Abstract: A monolithic joint system for a fuselage to wing joint in an aircraft is provided. The joint system comprises a first vertical flange, a base plate, a second vertical flange, and damage containment features associated with at least one of these components. The first vertical flange is configured to connect to a fuselage section of the aircraft and the second vertical flange is configured to connect to a rib web of a wing, while the base plate attaches outboard wing to inboard wing box. The first vertical flange, the base plate, and the second vertical flange are formed from a continuous piece of material. The damage containment features are configured to slow propagation of an active crack tip in the joint system during operation of the aircraft. Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a one-piece joint system for the fuselage to wing joint of an aircraft.

Abstract: Aircraft main landing gear drag brace backup fitting assemblies and related methods are described herein. An example aircraft wing disclosed herein includes a rear spar having a rear side and a front side opposite the rear side, a side-of-body rib coupled to the rear spar, a rib post disposed on the front side of the rear spar, where the rib post is to couple a second rib to the rear spar, a side-of-body fitting coupled to the side-of-body rib, an intercostal member coupled between the side-of-body fitting and the rib post, and a drag brace fitting disposed on the rear side of the rear spar. The drag brace fitting is coupled to the rib post and the side-of-body fitting via a first plurality of fasteners extending through the rear spar.

Abstract: A monolithic joint system for a fuselage to wing joint in an aircraft is provided. The joint system comprises a first vertical flange, a base plate, a second vertical flange, and damage containment features associated with at least one of these components. The first vertical flange is configured to connect to a fuselage section of the aircraft and the second vertical flange is configured to connect to a rib web of a wing, while the base plate attaches outboard wing to inboard wing box. The first vertical flange, the base plate, and the second vertical flange are formed from a continuous piece of material. The damage containment features are configured to slow propagation of an active crack tip in the joint system during operation of the aircraft. Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a one-piece joint system for the fuselage to wing joint of an aircraft.

Abstract: Aircraft main landing gear drag brace backup fitting assemblies and related methods are described herein. An example aircraft wing disclosed herein includes a rear spar having a rear side and a front side opposite the rear side, a side-of-body rib coupled to the rear spar, a rib post disposed on the front side of the rear spar, where the rib post is to couple a second rib to the rear spar, a side-of-body fitting coupled to the side-of-body rib, an intercostal member coupled between the side-of-body fitting and the rib post, and a drag brace fitting disposed on the rear side of the rear spar. The drag brace fitting is coupled to the rib post and the side-of-body fitting via a first plurality of fasteners extending through the rear spar.

Abstract: A stiffened panel comprises a composite panel, and a stiffener including a base flange on the composite panel. The base flange is tapered towards the panel. The stiffened panel further comprises a composite overwrap layer on only the composite panel and a tapered surface of the base flange.

Abstract: A stiffened panel comprises a composite panel, and a stiffener including a base flange on the composite panel. The base flange is tapered towards the panel. The stiffened panel further comprises a composite overwrap layer on only the composite panel and a tapered surface of the base flange.

Abstract: Gas meter data validation for a Meter Data Management (MDM) system including a communications network connecting gas data downloading device(s) receiving gas meter data including corrected gas volume data (CGVD) and state variable(s) data from primary gas meter(s) to the system, and a server implementing gas data validation (GDV) software. The GDV software performs data validation checks on the gas meter data including the CGVD to identify erroneous CGVD, and if a data validation check fails, performs a root cause analysis to diagnose a root cause involved in the erroneous CGVD using the data validation check and additional information regarding the communications network and primary gas meter, and error resolution depending on the root cause during the time interval including (i) calculating a revised CGVD after refetching uncorrected GVD and the state variable data or (ii) estimating the state variable data and calculating the revised CGVD therefrom.

Abstract: A retrofit shower system including a shower pan formed of a drain hub having an aperture for receiving plumbing for a drain hole and several separate quadrants. The quadrants are seamed together and seamed to the drain hub to create a shower floor. Each quadrants is formed with support rails on the bottom that get smaller in depth as the support rails get closer to the drain hub. The resulting shower floor has an angle towards the drain hub to allow water to properly drain in the shower. Coved sidewall components are provided including at least two corner-coved walls and at least two coved wall connectors. The sidewall components are seamed to the shower floor. Wall panels and a shower ceiling may also be provided.

Abstract: An actuator assembly adapted to selectively cause an input disk of a clutch/brake assembly to engage an output disk of a clutch/brake assembly. The actuator assembly includes a movable piston integrated with the clutch/brake assembly. At least a portion of the clutch/brake assembly defines an expansible chamber in combination with the piston. The piston is movable in the clutch/brake assembly to selectively cause the input disk to engage the output disk. The actuator assembly also includes a housing positioned remotely from the clutch/brake assembly, and a fluid compressor located within the housing. The fluid compressor is operable to generate a fluid pressure and provide the fluid pressure to the expansible chamber to move the piston.

Abstract: A Zero Turn Radius vehicle is provided that utilizes a steering system including front steerable wheels that is synchronized with a drive system that has dual independent rear drive units to drive the rear wheels as well as steer the vehicle. The synchronization of the steering system with the drive system allows for true zero radius turning and reduced drag and wear on the vehicle especially the ground engaging wheels.

Abstract: A reversible taillight assembly that can be used on either the right or left side of a vehicle. The taillight assembly includes a lens housing, a bracket, a lens and a spring clip. The lens housing has a parabolic configuration and accepts a lens at either its left or right hand side. The bracket can be used on either the right or left hand side of the vehicle by simply rotating the bracket 180.degree.. The lens fits within the lens housing after removing the portion of the front face of the lens housing depending upon which side the assembly is attached to. A method for reversing the taillight assembly is also provided. The method contains the steps of rotating the taillight fixture 180.degree. about its z-axis, replacing a first lens portion, removing a second lens portion, and placing a lens in the lens housing. The lens will be placed in the hole that remains from the removal of the second lens portion.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an associated device includes a vacuum actuator, connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the associated device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and activating means for selectively electrically activating the vacuum actuator. To engage an associated PTO shaft, an operator switches an electric switch opening a control valve and activating a vacuum actuator. Next a clutch arm is pivoted causing a brake arm to take a PTO pulley out of braking engagement and forcing an idler pulley into operative engagement with a PTO belt. This connects the PTO pulley with a drive pulley thereby rotating the PTO shaft. When the PTO is to be disengaged, the brake arm is effective to stop the motion of the implement driven by the PTO, and to stop the implement within a very short time.

Abstract: A golf club, in particular, a putter, having a golf ball-seizure device integrated into the putter head. The putter head has a golf ball-seizing aperture. The aperture has an effective interior diameter that allows passage of a golf ball therethrough by relative flexible movement between an interior surface of the aperture and an outer surface of the golf ball. For this purpose, a flexible ring may be installed in the aperture. A retaining element is mounted adjacent to the aperture such that a golf ball, upon passing upwardly through the aperture, is restricted from further substantial movement and thereby captured in a confinement volume by the combination of the effective interior diameter of the aperture and the retaining element.

Abstract: A slide valve is disclosed utilizing simple straight through drilled holes in the body of the valve in combination with a machined central fluid return passage and extensions off of the cylinder grooves in the valve slide.