Abstract: A landing gear assembly for an aircraft includes an energy absorber and a land-contact assembly attached to the energy absorber. A retraction assembly is attached to the energy absorber via a pivot point. A trigger assembly is coupled to the energy absorber and the retraction assembly. The trigger assembly is configured to retract the land-contact assembly from an extended position to retracted position in response to a piston of the energy absorber reaching a maximum stroke position in which the trigger assembly triggers an actuator to actuate from a locked position to an unlocked position to release the retraction assembly in a controlled manner which rotates the energy absorber and the land-contact assembly to the retracted position. The maximum stroke position of the piston is beyond normal-operation stroke positions of the piston. A landing gear system and a method of activating the landing gear system utilizes the trigger assembly.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly for an aircraft includes an energy absorber and a land-contact assembly attached to the energy absorber. A retraction assembly is attached to the energy absorber via a pivot point. A trigger assembly is coupled to the energy absorber and the retraction assembly. The trigger assembly is configured to retract the land-contact assembly from an extended position to retracted position in response to a piston of the energy absorber reaching a maximum stroke position in which the trigger assembly triggers an actuator to actuate from a locked position to an unlocked position to release the retraction assembly in a controlled manner which rotates the energy absorber and the land-contact assembly to the retracted position. The maximum stroke position of the piston is beyond normal-operation stroke positions of the piston. A landing gear system and a method of activating the landing gear system utilizes the trigger assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure endeavors to provide an SHM system and method using a conductive material (e.g., CNT) to measure changes in a layered structure. Change in capacitance of a layered structure may be measured over time thereby indicating a change in the structural integrity of the material. The SHM system may be embedded with, or within, the layered structure such that the system is effectively part of the material. Alternatively, it may be external to the layered structure such that the system is a separate device used to measure the capacitance. The SHM system may also localize any changes in a layered structure by using, for example, strips or panels of conductive material on opposite sides of the layered structure being measured. Damage within overlapping portions of the conductive material provides localization capability where varying the size of the strips or panels may be use to vary the sensitivity and resolution of both the locations and size of the defect.

Abstract: The present disclosure endeavors to provide an SHM system and method using a conductive material (e.g., CNT) to measure changes in a layered structure. Change in capacitance of a layered structure may be measured over time thereby indicating a change in the structural integrity of the material. The SHM system may be embedded with, or within, the layered structure such that the system is effectively part of the material. Alternatively, it may be external to the layered structure such that the system is a separate device used to measure the capacitance. The SHM system may also localize any changes in a layered structure by using, for example, strips or panels of conductive material on opposite sides of the layered structure being measured. Damage within overlapping portions of the conductive material provides localization capability where varying the size of the strips or panels may be use to vary the sensitivity and resolution of both the locations and size of the defect.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electro-mechanical apparatus for snugging a boot, especially a snow ski boot, around the calf of the user. The apparatus is essentially comprised of a reversible electric motor, a jackscrew, a switch, two brackets, a strap, and a power supply. The invention enables the user to achieve a desired snug fit by first placing a foot of the user into the boot, then operating the electric motor to turn the jackscrew, bringing the two brackets together and thereby tightening the strap around the boot to reach the desired fit. Once the desired snug fit is achieved, the electric motor is switched off, the user closes pre-existing latches on the boot to lock the boot parts into place, and the user removes the apparatus from around the boot by unbuckling a quick release buckle provided for this purpose. The apparatus may then be stored for later use.