Abstract: An actuator comprising first and second motors, first and second drive linkages, and a pivot mount configured to pivot about a pivot axis, the pivot mount connected to the first and second drive linkages at first and second mount connections offset first and second offset distances from the pivot axis, the motors and first and second drive linkages configured to provide first and second load paths between a drive housing and the pivot mount so that in a first operation state the pivot mount is in a force-balanced orientation about the pivot axis, and a proximity detector positioned to detect when the pivot mount rotates about the pivot axis above a threshold out of the force-balanced orientation, wherein a force imbalance on the pivot mount caused by a fault in one of the first or second drive linkages above a threshold is detected by the proximity detector.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a shaft and a nut in engagement with the shaft such that the nut translates within a linear range of motion axially on a center axis relative to the shaft in response to relative rotation between the nut and the shaft, a stop positioned at a travel limiting position and having a rotational input portion and an axial output portion, the rotational input portion configured to rotate about the center axis relative to the shaft, the axial output portion constrained from rotating about the center axis relative to the shaft and configured to translate axially on the center axis relative to the rotational input portion in response to relative rotation between the axial output portion and the rotational input portion, and an axially compliant member configured to bias the axial output portion towards the travel limiting position.

Abstract: An improved flight control system comprising a flight control surface of an aircraft or spacecraft, a first optical fiber having a fiber optic sensor configured to sense a first parameter associated with the flight control surface at a first position and a second fiber optic sensor configured to sense a second parameter associated with the flight control surface at a second location, an interrogator connected to the first optical fiber and configured to convert the sensed parameters from both the first fiber optic sensor and the second fiber optic sensor into an electrical signal, and the interrogator communicating with a flight control computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing differential motion to wing high lift devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first deployable lift device with a first spanwise location, and a second deployable lift device with a second spanwise location different than the first. The wing system can further include a drive system having a drive link operatively coupleable to both the first and second deployable lift devices, and a control system operatively coupled to the drive system. The control system can have a first configuration for which the drive link is operatively coupled to the first and second deployable lift devices, and activation of at least a portion of the drive link moves the first and second deployable lift devices together.

Abstract: An improved powered hinge (20) with an automatic locking feature proximate the ends of permissible relative angular displacement of its two hinge sections broadly includes: a stationary member (23) having a pivotal axis (x-x), and having a first slot (31) extending between opposite ends; a movable member (24) mounted for rotation about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member, and having a second slot (34) extending between opposite ends; a driving member (28) adapted to be rotated about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member from one angular position to another angular position, and having a third slot (36) extending between opposite ends; and an elongated pin (29) passing through the first, second and third slots, the pin being constrained for movement substantially parallel to the pivotal axis; the first, second and third slots being so configured and arranged that as the driving member is rotated from the one angular position to the other angular position, the pin will be moved from

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing differential motion to wing high lift devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first deployable lift device with a first spanwise location, and a second deployable lift device with a second spanwise location different than the first. The wing system can further include a drive system having a drive link operatively coupleable to both the first and second deployable lift devices, and a control system operatively coupled to the drive system. The control system can have a first configuration for which the drive link is operatively coupled to the first and second deployable lift devices, and activation of at least a portion of the drive link moves the first and second deployable lift devices together.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing differential motion to wing high lift devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first deployable lift device with a first spanwise location, and a second deployable lift device with a second spanwise location different than the first. The wing system can further include a drive system having a drive link operatively coupleable to both the first and second deployable lift devices, and a control system operatively coupled to the drive system. The control system can have a first configuration for which the drive link is operatively coupled to the first and second deployable lift devices, and activation of at least a portion of the drive link moves the first and second deployable lift devices together.

Abstract: An improved powered hinge (20) with an automatic locking feature proximate the ends of permissible relative angular displacement of its two hinge sections broadly includes: a stationary member (23) having a pivotal axis (x-x), and having a first slot (31) extending between opposite ends; a movable member (24) mounted for rotation about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member, and having a second slot (34) extending between opposite ends; a driving member (28) adapted to be rotated about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member from one angular position to another angular position, and having a third slot (36) extending between opposite ends; and an elongated pin (29) passing through the first, second and third slots, the pin being constrained for movement substantially parallel to the pivotal axis; the first, second and third slots being so configured and arranged that as the driving member is rotated from the one angular position to the other angular position, the pin will be moved from

Abstract: A force-limiting rotary lock (20) for a shaft (21) mounted on a housing (22) for rotational and axial movement relative thereto, broadly includes a lug member (28) provided on the shaft, and a pawl (51) mounted on the housing. The pawl is movable relative to the housing between first and second positions. The pawl is operatively arranged to engage the lug when the pawl is in its first position (shown in FIG. 3) to prevent further rotation of the shaft in one angular direction, and to be disengaged from the lug when the pawl is in its second position (shown in FIG. 2) to permit rotation of the shaft in either angular direction. A cam (25) is mounted on the shaft, and a follower (49) is mounted on the housing for selectively moving the pawl between the first and second positions when the shaft is axially displaced from its predetermined position.

Abstract: A force-limiting rotary lock (20) for a shaft (21) mounted on a housing (22) for rotational and axial movement relative thereto, broadly includes a lug member (28) provided on the shaft, and a pawl (51) mounted on the housing. The pawl is movable relative to the housing between first and second positions. The pawl is operatively arranged to engage the lug when the pawl is in its first position (shown in FIG. 3) to prevent further rotation of the shaft in one angular direction, and to be disengaged from the lug when the pawl is in its second position (shown in FIG. 2) to permit rotation of the shaft in either angular direction. A cam (25) is mounted on the shaft, and a follower (49) is mounted on the housing for selectively moving the pawl between the first and second positions when the shaft is axially displaced from its predetermined position.

Abstract: The torque limiter described herein is a device for preventing the transmission of torque from a drive source to a torque responsive element when a predetermined torque limit has been reached. The device also provides subsequent mechanical indication that the predetermined torque limit has been reached. The device operates by transmitting torque between two axial members, a drive member and a driven member, having a plurality of balls therebetween with the balls engaged within precisely shaped sockets contained within each axial member. As excess torque occurs, the plurality of balls cause the driven member to axially displace with respect to the drive member, engaging a set of teeth contained on the driven member with a second set of teeth aligned with the first set of teeth and restrained within the housing, thereby preventing torque transmission.