Abstract: The present disclosure includes a hinge assembly for use in a hinged attachment of a panel relative to a frame and providing movement of the panel relative to the frame. A link which provides an extension or reach motion and positioning of the assembly, shown for purposes of illustration and not limitation in the form of a gooseneck arm, is provided in the hinge assembly to facilitate an extended range of motion of the hinge assembly. A first spherical bearing assembly and a second spherical bearing assembly are operatively associated with a bearing end of the link to provide multiple degrees of motion while securely retaining the panel relative to the frame. The hinge is intended to provide universal application of a single version of a hinge which can be used in multiple locations as facilitated by the multiple degrees of motion provided by the bearing end of the link.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for use in attaching portions or panels on an aircraft. The latch mechanism and related method include a detent mechanism for releasably coupling a bolt portion of the latch to a handle portion of the latch. The latch allows the bolt and handle to conjointly pivot with respect to a corresponding mounting bracket. The latch operates to relieve pressure in an excess pressure condition when the forces associated with the detention mechanism are overcome.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a hinge assembly for use in a hinged attachment of a panel relative to a frame and providing movement of the panel relative to the frame. A link which provides an extension or reach motion and positioning of the assembly, shown for purposes of illustration and not limitation in the form of a gooseneck arm, is provided in the hinge assembly to facilitate an extended range of motion of the hinge assembly. A first spherical bearing assembly and a second spherical bearing assembly are operatively associated with a bearing end of the link to provide multiple degrees of motion while securely retaining the panel relative to the frame.

Abstract: A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively moveable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for use in attaching portions or panels on an aircraft. The latch mechanism and related method include a detent mechanism for releasably coupling a bolt portion of the latch to a handle portion of the latch. The latch allows the bolt and handle to conjointly pivot with respect to a corresponding mounting bracket. The latch operates to relieve pressure in an excess pressure condition when the forces associated with the detention mechanism are overcome.

Abstract: A damping device using viscous shear to moderate substantially linear movement. The device has a housing with one or more reservoirs containing a viscous fluid, such as silicone, and one or more retractable struts that can extend from the housing. The strut has a portion formed as a toothed rack, and an associated axle has a pinion gear on a portion associated with the toothed rack of the strut. The teeth of the rack mate with teeth of the pinion gear. A disk, or preferably series of spaced disks, can be mounted on the axle inside the reservoir to dampen linear movement of the strut, from shear with a static plate adjacent to the disk on the axle. The relatively fixed, spaced disks or plates are adjacent to or interdigitated with the disks on the gear axles to dampen linear movement of a strut.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.

Abstract: A damping device using viscous shear to moderate substantially linear movement. The device has a housing with one or more reservoirs containing a viscous fluid, such as silicone, and one or more retractable struts that can extend from the housing. The strut has a portion formed as a toothed rack, and an associated axle has a pinion gear on a portion associated with the toothed rack of the strut. The teeth of the rack mate with teeth of the pinion gear. A disk, or preferably series of spaced disks, can be mounted on the axle inside the reservoir to dampen linear movement of the strut, from shear with a static plate adjacent to the disk on the axle. The relatively fixed, spaced disks or plates are adjacent to or interdigitated with the disks on the gear axles to dampen linear movement of a strut.

Abstract: A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively moveable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.

Abstract: A latch system including a first portion and a second portion which are attached to corresponding pieces. The first portion is engageable with the second portion. A drive device is coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion for controllable operation of the device to engage and disengage the first portion and second portion. A controller is provided and coupled to the drive device for controllably operating the drive device to engage and disengage the latch. The first and second portion may be provided in the form of a hook and keeper configuration with one of the hook portion and keeper portion being driven by the drive device. A sensor may be provided on the latch assembly coupled to the controller for detecting at least one condition such as the latch being engaged or the latch being disengaged. Also disclosed is a method of latching using a first portion, second portion, drive device and controller for controllably latching and unlatching a latch assembly.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably latching a first member to a second member. The latch mechanism includes a bracket adapted to be attached to the first member and bolt pivotally coupled to the bracket. A handle is pivotally coupled to the bracket and is operatively associated with the bolt such that the handle selectively pivots the bolt between a latched and unlatched position. A trigger is pivotally coupled to the handle and a locking member is pivotally coupled to the trigger. The locking member is adapted to releasably couple the trigger to the bracket to prevent pivotal movement of the handle and the bolt from the latched position. The trigger includes the tool receiving recess such that the latch mechanism may be moved between the latched and unlatched positions with the mechanical advantage provided by the tool.

Abstract: A latch mechanism in combination with a sensor assembly for use in latching a first structure to a second structure such as a panel to an aircraft. Also disclosed is a sensor assembly for use with a latch mechanism and a method of using a sensor assembly in combination with a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism and sensor assembly include a hook mechanism carried on a first structure and a keeper mechanism retained on a second structure. The sensor assembly is connected to the hook mechanism or the keeper mechanism or with both for detecting characteristics thereof. An output device of the sensor assembly is provided for at least indicating the condition of the sensor device. A power interface for providing power to the sensor assembly or recharging a power source of the sensor assembly or both. A display coupled to the controller for displaying information about the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably securing a first structure to a second structure. The latch mechanism includes a housing adapted to be attached to the first structure and an actuator pivotally attached to the housing. Selective pivotal movement of the actuator pivots a bolt member between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch mechanism is sealed to prevent the flow of fluid through the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a panel in a closed position and releasing a panel upon application of changes resulting from a pressure change in an area adjoining the panel. The apparatus includes a latch mechanism attached to a structure having a bolt for engaging corresponding panel. The latch mechanism may be retained on the corresponding panel with the bolt engaging the structure. A pressure responsive device is provided to detect a change in pressure on one side of the panel and facilitating release of the bolt in response to a pressure change of a predetermined range or force. The latch mechanism and pressure responsive device vent to or communicate with only one side of the panel. A reservoir on one side of the panel communicates with a pressure responsive chamber of the pressure responsive device. The reservoir is generally on the same side of the panel to provide a pressure volume which is generally isolated from ambient pressure, such as during a decompression event.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a panel in a closed position and releasing a panel upon application of changes resulting from a pressure change in an area adjoining the panel. The apparatus includes a latch mechanism attached to a structure having a bolt for engaging corresponding panel. The latch mechanism may be retained on the corresponding panel with the bolt engaging the structure. A pressure responsive device is provided to detect a change in pressure on one side of the panel and facilitating release of the bolt in response to a pressure change of a predetermined range or force. The latch mechanism and pressure responsive device vent to or communicate with only one side of the panel. A reservoir on one side of the panel communicates with a pressure responsive chamber of the pressure responsive device. The reservoir is generally on the same side of the panel to provide a pressure volume which is generally isolated from ambient pressure, such as during a decompression event.

Abstract: A latch mechanism in combination with a sensor assembly for use in latching a first structure to a second structure such as a panel to an aircraft. Also disclosed is a sensor assembly for use with a latch mechanism and a method of using a sensor assembly in combination with a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism and sensor assembly include a hook mechanism carried on a first structure and a keeper mechanism retained on a second structure. The sensor assembly is connected to the hook mechanism or the keeper mechanism or with both for detecting characteristics thereof. An output device of the sensor assembly is provided for at least indicating the condition of the sensor device. A power interface for providing power to the sensor assembly or recharging a power source of the sensor assembly or both. A display coupled to the controller for displaying information about the sensor assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.