Abstract: An aircraft spoiler control system wherein each of a plurality of spoilers is driven by an electrically responsive actuator. Sense signals representative of the aircraft's control wheel rotation, speedbrake lever deflection, flap position and air/ground status are processed by logic which produces a corresponding control signal for each actuator. Fault detection circuitry switches in a back-up actuator control signal if a fault occurs in the active control circuit.

Abstract: Side plate members have a connecting clevis at one end and portions which encircle and clear the hub of a flanged hub member at the other end. Shear pins mount in holes provided in the flange and side plates such that relative motion between the hub and clevis is prohibited. The side plate members are flexible along the axis of the pins to prevent galling or reseizing caused by the rough edges of fractured pins.

Abstract: A chordwise extensible wing leading edge system incorporating a rigid contoured panel member which is exposed during forward extension movement of the leading edge slat for closing in the proximity area between said slat and the relatively stationary leading edge portion of the wing, as a function of the forward movement of the slat. A further embodiment utilizes a second panel member so that both the upper and the lower surface contour of the wing airfoil envelope are aerodynamically continuous to complete the contour of the intervening space between the extended position of the slat and the stationary portion of the wing; whereby, this combination results in approaching the merits of wing cambering devices capable of operation at relatively high airspeeds as opposed to landing or take-off airspeeds.

Abstract: A composite window for a vehicle entrance door includes means for affording a downward view while the door is closed. The window includes an outer pane having two substantially parallel plane surfaces, an inner pane having a plane surface facing the outer pane and spaced therefrom. The opposite surface is formed with a prism which extends either partly or entirely over its surface. Additionally, the opposite surface of the inner pane may be provided with a concave surface forming a concave lens which enhances the effect of the prism.

Abstract: Upon aircraft landing approach, flare path command signals of altitude, vertical velocity and vertical acceleration are generated as functions of aircraft position and velocity with respect to the ground. The command signals are compared with corresponding actual values to generate error signals which are used to control the flight path.

Abstract: Aircraft altitude, ground velocity, and altitude rate signals are input to a computer which, using a unique control law, generates a pitch control surface command signal suitable for guiding an aircraft on its flare path to a specified runway touchdown point despite varying wind conditions.

Abstract: An airfoil having a trailing edge flap assembly comprising a fore flap and an aft flap. A fixed mounting structure is positioned below the flaps when in their stowed position, and there is a first common link pivotally connected to the mounting structure and to each of the two flaps. A second link interconnects the mounting structure with the fore flap, and a third link connects a mounting arm of the fore flap to the aft flap. Thus, the common link forms with the second link and upwardly extending four-bar linkage to move the fore flap to its deployed position, and the common link forms with the third link a second upwardly extending four-bar linkage which deploys the aft flap to its extended position.

Abstract: A relief valve has a pair of poppet valves mounted to seal against each other when in the closed position and to uniformly move apart when opening to place one of the poppet valves outside configuration on an aircraft to create a ram air effect through the opened valve.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for variable camber edges of aerodynamic airfoils--viz.

Abstract: A pair of feeder bowls are placed one above the other to simultaneously feed two different types of wire contacts onto two different tracks, and into separate alignment openings in a guide block. A pivotally mounted crimper is selectively moved to position the crimper head over the selected alignment opening. A rod extending from the crimper automatically positions a selector bar to actuate a plunger rod to move the selected contact into position to be crimped.

Abstract: The system includes two parallel rails, multiple airdrop/logistics locks mounted by one rail, and multiple forward restraint mechanisms mounted by the other rail opposite alternate airdrop/logistics locks. Two drawbars are connected to and provide remote operation of the airdrop/logistics locks and the forward restraint mechanisms, respectively. The airdrop/logistics locks additionally are operable locally. Each airdrop/logistics lock includes a movable detent and a force responsive release assembly which releases the detent from an extended locking position upon attainment of a predetermined threshold force in the aft direction. The release assembly includes a fuse and a contractible cartridge assembly connected to the detent such that movement of the detent toward a release position will cause the cartridge to contact.

Abstract: An aircraft guidance system operable during both takeoff and go-around maneuvers allows safe operation even under adverse wind shear conditions. Initially the system controls vertical speed to achieve an acceptable, minimum climb rate regardless of airspeed loss. Should excess thrust exist such that the acceptable minimum climb rate is exceeded, increased vertical speed and airspeed are commanded. When the climb rate significantly exceeds the acceptable minimum, airspeed is controlled to a specified value. Should the aircraft ever approach the "stick shaker" condition, an override command limits aircraft angle of attack.

Abstract: A sandwich assembly, e.g. an aluminum honeycomb sandwich assembly such as an inboard slat trailing edge for use in an aircraft wherein the spar cap spacing accuracy is retained through break-away tooling, e.g. a strip of low density core machined to the leading edge contour of the honeycomb core during core manufacture.

Abstract: A graphite containing composite structure having a fastener area for joining the composite to other structures terminates the graphite reinforced laminate adjacent to the fastener area. Kevlar reinforced laminates abut the graphite laminate and extend over the fastener area and are further reinforced with Kevlar laminates that overlap the graphite then extend over the fastener area.

Abstract: A ball joint has a flange and nut with matching spherical surfaces in the seal area of the joint. A frusto-conical wear ring seals between the matching surfaces with an inner and an outer line of contact between the ring and the surfaces to provide a spring type seal.

Abstract: The system includes an inertial body on which is mounted a mirror, which together are mounted for rotation by a gimbal bearing element. The gimbal bearing element is part of a base system which further includes a light beam source, such as a laser. The mirror is positioned on the inertial body so that it is at an angle of 45.degree. relative to the axis of the gimbal bearing element. The inertial body, which can be represented by a dumbbell-shaped equivalent mass, is oriented so that the path of the light beam from the light source is coincident with the gimbal axis, i.e. such that the light beam strikes the mirror. A yaw-like disturbance, i.e. a rotational vibration about the Z coordinate axis, affecting the base system, and hence the light beam source and gimbal bearing element as well, is converted into a rotational movement of the inertial body and the mirror about the axis of percussion, which, in the embodiment shown, causes a rotation of the reflected beam about the Y coordinate axis.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a sandwich assembly, e.g. an aluminum honeycomb sandwich assembly such as an inboard slat trailing edge for use in an aircraft wherein the spar cap spacing accuracy is retained through break-away tooling, e.g. a strip of low density core machined to the leading edge contour of the honeycomb core during core manufacture.

Abstract: A servovalve of the type wherein changes in two primary control pressures, as determined by a primary stage valve, positions a secondary output control valve. The primary stage valve is in the form of two nozzles which direct fluid jets against opposite sides of a rotatable cylinder such that the back pressures from the two jets, which control the position of the secondary output control valve, can be varied as the cylinder rotates. The cylinder is driven by a stepper motor which, in turn, can be controlled by the output of digital computer apparatus.

Abstract: A self contained switch assembly of the type indicating the status of a moveable mechanical structure, such as a door being in proper position for latching, includes a proximity sensor mounted to a base plate. Also mounted to the base plate is a plunger mechanism which carries a target plate. Upon the striker surface of the plunger engaging an external object, the target plate moves into proximity with the sensor, thereby producing a status signal.

Abstract: A composite structure has joints reinforced with adherend inserts between skin and web. The inserts are wedge shaped, have laminated sides with reinforcement in two directions, a reinforced core and the laminates are stitched together adjacent the core.