Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a housing, a spherical bearing located within the housing, and two outer races positioned between the spherical bearing and the housing. The outer races are configured in sliding engagement with the spherical bearing to allow the spherical bearing to rotate relative to the housing. The assembly also includes a tightening element configured to engage a first of the two outer races and tighten the outer races against the spherical bearing. The assembly is configured to provide a primary load path from the tightening element to the housing, wherein the primary load path leads from the tightening element to the housing via the outer races whilst bypassing the spherical bearing.

Abstract: A butterfly valve assembly includes: a butterfly element configured to control fluid flow through a main conduit; and a butterfly controller configured to control the butterfly element. The controller includes a first chamber for receiving fluid at a first pressure, a second chamber for receiving fluid at a second pressure, and an actuator responsive to the first pressure and the second pressure. The assembly also includes a relief valve arranged to regulate the first pressure in the first chamber within a predetermined pressure range, wherein the relief valve comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the predetermined pressure range. The butterfly valve assembly may comprise a manual override operable to lock the butterfly element in a fully open position or a fully closed position.

Abstract: There is provided a control module for a hydraulic system. The module comprises a tank and a plurality of valves. The tank is configured to store hydraulic fluid and is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of valves fluidly connect with the tank and are configured to control distribution of hydraulic fluid from the tank to one or more components of the system. The plurality of valves are spaced around a circumference of the tank. One or more passages fluidly connect the tank with at least one of the plurality of valves and/or a first of the plurality of valves with a second of the plurality of valves.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an anti-ice system of an aircraft. The valve assembly comprises: a valve body; a first piston; and a regulating piston. The valve body defines a valve inlet, a valve outlet, a fluid passage between the valve inlet and the valve outlet, and a core portion defining a first chamber by cooperation with the first piston and a regulating chamber by cooperation with the regulating piston. The first piston is moveable between a first position and a second position, and the regulating piston is movable between a first position and a second position. The first piston overlaps the regulating piston when the first piston is its first position and the regulating piston is in its second position.

Abstract: A joint for an actuator of a rotorcraft includes a housing configured to be coupled to an input lever of the actuator; and a rotary bearing coupled to the housing, the rotary bearing comprising an inner race and an outer race and configured to be coupled to a control rod, wherein the inner race and outer race are rotationally fixed relative to each other until a torque applied to the joint exceeds a threshold torque value, upon which there is a relative rotatability between the inner race and the outer race.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed comprising a bleed valve and an intermediate valve. In use the bleed valve is exposed to a source of pressurised air, and the bleed valve is movable between an open position, in which the bleed valve permits a flow of the pressurised air through the bleed valve and a closed position, in which the bleed valve does not permit a flow of the pressurised air through the bleed valve. The intermediate valve is operatively connected to the bleed valve and configured to selectively open and close the bleed valve, wherein the intermediate valve is configured in a mode of operation to close the bleed valve based on the pressurised air within the bleed valve exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A Stability and Control Augmentation System (“SCAS”) module comprising one or more SCAS actuators, the or each SCAS actuator comprising a mechanical component that translates rotational motion to linear motion along a first axis of said SCAS; one or more electric motors for driving linear movement of the mechanical component in response to a command signal; and one or more angular transducers to detect the position of the SCAS actuator along the first axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is disclosed that comprises a first, fixed portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. The second portion comprises a hydraulic actuating device for actuating a component, and the actuator further comprises an intermediate member configured to interconnect the first portion with the second portion and permit movement of the second portion relative to the first portion. The intermediate member is configured to convey hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuating device of the second portion through a body of the intermediate member.

Abstract: A valve has a fluid inlet, a housing comprising a first chamber and a fluid passage extending from the fluid inlet to the first chamber, one or more exhaust channels in fluid communication with the first chamber such that, in use, a pressurised fluid entering the first chamber is exhausted through the one or more exhaust channels, a device movable between a closed position and an open position, and a resilient member configured to bias the device towards its closed position. The valve further comprises one or more additional fluid channels having an outlet within each of the one or more exhaust channels that create a Venturi effect in use with the pressurised air exhausted through the one or more exhaust channels.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator assembly comprises a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator are coupled together end-to-end and are independently operable. A method of actuating a moveable element using an actuator assembly, comprises: coupling a first actuator between a fixed structure and a second actuator so that the first actuator is operable to move the second actuator relative to the fixed structure; coupling the second actuator to the moveable element; and moving the moveable element by moving the second actuator using the first actuator.

Abstract: There is provided a control module for a hydraulic system. The module comprises a tank and a plurality of valves. The tank is configured to store hydraulic fluid and is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of valves fluidly connect with the tank and are configured to control distribution of hydraulic fluid from the tank to one or more components of the system. The plurality of valves are spaced around a circumference of the tank. One or more passages fluidly connect the tank with at least one of the plurality of valves and/or a first of the plurality of valves with a second of the plurality of valves.

Abstract: A hydraulic stage includes a hydraulic element located between and sealing a first and second chamber, wherein the first chamber comprises at least one aperture through which fluid is arranged to flow into or out of the first chamber; and at least one piezoelectric element which is positioned adjacent to the at least one aperture and is arranged to deform in response to an applied potential difference such that it blocks or obstructs the at least one aperture to a varying degree according to the level of deformation, so as to control fluid flow into or out of the first chamber. The level of deformation of the piezoelectric element thus reduces or increases an effective size of the inlet or outlet aperture to which it is adjacent, restricting or permitting an increase in fluid flow accordingly.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a first port that receives a first gas at an input pressure, a second port that receive a second gas at a regulating pressure, a third port in communication with the first port via an orifice and that outputs the first gas at an output pressure and a piston movable along an axis and configured to control the passage of gas through the orifice between the first port and the second port, such that the output pressure of the gas is dependent on the axial position of the piston. The valve also in include a resilient member configured to bias the piston and the valve comprises a chamber at least partly defined by the piston and in fluid communication with the second port, such that the force exerted by the gas within the chamber on the piston acts against the action of the resilient member.

Abstract: A regulating piston for a pressure regulating shut-off valve comprises: a tubular sleeve; a first closed end; a second open end; a port defined in the tubular sleeve between the first and second ends, arranged to permit fluid flow between the exterior and interior of the regulating piston; and a support structure disposed within the piston arranged to direct fluid flow between the port and the second open end. The piston can be included in a pressure regulating shut-off valve, and methods for manufacturing the piston and valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is disclosed that comprises a first, fixed portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. The second portion comprises a hydraulic actuating device for actuating a component, and the actuator further comprises an intermediate member configured to interconnect the first portion with the second portion and permit movement of the second portion relative to the first portion. The intermediate member is configured to convey hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuating device of the second portion through a body of the intermediate member.

Abstract: A new type of pressure relief valve is described herein which has advantages over standard valves in that it may comprise a longer plunger than normal, and two guiding points located far away from each other for guiding the plunger within the housing. The valve may also comprise improved exhaust ports and an anti-rotation washer.

Abstract: A torque limiter and no-back assembly comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque limiter provided between the input shaft and the output shaft, the torque limiter comprising a torque sensing element; and a no-back device arranged to brake the output shaft when the torque sensing element senses levels of torque above a threshold level between the input shaft and the output shaft, characterised in that the torque sensing element comprises a torsion spring having ends which are coupled to the input shaft and the output shaft for rotation therewith.

Abstract: An actuator comprises an input shaft, a sliding collar arranged around the input shaft, and an output shaft. The input shaft, output shaft and sliding collar are arranged such that a torque applied to the input shaft can be transmitted via the sliding collar to the output shaft. The actuator comprises a torque-limiting device for limiting the transmission of torque between the input shaft and the output shaft if the torque exceeds a certain threshold. The torque-limiting device comprises one or more rolling elements arranged between the sliding collar and the input shaft to allow the sliding collar to move axially relative to the input shaft and engage with or disengage from the output shaft.

Abstract: A SCAS module includes one or more SCAS actuators wherein each SCAS actuator comprises a piston arranged for linear motion within a hydraulic chamber in response to a flow of hydraulic fluid metered by a valve. The piston comprises a flexible rod or quill for providing a linear output along the first axis, the flexible rod or quill being mounted internally within an annular portion of the piston so that a space is defined around the flexible rod or quill. The flexible rod or quill is capable of deforming into the surrounding space in order to accommodate movement of the flexible rod or quill.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve is disclosed comprising: an outer housing formed from a continuous single-piece of material and defining a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; a separate piston sleeve housed within the housing; and a piston slidably mounted within the piston sleeve.