Abstract: Technologies are generally described for lead-lag dampers. An example lead-lag may include a single- or two-stage floating annular ring, elastomer bearings, a tension stop, a compression stop, and a plunger/spring volume compensator. The floating annular ring(s) form orifice(s) in conjunction with the remaining damper components may provide stable performance by tracking with any center shaft misalignment during operation. The lead-lag damper may also include a secondary spring system allowing or disallowing fluid flow between chambers based on slow or sudden movement of the shaft.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for lead-lag dampers. An example lead-lag may include a single- or two-stage floating annular ring, elastomer bearings, a tension stop, a compression stop, and a plunger/spring volume compensator. The floating annular ring(s) form orifice(s) in conjunction with the remaining damper components may provide stable performance by tracking with any center shaft misalignment during operation. The lead-lag damper may also include a secondary spring system allowing or disallowing fluid flow between chambers based on slow or sudden movement of the shaft.

Abstract: An end fitting connector assembly includes an end fitting having a first end, a second end and a through opening that extends in a direction that is transverse to an end fitting axis extending through the first and second ends and in which the through opening is defined by a peripheral wall. An elastically deformable race fitted into the through opening of the end fitting includes an exterior surface that engages the peripheral wall and an interior surface configured to provide snap fitting engagement with a spherical ball mount. At least one feature retaining the race within the end fitting creates an increased disassembly force, which may prevent disassembly without employing a release tool or release feature. The interior and exterior surfaces of the race can include spherical surfaces for conforming to the spherical ball and the peripheral wall of the end fitting.

Abstract: An load adaptive lift assist for a pivoting stowage bin includes an assembly housing having an interior and a pair of opposing end fittings. A piston rod is disposed within the assembly housing and operatively coupled to one of the end fittings, the piston rod being configured to move between extended and retracted positions based on the movement of the pivoting stowage bin. A spring retainer is attached to a structure that retains at least one lift assist spring and a latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the other of the end fittings. The latch mechanism includes at least one mechanical feature for retaining the spring retainer until a predetermined load has been exceeded in the stowage bin. The load adaptive lift assist automatically resets itself and does not require use of sensors or feedback controls.

Abstract: An end fitting connector assembly includes an end fitting having a first end, a second end and a through opening that extends in a direction that is transverse to an end fitting axis extending through the first and second ends and in which the through opening is defined by a peripheral wall. An elastically deformable race fitted into the through opening of the end fitting includes an exterior surface that engages the peripheral wall and an interior surface configured to provide snap fitting engagement with a spherical ball mount. At least one feature retaining the race within the end fitting creates an increased disassembly force, which may prevent disassembly without employing a release tool or release feature. The interior and exterior surfaces of the race can include spherical surfaces for conforming to the spherical ball and the peripheral wall of the end fitting.

Abstract: An end fitting connector assembly includes an end fitting having a first end, a second end and a through opening that extends in a direction that is transverse to an end fitting axis extending through the first and second ends and in which the through opening is defined by a peripheral wall. An elastically deformable race fitted into the through opening of the end fitting includes an exterior surface that engages the peripheral wall and an interior surface configured to provide snap fitting engagement with a spherical ball mount. At least one feature retaining the race within the end fitting creates an increased disassembly force, which may prevent disassembly without employing a release tool or release feature. The interior and exterior surfaces of the race can include spherical surfaces for conforming to the spherical ball and the peripheral wall of the end fitting.

Abstract: An load adaptive lift assist for a pivoting stowage bin includes an assembly housing having an interior and a pair of opposing end fittings. A piston rod is disposed within the assembly housing and operatively coupled to one of the end fittings, the piston rod being configured to move between extended and retracted positions based on the movement of the pivoting stowage bin. A spring retainer is attached to a structure that retains at least one lift assist spring and a latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the other of the end fittings. The latch mechanism includes at least one mechanical feature for retaining the spring retainer until a predetermined load has been exceeded in the stowage bin. The load adaptive lift assist automatically resets itself and does not require use of sensors or feedback controls.

Abstract: A spring loaded actuator assembly includes a first member having a set of rails, a second member configured to translate axially relative to the first member and a third member configured for translational movement within the second tubular member. The second and third members each include a set of ramp-like teeth configured to engage one another when the third member is moved within the second member; and grooves configured to engage the rails of the first member and permit translational movement of the second and third members relative to the first member while preventing rotational movement of the second and third members.

Abstract: A damping assembly for a pivoting stowage bin includes a rotary hydraulic damper that is mounted on the pivot axis of the stowage bin. The rotary hydraulic damper includes a damper body that receives a rotor having at least one vane moved through contained hydraulic fluid. Preferably, an exterior bearing surface on the damper precludes the active damping elements from radial loads, while a distributed attachment of the rotor to the pivoting bin enables reduced torque loads. The damper can include an integrated flow-control valve for controlling the opening rate of the pivoting bin as well as an integrated mechanical stop for the bin.

Abstract: An end fitting connector assembly includes an end fitting having a first end, a second end and a through opening that extends in a direction that is transverse to an end fitting axis extending through the first and second ends and in which the through opening is defined by a peripheral wall. An elastically deformable race fitted into the through opening of the end fitting includes an exterior surface that engages the peripheral wall and an interior surface configured to provide snap fitting engagement with a spherical ball mount. At least one feature retaining the race within the end fitting creates an increased disassembly force, which may prevent disassembly without employing a release tool or release feature. The interior and exterior surfaces of the race can include spherical surfaces for conforming to the spherical ball and the peripheral wall of the end fitting.

Abstract: A spring loaded actuator assembly includes a first member having a set of rails, a second member configured to translate axially relative to the first member and a third member configured for translational movement within the second tubular member. The second and third members each include a set of ramp-like teeth configured to engage one another when the third member is moved within the second member; and grooves configured to engage the rails of the first member and permit translational movement of the second and third members relative to the first member while preventing rotational movement of the second and third members.

Abstract: A damping assembly for a pivoting stowage bin includes a rotary hydraulic damper that is mounted on the pivot axis of the stowage bin. The rotary hydraulic damper includes a damper body that receives a rotor having at least one vane moved through contained hydraulic fluid. Preferably, an exterior bearing surface on the damper precludes the active damping elements from radial loads, while a distributed attachment of the rotor to the pivoting bin enables reduced torque loads. The damper can include an integrated flow-control valve for controlling the opening rate of the pivoting bin as well as an integrated mechanical stop for the bin.

Abstract: A rate control device includes an outer cylinder defining an interior chamber having a longitudinal axis and containing a hydraulic fluid. A piston head mounted to a proximal end or a piston rod is slidably positionable within the interior chamber. A rate control valve is disposed within an interior cavity of the piston head coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the interior chamber of the cylinder. The rate control valve includes a variable flow rate orifice and a fixed flow rate orifice disposed in series relationship with respect to fluid flow through the rate control valve.

Abstract: A rate control device includes an outer cylinder defining an interior chamber having a longitudinal axis and containing a hydraulic fluid. A piston head mounted to a proximal end or a piston rod is slidably positionable within the interior chamber. A rate control valve is disposed within an interior cavity of the piston head coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the interior chamber of the cylinder. The rate control valve includes a variable flow rate orifice and a fixed flow rate orifice disposed in series relationship with respect to fluid flow through the rate control valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic bolt buffer assembly for an automatic firearm, the firearm including a receiver having a longitudinal chamber, a bolt and carrier assembly mounted in the chamber for reciprocating movement between a recoil position and a battery position, a spring for urging the buffer into contact with the bolt and carrier assembly for movement therewith and for biasing said bolt and carrier assembly toward the battery position. The buffer assembly includes a housing having an inner cavity, as well as a piston disposed within the inner cavity of the housing that is movable between an extended position and a depressed position, the piston being in contact with the bolt and carrier assembly. The buffer further includes a spring for biasing the piston in the extended position, as well as a bearing member in fixed relation in the housing and permitting a fluid tight seal with the interior of the buffer housing.

Abstract: A shear orifice valve including a valve body, a torque motor mounted on the valve body, fluid inlet ducts in the valve body, a plurality of first opposed metering orifices in the valve body in communication with the first fluid duct, a plurality of second opposed metering orifices in the valve body in communication with the second fluid duct, an armature in the torque motor, a metering arm having first and second faces on opposite sides thereof coupled to the armature with the first and second faces located between the first and second opposed metering orifices, and a third fluid duct in the valve body for either receiving fluid simultaneously from the first orifices in response to movement of the metering arm in a first direction or for conducting fluid simultaneously to the second orifices in response to movement of the metering arm in a second direction.