Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided for releasably interconnecting confronting ends of conduit members. The coupling assembly creates a self-locking, and self-bonding connection wherein locking and unlocking is achieved by a predetermined amount of rotation of a lock nut group with respect to a stationary threaded flange. The overall construction of the coupling assembly creates the rigid connection between the conduit members, yet adequate sealing between the conduit members is provided by a single sealing member.

Abstract: A positive locking fitting assembly is provided for interconnecting two adjacent structures, such as two modular components of an aircraft. The fitting assembly includes a pair of couplers which attach to the respective modular components, and a transfer tube which interconnects the couplers. Each coupler has a positive locking feature which prevents inadvertent uncoupling during operation. A plurality of redundant seals are incorporated throughout the construction of the fitting assembly which ensures a leak proof relationship not only between the joined pair of modular components, but also through the structure of the elements of the fitting assembly itself.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly is provided for interconnecting a pair of fluid conveying members placed in a confronting relationship within the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a longitudinally split coupler having a pair of coupling halves rotatable about a hinge. A plurality of engagement members are mounted on the respective coupling halves for connecting the coupling halves. Electrical conductivity is maintained across the coupling assembly by a bonding wire on each of the coupling halves. Each bonding wire provides multiple points of contact with the metallic flanges of the fluid carrying members. Optionally, the flanges of the fluid carrying members and the coupling assembly may be coated with a conductive coating thereby providing a redundant means to prevent buildup of an electrostatic charge.

Abstract: An aircraft engine shipping system includes a frame assembly for supporting the aircraft engine, and a cradle assembly mounted on the frame assembly for securing the aircraft engine to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes shock absorbers to provide continual shock absorption to an aircraft engine loaded thereon. The shipping system may be configured in either a truck or air transport mode. In the truck transport mode, the aircraft engine is secured to the cradle assembly by an aft ring which attaches to the aft portion of the aircraft, and a pair of cradle arms which attach to the forward portion of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the aircraft engine is attached to the cradle assembly by the aft ring, and a forward ring which attaches directly to the fan of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the cradle arms are disconnected from the aircraft engine and rotated away from the engine in a stowed position.

Abstract: An aircraft engine shipping system includes a frame assembly for supporting the aircraft engine, and a cradle assembly mounted on the frame assembly for securing the aircraft engine to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes shock absorbers to provide continual shock absorption to an aircraft engine loaded thereon. The shipping system may be configured in either a truck or air transport mode. In the truck transport mode, the aircraft engine is secured to the cradle assembly by way of an aft ring which attaches to the aft portion of the aircraft, and a pair of cradle arms which attach to the forward portion of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the aircraft engine is attached to the cradle assembly by way of the aft ring, and a forward ring which attaches directly to the fan of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the cradle arms are disconnected from the aircraft engine and rotated away from the engine in a stowed position.

Abstract: An aircraft engine shipping system includes a frame assembly for supporting the aircraft engine, and a cradle assembly mounted on the frame assembly for securing the aircraft engine to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes shock absorbers to provide continual shock absorption to an aircraft engine loaded thereon. The shipping system may be configured in either a truck or air transport mode. In the truck transport mode, the aircraft engine is secured to the cradle assembly by means of an aft ring which attaches to the aft portion of the aircraft, and a pair of cradle arms which attach to the forward portion of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the aircraft engine is attached to the cradle assembly by the aft ring the aft ring, and a forward ring which attaches directly to the fan of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the cradle arms are disconnected from the aircraft engine and rotated away from the engine in a stowed position.

Abstract: In the first embodiment, a coupling assembly is provided wherein the inner peripheral diameter of an annular spring is sized to be threadably received over the threads of a coupler and is held in a recess formed by the ends of threads and the edge of a shoulder. This structure minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly. Additionally, it provides a quick connect, quick disconnect coupling and has a peripheral stripe to provide a visual indication of its connected or disconnected status. In the second embodiment, a wavy spring is split which allows its diameter to be temporarily enlarged so that it can be received over the threads of the coupler and then spring back to its original smaller diameter so that it is held in a recess formed by the ends of the threads and a coupler flange. This structure also minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly.

Abstract: A first coupling member has a peripheral facing surface with a pair of annular slots, each of a different length and width. A second coupling member has a lock ring longitudinally slidable thereon with a facing surface having a pair of annular raised locking tabs sized to correspond to the respective annular slots. A resilient annular spring mounted within the lock ring urges it toward the first coupling member so that the locking tabs engage their respective slots when the coupling is tightened to a predetermined extent during rotation in the locking direction to releasably and positively lock the coupling. An indicator stripe on the peripheral edge of the first coupling member is exposed before the locking tabs and slots are engaged. Alignment between the respective locking tabs and slots allows longitudinal movement of the lock ring so that it covers the indicator stripe.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted or tipped from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.

Abstract: A towing head is provided including three primary members. The first member is stationary and includes a channel which receives the tow pin or towing fitting of an aircraft. The second member pivotally attaches to the first member and itself includes a channel which communicates with the channel of the first member. The third member rotatably attaches to the second member and includes a handle for which to place the towing head in either a locked, partially locked, or unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the second member is moved away from interfering with the channel of the first member so that the tow pin or fitting may be freely inserted or removed from within the channel of the first member. In the locked position, the second member is moved to a position so that it interferes with the channel of the first member and prevents the tow pin from being removed from the towing head.

Abstract: A jet aircraft engine transport apparatus utilizes three major subcomponents. The first subcomponent is a shipping stand which enables a jet aircraft engine to be configured for transport in either a truck transport mode or air transport mode. The second subcomponent is a fan dolly which releasably secures the fan section of the jet aircraft engine for transport. The fan dolly serves the dual purpose of enabling removal of the fan section from the jet aircraft engine and providing a means of transport so that the fan section may be transported on the fan dolly or loaded onto a fan shipping frame, the third major subcomponent of the transport apparatus of this invention. The fan shipping frame enables transport of the fan section in either an upright or horizontal position, and further provides for a fan storage container for securing the fan blades of the fan section.

Abstract: A threaded coupling assembly is provided for interconnecting the ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in fixed releasably locking relationship. First and second coupling members are circumferentially engageable with the ends of the conduit members to hold them in fluid communication. The coupling members are rotatable in a locking direction and in an opposite unlocking direction. The first coupling member has a peripheral facing surface with a pair of annular slots, each of a different length and width. The second coupling member has a lock ring longitudinally slidable thereon with a facing surface having a pair of annular raised locking tabs. Each locking tab is of a predetermined height but of a different length and width which corresponds to the respective length and width of the annular slots.

Abstract: A jet aircraft engine transport apparatus is disclosed which utilizes three major subcomponents. The first subcomponent is a shipping stand which enables a jet aircraft engine to be configured for transport in either a truck transport mode or air transport mode. The second subcomponent is a fan dolly which releasably secures the fan section of the jet aircraft engine for transport. The fan dolly serves the dual purpose of enabling removal of the fan section from the jet aircraft engine and providing a means of transport so that the fan section may be transported on the fan dolly or loaded onto a fan shipping frame, the third major subcomponent of the transport apparatus of this invention. The fan shipping frame enables transport of the fan section in either an upright or horizontal position, and further provides for a fan storage container for securing the fan blades of the fan section.

Abstract: An improved vehicle includes fluid conducting apparatuses such as tubing and fittings which make up a piping system installed on the vehicle. The material used to make the fluid conducting apparatuses satisfies a specified ratio between the modulus of elasticity and the yield strength of the material. When the fluid conducting apparatuses are filled with frozen water such that the internal volume of the apparatuses has expanded by 10%, if the material has a modulus of elasticity of less than 20.5 times the yield strength of the material, then the material will not yield but will return substantially to its original shape and dimensions when the stress of the frozen water is removed.

Abstract: An improved vehicle includes fluid conducting apparatuses such as tubing and fittings which make up a fluid conducting system installed on the vehicle. The material used to make the fluid conducting apparatuses satisfies a specified ratio between the modulus of elasticity and the yield strength of the material. When the fluid conducting apparatuses are filled with frozen water such that the internal volume of the apparatuses has expanded by 10%, if the material has a modulus of elasticity of less than 20.5 times the yield strength of the material, then the material will not yield but will return substantially to its original shape and dimensions when the stress of the frozen water is removed.

Abstract: The shipping stand includes a cradle assembly mounted upon a frame assembly to which a jet aircraft is securable. The frame assembly includes a plurality of wheels for locomotive capability. A plurality of shock absorbers are operatively engaged between the cradle assembly and frame assembly to provide adequate shock protection to a loaded jet aircraft engine when the shipping stand is configured in a truck transport mode. A plurality of lifting mechanisms selectively raise the cradle assembly to a predetermined height creating gaps between upper transport flanges and lower transport flanges. The gaps correspond to the height of spacers positionable between the flanges in the truck transport mode. To place the shipping stand in an air transport mode, the lifting mechanisms are activated, the spacers are removed from between the flanges and the cradle assembly is lowered to eliminate the gaps between the flanges.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting adjacent ends of conduits, primarily used for aircraft fuel, water and oxygen lines having redundant locking features is provided. This coupling can be manipulated with one hand and includes laterally spaced locking tines which engage a mating channel for locking the coupling in secured relationship. The coupling assembly can be manipulated with one hand and has viewing ports to ensure that all parts are in place. A pivotal locking member is provided to supply additional redundancy. The locking member has at least one fin which is received between the locking tines and snaps into locking position when the coupling is securely fastened. If the coupling is not securely fastened, the fin will not fit between the tines, thereby preventing the locking member from snapping into locked position. Thus, the mechanic will know that the coupling is not securely fastened and will take steps to remedy the problem.

Abstract: A spring-loaded coupling device for releasably interconnecting confronting ends of first and second fluid carrying conduits is provided. A pair of symmetrical arcuate coupling halves are pivotally jointed together at first adjacent ends for circumferentially surrounding the conduit ends. A latch is mounted adjacent the opposite end of one of the halves. This latch includes a flange having a slot opening outwardly and an outwardly extending flat spring lock terminating in an end surface. A toggle is provided which has a first end pivotally mounted adjacent the opposite end of the other of the halves, and has a second end extendable longitudinally beyond the opposite end of the first of the halves. The toggle includes a locking pin adjacent the second end of the toggle and engageable with the slot when the coupling halves are closed around the sleeve and has a spring urging the toggle to pivot in a direction to move the locking pin into the slot.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.