Abstract: An actuator system for controlling movement of a plurality of panels. The system includes two lifting mechanisms connected to each panel at two separate locations on the panel, and, for each panel: an actuator in engagement with a first of the lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism to move the panel, and a torque tube having a first end in engagement with the actuator so as to be rotated by the actuator as the actuator drives the lifting mechanism, the torque tube having a second end in engagement with the other of the two lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism due to rotation of the torque tube.

Abstract: A cover for a rod end of an actuator comprises a mounting collar for surrounding and mounting to a portion of the rod end. The collar is deformable such that it may be mounted over a rod eye mounted to the rod end. The cover further comprises a shield extending from the collar and shaped such that when attached to the rod end the shield shields a portion of rod end to prevent fluid or foreign object ingress to the rod end.

Abstract: A spring assembly comprises an edge wound wave spring and a shim. The spring comprises a plurality of axially spaced, axially compressible wave-like turns extending between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion comprises a plurality of closely arranged parallel turns. The shim comprises a shim body and at least one mounting lug projecting radially from the shim body. The mounting lug is received between adjacent turns of the first end portion of the edge wound wave spring for retaining the shim to the edge wound wave spring.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly comprising a valve housing within which is provided a primary pressure relief valve having a valve ball and a valve spring, the valve spring biasing the valve ball in a first direction into a valve seat to prevent the passage of fluid from a fluid line through the valve, and wherein the spring force is selected such that a fluid force above a predetermined set point acting against the ball in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the ball to move out of the valve seat against the spring force to allow fluid to flow from the fluid line through the valve seat and through the valve, and wherein a secondary valve is positioned relative to the primary valve to retain fluid around the valve spring of the primary valve at a fluid force below the predetermined set point.

Abstract: A torque limiting device comprises rotationally mounted input and output shafts, an intermediate drive element rotationally coupled to the input shaft and a plurality of jammer elements mounted between the intermediate drive element and the output shaft. A spring mechanism is connected between the input shaft and the intermediate drive element for aligning the intermediate drive element and the input shaft in a driving configuration in which rotation of the input shaft at a torque below a predetermined threshold is transmitted to the output shaft via the jammer element, but in which torque above the predetermined threshold moves the input shaft rotationally relative to the intermediate drive element against the force of the spring mechanism so as to disengage that jammer elements from driving engagement with the output shaft.

Abstract: A spring assembly comprises an edge wound wave spring and a shim. The spring comprises a plurality of axially spaced, axially compressible wave-like turns extending between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion comprises a plurality of closely arranged parallel turns. The shim comprises a shim body and at least one mounting lug projecting radially from the shim body. The mounting lug is received between adjacent turns of the first end portion of the edge wound wave spring for retaining the shim to the edge wound wave spring.

Abstract: A rotary seal comprises includes a first annular element, a second annular element and a seal element. The first annular element has a first axially extending flange and a first radially extending flange extending radially from a proximal end of the first axially extending flange. The second annular element has a second axially extending flange and a second radially extending flange extending radially from a proximal end of the second axially extending flange in the same direction as the first radially extending flange. The second annular element is fixed to the first annular element, the second axially-extending flange being received radially on the first axially-extending flange. The second radially extending flange is spaced axially from the first radially extending flange to define a pocket therebetween.

Abstract: An actuator system for controlling movement of a plurality of panels. The system includes two lifting mechanisms connected to each panel at two separate locations on the panel, and, for each panel: an actuator in engagement with a first of the lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism to move the panel, and a torque tube having a first end in engagement with the actuator so as to be rotated by the actuator as the actuator drives the lifting mechanism, the torque tube having a second end in engagement with the other of the two lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism due to rotation of the torque tube.

Abstract: A tool for checking wear in a Cardan joint comprises a base element, a trigger plate, an indicator pin, an indicator pin carrier and an indicator pin biasing element. The trigger plate is pivotally mounted to the base element about a trigger plate pivot axis (A) for pivotal movement between a first pivotal position and a second pivotal position. It has, at one end, a trigger plate yoke with a pair of opposed arms for engaging over one arm of a second yoke member of the Cardan joint and, at another end, an indicator pin opening. The indicator pin carrier is pivotally mounted to the base element to permit the angular position of the indicator pin carrier to be adjusted relative to the trigger plate. The indicator pin carrier is arranged between the base element and the trigger plate.

Abstract: There is provided an indicator system for a torque limiter. The system comprises a first component extending around an axis (A) and comprising one or more radially extending cam surfaces, and a second component in combination with a third component. The third component is fixed against rotation relative to the second component, but is axially movable relative to the second component. The third component comprises one or more notches, each receiving one of the radially extending cam surfaces. Upon relative rotation between the first component and the combination of the second component and the third component, a surface of each of the notches is configured to ride up a corresponding cam surface of the first component, causing the third component to move axially away from the second component.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder; a piston within the hydraulic cylinder and movable in response to movement of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic circuit coupled to the hydraulic cylinder; a synchronisation connection for receiving an input from a simultaneous transmission line; and a valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit. The valve is a rotary valve comprising: a first valve section arranged to rotate in either a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction in response to input from the simultaneous transmission line in order to open a hydraulic flow path to the cylinder and urge the piston to move along the hydraulic cylinder in a corresponding first linear direction or second linear direction; and a second valve section arranged to rotate in either the first or second rotational direction.

Abstract: A method of making a preloaded bearing arrangement and a preloaded bearing arrangement are provided. The method comprises the steps of placing a bearing around a shaft and then placing a frustoconical disc spring around the shaft such that a portion of the disc spring abuts the bearing. A deformable cup is placed around the shaft, and an annular section of the deformable cup is spaced apart from the frustoconical disc spring and the cup is held at a fixed position along the shaft. A split shim is inserted between the annular section of the deformable cup and the disc spring to apply a preload to the disc spring. The deformable cup is then deformed such that a sidewall of the deformable cup extends around the split shim to hold the split shim in place relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A cover for a rod end of an actuator comprises a mounting collar for surrounding and mounting to a portion of the rod end. The collar is deformable such that it may be mounted over a rod eye mounted to the rod end. The cover further comprises a shield extending from the collar and shaped such that when attached to the rod end the shield shields a portion of rod end to prevent fluid or foreign object ingress to the rod end.

Abstract: A torque limiting device comprises rotationally mounted input and output shafts, an intermediate drive element rotationally coupled to the input shaft and a plurality of jammer elements mounted between the intermediate drive element and the output shaft. A spring mechanism is connected between the input shaft and the intermediate drive element for aligning the intermediate drive element and the input shaft in a driving configuration in which rotation of the input shaft at a torque below a predetermined threshold is transmitted to the output shaft via the jammer element, but in which torque above the predetermined threshold moves the input shaft rotationally relative to the intermediate drive element against the force of the spring mechanism so as to disengage that jammer elements from driving engagement with the output shaft.

Abstract: A braking assembly is disclosed comprising a shaft, a brake cage being rotatable with the shaft, an earth ring extending circumferentially around the brake cage, at least one engagement member coupled to the shaft, and a braking mechanism configured for selectively applying a force to the brake cage for slowing or preventing rotational movement of the brake cage such that the shaft rotates relative to the brake cage, and wherein the braking assembly is configured such that when the shaft rotates relative to the brake cage, said at least one engagement member is urged to engage the earth ring such that rotation of the shaft is inhibited or prevented. The earth ring may be replaced with an output shaft such that the assembly operates as a clutch assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cover for a rod end of an actuator. The cover comprises a mounting collar for surrounding and mounting to a portion of the rod end. The collar is deformable such that it may be mounted over a rod eye mounted to the rod end. The cover further comprises a shield extending from the collar and shaped such that when attached to the rod end the shield shields a portion of rod end to prevent fluid or foreign object ingress to the rod end. Also disclosed is a rod end assembly comprising a rod end and a cover mounted thereto and a method of assembling and retro-fitting a rod end and cover.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly comprising a valve housing within which is provided a primary pressure relief valve having a valve ball and a valve spring, the valve spring biasing the valve ball in a first direction into a valve seat to prevent the passage of fluid from a fluid line through the valve, and wherein the spring force is selected such that a fluid force above a predetermined set point acting against the ball in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the ball to move out of the valve seat against the spring force to allow fluid to flow from the fluid line through the valve seat and through the valve, and wherein a secondary valve is positioned relative to the primary valve to retain fluid around the valve spring of the primary valve at a fluid force below the predetermined set point.

Abstract: A method of making a preloaded bearing arrangement and a preloaded bearing arrangement are provided. The method comprises the steps of placing a bearing around a shaft and then placing a frustoconical disc spring around the shaft such that a portion of the disc spring abuts the bearing. A deformable cup is placed around the shaft, and an annular section of the deformable cup is spaced apart from the frustoconical disc spring and the cup is held at a fixed position along the shaft. A split shim is inserted between the annular section of the deformable cup and the disc spring to apply a preload to the disc spring. The deformable cup is then deformed such that a sidewall of the deformable cup extends around the split shim to hold the split shim in place relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A folding wing for an aircraft comprises a main wing portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and a wing tip portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and movable relative to the main wing portion about a folding axis. The wing further comprises a linkage mechanism connecting the wing tip portion to the main wing portion and an actuator coupled to the linkage system. Movement of the actuator causes the wing tip portion to move from a first position in which the wing tip portion extends in substantially the same plane as the main wing portion to a second position in which the wing tip portion is angled relative to the main wing portion.

Abstract: A tool for checking wear in a Cardan joint comprises a base element, a trigger plate, an indicator pin, an indicator pin carrier and an indicator pin biasing element. The trigger plate is pivotally mounted to the base element about a trigger plate pivot axis (A) for pivotal movement between a first pivotal position and a second pivotal position. It has, at one end, a trigger plate yoke with a pair of opposed arms for engaging over one arm of a second yoke member of the Cardan joint and, at another end, an indicator pin opening. The indicator pin carrier is pivotally mounted to the base element to permit the angular position of the indicator pin carrier to be adjusted relative to the trigger plate. The indicator pin carrier is arranged between the base element and the trigger plate.