Abstract: A communications connector for a vehicle store comprises a vehicle store receptacle interface plate, and a vehicle store communications receptacle, coupled to a host vehicle, that is magnetically coupled to the vehicle store receptacle interface plate so that the vehicle store communication receptacle is decoupled from the vehicle store receptacle interface plate upon release of the vehicle store from the host vehicle.

Abstract: A communications connector for a vehicle store comprises a vehicle store receptacle interface plate, and a vehicle store communications receptacle, coupled to a host vehicle, that is magnetically coupled to the vehicle store receptacle interface plate so that the vehicle store communication receptacle is decoupled from the vehicle store receptacle interface plate upon release of the vehicle store from the host vehicle.

Abstract: A communications connector for a vehicle store, the communications connector includes a receptacle interface plate, and a communications receptacle configured for coupling with an umbilical lanyard plug of a host vehicle, the communications receptacle having at least one magnetic member configured to couple the communications receptacle to the receptacle interface plate so that the communications receptacle is decoupled from the receptacle interface plate upon release of the vehicle store from the host vehicle.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated stores ejector rack for an aircraft having an adjustable flow restricting device for variably apportioning the flow of pressurized gas from a manifold to the store ejection thrusters. The flow restricting device includes at least one adjustable valve assembly, having a valve and a valve body, for varying the pressure of gas supplied to the thruster. It also includes a feed conduit connecting the manifold and the valve, and a collar threadably engageable with the manifold and the feed conduit for urging the valve into contact valve body. Also disclosed is a method for apportioning the flow of pressurized gas between a pair of thrusters in a stores ejection rack which includes the flow restricting device.

Abstract: There is provided a store ejection system and method for mounting and ejecting a jettisonable store. The system uses a pressurized non-pyrotechnic fluid from a fluid source as the source of energy and the transfer mechanism. An actuation system includes an accumulator for receiving and storing the fluid from the pressure source, a poppet valve for controlling a flow of the fluid from the accumulator, and a controller for actuating the poppet valve to an open position in response to a control signal to jettison the store. A pneumatically-driven jettison mechanism for releasably retaining the store is fluidly connected to the poppet valve such that actuating the poppet valve to the open position releases the pressurized fluid in the accumulator to flow to the jettison mechanism, thereby actuating the jettison mechanism to jettison the store.

Abstract: Snap rings positioned in grooves on shaft members and the like for retaining component members on the shaft members. Retention members, such as retaining rings with counterbores, are positioned over the snap rings and prevent the snap rings from expanding outwardly and being released from the grooves. The retention members are installed such that axial loads force the retention members against the snap rings. The snap rings are preferably spiral snap rings.

Abstract: Snap rings positioned in grooves on shaft members and the like for retaining component members on the shaft members. Retention members, such as retaining rings with counterbores, are positioned over the snap rings and prevent the snap rings from expanding outwardly and being released from the grooves. The retention members are installed such that axial loads force the retention members against the snap rings. The snap rings are preferably spiral snap rings.