Abstract: A panel assembly for installation onto a track beam including a beam flange having a non-linear edge is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a panel and a lockable catch moveably connected to the panel. The lockable catch includes a lockable mating edge configured to selectively mate with the non-linear edge of the beam flange of the track beam. The lockable catch also includes a lockable catch edge extending beyond the lockable mating edge. The lockable catch is moveable on a lower surface of the panel between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position the lockable catch edge is retracted. In the locked position, the lockable mating edge mates with the non-linear edge of the beam flange and the lockable catch edge retains the panel on the track beam.

Abstract: A system and a method for securing a panel insert to a panel include a main housing, a heater within the main housing, a coupling rod extending from the main housing, and a clamp assembly coupled to the coupling rod. The clamp assembly is configured to clamp the panel insert to the panel. The heater is configured to cure an adhesive applied to the panel insert to bond the panel insert to the panel.

Abstract: A system for removing a panel insert from a panel includes a main housing. A loading cap is coupled to the main housing. A tension knob is coupled to the main housing. The tension knob is configured to couple to a puller rod. A tension spring is within the main housing. The loading cap is configured to set the tension spring at an initial tension. The tension knob is configured to set the tension spring at a subsequent tension. A heater is configured to apply heat to the panel insert.

Abstract: A blanket for insulating an aircraft structure comprises an insulating portion, comprising a first edge and a second edge, perpendicular to the first edge. The blanket also comprises a tab portion, extending from the insulating portion, and a formable coupler, attached to the insulating portion. The tab portion is thinner than the insulating portion. The insulating portion fully overlaps the formable coupler. The formable coupler is parallel to the second edge of the insulating portion and is perpendicular to the first edge of the insulating portion.

Abstract: A fastener which includes a first portion of a shaft which defines threads, and a second portion of the shaft, which extends from the first portion of the shaft, includes a planar curved surface. A method for securing a fastener to an e-nut, which includes the step of inserting the fastener positioned within an e-nut into an opening defined by and which extends through at least two components to be secured together, wherein: a first portion of the shaft of the fastener defines threads; and a second portion of the shaft of the fastener, which extends from the first portion of the shaft, defines a curved planar surface.

Abstract: An insulation attachment system for an aircraft includes a first insulation blanket including a first tab at an aft end of the first insulation blanket and a second insulation blanket including a second tab at an aft end of the second insulation blanket. The system also includes a third insulation blanket and a first attachment component disposed on an outboard forward portion of the second insulation blanket and clasping a first frame member of the aircraft such that the first tab and the second insulation blanket are attached to the first frame member. The system also includes a second attachment component disposed on an outboard forward portion of the third insulation blanket and clasping a second frame member of the aircraft that is aft of the first frame member such that the second tab and the third insulation blanket are attached to the second frame member.

Abstract: A shear pin assembly for securing to a face sheet of a honeycomb core sandwich panel structure and to engage a support structure, which includes a head member having a first width dimension and a neck section secured to the head member with the neck section having a second width dimension less than the first width dimension. Further included is a flange secured to the neck section with the flange extending in a direction away from the neck section and a pin member which extends from the flange in a direction away from the head member.

Abstract: An insert may include an outer sleeve that includes a first tubular portion and a first disk portion perpendicular to the first tubular portion at an end of the first tubular portion. An inner sleeve includes a second tubular portion and a second disk portion perpendicular to the second tubular portion at an end of the second tubular portion. The second tubular portion of the inner sleeve may be configured to be inserted in the first tubular portion of the outer sleeve. The first disk portion of the outer sleeve may include a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface includes a recess configured to accommodate the second disk portion of the inner sleeve when the second tubular portion is inserted in the first tubular portion.

Abstract: An insulation system for an aircraft fuselage uses a plurality of stringers extending longitudinally. An insulation blanket is configured for installation on the stringers and a plurality of stringer clips are attached to and extend from an outboard side of the insulation blanket. Each stringer clip has a connecting flange engaged to a cover of the insulation blanket. A first attachment arm extends outboard from a first end of the connecting flange and terminates in a first hook resiliently engaging the stringer. A second attachment arm extends outboard from a second end of the connecting flange and terminates in a second hook resiliently engaging the stringer.

Abstract: In an example, a method of shimming an uncured substructure for assembly is disclosed. The method comprises emitting a signal from an inspection system proximate a mating surface of the substructure, detecting a reflection of the signal with the inspection system, generating a data set based on detecting the reflection of the signal, the data set representing a shape of the mating surface, determining distances between a plurality of points on the mating surface and respective points on an inner surface of a support structure based on the data set, generating filler dimension data based on the distances, wherein the filler dimension data includes a varying thickness, shaping a filler structure with a computer numerical controlled shaping device using the filler dimension data, adhering a first surface of the filler structure to the mating surface of the substructure to form a shimmed substructure subassembly, and curing the shimmed substructure subassembly.

Abstract: A blanket (110) for insulating an aircraft structure (190) comprises an insulating portion (112), comprising a first edge (111) and a second edge (113), perpendicular to the first edge (111). The blanket (110) also comprises a tab portion (114), extending from the insulating portion (112), and a formable coupler (116), attached to the insulating portion (112). The tab portion (114) is thinner than the insulating portion (112). The insulating portion (112) fully overlaps the formable coupler (116). The formable coupler (116) is parallel to the second edge (113) of the insulating portion (112) and is perpendicular to the first edge (111) of the insulating portion (112).

Abstract: A panel assembly for installation onto a track beam including a beam flange having a non-linear edge is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a panel and a lockable catch moveably connected to the panel. The lockable catch includes a lockable mating edge configured to selectively mate with the non-linear edge of the beam flange of the track beam. The lockable catch also includes a lockable catch edge extending beyond the lockable mating edge. The lockable catch is moveable on a lower surface of the panel between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position the lockable catch edge is retracted. In the locked position, the lockable mating edge mates with the non-linear edge of the beam flange and the lockable catch edge retains the panel on the track beam.

Abstract: Removal tool and method for removing a panel insert from a panel. In one embodiment, the removal tool includes a tool frame to straddle a panel insert installed in a panel, and a puller rod slidably disposed perpendicularly through the tool frame. One end of the puller rod engages the panel insert. The removal tool further includes a biasing member that applies an axial force to the puller rod away from the tool frame, and a heater to apply heat to the panel insert.

Abstract: An insert may include an outer sleeve that includes a first tubular portion and a first disk portion perpendicular to the first tubular portion at an end of the first tubular portion. An inner sleeve includes a second tubular portion and a second disk portion perpendicular to the second tubular portion at an end of the second tubular portion. The second tubular portion of the inner sleeve may be configured to be inserted in the first tubular portion of the outer sleeve. The first disk portion of the outer sleeve may include a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface includes a recess configured to accommodate the second disk portion of the inner sleeve when the second tubular portion is inserted in the first tubular portion.

Abstract: Removal tool and method for removing a panel insert from a panel. In one embodiment, the removal tool includes a tool frame to straddle a panel insert installed in a panel, and a puller rod slidably disposed perpendicularly through the tool frame. One end of the puller rod engages the panel insert. The removal tool further includes a biasing member that applies an axial force to the puller rod away from the tool frame, and a heater to apply heat to the panel insert.

Abstract: A shear pin assembly for securing to a face sheet of a honeycomb core sandwich panel structure and to engage a support structure, which includes a head member having a first width dimension and a neck section secured to the head member with the neck section having a second width dimension less than the first width dimension. Further included is a flange secured to the neck section with the flange extending in a direction away from the neck section and a pin member which extends from the flange in a direction away from the head member.

Abstract: A fastener which includes a first portion of a shaft which defines threads, and a second portion of the shaft, which extends from the first portion of the shaft, includes a planar curved surface. A method for securing a fastener to an e-nut, which includes the step of inserting the fastener positioned within an e-nut into an opening defined by and which extends through at least two components to be secured together, wherein: a first portion of the shaft of the fastener defines threads; and a second portion of the shaft of the fastener, which extends from the first portion of the shaft, defines a curved planar surface.

Abstract: A panel support clip including a frame having a first engagement surface and at least one fastener retention feature, and a plurality of fingers each having a second engagement surface and a panel support surface opposite the second engagement surface, each of the plurality of fingers extends from the frame so that the second engagement surface opposes the first engagement surface to form a channel.

Abstract: A panel support clip including a frame having a first engagement, surface and at least one fastener retention feature, and a plurality of fingers each having a second engagement surface and a panel support surface opposite the second engagement surface, each of the plurality of fingers extends from the frame so that the second engagement surface opposes the first engagement surface to form a channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting, containing and separating a sample of blood. Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a pre-selected phase of a sample contained in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about a longitudinal axis of the chamber. In addition, separating means in which such an enclosed chamber is rotated about a longitudinal axis is described.