Abstract: An actuator includes a drum defining a longitudinal axis and having axially opposed first and second end portions that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. A shape memory element is wrapped around the drum and extends from the first end portion of the drum to the second end portion of the drum to actuate relative rotation of the first and second end portions of the drum about the longitudinal axis by activation of the shape memory element.

Abstract: A ring coupling includes a first cylindrical body defining an outward facing coupling surface extending in a circumferential direction. A second cylindrical body defines an inward facing coupling surface extending in the circumferential direction. A retainer ring is engaged to the coupling surfaces of the first and second cylindrical bodies to prevent axial disengagement of the first and second cylindrical bodies. The cylindrical bodies can be coupled without relative circumferential rotation of the first and second cylindrical bodies.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an actuator body, a ram, and a cross pin. The actuator body has an internal axial cavity bounded by an actuator body wall and defines a pivot axis. A longitudinal slot extends along a portion of the length of the actuator body wall and is in communication with the internal axial cavity. The ram is slidably received within the axial cavity of the actuator body. The cross pin is mounted to the ram and extends laterally from the ram and into the longitudinal slot for converting linear motion of the ram into rotational motion about the pivot axis for displacing a control surface of an air vehicle.

Abstract: An actuator includes a drum defining a longitudinal axis and having axially opposed first and second end portions that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. A shape memory element is wrapped around the drum and extends from the first end portion of the drum to the second end portion of the drum to actuate relative rotation of the first and second end portions of the drum about the longitudinal axis by activation of the shape memory element.

Abstract: An actuator includes a drum defining a longitudinal axis and having axially opposed first and second end portions that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. A shape memory element is wrapped around the drum and extends from the first end portion of the drum to the second end portion of the drum to actuate relative rotation of the first and second end portions of the drum about the longitudinal axis by activation of the shape memory element.

Abstract: A ring coupling includes a first cylindrical body defining an outward facing coupling surface extending in a circumferential direction. A second cylindrical body defines an inward facing coupling surface extending in the circumferential direction. A retainer ring is engaged to the coupling surfaces of the first and second cylindrical bodies to prevent axial disengagement of the first and second cylindrical bodies. The cylindrical bodies can be coupled without relative circumferential rotation of the first and second cylindrical bodies.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an actuator body, a ram, and a cross pin. The actuator body has an internal axial cavity bounded by an actuator body wall and defines a pivot axis. A longitudinal slot extends along a portion of the length of the actuator body wall and is in communication with the internal axial cavity. The ram is slidably received within the axial cavity of the actuator body. The cross pin is mounted to the ram and extends laterally from the ram and into the longitudinal slot for converting linear motion of the ram into rotational motion about the pivot axis for displacing a control surface of an air vehicle.

Abstract: An actuator includes a drum defining a longitudinal axis and having axially opposed first and second end portions that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. A shape memory element is wrapped around the drum and extends from the first end portion of the drum to the second end portion of the drum to actuate relative rotation of the first and second end portions of the drum about the longitudinal axis by activation of the shape memory element.

Abstract: An actuation system having a configuration of first and second components, each component having longitudinally extending fingers interlaced with one another. Relative longitudinal movement is permitted between the fingers in a manner to permit the second component to be movable longitudinally with respect to the first component between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is provided within the configuration that biases the second component towards the second position. A wire is wound about the fingers that restrains the second component in the first position. A release device selectively causes the wire to be loosened about the fingers such that the biasing member moves the second component from the first position to the second position. An actuator connected to the second component moves with the second component from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An actuation system having a configuration of first and second components, each component having longitudinally extending fingers interlaced with one another. Relative longitudinal movement is permitted between the fingers in a manner to permit the second component to be movable longitudinally with respect to the first component between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is provided within the configuration that biases the second component towards the second position. A wire is wound about the fingers that restrains the second component in the first position. A release device selectively causes the wire to be loosened about the fingers such that the biasing member moves the second component from the first position to the second position. An actuator connected to the second component moves with the second component from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A gun system comprising a recoiling cannon assembly, a stationary carriage having a cradle, and a campath and cam follower mechanism for moveably mounting the cannon assembly on the cradle for travel along a two-stage curvilinear recoil path. The first stage has a linear portion shaped to maintain prefiring orientation, and a curved portion with a decreasing radius of curvature in the direction of travel (i.e., recoil) to accelerate the cannon assembly upwards. The second stage, which may be straight or have a curved configuration different from that of the first stage, causes the cannon assembly's upward motion to be decelerated in a controlled manner. A recoil buffer assembly has deceleration characteristics matched in a predetermined relationship to the configuration of the curvilinear path, so that the instantaneous stabilizing moment of the reaction to the upward force of the recoiling cannon assembly and the moment of the static weight of the gun system.