Abstract: Disclosed are power distribution systems and methods in which a power distribution unit (PDU) includes a residual current monitor (RCM) to detect the presence of downstream leakage current in the PDU. The RCM can include a current sensor with a core that has power conductors passing through the core and drive windings about the core. Drive circuitry of the RCM produce alternating drive signals through the drive windings to drive the core into and out of positive and negative saturation. Sensing circuitry of the RCM produce a response signal that is filtered by a high-order current signal filter to isolate characteristics of the downstream leakage current.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU), including: a housing; one or more outlets; a power input connector; a controller; multiple power input conductors coupled to the power input connector; a pair of conductors coupled to and extending between the power input connector and the controller; and a detachable power cord, including: a power cord connector mateable with the power input connector; multiple power cord conductors coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with corresponding power input conductors; and a memory coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with the pair of conductors, wherein the memory includes information pertaining to the power cord.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU), including: a housing; one or more outlets; a power input connector; a controller; multiple power input conductors coupled to the power input connector; a pair of conductors coupled to and extending between the power input connector and the controller; and a detachable power cord, including: a power cord connector mateable with the power input connector; multiple power cord conductors coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with corresponding power input conductors; and a memory coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with the pair of conductors, wherein the memory includes information pertaining to the power cord.

Abstract: An outlet module mounting mechanism for use with a power distribution unit including: a bracket attachable to an outlet module; a latch movably coupled to the bracket, wherein the latch has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; a link coupled to the proximal end portion of the latch; and a plunger connected to the link and movable between a released position and a latched position. When the plunger is moved to the latched position the plunger moves the link away from a front side of the outlet module such that the distal end portion of the at least one latch moves toward the front side of the outlet module to engage a corresponding wall of the housing thereby securing the outlet module to the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aircraft flap mechanism, entirely contained within each flap, such that each flap can be activated independently of any other. The mechanism includes electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motors which activate the movement of the flaps. The invention results in a compact, light, low cost, reliable and easy to maintain mechanism. Furthermore, due to the fact that the mechanism is entirely contained within the flap it maximizes internal wing space.

Abstract: The adjustable fuselage location method is based on the combined use of slots under fuselage longerons, saddles between fuselage and wing, straps, brackets, thread poles and nuts. Saddles installed under the fuselage provide an interface between the fuselage and wing. Straps wrap around the brackets inside fuselage longerons, saddles and wing box for fastening the wing to the fuselage. Thread poles are affixed on the brackets for guiding the traveling of fuselage in longitudinal direction. By turning the nuts on the poles, fuselage can be relocated on the wing. These adjusting mechanisms can be hided inside the longerons of fuselage and manipulated from inside of the fuselage.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aircraft flap mechanism, entirely contained within each flap, such that each flap can be activated independently of any other. The mechanism includes electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motors which activate the movement of the flaps. The invention results in a compact, light, low cost, reliable and easy to maintain mechanism. Furthermore, due to the fact that the mechanism is entirely contained within the flap it maximizes internal wing space.

Abstract: A method is described of mating composite structures by means of straps, thus avoiding the use of through-structure fasteners and the need to drill holes through the composite structure. This method is applicable to any composite structures, but is particularly valuable for light weight composite aircraft wing-to-fuselage connections. The method described herein is for this particular application.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is an autogyro which utilizes a variable pitch propeller and an electric motor coupled to the lift rotor. At takeoff, the engine may be started with the thrust propeller at zero pitch and the lift rotor-driving electric motor is engaged to spin the lift rotor to the desired take off speed while the autogyro is still stationary on the ground. The pitch of the pusher propeller is switched from zero pitch to the take off power pitch so as to obtain desired forward thrust while the power to the lift rotor is switched off as the autogyro begins to lift off the ground. In this way the takeoff run may be relatively short. Also, if sufficient head wind is present, vertical takeoff would be possible.