Abstract: A retaining component for securing an external structure or panel to a seat track within a mobile platform, such as an aircraft. The retaining component includes a pair of flexible flanges that are adapted to engage an external component or panel, in one example a seat track in a commercial aircraft cabin area. The retaining component also includes a base portion having a flexible portion with at least one locking tab protruding therefrom. One or more hook-shaped engaging tabs also protrude from the base portion. The engaging tabs and the locking tab enable the retaining component to be secured to a flange of a seat track having a plurality of spaced apart holes in a manner that does not require any external threaded or rivet style fastening elements, or the use of separate assembly tools.

Abstract: An eccentric fastening device is provided. The eccentric fastening device includes a first threaded fastener, a base and a rotary lug providing a non-fastened pre-assembled position. The base includes a top, a bottom, a stem and a hole, where the stem axially extends from the bottom of the base, and the hole axially extends from the top through the stem of the base. The rotary lug is releasably retained in the hole of the base by the first threaded fastener. The rotary lug includes a cylindrical portion having a thread and a head, wherein the head is offset from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is substantially axially concentric with the hole of the base, allowing the head to be eccentrically rotated on or off of the stem, whereby a selective structure may be variably clamped and releasably retained between said head and said base. An aircraft having an eccentric fastening device is also provided. A method of installing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A dual-vehicle turntable includes a subframe that incorporates a central pivot, a circular track and a rail cam; a generally circular carriage pivotably couplable to the central pivot and having a plurality of rollers angularly spaced around the periphery thereof that ride on the circular track; and a pair of linearly movable platforms mounted on the carriage, each of the platforms supporting a single vehicle and having a cam follower that tracks the rail cam. When the platforms are aligned with the opening of a garage, they are in a maximum spaced-apart relationship. However, when the carriage rotates, the platforms move towards each other, motivated by the action of the cam followers on the rail cam, thereby decreasing inter-vehicle distance and the lateral space required for the rotation of the vehicles. The platforms return to their original spacing as the carriage completes 180 degrees of rotation.