Abstract: A flow control system includes a check valve and a check valve inhibitor. The check valve, such as an automatic check valve, has a flow channel extending from an inlet to an outlet and a valving mechanism positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The check valve inhibitor is positionable in proximity to the valving mechanism of the check valve to control the operation of the check valve. The check valve inhibitor includes a magnetic field generator capable of generating a magnetic field that is selectively operable on the valving mechanism, wherein the check valve inhibitor can place the check valve in an uninhibited condition where flow in the outlet to inlet direction is blocked, and wherein the check valve inhibitor can place the check valve in an inhibited condition where flow in the outlet to inlet direction is allowed.

Abstract: A hybrid composite-metal energy absorbing seat is described. According to one embodiment, an aircraft seat includes a seat base assembly and a seat back assembly. The seat base assembly includes multiple rigid metal seat base side frame elements joined by a lower seat pan, an energy absorbing element placed on the lower seat pan to deform and absorb downward energy in a crash, and a contoured seat pan whose sides extend past the seat base side frame elements and deform to absorb downward energy in a crash. The seat back assembly is attached to the seat base assembly and includes multiple rigid metal seat back side frame elements joined by a contoured composite seat back. The rigid metal seat back side frame elements absorb forward crash load energy by permanently deforming during a severe forward crash load. The contoured composite seat back provides design/aesthetic flexibility.