Abstract: According to one embodiment, linear motor translator assembly for use in an electromagnetic actuator is provided. The linear motor translator assembly includes: a cylindrical housing having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a flanged portion at the second end, and a blind hole initiating at the second end and extending into the cylindrical housing to a blind hole base; a tubular body located within the blind hole, the tubular body including a plurality of permanent magnets; and an end cap securely fastened to the flanged portion.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting relative movement between two adjacent components includes a first member, a second member rotatable about an axis relative to the first member, and a fuse element including a first electrical contactor connected to the first member and a second electrical contactor connected to the second member. When the first member and the second member are skewed, the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are not in electrical contact.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, linear motor translator assembly for use in an electromagnetic actuator is provided. The linear motor translator assembly comprises: a cylindrical housing having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a flanged portion at the second end, and a blind hole initiating at the second end and extending into the cylindrical housing to a blind hole base; a tubular body located within the blind hole, the tubular body including a plurality of permanent magnets; and an end cap securely fastened to the flanged portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lubricating a gear of a differential gear system is disclosed. A member or shaft rotates within a housing of the differential gear system. The shaft includes a chamber for receiving a lubricant from the exterior of the housing. A gear rotates relative to the shaft, and a hole in the shaft disperses the lubricant from the chamber to a selected gear location of the gear to lubricate the gear.

Abstract: A sensor system for a wing panel assembly of an aircraft includes a first end of a linkage assembly operatively coupled to a first slat panel. Also included is a second end of the linkage assembly operatively coupled to a second slat panel with a first ball joint. Further included is a block having a cutout portion surrounding the first ball joint. Yet further included is a sensing element disposed proximate the block to detect rotation of the block beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A redundant channel motor includes a permanent magnet rotor. The motor also includes a plurality of stator sectors surrounding the permanent magnet rotor, each of the stator sectors disposed in a common plane, independently wound, and capable of driving the load of the permanent magnet rotor in the event of failure of one of the other stator sectors.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting relative movement between two adjacent components includes a first member, a second member rotatable about an axis relative to the first member, and a fuse element including a first electrical contactor connected to the first member and a second electrical contactor connected to the second member. When the first member and the second member are skewed, the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are not in electrical contact.

Abstract: An electromechanical differential motion sensor is disposed to detect transverse motion of a first piece relative to a second piece. The sensor includes a base anchored to the first piece, a lever arm that engages the second piece, a hinge, a retention mechanism, and a fuse wire. The hinge connects the lever arm to the base, such that the lever arm rotates relative to the base when the second piece displaces laterally with respect to the first piece. The retention mechanism retains the electromechanical differential motion sensor in a closed position wherein a first jaw of the base is aligned with a second jaw of the lever arm. The fuse wire carries an electrical signal current, and extends through the jaws such that transverse motion of the second piece relative to the first piece deflects the sensor from the closed position to an open position, thereby severing the first fuse wire.

Abstract: A differential motion sensor includes a base and a cradle. The base includes a first surface that extends along a first axis to define a length and a second axis to define a width. The base further includes at least one hinge that pivots about a rotational axis extending along the first axis. The cradle is pivotably coupled to the at least one hinge and is configured to move in the direction of the second axis when pivoting about the hinge. The differential motion sensor is configured to operate in a first mode when the cradle is aligned with the base and a second mode when the cradle is pivotably displaced with respect to the base.

Abstract: An electromechanical differential motion sensor is disposed to detect transverse motion of a first piece relative to a second piece. The sensor includes a base anchored to the first piece, a lever arm that engages the second piece, a hinge, a retention mechanism, and a fuse wire. The hinge connects the lever arm to the base, such that the lever arm rotates relative to the base when the second piece displaces laterally with respect to the first piece. The retention mechanism retains the electromechanical differential motion sensor in a closed position wherein a first jaw of the base is aligned with a second jaw of the lever arm. The fuse wire carries an electrical signal current, and extends through the jaws such that transverse motion of the second piece relative to the first piece deflects the sensor from the closed position to an open position, thereby severing the first fuse wire.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor includes inputting a quadrature-axis current (Iq) and a direct-axis current (Id) into an electric motor, receiving speed feedback indicative of the speed of the electric motor, determining whether the speed of the electric motor increases given the input Iq, and controlling the Id to increase the speed of the electric motor by selectively weakening the electromagnetic field if the speed of the electric motor does not increase given the input Iq.

Abstract: A sensor system for a wing panel assembly of an aircraft includes a first end of a linkage assembly operatively coupled to a first slat panel. Also included is a second end of the linkage assembly operatively coupled to a second slat panel with a first ball joint. Further included is a block having a cutout portion surrounding the first ball joint. Yet further included is a sensing element disposed proximate the block to detect rotation of the block beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A differential motion sensor includes a base and a cradle. The base includes a first surface that extends along a first axis to define a length and a second axis to define a width. The base further includes at least one hinge that pivots about a rotational axis extending along the first axis. The cradle is pivotably coupled to the at least one hinge and is configured to move in the direction of the second axis when pivoting about the hinge. The differential motion sensor is configured to operate in a first mode when the cradle is aligned with the base and a second mode when the cradle is pivotably displaced with respect to the base.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor includes inputting a quadrature-axis current (Iq) and a direct-axis current (Id) into an electric motor, receiving speed feedback indicative of the speed of the electric motor, determining whether the speed of the electric motor increases given the input Iq, and controlling the Id to increase the speed of the electric motor by selectively weakening the electromagnetic field if the speed of the electric motor does not increase given the input Iq.

Abstract: An electromechanical fuse of a differential motion sensor is provided. The fuse includes at least one thick layer that acts as an insulating envelope of the fuse. A thin layer acts as a conductor of the fuse and is made of a lower-strength material.

Abstract: The disclosed sensor includes a frame having a base and a plurality of arms integral with the base. The arms are biased to a relaxed position, which may be an extended position. A fuse is fastened between the arms to hold the arms in a non-relaxed position. When incorporated into an aircraft, for example, the disclosed sensor may be connected to a first panel, and a pin connected to a second panel may be positioned between the arms.

Abstract: A sensor detects relative mechanical movement between two components. The sensor has two arms, and is to be mounted on one of the two components. Each of the arms has pins received in an opening in two fuse portions. The arms are pivotal within a fuse bracket. The two fuse portions include a thin portion to allow each to fracture. The fuse portions are designed to be distinct such that a distinct amount of relative movement between the first and second arms is allowed before each of the fuse portions fracture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lubricating a gear of a differential gear system is disclosed. A member or shaft rotates within a housing of the differential gear system. The shaft includes a chamber for receiving a lubricant from the exterior of the housing. A gear rotates relative to the shaft, and a hole in the shaft disperses the lubricant from the chamber to a selected gear location of the gear to lubricate the gear.

Abstract: A connection for transmitting rotating torque has a first component having a shaft with male spline teeth on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The male spline teeth extend to an inner end, and there is a blocking portion of the shaft extending in an inner direction from the inner end of the male spline teeth. A second component has a hollow portion with female spline teeth on an inner periphery of a bore. The female spline teeth extend to an outer end. Bolt holes are formed in both the hollow portion and the shaft. The bolt hole in the shaft is formed in a portion of the shaft receiving the male spline teeth. A bolt extends through the bolt holes, and the shaft is secured within the hollow portion. A distance from an inner end of the blocking portion to the inner end of the male spline teeth is greater than a distance between an outer surface on the bolt to the outer end of the female spline teeth on the hollow portion.

Abstract: A sensor detects relative mechanical movement between two components. The sensor has two arms, and is to be mounted on one of the two components. Each of the arms has pins received in an opening in two fuse portions. The arms are pivotal within a fuse bracket. The two fuse portions include a thin portion to allow each to fracture. The fuse portions are designed to be distinct such that a distinct amount of relative movement between the first and second arms is allowed before each of the fuse portions fracture.