Abstract: A fastener system is provided that includes a spindle bolt having a threaded section and a tooling interface at a head, a bolt body at least partially mated with the spindle bolt, including an anti-rotation slot and an outer surface, a nut including an interior threaded portion and an anti-rotation extension, and an expandable ring mated with the nut and including a lower clamping surface. In a clamping configuration of the fastener system, the lower clamping surface extends beyond the outer surface of the bolt body, the interior threaded portion of the nut is threadingly engaged with the threaded section of the spindle bolt, and the anti-rotation extension mates with the anti-rotation slot. In an installation configuration of the fastener system, a diameter of the lower clamping surface is less than a diameter of the lower clamping surface in the clamping configuration.

Abstract: A fastener system is provided that includes a spindle bolt having a threaded section and a tooling interface at a head, a bolt body at least partially mated with the spindle bolt, including an anti-rotation slot and an outer surface, a nut including an interior threaded portion and an anti-rotation extension, and an expandable ring mated with the nut and including a lower clamping surface. In a clamping configuration of the fastener system, the lower clamping surface extends beyond the outer surface of the bolt body, the interior threaded portion of the nut is threadingly engaged with the threaded section of the spindle bolt, and the anti-rotation extension mates with the anti-rotation slot. In an installation configuration of the fastener system, a diameter of the lower clamping surface is less than a diameter of the lower clamping surface in the clamping configuration.

Abstract: A status indicating latch comprises a housing having a flange, and the flange has a plurality of apertures transversing the flange. A plurality of attachment means attach the housing flange to a panel. The panel further comprises an activation tool port that an activation tool is inserted into. The activation tool rotates a rotatable lock mechanism disposed within the housing. The lock mechanism comprises a shaft, an activation tool engagement member, a plunger disposed within the shaft and connected to the activation tool engagement member, a cam operatively connected to said plunger, and a plunger biasing means that biases the plunger upwards when the lock mechanism is locked. A guide operatively connected to the cam operates upon a pivot arm that is pivotally connected to the housing and slidably connected to the guide.

Abstract: An aircraft panel latch comprises an upper latch member comprising a rotatable lock member, a lock member movement means, and a lock position visual indicator. The lower latch member is mounted to a support structure. The lower latch and the upper latch members are pivotally connected. The lower latch member comprises a lock member retention structure. The visual indicator can comprise color coded indicia, where the alignment of a first color set indicates an unlocked position and the alignment of a second color set indicates a locked position. The visual indicator can comprise the physical location of the lock member movement means relative to the lock member. The visual indicator can comprise the physical location of the lock member movement means in combination with the colored indicia. The lock member retention structure can further comprise a ramp, a spring, or both a ramp and spring. The latch can be locked and unlocked using a hex tool.

Abstract: A latch and keeper combination is utilized for securing a radome to an aircraft fuselage. The keeper has a keeper housing and an eyebolt member which extends toward the latch from the keeper housing. The latch has a pivoting handle member pivotally attached to a latch housing. A hook member depends from the handle member. Once the hook member is generally placed about the eye bolt, depressing the handle member further causes the hook to rotate within the latch housing. As the handle member is completely depressed, the hook member fully engages the eye bolt, while at the same time members axially extend from the latch to engage the keeper which provides a resistance to shear between the latch and keeper. The apparatus may also have a safety which prevents the handle from fully closing until the eye bolt is fully engaged by the hook member, thereby providing visual confirmation that the latch has completely engaged the keeper.

Abstract: A status indicating latch comprises a housing having a flange, and the flange has a plurality of apertures transversing the flange. A plurality of attachment means attach the housing flange to a panel. The panel further comprises an activation tool port that an activation tool is inserted into. The activation tool rotates a rotatable lock mechanism disposed within the housing. The lock mechanism comprises a shaft, an activation tool engagement member, a plunger disposed within the shaft and connected to the activation tool engagement member, a cam operatively connected to said plunger, and a plunger biasing means that biases the plunger upwards when the lock mechanism is locked. A guide operatively connected to the cam operates upon a pivot arm that is pivotally connected to the housing and slidably connected to the guide.

Abstract: An aircraft panel latch comprises an upper latch member comprising a rotatable lock member, a lock member movement means, and a lock position visual indicator. The lower latch member is mounted to a support structure. The lower latch and the upper latch members are pivotally connected. The lower latch member comprises a lock member retention structure. The visual indicator can comprise color coded indicia, where the alignment of a first color set indicates an unlocked position and the alignment of a second color set indicates a locked position. The visual indicator can comprise the physical location of the lock member movement means relative to the lock member. The visual indicator can comprise the physical location of the lock member movement means in combination with the colored indicia. The lock member retention structure can further comprise a ramp, a spring, or both a ramp and spring. The latch can be locked and unlocked using a hex tool.

Abstract: A latch and keeper combination is utilized for securing a radome to an aircraft fuselage. The keeper has a keeper housing and an eyebolt member which extends toward the latch from the keeper housing. The latch has a pivoting handle member pivotally attached to a latch housing. A hook member depends from the handle member. Once the hook member is generally placed about the eye bolt, depressing the handle member further causes the hook to rotate within the latch housing. As the handle member is completely depressed, the hook member fully engages the eye bolt, while at the same time members axially extend from the latch to engage the keeper which provides a resistance to shear between the latch and keeper. The apparatus may also have a safety which prevents the handle from fully closing until the eye bolt is fully engaged by the hook member, thereby providing visual confirmation that the latch has completely engaged the keeper.