Abstract: A vertical wing skin sanding machine which includes one or more sanding stations, dust/sound enclosure, operator console, and dust collectors all mounted on a common trolley designed to travel a linear path over the required length. The system provides an opening bisecting the device to allow for finishing the stationary part on both sides of the part. The system provides a mechanical means of propulsion of the device and guide rolls to stabilize, sound damp, and direct the part by the finishing wheel.

Abstract: An autopilot control system includes roll rate synchronization circuitry for precisely responding to control wheel roll commands without overshoots. Unique fade-in/fade out circuitry prevents transient signal "bumps" upon mode switching of the system.

Abstract: A mounting frame for avionic trays which accommodates various tray sizes and provides a structrual member which also serves as a wire bundle and terminal block support and provides for an integral plenum that receives hot air and distributes cooling air. A seal and orifice assembly feature in the shelf assembly includes seal cross section geometry suitable for accommodating an adjustable lip feature which adapts to the variable tolerance encountered in the avionic box tray assembly interface. The metal ground terminal block utilizes poke-home electrical pins and sockets which are mounted to structure with rivets, thereby establishing ground contact with the aircraft structure.

Abstract: "I" beam or web structures of laminated composite material or sheets are being stiffened by transverse webs stiffeners having a tubular configuration with flattened end portions. The flattened end is inserted between the laminated web material or sheets and cured therewith to form an integral stiffened web structure.

Abstract: An aircraft vertical fin-fuselage structural integration system wherein a plurality of vertical tail fin spars, extending transversely across the fin and fuselage and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fin, are integrally connected directly to the fuselage pressure bulkhead so as to directly transmit or transfer the vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer empennage loads to the fuselage structural network. The system can be adapted to any type of aircraft, and in the case of an aircraft of the BOEING 727 class, the spars accommodate the air intake S-duct operatively associated with the craft's rear engine housed within the rearwardmost portion of the fuselage. The spars also have their lateral configurations fabricated so as to match the fuselage loft lines.

Abstract: An ionization-type lightning diverter strip structure having improved environmental edge and tip sealing. Semi-conductive particle edge configurations and particle distribution geometries for improved streamer formation include forward strip and conductive particle termination and particle distribution geometries having variation along the length of the ionization-type lightning diverter strip structures and multilayer particle distribution geometries to resist particle impact erosion (e.g. rain erosion).

Abstract: A seat structure includes a flexible canvas seat bottom portion (14) and a flexible canvas seat back portion (12). A horizontally disposed, transversely extending beam member (58) is rotatably disposed above the seat bottom portion (14) and is operatively connected to the lower end of the seat back portion (12). The beam member (58) is movable between two positions 90.degree. apart such that when the beam member (58) is disposed in its first position, the beam member (58) effectively defines a support shelf or platform projecting forwardly of the seat back portion (12) and is therefore capable of supporting parachute packs borne by parachuting personnel seated within the seat structure. The seat back portion (12) is also disposed in a slackened state at such time so as to accommodate the depth of the parachute packs.

Abstract: An integrated power plant installation system for underwing high-bypass mid-length fan air duct core-mounted engines readily permits disconnection of the entire powerplant at the wing thereby virtually eliminating the necessity of disconnecting the engine and complex systems per se from the support strut when engine replacement or removal proves necessary. Excessive congestion within the vicinity of the strut box structure is eliminated by disposing the engine accessories, and auxiliary equipment and system lines, within the lower quadrant of the powerplant assembly in both a laterally and longitudinally distributed array. Potential catastrophic fire hazards within the nacelle are substantially eliminated by routing the fluid lines and electrical conduits axially aft and upwardly around the circumference of the engine within the nozzle section of the powerplant aft of all rotating discs.

Abstract: A star coupler bulkhead connector for equalizing signal levels over different transmission paths where one of the transmission paths includes pressure bulkhead penetration. The signal path which includes pressure bulkhead penetration comprises a data bus including a plurality of optical fibers directly coupled from the mixer element of the star coupler through the bulkhead.

Abstract: A flexible lightweight short pulse power cable assembly for electrical power transmission, e.g., for transmission of electrical power at 20,000 volts at short pulse D.C. halfwave currents of 30,000 amperes. The cable for electrical transmission utilizes an inner conductor and an outer concentrically disposed conductor, the inner and outer conductors having substantially equal cross-sectional areas and consequent resistances to equal and opposite current flows in the respective conductors thereby placing the cable current forces in compressive balance and further reducing electro-magnetic interference from transmission of power through the cable.

Abstract: An improved inner loop control is disclosed for use in an aircraft pitch axis control system. Signals representative of vertical acceleration and pitch rate are complementary filtered and summed to produce an "inner loop" damping signal which is combined with "outer loop" command signals to produce an elevator control signal. The improved approach provides higher outer loop control law gains and better system stability, resulting in higher control bandwidth and tighter command tracking, especially in turbulence.

Abstract: One quarter wavelength monopoles on the top and bottom centerline of the aircraft fuselage provide hemispherical coverage for an airborne transceiver thereby reducing shadowing during maneuver. A solid state pair of PIN diodes capable of transmitting and receiving V.H.F. A.M. band energy are utilized in an antenna lobing switch circuit for alternating between antennas at a switching rate of 25 KHz.

Abstract: An aircraft brake control system responsive to air-ground condition of the aircraft, nose gear analog wheel speed, and main gear analog wheel speed for providing brake release signals to deactivate main gear wheel braking in the event of the occurrence of any of the following conditions: (1) locked main gear wheel; (2) nose gear wheel is off the ground and main gear wheel is not spinning; (3) nose gear wheel is on the ground but main gear wheel is locked; and (4) nose gear wheel is on the ground but main gear wheel speed is about 50 percent below nose gear wheel speed.

Abstract: A U-shaped checking fixture has the legs of a "U" extending vertically upward. A series of measuring probes extend horizontally and laterally inward a measured amount from one of the legs and the ends of the probe define a contour of the skin to be checked. A skin is suspended essentially vertically alongside the measuring probes, another set of matching probes on the other leg of the U-shaped fixture force the skin against the measuring probes and any out of tolerance part of the skin is recorded.

Abstract: An elongated insulating cover of high temperature resistant cloth is impregnated on one side with a fluid sealing high temperature resistant flexible coating, and is covered on the other side with a metallic coating. Fasteners are secured along both sides of the cover; which cover is then overlapped around aircraft flammable fluid lines with the fluid sealing flexible coating on the inside, and the fasteners joined together.

Abstract: A wing leading edge slat actuation and positioning system, wherein a slat panel is connected to one end of an extensible track member which is supported and guided at its other end, by rollers mounted to fixed structure in the leading edge section of the wing. The actuation and positioning system comprises a unified drive and a programming mechanism which is connected to the slat panel and functions to combine an aerodynamic slot opening or closure operation with a slat extension drive mechanism. The unified drive and programming mechanism comprises a contoured camtrack somewhat in the shape of an S-camtrack and having a roller follower which is connected to a link and drive arm; and this combination allows synchronization of slat actuation with programming control of slat angle-of-deflection and aerodynamic slot opening or closure.

Abstract: A floor panel installation system and apparatus using two dimpled washer inserts, each at opposite sides of a floor panel. The two inserts equal a thickness which is almost equal to the floor panel thickness, so that a slight gap exists between the two washers which will close at installation, when the fastener is tightened, thus providing a resilient tightening and sealing feature as well as a "controlled stop" to the fastener installation procedure, avoiding panel crushing, potting compounds, sealers, etc.

Abstract: A pair of input sense signals are processed and passed to inputs of two servo amplifiers. The amplifier outputs are summed and converted to a corresponding hydraulic pressure in a T-valve. Transducers monitor the produced pressure and provide feedback signals to the servo amplifiers. A comparator compares the servo amplifier outputs and activates a warning device if the signal difference therebetween exceeds a threshold level. Equalizer circuitry processes the comparator output and provides correction signals to the servo amplifier inputs to wash-out offset effects.

Abstract: A flush, zero drag discharger system for dissipating static electric charges from surfaces of high performance aircraft and similar vehicles which is capable of withstanding a severe lightning environment without substantial degradation of the system. The discharger system includes a configuration of the vehicle secondary structure into non-electrically conductive areas, conductive high corona threshold areas, and controlled low corona threshold electrostatic discharge areas which are protected from the detrimental effects of lightning by the utilization of ionization-type lightning diverters.

Abstract: An adjustable litter support assembly includes fittings on each stanchion to engage conventional hold-down fixtures on the floor of an aircraft. The stanchions are further supported by interconnectable connecting links carried near the top of each stanchion. Connecting straps also extend from near the top of each stanchion to a floor fitting near the bottom of the other stanchion of each pair. Litter support arms are adjustably connected to each stanchion and carry locking straps for detachably holding a litter thereon.