Abstract: A powered canopy breaker attached to an ejection seat, that fractures a canopy when the seat is ejected. The breaker has a piston that is operatively connected to an explosive cartridge. When the seat is ejected, the piston engages the canopy, pushing the piston a predetermined distance until the cartridge is detonated. The detonated cartridge ignites a detonating cord that fractures the canopy.

Abstract: A powered canopy breaker attached to an ejection seat, that fractures a canopy when the seat is ejected. The breaker has a piston that is operatively connected to an explosive cartridge. When the seat is ejected, the piston engages the canopy, pushing the piston a predetermined distance until the cartridge is detonated. The detonated cartridge thrusts the piston back, fracturing the canopy.

Abstract: Ejection seat rails that guide an ejection seat out of a vehicle, wherein the seat has rollers that travel along the rails. The rails are constructed such that the rollers simultaneously disengage from the rails, reducing the amount of tip-off that would occur if the rollers were to sequentially disengage.

Abstract: A carpet installation for use with a frangible panel to assist in the disintegration and breakup of the panel permitting ventilation through an aircraft floor. The carpet installation utilizes positioning and hold-down tiles to reduce adhesive contact with the frangible panel and isolators to limit the support for the panel and increase the shear forces on the panel during breakup of the panel.

Abstract: The upper floor of a multi-deck pressurized aircraft having frangible floor panels sealing the floor during normal flight conditions yet rupturable under a predetermined environmental condition such as when a relatively high pressure differential exists between the upper cabin and lower cargo compartments. This may occur, for example, when the cargo compartment is depressurized by inflight explosion or collision. Differential pressure activates the panel destruction apparatus which strikes the frangible floor panels in such manner as to cause them to disintegrate or crumble into small pieces. Typical panels may be chemically strengthened glass, ceramics, etc.