Abstract: To improve high gain tracking characteristics of an aircraft during inflight probe and drogue refueling and other tasks requiring rapid trim capturing, an attitude hold button on the inceptor controls capture of current aircraft attitude and uses this attitude to update reference attitude datum. The pilot has the option of adjusting the attitude reference using an additional control such as a standard trim hat button.

Abstract: Adjustment mechanisms, systems and methods allow for a moveable aerodynamic surface to be positionally adjusted relative to a stationary adjustment surface so as to ensure smooth aerodynamic transition between such surfaces. The adjustment mechanisms may include a base structure adapted for fixed connection to the moveable aerodynamic surface, a fixed-position receiver opposing the base structure and adapted for positionally fixed connection to the support structure of the moveable aerodynamic surface and an adjustment bolt having a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head through an elongate slot of the base structure, the slot defining an elongate axis which is aligned with an adjustment axis for the moveable aerodynamic surface, and being threadably coupled to the receiver to operably interconnect the base structure and the receiver.

Abstract: The disclosed non-limiting embodiment provides important improvements in aircraft performance in short rejected takeoff systems by automatically detecting whether the speed of the aircraft does not exceed Vshort, where Vshort>V1; automatically detecting whether one of said plural engines has failed during takeoff while the aircraft is still in contact with the ground; and if the aircraft speed does not exceed vshort and an engine has failed, automatically performing an autonomous abort takeoff sequence to allow an improved takeoff weight in case of a single engine failure autonomously rejected takeoff. The aircraft's take off weight increase leads to increased payload or fuel quantity. The Payload increase allows for increased passenger and/or cargo capability. The fuel quantity increased allows the aircraft to achieve greater ranges. An aircraft provided with the proposed system, which reduces accelerate-stop distance, may then operate in shorter runways as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Environmental control systems and methods to control environmental temperature of an enclosed space by integrating a passive heat exchange subsystem (e.g., a loop heat pipe (LHP) heat exchange subsystem) having a closed loop heat exchange fluid circuit in heat-exchange relationship with the enclosed space for providing environmental temperature control therewithin, a RAM-air subsystem having a RAM-air circuit for circulating RAM cooling air, and a vapor compression cycle machine (VCM) subsystem having a VCM fluid circuit having a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser and an expansion valve.

Abstract: Counterbalance assemblies include a torsion bar spring for counter-balancing the weight of upwardly opening aircraft doors for ease of opening and closing. The torsion bar spring may be linked to the aircraft door through an integrated gear reduction system comprised of two pairs of spur gears and respective shafts as well as a linkage assembly. A cable reel is connected to the output shaft and the input shaft is connected to a four bar linkage system attached to the end of the torsion bar. The cable reel stores the lift cable and provides the output torque to lift the aircraft door. When the aircraft door opens or closes, the center of mass loses or gains height respectively, causing a variation of gravitational potential energy. In such a manner, the gravitational potential energy is exchanged with strain elastic energy from the counter-balance spring therefore reducing the required external source of energy whether it is from a power assisted means or manual operation.

Abstract: A method converts an aircraft takeoff trim setting that would be a function of several parameters to a value that is a function of CG position only. In this way, it is possible to create a direct simple equivalence between Stabilizer angle and CG. The equivalent CG can be presented in real time to the pilot.

Abstract: Devices are provided to measure the mass inertia of moving surfaces (e.g., aircraft components). In certain embodiments, the devices will include a support frame formed by first and second structural frame members which form a space for positioning of a moving surface to be measured for mass inertia. A pivot joint assembly is supported by an upper portion of the first structural frame member while a distance alignment device is arranged at a lower portion of the support frame. The second structural frame member including an extension and a dynamometer supported operatively by the extension. The first structural frame member includes a comparator clock at a lower portion thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to thermally driven actuator systems including a thermally driven element and one or more heating elements coupled to and in thermal contact with the thermally driven element. The thermally driven element can be capable of being selectively reconfigured in shape based on a thermal strain or temperature driven phase change. The one or more heating elements can be configured to selectively and independently apply heat to one or more of a plurality of different regions of the thermally driven element to selectively raise a temperature or temperatures of the selected region or regions of the thermally driven element to selectively reconfigure the shape of the thermally driven element.

Abstract: Aircraft and associated methods, apparatus, system and storage devices for automatically positioning of lift control devices such as high lift devices including slats and flaps so an aircraft equipped with this technology will not need to count on the crew to command the lift control devices.

Abstract: Patent of invention for “automated process for manufacturing items of furniture in an integrated manufacturing cell and integrated cell for manufacturing items of furniture”. There is described an automated process for manufacturing items of furniture in an integrated manufacturing cell, the process comprising the following steps: a) Initial machining of plate (P) according to a manufacturing program, generating channels and holes; b) Installing inserts in the holes generated in the initial machining and applying resin in at least one side hole of the insert; c) Applying edging resin inside the channels generated in the initial machining; d) Curing the edging resin and resin of the inserts in a heated environment; e) Final machining of plate (P) generating at least one item of furniture. There is also described an integrated cell for manufacturing items of furniture (100), comprising a machining station (200) and a curing station (50) associated with each other by way of a transfer module (30).

Abstract: In an improved inventory control policy and associated data processing system, effective inventory level is compared with a variable reorder point, R(t). When the effective stock is lower than the reorder point R, a new order of Q units is placed. Also, the lot size is optimized for each order. Parameters R and Q are continuously updated based on Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimations obtained from a Prognostics and Health Monitoring (PHM) system.

Abstract: There is described a method of mounting inserts, comprising the following steps: •(i) Application of an adhesive film on one of the faces of an inserts tray (223) covering a plurality of through-holes (241) and respective depressions (242); •(ii) Insertion of an insert (230) in each through-hole (241) of the tray (223) from a face of the inserts tray (223) opposite that of the adhesive film, securing one surface of the insert (23) onto this adhesive film; •(iii) Cutout of the adhesive film forming a plurality of single films (245) associated with the inserts (230). There is further described an insert mounting device (300), comprising a holding table (314) held by a supporting base (311), the insert mounting device (300) further comprising a rotating tray holder (312), cooperating with a cutting system (313).

Abstract: A system and method for training an aircraft pilot employs a station that delivers training lessons in the form of output and also receives input data from the trainee. An apparatus comprising a computational system is capable of displaying content from different types of media, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and variations. A mixed reality environment interacts with a human being, simulating the response of real objects, and also provides necessary information to achieve Learning Objectives for a specific part of training. A register or record of the interactions is used for evaluation.

Abstract: Variable angular compression seal assemblies are disclosed that may usefully be employed to seal movable aircraft components, e.g., so as to seal a flap torque tube operating in a flap track cutout opening in a wing to fuselage fairing. The seal assembly may be provided so as to seal a component moveable between first and second positions within a cutout opening. The seal assembly includes a split seal having opposed seal members in non-compressive contact with one another along a split line between opposed ends of the seal members so as to allow the component to be moved along the split line between the first and second positions thereof. The seal members include opposed wall portions at one end thereof defining a recess for receiving the moveable component when in the first position thereof. The split line between the opposed seal members can be variably curved.

Abstract: Longitudinal lock devices for cargo in aircraft having a locking box fastened beneath the floor of an aircraft include a locking latch connectable to the cargo and coupled to a bar mechanism disposed inside the locking box. The locking latch is moveable in a direction towards extraction of the cargo in flight. The bar mechanism is fixed to the locking box and includes a puppet arm articulated on a second pivot wand a puppet follower articulated on a first pivot, whereby each of the pivots is operably fastened to the locking box (9). The puppet arm comprises a cam profile on a face there of which is cooperative with a puppet roller connected to an electro-mechanical actuator linear by means of a drive rod. The articulations moving the bar mechanism responsively determine locked, armed and released positions for the device.

Abstract: Airflow control devices are provided that may be employed in passenger transport vehicles (e.g., passenger transport aircraft, trains, buses, automobiles and the like) that allow individual passengers to selectively control direction and volume of incoming airflow to thereby enhance passenger comfort. According to certain embodiments, passenger airflow control devices are provided with an open-ended domed shell, a receiver immovably fixed to an upper end of the shell and a central air distributor assembly operatively connected to the receiver for receiving an incoming airflow and discharging the airflow to a passenger.