Abstract: A unitary fastener insert (50) for structural sandwich panels (52) is comprised of a shaft (58) of a generally uniform circular cross section having a base (64) and a tip (62), a generally circular flange (68) extending radially outward from the base circumferentially peripheral the shaft, and a central stepped bore therethrough (72) including an enlarged fastener seat recess (78) disposed interiorly of the tip for receiving the head (90) of a fastener (54) merging to a reduced bore (82) for receiving the shank (94) of the fastener. The insert of the present invention is specifically configured for production by a forging technique, also described herein.

Abstract: A composite, lightweight, fire-retardant laminar structural panel (10, 10', 10", 30) of the present invention comprising: (i) a sheet-like central honeycomb core (11) formed of aluminum, paper treated to improve its fire resistance characteristics, or the like; (ii) upper and lower imperforate face sheets (15, 16) formed of lightweight fibrous materials impregnated with a phenolic resin; (iii) a pair of upper and lower phenolic adhesive films (18, 19) interposed between the honeycomb core (11) and respective ones of the imperforate face sheets (15, 16) for adhesively bonding the face sheets (15, 16) to opposite sides of the core (11); and (iv), a fire-retardant coating (20) comprising a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropene applied to at least the exposed surface of the lower face sheet (16).

Abstract: A unitary structure access panel (10) for use particularly in aircraft wing tanks (32) having openings (30). The panel is made having a molded nylon fiberglass reinforced base (12) and having a high strength-to-weight core (96, 132) spaced between a nylon base first face (24) for extending into the tank and an outer second face (98) for extending outwardly of the tank. In a peripheral portion (20) of the base, there are multiple peripherally spaced recesses (50), each of which contains a lightweight simplified fastener retainer and anti-rotation device (66).

Abstract: A "bilge-like" valve, adapted to be mounted on the lowermost wall of an aircraft fuselage, is disclosed in which the valve has a normally open condition to drain accumulated condensate through a registering opening in the fuselage wall when the interior cabin is depressurized, and assumes a closed condition in response to a differentially higher cabin pressure relative to outside air pressure to seal off the interior of the fuselage. A valve housing retainer is affixed to the inner surface of the fuselage wall in registration with the wall opening for detachably retaining a valve housing incorporating a piston-like reciprocating valve member and biasing spring that is insertable and removable through the wall opening from the exterior of the aircrafts fuselage for ease of servicing.

Abstract: A floor panel installation system and apparatus using two dimpled washer inserts, each at opposite sides of a floor panel. The two inserts equal a thickness which is almost equal to the floor panel thickness, so that a slight gap exists between the two washers which will close at installation, when the fastener is tightened, thus providing a resilient tightening and sealing feature as well as a "controlled stop" to the fastener installation procedure, avoiding panel crushing, potting compounds, sealers, etc.