of the piston and respective openings in the moveable body are in communication with opposite sides of the piston. In addition, a valve directs a fluid through the appropriate openings in the moveable body and into the first cavity or the second cavity, as desired, which, in turn, alternately extends and retracts the moveable body relative to the housing. A jaw extends from the housing in alignment with the moveable body, such that the jaw and the moveable body cooperate to install a fastener upon extension of the moveable body.

Abstract: A workcell for making parts in a vertical orientation from rigid sheet material capable of self-support on edge includes a plurality of CNC machines for performing machining operations on said sheet material in a vertical orientation. The CNC machines receive machine control data from a cell controller which, in turn, receives nest order packages from a factory system. The parts data from which the factory system constructs the nest order packages comes from the original engineering parts definition in a central data storage system which is the ultimate parts design authority of the assembly for which the parts are to be made. The rigid sheet material is transferred in a vertical orientation to and between the CNC machines in at least one automated handling cart. The cart has a transfer mechanism for transferring sheets of the rigid sheet material on edge between the cart and the CNC machines.