Abstract: A multi-disk brake assembly includes a static structure defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of disks including stator disks that are supported by the static structure and are non-rotatable, and rotor disks that are interleaved with the stator disks and are rotatable, the plurality of disks being axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a dust-collecting receptacle that is attachable to the static structure for securement during an operative state of the multi-disk brake assembly. The dust-collecting receptacle is in fluid communication with the plurality of slots for receiving and trapping dust from the plurality of disks through the plurality of slots. The dust-collecting receptacle is detachable relative to the static structure during a non-operative state of the multi-disk brake assembly.

Abstract: A multi-disk brake assembly includes a static structure defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of disks including stator disks that are supported by the static structure and are non-rotatable, and rotor disks that are interleaved with the stator disks and are rotatable, the plurality of disks being axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a dust-collecting receptacle that is attachable to the static structure for securement during an operative state of the multi-disk brake assembly. The dust-collecting receptacle is in fluid communication with the plurality of slots for receiving and trapping dust from the plurality of disks through the plurality of slots. The dust-collecting receptacle is detachable relative to the static structure during a non-operative state of the multi-disk brake assembly.

Abstract: A multi-disk brake assembly includes a stator disk that is non-rotatable, a rotatable rotor disk arranged adjacently and coaxially with the stator disk, and an axial retention device. The rotor disk and the stator disk are axially moveable between an engaged position during braking operation and a disengaged position during a released mode of operation. The axial retention device is axially moveable and supports at least one of the disks. The axial retention device includes a set of axially translatable pins or bolts that are pushed by the disks during the braking operation and maintain a predetermined space between the disks during the released mode of operation. The predetermined space and position of the disks is maintained when the brake assembly is subject to forces due to vehicle acceleration or cornering.

Abstract: An actuator assembly having a primary load path for tightly coupling an actuated surface to a reference structure and a secondary load path having a backlash portion for coupling the actuated surface to the reference structure with backlash, wherein the secondary load path is unloaded during an operative state of the primary load path and loaded during a failure state of the primary load path. The actuator assembly includes at least one sensor configured to sense the failure state of the primary load path when a relative displacement between a portion of the primary load path and a portion of the secondary load path exceeds a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range of values.

Abstract: A multi-disk brake assembly includes a stator disk that is non-rotatable, a rotatable rotor disk arranged adjacently and coaxially with the stator disk, and an axial retention device. The rotor disk and the stator disk are axially moveable between an engaged position during braking operation and a disengaged position during a released mode of operation. The axial retention device is axially moveable and supports at least one of the disks. The axial retention device includes a set of axially translatable pins or bolts that are pushed by the disks during the braking operation and maintain a predetermined space between the disks during the released mode of operation. The predetermined space and position of the disks is maintained when the brake assembly is subject to forces due to vehicle acceleration or cornering.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating movement of a control surface relative to a structure can include a high-efficiency assembly and a low-efficiency assembly. The high-efficiency assembly can be connectable between a control surface and a structure for providing a first load transfer assembly and the assembly can have minimum backlash. The low-efficiency assembly is connectable between the control surface and the structure for providing a second load transfer assembly. The low-efficiency or irreversible assembly can be disposed in parallel relationship to the high-efficiency assembly and can have a higher backlash than the low-efficiency assembly. The low-efficiency assembly can be unloaded in normal operation.

Abstract: An actuator system (14) comprising a valve assembly (40) having an inner spool (50), an outer spool (60), and a sleeve (70). An assembly (80) directly drives the inner spool (50) to move it relative to the outer spool (60), and thereby hydromechanically causes the outer spool (60) to move relative to the sleeve (70). A control assembly (90) provides current input to the drive assembly (80), which converts current input into mechanical motion. The control assembly (90) senses the position of the inner spool (50) and regulates current in accordance with the sensed position.

Abstract: An actuator assembly having a primary load path for tightly coupling an actuated surface to a reference structure and a secondary load path having a backlash portion for coupling the actuated surface to the reference structure with backlash, wherein the secondary load path is unloaded during an operative state of the primary load path and loaded during a failure state of the primary load path. The actuator assembly includes at least one sensor configured to sense the failure state of the primary load path when a relative displacement between a portion of the primary load path and a portion of the secondary load path exceeds a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range of values.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating movement of a control surface relative to a structure can include a high-efficiency assembly and a low-efficiency assembly. The high-efficiency assembly can be connectable between a control surface and a structure for providing a first load transfer assembly and the assembly can have minimum backlash. The low-efficiency assembly is connectable between the control surface and the structure for providing a second load transfer assembly. The low-efficiency or irreversible assembly can be disposed in parallel relationship to the high-efficiency assembly and can have a higher backlash than the low-efficiency assembly. The low-efficiency assembly can be unloaded in normal operation.

Abstract: An actuator system (14) comprising a valve assembly (40) having an inner spool (50), an outer spool (60), and a sleeve (70). An assembly (80) directly drives the inner spool (50) to move it relative to the outer spool (60), and thereby hydromechanically causes the outer spool (60) to move relative to the sleeve (70). A control assembly (90) provides current input to the drive assembly (80), which converts current input into mechanical motion. The control assembly (90) senses the position of the inner spool (50) and regulates current in accordance with the sensed position.

Abstract: An actuator (30) for actuating translation movement of a component (32) (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) relative to a structure (34) (e.g., an aircraft's rear fuselage). The actuator (30) comprises a control-motion-providing assembly (40) having a drive path from a motion provider (52) to the component (32), a motion-permit-prevent assembly (42), and a sensing system (94) which senses a failure in the drive path. The motion-permit-prevent assembly (42) comprises a screw member (74), which is not part of the drive path, and a nut member (76). Upon detection drive-path failure by the sensing system (94), the motion-permit-prevent assembly (42) converts from a motion-permitting mode (whereat relative rotation between the screw-nut members (74/76) is permitted) to a motion-preventing mode (whereat relative rotation of the screw-nut members (74/76) is prevented). In the motion-preventing mode, the component (32) is locked or immobilized.

Abstract: A solenoid having one or more windings, a plurality of alternate windings of which are connected in electromagnetic field bucking relationship. An alternative construction utilizes layers of bifilar windings. A first winding of each bifilar winding pair in a first layer is adapted to procduce a field to buck the field of a second winding in the same bifilar winding pair.

Abstract: A fluid control system includes a fluid motor 11, a control valve 12 for directing fluid flow to and from the motor 11, and a control valve actuator 14 for operating the control valve 12. The control valve actuator 14 includes an actuator member 32, a feedback member 44, and a spring 46 which exerts a force on the actuator member 32 whose magnitude varies with the relative positions of the actuator member 32 and the feedback member 44. A command pressure signal moves the actuator member 32 to operate the control valve 12 in order to direct fluid flow to and from the fluid motor 11. A feedback link 41 connects the feedback member 44 to the fluid motor 11. The actuator piston 32 is slidably carried on the feedback member 44, so that any drifting of the fluid motor 11 results in immediate movement of the actuator member 32 and control valve 12 to correct the drifting.

Abstract: A device for controlling hydraulic motors as in an aircraft "fly-by-wire" system wherein redundant hydraulic motors and controls are required to protect against failure of portions of the system or device. The device includes two master valves for controlling flow of fluid to and from the motors, one controlled by electrical signals from a command station and the other controlled mechanically through manual or automatic operation. There is a transfer valve for selecting which of the master valves is to be operable and to provide for smooth transition of control from the electrically controlled valve to the mechanically controlled valve.

Abstract: A device for controlling hydraulic motors as in an aircraft "fly-by-wire" system wherein redundant hydraulic motors and controls are required to protect against failure of portions of the system or device. The device includes two master valves for controlling flow of fluid to and from the motors, one controlled by electrical signals from a command station and the other controlled mechanically through manual or automatic operation. There is a transfer valve for selecting which of the master valves is to be operable and to provide for smooth transition of control from the electrically controlled valve to the mechanically controlled valve.