Abstract: An integrated torque limiter/no-back device for use in an actuator with an input shaft, an output, and a gear reduction. The device includes an input ramp, an output ramp coupled to the gear reduction, a combined ramp disposed between the input ramp and the output ramp, a first plurality of balls arranged between the input ramp and the combined ramp, a second plurality of balls arranged between the combined ramp and the output ramp, a pin, and a brake. The pin extends from the input ramp to the combined ramp and coupled to the input shaft. The combined ramp, the output ramp, and the second plurality of balls therebetween are configured to operate as a torque limiter by causing the combined ramp and the output ramp to separate and the output ramp to engage the brake when the torque from the input shaft exceeds a torque threshold.

Abstract: A system for positional monitoring of a slat flap lever control assembly including multiple radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags operatively coupled to a movable portion of the control assembly, the movable portion operatively coupled to a lever. Also included is a RFID reader operatively coupled to a stationary portion of the control assembly and in operative communication with the RFID tags. Further included is a processor operatively connected to the RFID reader. The processor is configured to transmit a carrier signal via the RFID reader to the RFID tags. The processor is also configured to receive, via the RFID reader, reflected signals from the RFID tags, each of the reflected signals comprising a different carrier frequency. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the reflected signal from the RFID tags, an angular position of the movable portion of the lever assembly relative to the stationary portion.

Abstract: A mounting link between a gas turbine engine and a gearbox comprises a gearbox arm, a fusibly breakable bolt, and two engine attachment brackets. The gearbox arm attaches to the gearbox, and extends along an axis defining a first dimension between the gas turbine engine structure and the gearbox. The fusibly breakable bolt extends through the gearbox arm, and has a central shear section that mates with the gearbox arm. The engine attachment brackets have primary and secondary retention annuli, and attachment flanges that attach to the gas turbine engine structure. The primary retention annuli are each concentric to an outer section of the fusibly breakable bolt, and have a radius selected to tightly retain those outer sections in the first dimension. The secondary retention annuli are each concentric to a portion of the shear section, and have a larger radius to loosely retain the shear section.

Abstract: A first stage turbine nozzle includes a first stage hub portion extending axially along a central axis, a first stage disk portion attached to the first stage hub portion and centered on the central axis, and a plurality of first stage vanes positioned radially around and attached to the first stage disk portion. Each vane extends a vane height H away from the first stage disk portion and each vane has a first end positioned at a diameter D away from the central axis. The first stage turbine nozzle also includes a plurality of first stage throats defined between radially adjacent first stage vanes. Each first stage throat has a throat width W between radially adjacent first stage vanes. The first stage turbine nozzle also includes a coating on a sidewall of each first stage vane.

Abstract: A lockout tool for an air cycle machine includes a lockout tool body threaded section, a lockout tool body end section, and a lockout tool body conical tip. The lockout tool body threaded section is operable to engage a threaded port of the air cycle machine that is proximate to a shaft of the air cycle machine. The lockout tool body end section includes a rotation interface operable to receive a rotational force to control engagement of the lockout tool body threaded section with the threaded port. The lockout tool body conical tip is operable to engage the shaft of the air cycle machine to prevent rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A heating system for a ram air turbine includes a heated screen that is disposed across an air inlet defined by a strut. The strut has a first end that is connected to a generator that is operably connected to a turbine that is connected to a second end of the strut. The heated screen has a heating element embedded therein.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage module includes a bus lead and two or more high-power modules connectable to the bus lead. A controller is operably connected to a first of the high-power modules and a second of the high-power module. The controller has a pulse mode, where the first high-power module is connected to the bus lead. The controller also has an extended mode, where both the first high-power module and the second high-power module are connected to the bus lead.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an unmanned underwater vehicle includes a turbine engine having a rotational output, an electrical generator mechanically connected to the rotational output and electrically connected to an Alternating Current (AC) power bus. A magnitude of an AC output of the electrical generator is independent of rotational speed of the rotational input. An electrical motor connected to the AC power bus, and includes a mechanical output.

Abstract: A single-unit aerospace remote sensing and solid state power controller may include a processing module, a remote data concentrator (RDC) module in communication with the processing module, and configured to receive analog or discrete or discrete input comprising load sensor information and translate the analog or discrete input into a protocol operable by the processing module. The single-unit aerospace remote sensing and solid state power controller may further include a solid state power controller in communication with the RDC and the processing module, configured to receive load sensor information from the RDC module and control at least one load mechanism based on the load sensor information.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a sampled input, the sampled input being a result of a detection device sensing a plurality of environmental conditions by an air cycle machine; processing the sampled input to detect whether the plurality of environmental conditions includes a deviation from an expected operation of the air cycle machine; and generating a notification output in response to the plurality of environmental conditions including the deviation from the expected operation of the air cycle machine.

Abstract: An electrical accumulator arrangement includes a plurality of energy storage modules having source and return leads. The source lead of a first energy storage module is connected to the return lead of a second energy storage module. The return lead of the first energy storage module is electrically isolated from the source lead of the second energy storage module to pulse voltage across rails of a multi-level direct current power bus.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of first and second fluid passages defined by a pair of opposing first fluid passage walls and a plurality of first fluid diverters disposed between the first fluid passages walls. The second fluid passages are defined by a pair of opposing second fluid passage walls and a plurality of second fluid diverters disposed between the second fluid passage walls. An ejector is integrated into the heat exchanger assembly. The ejector includes: an integral ejector passage, wherein the integral ejector passage is a first fluid passage; a primary inlet configured to receive a hot fluid; an outlet nozzle configured to eject the hot fluid; a secondary inlet configured to receive a cold fluid, wherein the secondary inlet is in fluid communication with a second fluid passage; and a mixing section in fluid communication with the outlet nozzle and the secondary inlet.

Abstract: A directional control valve includes: a valve body having a bore to receive a spool; a spool mounted in said bore; at least one stopper mounted in the bore that is axially adjustable and fixable at a selected axial position. The provision of an axially adjustable stopper eliminates the need to select a suitably sized stopper from a selection of stoppers or to grind down (resize) a single stopper. It reduces the number of parts in the valve (thus reducing cost) and it also shortens the calibration time for the valve as there is no need to remove the stopper from inside the bore in order to perform an adjustment. As the valve is tested after each adjustment, this also means not removing the stopper and breaking the seal (draining the valve) between each testing phase. The calibration can therefore be performed much more efficiently.

Abstract: A second stage turbine nozzle includes a second stage disk portion having a central axis, and a plurality of second stage vanes positioned radially around and attached to the second stage disk portion. Each second stage vane extends a vane height H away from the second stage disk portion and each second stage vane has a first end positioned at a diameter D away from the central axis. The second stage turbine nozzle also includes a plurality of second stage throats defined between radially adjacent second stage vanes. Each second stage throat has a throat width W between radially adjacent second stage vanes. The second stage turbine nozzle also includes a coating on a sidewall of each second stage vane, wherein a surface roughness of the sidewall is between 125 microinches Ra and 200 microinches Ra.

Abstract: A conductive elastomeric flexible coupling for a pneumatic duct system is provided. The coupling includes a tube section. An electrically conductive coating is applied to at least an exterior surface of the tube section. The coating acts as an electrically conductive compliant material configured to conduct electrical charges transferred from a substance carried by and flowing through the duct system and accommodate large deflections.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat exchanger is disclosed in which an electric field is applied to a hydrophobic surface having condensed water droplets thereon to reduce a contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to increase droplet surface energy to a second surface energy level. The electric field is removed to increase the contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to reduce droplet surface energy to a third surface energy level. The third surface energy level is greater than the first surface energy level and greater than a surface energy level for a free droplet. A portion of the droplet surface energy is converted to kinetic energy to detach droplets from the hydrophobic surface. The detached droplets are removed from the heat rejection side fluid flow path.

Abstract: A retainer assembly is adapted to secure a removable electronic unit within an avionics equipment mounting tray. The retainer assembly includes a latch having a base portion and a handle portion. The base portion is pivotally coupled to one of the removable electronic unit and the avionics equipment mounting tray. The handle portion projects outward from the base portion. The base portion includes a cam surface adapted to releasably contact the other of the removable electronic unit and the avionics equipment mounting tray.

Abstract: A motor controller is provided including a motor controller housing an air inlet and an air outlet. A plurality of heat generating elements is disposed within the motor control housing. A cooling system includes a cooling device having a fluid sealed therein arranged within the motor control housing. The plurality of heat generating elements is cooled by conduction to the cooling device and by convection from an air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet.

Abstract: A split nut arrangement is provided. The split nut arrangement may be coupled to a fluid line. The split nut arrangement may comprise a first nut half and a second nut half. The first nut half and the second nut half may each comprise one or more mating grooves. The mating grooves of the first nut half may be configured to interlock with the mating grooves of the second nut half to couple the first nut half to the second nut half.

Abstract: A method of containing arc faults in a power distribution unit includes in response to a bus bar temperature exceeding a bus bar temperature threshold, thermally opening a conductive element extending between an energizing coil of a contactor, a bus bar, and a controller. The controller is configured to selectively open and close the contactor. The conductive element is electrically connected to the energizing coil of the contactor and the controller. The conductive element is electrically isolated from a power source electrically connected to the first bus bar through the contactor.