Abstract: An aircraft spoiler mechanism includes a spoiler fore-section, a spoiler aft-section, and a reverse-motion linkage arm. The spoiler fore-section includes a forward end, a hinge end, an actuator coupling, and a pivot coupling to couple to a wing structure of an aircraft to enable rotation of the spoiler fore-section relative to the wing structure. The spoiler aft-section includes a hinge portion coupled to the hinge end of the spoiler fore-section and a crank-arm. The reverse-motion linkage arm includes a first end, a second end, and a pivot point coupled to the forward end of the spoiler fore-section. The spoiler mechanism also includes a first linkage to couple the first end of the reverse-motion linkage arm to the wing structure and a second linkage coupled to the second end of the reverse-motion linkage arm and to the crank-arm on the spoiler aft-section.

Abstract: A gimbal having a split design, which can be used in an assembly for actuating an aerodynamic high lift device, is described. The gimbal enables a rotating load path when a force is transferred from the actuator to the high lift device via the gimbal. In particular, the split design can include two receivers which can be coupled to posts extending from a nut. The nut can be secured to a shaft which receives a force generated by the actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator can rotate the shaft to cause the gimbal to translate along the shaft. The split design provides a more compact form factor and is lighter in weight than traditional gimbal designs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a control surface. An apparatus comprises an arm, first link, and second link. The arm has first and second ends, the first end of the arm rotatably coupled to a wing structure to define a first pivot point. The first link has first and second ends, the first end being rotatably coupled to the second end of the arm. The second link has first and second ends, the first end rotatably coupled to the first end of the arm. When the second end of the first link is rotatably coupled to a first control surface and the second end of the second link is rotatably coupled to a second control surface, movement of the first control surface away from the wing structure rotates the arm about the first pivot point such that the second control surface moves in coordination with the first control surface.

Abstract: A landing gear for an aircraft comprising a truck support strut, a landing gear retract mechanism coupling the truck support strut to a frame of the aircraft, so that the truck support strut is suspended from the frame by the landing gear retract mechanism, at least one wheel support arm rotatably coupled to the truck support strut, a carrier member coupled to the landing gear retract mechanism and to the truck support strut so that the landing gear retract mechanism drives the carrier member along the truck support strut, and at least one shock absorber, each of the at least one shock absorber being coupled to both a respective one of the at least one wheel support arm and the carrier member so that movement of the carrier member effects rotation of the at least one wheel support arm relative to the truck support strut.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control camber are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a flap support to be coupled to a flap of an aircraft, where the flap is rotatable relative to an aerodynamic surface, a drive arm linkage rotatably coupled to the flap support at a first pivot of the flap support, where the drive arm linkage includes a second pivot at an end opposite the first end, and a flap support actuator operatively coupled to the flap support, where the flap support actuator is to rotate the drive arm linkage. The example apparatus also includes a camber control actuator rotatably coupled to the flap support at a third pivot of the flap support, where the camber control actuator is to be rotatably coupled to the flap at a fourth pivot.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening in a fuselage of an aircraft includes a track and a plurality of panels, coupled to the track. At least one of the panels is movable along the track relative to an adjacent one of the panels between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A gimbal having a split design, which can be used in an assembly for actuating an aerodynamic high lift device, is described. The gimbal enables a rotating load path when a force is transferred from the actuator to the high lift device via the gimbal. In particular, the split design can include two receivers which can be coupled to posts extending from a nut. The nut can be secured to a shaft which receives a force generated by the actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator can rotate the shaft to cause the gimbal to translate along the shaft. The split design provides a more compact form factor and is lighter in weight than traditional gimbal designs.

Abstract: Example articulation assemblies for retracting aircraft flap support fairing tailcones and related methods are described herein. An example flap support fairing disclosed herein includes a housing to be coupled to a bottom side of a flap on a trailing edge of a wing of an aircraft, a tailcone disposed outward from an aft end of the housing, and an articulation assembly configured to move the tailcone between an extended position in which a portion of the tailcone is disposed beyond the aft end of the housing and a retracted position in which the portion of the tailcone is disposed within the housing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a nanoparticle comprising a metal core and a polymer shell coating the metal core useful as a magnetic resonance contrast agent.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an implementation of a DBMS is provided. The method comprises collecting data associated with the implementation of the DBMS and accessing a database comprising problems and their associated solutions, wherein the solutions are configured to remedy at least one of the problems. The method further comprises comparing the data associated with the implementation of the DBMS with the problems and identifying at least one problem associated with the DBMS. Finally, a DBMS risk assessment report is generated that identifies the problem associated with the DBMS and a solution configured to remedy the problem.

Abstract: A locking folding tool is disclosed. The folding tool comprises a housing having a pair of sidewalls in spaced relation to each other, and a support extending transversely between the pair of sidewalls. The folding tool may further have a plurality of work tools pivotally supported by the support. As such, the support may define a pivot axis for the work tools. Each work tool may further have an associated lock engaging member. The folding tool may also include a lock member movable between a first position and a second position. When the lock member is in the first position, it may engage the lock engaging members so that each of the work tools is inhibited from pivoting about the support. When the lock member is in the second position, it may disengage the lock engaging member so that the work tools are pivotable about the support.

Abstract: A locking folding tool is disclosed. The folding tool comprises a housing having a pair of sidewalls in spaced relation to each other, and a support extending transversely between the pair of sidewalls. The folding tool may further have a plurality of work tools pivotally supported by the support. As such, the support may define a pivot axis for the work tools. Each work tool may further have an associated lock engaging member. The folding tool may also include a lock member movable between a first position and a second position. When the lock member is in the first position, it may engage the lock engaging members so that each of the work tools is inhibited from pivoting about the support. When the lock member is in the second position, it may disengage the lock engaging member so that the work tools are pivotable about the support.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an implementation of a DBMS is provided. The method comprises collecting data associated with the implementation of the DBMS and accessing a database comprising problems and their associated solutions, wherein the solutions are configured to remedy at least one of the problems. The method further comprises comparing the data associated with the implementation of the DBMS with the problems and identifying at least one problem associated with the DBMS. Finally, a DBMS risk assessment report is generated that identifies the problem associated with the DBMS and a solution configured to remedy the problem.

Abstract: A torque adaptor includes a body, a driving portion that rotates with respect to the body when a threshold torque is exceeded, a receiving portion engageable with a workpiece, and a gear plate that drives the receiving portion. The gear plate is driven by the driving portion, the driving engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate being released when a torque required to drive the gear plate exceeds the threshold torque. An adjusting member adjusts the force of engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate so as to adjust the threshold torque. The receiving portion is moveable along a longitudinal direction of the body between a first position in which the receiving portion engages the body such that a rotation of the driving portion rotates the receiving portion and the rotatable workpiece and a second position in which the receiving portion is disengaged from the body.

Abstract: A socket includes a body having a driving portion, a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction, a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion. The driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion is released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. A biasing member applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion, and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member adjusts a magnitude of the force of engagement to adjust the threshold amount of torque.

Abstract: An automobile compound taillight includes a main base, a main light base, a side light base, and a bottom light base. The main light base, the side light base and the bottom light base are respectively positioned in the main base at a front opening, a side opening and a bottom opening and then those openings sealed with a main light cover, a side light cover and a bottom light cover. The main light base, the side light base and the bottom light base respectively have an electric circuit board and plural LED lamps. The electric circuit board of the main light base is connected with an electric system of a automobile, and the electric circuit boards of the side light base and the bottom light base are connected with that of the main light base. Thus, the automobile compound taillight can be used as a brake light, a direction one and a tail one separately.

Abstract: A torque adaptor includes a body, a driving portion that rotates with respect to the body when a threshold torque is exceeded, a receiving portion engageable with a workpiece, and a gear plate that drives the receiving portion. The gear plate is driven by the driving portion, the driving engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate being released when a torque required to drive the gear plate exceeds the threshold torque. An adjusting member adjusts the force of engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate so as to adjust the threshold torque. The receiving portion is moveable along a longitudinal direction of the body between a first position in which the receiving portion engages the body such that a rotation of the driving portion rotates the receiving portion and the rotatable workpiece and a second position in which the receiving portion is disengaged from the body.

Abstract: A socket includes a body having a driving portion, a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction, a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion. The driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion is released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. A biasing member applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion, and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member adjusts a magnitude of the force of engagement to adjust the threshold amount of torque.