Abstract: A rapidly disassembled hinge suitable for use in an aircraft includes a first attachment plate attached to a supported structure, a second attachment plate attached to a supporting structure, and a pin with a notch in an outer surface thereof, which is insertable into portions of the first and second attachment plates for pivotably connecting the first and second attachment plates together. The pin is inserted so that the notch is positioned within the second attachment structure when the hinge is in an assembled state. A key includes a main body and a distal end extending from the main body, the distal end being insertable within the notch of the pin. The key is movable such that the distal end of the key can be inserted into and removed from engagement with the notch of the pin to provide for toolless disassembly of the hinge.

Abstract: A time-delay latch for securing a structure in a specified position includes a housing, a fluid chamber contained within the housing for holding fluid, a pin that extends through the fluid chamber and is axially movable within and through the fluid chamber, and a release frame movably secured within the housing. When the pin is in a latched position, the release frame engages with the pin to prevent axial movement of the pin. When the pin is in an unlatched position, the release frame disengages from the pin to allow axial movement of the pin. The axial movement of the pin between the latched position and the unlatched position requires a prescribed duration of time to elapse. During operation, the axial movement of the pin between the unlatched position and the latched position can occur faster than the prescribed duration of time.

Abstract: A rapidly disassembled hinge suitable for use in an aircraft includes a first attachment plate attached to a supported structure, a second attachment plate attached to a supporting structure, and a pin with a notch in an outer surface thereof, which is insertable into portions of the first and second attachment plates for pivotably connecting the first and second attachment plates together. The pin is inserted so that the notch is positioned within the second attachment structure when the hinge is in an assembled state. A key includes a main body and a distal end extending from the main body, the distal end being insertable within the notch of the pin. The key is movable such that the distal end of the key can be inserted into and removed from engagement with the notch of the pin to provide for toolless disassembly of the hinge.

Abstract: A time-delay latch for securing a structure in a specified position includes a housing, a fluid chamber contained within the housing for holding fluid, a pin that extends through the fluid chamber and is axially movable within and through the fluid chamber, and a release frame movably secured within the housing. When the pin is in a latched position, the release frame engages with the pin to prevent axial movement of the pin. When the pin is in an unlatched position, the release frame disengages from the pin to allow axial movement of the pin. The axial movement of the pin between the latched position and the unlatched position requires a prescribed duration of time to elapse. During operation, the axial movement of the pin between the unlatched position and the latched position can occur faster than the prescribed duration of time.

Abstract: An aircraft is equipped with an auxiliary access control barrier (AACB) to prevent access to an area of the aircraft. The AACB includes laterally extendable door panels that are slidably attached to each other to vary a width of the AACB, a hinge by which the door panels are pivotably attached to the aircraft, such that the door panels are pivotable between a deployed position, in which the door panels are positioned across the opening to prevent passage through the opening and in which the AACB has a first width, and a stowed position, in which the door panels are positioned to allow passage through the opening and in which the AACB has a second width, and one or more locks to prevent relative motion between the door panels to fix the width of the AACB and/or to secure the AACB within the opening in the bulkhead.

Abstract: An aircraft is equipped with an auxiliary access control barrier (AACB) to prevent access to an area of the aircraft. The AACB includes laterally extendable door panels that are slidably attached to each other to vary a width of the AACB, a hinge by which the door panels are pivotably attached to the aircraft, such that the door panels are pivotable between a deployed position, in which the door panels are positioned across the opening to prevent passage through the opening and in which the AACB has a first width, and a stowed position, in which the door panels are positioned to allow passage through the opening and in which the AACB has a second width, and one or more locks to prevent relative motion between the door panels to fix the width of the AACB and/or to secure the AACB within the opening in the bulkhead.