Abstract: An interconnect drive system for an aircraft has a driveline and clutch control system. The driveline comprises a shaft for each propulsion assembly, each shaft for transferring torque to and from the associated propulsion assembly, and a clutch operably coupling the shafts and configured for selective engagement. The clutch is capable of transferring a first amount of torque between the shafts while engaged and a second amount of torque between the shafts while disengaged. The system also has a clutch control system, comprising a computer operably connected to the clutch for controlling operation of the clutch and sensors for sensing torque applied to the driveline, output from the sensors being communicated to the computer. The computer commands operation of the clutch in response to the output from the sensors, the clutch being commanded to disengage to relieve a transient torque imbalance in the driveline.

Abstract: An interconnect drive system for an aircraft has a driveline and clutch control system. The driveline comprises a shaft for each propulsion assembly, each shaft for transferring torque to and from the associated propulsion assembly, and a clutch operably coupling the shafts and configured for selective engagement. The clutch is capable of transferring a first amount of torque between the shafts while engaged and a second amount of torque between the shafts while disengaged. The system also has a clutch control system, comprising a computer operably connected to the clutch for controlling operation of the clutch and sensors for sensing torque applied to the driveline, output from the sensors being communicated to the computer. The computer commands operation of the clutch in response to the output from the sensors, the clutch being commanded to disengage to relieve a transient torque imbalance in the driveline.

Abstract: A compression gauge for measuring the compression applied to a test bolt. The compression gauge includes a passive hydraulic cylinder and a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder. The piston and the cylinder define an hydraulic chamber. A threaded test bolt passes through the piston and cylinder to engage a female receiver on the opposite side of the compression gauge. Tightening the test bolt will cause the bolt to compress the piston and cylinder which will pressurize the hydraulic chamber. A pressure gauge measures the pressure achieved in the hydraulic chamber. This pressure can be easily converted to compressive force. When a hydraulic wrench is used to tighten the test bolt, the wrench can be set to apply the same amount of torque to a workpiece bolt and thus apply the desired amount of compression to the workpiece bolt.

Abstract: A wrench assembly including a drive head and an attached socket for engaging a bolt or nut. When the drive head turns, the socket and any engaged threaded member will also rotate. A hydraulic motor and cylinder are also included. The hydraulic motor and cylinder rotate the drive head and socket independently of each other. Typically, the hydraulic motor will rotate the drive head faster than the cylinder but at lower torques. Thus, the hydraulic motor will spin the threaded member down until it is snug, and then the hydraulic cylinder will tighten the threaded member to the desired torque. Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder may break the threaded member out when it is tight. The hydraulic motor will then spin the loosened threaded member out. Finally, the wrench assembly includes a hydraulic fluid distribution system, including one or more valves that regulate hydraulic fluid flow through the wrench assembly.

Abstract: A wrench assembly including a drive head and an attached socket for engaging a bolt or nut. When the drive head turns, the socket and any engaged threaded member will also rotate. A hydraulic motor and cylinder are also included. The hydraulic motor and cylinder rotate the drive head and socket independently of each other. Typically, the hydraulic motor will rotate the drive head faster than the cylinder but at lower torques. Thus, the hydraulic motor will spin the threaded member down until it is snug, and then the hydraulic cylinder will tighten the threaded member to the desired torque. Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder may break the threaded member out when it is tight. The hydraulic motor will then spin the loosened threaded member out. Finally, the wrench assembly includes a hydraulic fluid distribution system, including one or more valves that regulate hydraulic fluid flow through the wrench assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power activated wrench with a safety switch for preventing premature activation. The power activated wrench has a wrench body with a tool head assembly and an activation arm for applying torque to the tool head assembly. An activation switch is in operative connection to the activation arm. A safety switch housing is connected to the wrench body and a contact surface connected to the safety switch housing. The proximate connection of the contact surface with a reaction point enables the activation switch.

Abstract: An improved helicopter landing gear assembly to substantially increase useful service life. The crosstubes are constructed of a material that allows use of thicker crosstubes thereby reducing the operating stress in the crosstubes and helping to increase the fatigue life, while at the same time preserving the required energy absorption characteristics. The inside and outside of the crosstubes are shot peened to help increase the fatigue life. The crosstubes are formed in an unstable temper condition thereby reducing the stress that is induced into the part during formation, and thus helping to increase the fatigue life. The straps are connected to the crosstubes by fasteners located at the sides of the straps and closer to the neutral bending axis of the crosstube so that the fasteners and the fastener holes are subjected to lower stress levels. The combination of these improvements results in a substantially increased life of the landing gear assembly.