Abstract: A drive assembly is operable to move control surfaces on wings of an aircraft. The drive assembly may include a gear reduction assembly which is driven by a pair of motors. The drive assembly has output members which are connected with the control surfaces on the wings of the aircraft. Torque limiting brake assemblies are operable between an engaged condition in which they are effective to prevent rotation of output members and a disengaged condition in which the brake assemblies are ineffective to prevent rotation of the output members. Actuator assemblies are connected with the torque limiting brake assemblies. The actuator assemblies are operable to effect operation of the torque limiting brake assemblies from a disengaged condition to an engaged condition in response to transmission of predetermined torques through the actuator assemblies to the output members.

Abstract: A transmission with a load brake has a ball spline and a stabilizer ring for reducing chatter, a seal for preventing leakage, and an adjustment mechanism for extending the effective life of the brake disk stack. In the past, transmissions equipped with Weston brakes have experienced significant problems with instability and chatter. The present invention overcomes the problems of instability and chatter by introducing a ball spline at the junction between the output shaft and the loading assembly. The ball spline reduces friction caused by the axial movement of the output cam of the loading assembly. Also, the invention introduces a stabilizer ring around the loading assembly to reduce instability and chatter caused by the angular and transverse movement of the loading assembly. The invention also may also utilize a fluid damper in place of the stabilizer ring to reduce instability and chatter caused by the angular and transverse movement of the loading assembly.

Abstract: A backlash eliminating device is provided in which two members are biased outwardly in opposite directions in an opening in a housing. Rotatable members with arcuate outer surfaces are connected through self-aligning bearings to these members and can rotate about transverse axes. The end of a crank arm at either end of the unit has an arcuate surface that engages the arcuate surface of one of the rotatable members. Self-aligning bearings, rotatable about axes transverse to the housing, connect the crank arm ends to the housing. The biasing force eliminates clearance at the bearings and the self-aligning bearings allow the crank arms to be slightly cocked without resulting in malfunction.

Abstract: A check valve assembly which when opening has a valve closure which is lifted from its seat before fluid flows past the unseated closure, and which when closing terminates flow in advance of the closure reengaging its seat.