Abstract: A vehicle body has a side sill, which has an upper wall and a lower wall, and a floor plate. The side sill and the floor plate are connected to each other. The side sill has a hollow profile, and the floor plate is designed such as to overlap the upper wall and/or the lower wall of the side sill.

Abstract: The outer R/F 28 is structured by a member whose strength is higher than and whose ductility is lower than those of the pillar inner panel 26 and the pillar outer panel 24, and has a vertical wall portion 28B that is disposed at a front side in a vehicle longitudinal direction and a vertical wall portion 28C that is disposed at a rear side. Further, a through-hole 32 is formed in the outer R/F 28 at a position that is further toward a vehicle vertical direction lower side than a beltline B and that overlaps a neutral plane M in a planar cross-section that includes the vertical wall portion 28B and the vertical wall portion 28C. The outer R/F 28 is joined to the pillar outer panel 24 at an interior of the closed cross-section, and reinforces the pillar outer panel 24.

Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes: an instrument panel reinforcement that extends in a vehicle width direction and supports a steering column; a cowl that is disposed at the vehicle forward side of the instrument panel reinforcement and is provided with a recessed portion that is open toward a vehicle upward side and extends along the vehicle width direction; a coupling member that couples the instrument panel reinforcement and the cowl to each other in a vehicle forward and rearward direction, at a predetermined position in the vehicle width direction; and a bracket that is disposed at the cowl at a front side in the vehicle forward and rearward direction, and on an extension line, of the coupling member, that closes off an open side of the recessed portion in the vehicle forward and rearward direction, and has a ridgeline that extends in the vehicle forward and rearward direction.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly for a product includes an inner component abuttable with the product and defining a first hole, an outer component abuttable with the inner component and the product and defining a second hole, and a first fastener. The first fastener is insertable into the first hole and the second hole so that the inner component is attached to the outer component and the product is sandwiched between the inner component and the outer component. A product includes a fender defining a cavity and the splash guard assembly attached to the fender within the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid component and a method for producing the hybrid component. The hybrid component comprises a steel component 1 and a light metal component 2, wherein the steel component 1 has a recess 3, which extends through the steel component and tapers towards the light metal component 2, the recess being filled with a weld filler material 6, such that owing to the weld filler material 6, the steel component 1 is bonded in a positive locking manner so as to be positionally stabilized.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mounting arrangement for coupling a work tool attachment with a three-point linkage of a machine. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting portion, a pair of support plates having holes, and a connecting rod removably received through the holes of the pair of supporting plates. The mounting arrangement includes an attachment bracket adapted to couple to the mounting portion. The attachment bracket includes a first plate and a second end distal to the first end. The first end defines a first opening and the second end defines a plurality of first through-holes. The attachment bracket includes a second plate having a first end and a second end distal to the first end. The first end defines a second opening and the second end defining a plurality of second through-holes. The attachment bracket includes a hollow shaft adapted to slidably receive the connecting rod therethrough.

Abstract: Heavy equipment trailer comprising an elongated deck, a front gooseneck extending from the front of the deck for connection to a pulling vehicle, a rear gooseneck extending from the rear of the deck, a jeep with ground engaging wheels positioned to the rear of the deck, and an elevator operatively connected between the rear gooseneck and the jeep for raising and lowering the rear gooseneck to adjust the height of the deck above the ground. The trailer also has a front jeep and a rear booster with dual axles and multiple wheels, with the loads at the front and rear of the deck being distributed respectively between the front jeep and the pulling vehicle and between the rear jeep and the booster. A front jeep includes a lift for raising and lowering the front gooseneck and the front end of the deck.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to robotics, and more particularly to mobile robots capable of climbing stairs in a dynamically stable manner and operate in home environments with one or more of the following features or combinations thereof disclosed herein or in the Detailed Description below.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly is provided which includes a vehicle frame having a first axle, a wheel assembly having a housing with an aperture engaging the first axle and enabling the wheel assembly to pivot in a first plane about a first axis formed by the first axle. A cylindrical member is carried by the housing of the wheel assembly, the cylindrical member and housing are arranged perpendicular to the first axle. A first wheel is pivotably connected to a first portion of the cylindrical member and a second wheel is pivotably connected to a second portion of the cylindrical member. The first wheel and second wheel independently pivot in a second plane about a second axis formed by the cylindrical member. The first axis is arranged perpendicular to the second axis and the first plane is arranged perpendicular to the second plane.

Abstract: A construction vehicle has a slewing ring on which a superstructure is rotatably mounted, and an undercarriage supporting the slewing ring. The undercarriage includes an upper chassis, having an upper propulsion device, that is rigidly connected to the slewing ring, and & lower chassis having a lower propulsion device that is mounted in a. pivotable manner with respect to the upper chassis. Furthermore, a pivoting apparatus is provided m order to pivot the lower chassis relative to the upper chassis.

Abstract: A supporting device for a crawler vehicle configured to groom ski slopes, is mounted between a rear wheel and a front wheel, resting along the inside of a traction portion of the track, and has a plurality of rollers much smaller in diameter than the rear wheel; a belt looped around the rollers; and a structure configured to support the rollers and to push the rollers and the belt against the inside of the traction portion of the track.

Abstract: A tread pattern for a vehicle track, such as an endless track for earth moving equipment, comprises a plurality of blocks. Each block includes two lateral traction portions extending from a center traction portion in substantially opposite directions. The two lateral traction portions are longitudinally aligned. In some examples, each lateral traction portion may define a T-shape. For example, the lateral traction portions of each block may define a protrusion to define the “T” shape, and, in some examples, the protrusions may extend in opposite longitudinal directions. In some examples, the lateral traction portions of each block may be the same shape, where one lateral traction portion may be oriented at about 180 degrees relative to the other lateral traction portion.

Abstract: This invention is an agricultural trailer which has the specific characteristics of being modular and multi-purpose. The modularity is achieved via the use of hopper modules—or modules of another type—which are designed to be easily mounted and dismounted, and that are affixed on a common platform. The platform itself is also modular, allowing for the mounting and dismounting of even more modules than the basic platform can accommodate. This modularity allows to increase or to decrease the trailer's carrying capacity in accordance with the user needs and it enables to use the trailer for different agricultural purposes. The multi-purpose nature of the trailer is achieved via the use of modules with differing functionalities.

Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a mounting structure, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The mounting structure is attached to a distal end part of the second cylinder. The mounting structure is configured to fixedly mount a bicycle saddle to the distal end part of the second cylinder. The first engagement portion is provided to an outer periphery of the second cylinder. The second engagement portion is configured to engage with the first engagement portion such that a circumferential position of the mounting structure relative to the second cylinder is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: An internally illuminated frame for a bicycle or alternatively, a complete bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle comprises at least one frame tube made from a translucent material and containing individually illuminable lighting elements. The complete bicycle includes a controller operable to control individual ones of the lighting elements, a battery, brake lights, a head piece including a display screen, a user interface, an audio speaker, and optionally, forward facing lighting elements. The controller is programmable to control the lighting elements and the audio speaker from stored programming. Programming may be provided wirelessly or by hard wired connection.

Abstract: An adjustable bike rack for bicycles including wide tires including a platform comprising at least one first sleeve and at least one second sleeve. A first side piece comprises at least one first prong. A second side piece comprises at least one second prong. A narrow position is defined by the at least one first prong being fully inserted within the at least one first sleeve and the at least one second prong being fully inserted within the at least one second sleeve. A wide position is defined by the at least one first prong being minimally inserted within the at least one first sleeve and the at least one second prong being minimally inserted within the at least one second sleeve. A plurality of tightening devices are adapted to releasably fix a position of the adjustable bike rack into the narrow position or the wide position.

Abstract: A gravity propelled apparatus overcomes shortages of a scooter's dull movement and limited moving in horizontal direction of a pogo. It comprises a handlebar, a support rod, a central assembly provided with foot-rests, front leg and rear leg with front wheel and rear wheel, transmission assembly, a cable and elastic things wind around transmission assembly. When a rider steps on and fall down, the front leg and rear leg will separate each other and a cable will unwounded from transmission assembly and make a groove turning. A big-gear-wheel secured to groove will make rear wheel turn via a chain.

Abstract: A body motion vehicle is provided. The body motion vehicle has a pivotally connected arcuate two-part flexible frame and a tension member also interconnecting the two-part flexible frame so as to be movable between a collapsed condition and an upright condition that the tension member biases the two-part flexible frame thereto. A seat is disposed at the apex of the arcuate two-part flexible frame. The front frame of the two-part frame provides a steering apparatus and footholds so that a rider induces motion through the body motion vehicle by exerting force on the seat, footholds, and steering apparatus as the two-part flexible frame recoils from and is urged to the collapsed condition.

Abstract: Described is a transmission 1 for means of transport comprising: a driving shaft 10 suitable for being positioned on the axis (“X”) of a pedals and wheel assembly 100, an intermediate shaft 20 comprising a plurality of first transmission units 200 rotated by a gear wheel 12 fixed on the driving shaft 10, a user shaft 30 comprising a respective plurality of second transmission units 300 and at least one output 32 of the transmission 1, wherein each second transmission unit 300 rotated by a respective first transmission unit 200.

Abstract: A rear wheel sprocket arrangement for a bicycle comprises a plurality of sprockets comprising at least seven (7) coaxially arranged sprockets having different numbers of teeth, wherein an entire gear range of the sprocket arrangement is at least three-hundred fifty percent (350%), and wherein an average percentage gear stage step lies within a range of fifteen percent (15%) to thirty percent (30%).

Abstract: A bicycle includes a transmission having two switchable drives between a driver body on which rear sprockets are positioned and a wheel hub of a rear wheel. The bicycle has actuation elements for switching between drives and operating elements for operating the actuation elements. The bicycle includes only a single front sprocket. The actuation elements are embodied in an electrical version and the operating elements are electrically coupled to the actuation elements. By advantageously selecting the drives of the driver between the cassette housing and wheel hub, a front derailleur may be omitted. The driver allows operation with only little energy, since the chain need not be shifted. consequently, the actuation elements require little energy for changing the drive between the crank axle and the wheel hub of the bicycle, so that it is pre-eminently suitable for these actuation elements and their operation to be executed as an electrical version.

Abstract: A multihull variable aspect surf rescue boat comprises four component assemblies to form a modular component system comprising: 1. structural tubular frame chassis and frame payload platform that support and contain occupant(s) and cargo, 2. plurality of adjustable modular flotation control assemblies that control the vessel's buoyancy and steerage, 3. plurality of telescoping tube strut assemblies that vary the vessel's overall length to beam ratio and control the craft's attitude, center of buoyancy and center of gravity, 4. propulsion and control assembly to propel and guide the vessel. Component assemblies 1, 2 and 3 are constructed to minimize the vessel's wetted surface subject to lifting and rotation forces of waves and reduces the skin friction and water resistance. Component 2 provides the operator with improved control of buoyancy. Component 3 provides the operator improved control of the surf rescue boat's geometry, center of buoyancy and center of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mooring apparatus for an offshore construction that makes it easy to install a mooring chain and can moor an offshore construction stably against external force such as waves and wind. The mooring apparatus for an offshore construction includes; a floating member generating buoyancy; and fixing frames coupled to a side of the floating member and combined with a plurality of fixing arms radially extending and being stretchable and retractable, in which mooring chains which are connected to the bottom of the sea are fixed to free ends of the fixing arms respectively, so that as the fixing arms stretches/retracts on the fixing frame, the positions of the mooring chains change.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a retractable LNG cargo transfer bow manifold for tandem marine cargo transfers are described herein. A retractable liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo transfer system comprises a marine vessel, an LNG cargo transfer bow manifold moveably attached to a main deck of the marl He vessel, wherein the LNG cargo transfer bow manifold is slideable between a forward position proximate a bow of the marine vessel, and an aft position aft of the bow, the LNG cargo transfer bow manifold elevationally coupled to the main deck by a retractable support member, wherein the retractable support member is moveable between an extended position such that the LNG cargo transfer bow manifold is raised above the main deck, and a retracted position such that the LNG cargo transfer bow manifold rests on one of the main deck, below the main deck or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to provide a fairing block that couples a sonar transducer to a hull of a mobile structure. The fairing block includes a leading edge that diverts water and bubbles in the water laterally around the fairing block and the sonar transducer. A bottom of the leading edge provides a substantially undisturbed water flow over a working face of the sonar transducer while the mobile structure is in motion. The bottom of the leading edge may include a curvilinearly chamfered surface that helps prevent cavitation along the working face of the transducer. One or more lateral cutouts are disposed behind the leading edge to expose lateral sides of the sonar transducer to the water. The lateral sides of the sonar transducer may be metallic and exposed to water by the lateral cutouts, thereby dissipating heat generated within the sonar transducer to the water.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling fuel supply to an engine for ships. The system for controlling fuel supply to an engine for ships includes: a system operating zone in which LNG is pumped by a pump and gasified; and a supply operating zone receiving the pumped and gasified LNG from the system operating zone and supplying the LNG to the engine, wherein a preset pressure of the system operating zone is set to be higher than that of the supply operating zone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lighter-than-air vehicle and a method to replenish hydrogen into the vehicle while the vehicle is in the sky. The lighter-than-air vehicle can use helium or other gases that doesn't react with hydrogen as lifting gas. Hydrogen will be replenished into the lighter-than-air vehicle while it is still in mid-air. The lighter-than-air vehicles can comprise an aerostat, a hydrogen generator; a water tank and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, hydrogen generator, a water tank; and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, and a hydrogen storage alloy device. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat and a hydrogen storage alloy device.

Abstract: An internal shield inside the rear fuselage of an aircraft having a propulsion system formed by two engines mounted on each side of it. The internal shield is located in a suitable place inside the rear fuselage for covering the possible trajectories of fragments detached from one of the engines in a failure event that would impact critical elements of the opposite engine. The internal shield comprises an ensemble of fluid containers belonging to aircraft sub-systems, such as, particularly, the potable water and waste water sub-systems, with enough fluid for providing the energy absorption capability required for stopping the fragments. An aircraft having the internal shield is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft window includes an outer window assembly that includes a pressure pane coupled to a pressure pane frame. An inner window assembly includes a bezel adapted to couple to a perimeter of the inner window assembly against the outer window assembly. The bezel has a plurality of attachment features disposed thereon. A plurality of retaining features is disposed around the perimeter of the window. The retention features are configured to engage the attachment features for retaining the inner window assembly on the outer window assembly.

Abstract: A window mounting assembly includes a multi-piece bezel having a first portion having an attachment feature, and a second portion having a retention feature. The retention feature is configured to engage the attachment feature such that an inner opening is defined having an inner wall. The inner wall defines a channel. An electro-optic element is disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interior trim part (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) for the planar installation with similar interior trim parts for producing a wall covering inside an aircraft cell, wherein the interior trim part (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) can be rigidly connected to the aircraft cell. The interior trim part has a support structure (20, 21, 22, 23), wherein at least one holding position (9) is provided, which is designed to bear a load in the interior.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments may provide for an apparatus and method of controlling the folding of a wing. The apparatus may include a sensor, an actuator, and a wing fold controller. The method may include receiving a status of at least one of an aircraft and a wing fold system of the aircraft by the wing fold controller of the wing fold system. The method may also include receiving an automated command by the wing fold controller in response to receiving the status. The method may also include operating the wing fold system by the wing fold controller based on the automated command and the status. The method may also include transitioning a wingtip of a wing of the aircraft to one of a flight position and an on-ground position by an actuator of the wing fold system in response to commands from the wing fold controller.

Abstract: The technology herein relates to an aircraft structure for being moveably mounted externally on an aircraft, the aircraft structure being an aerodynamic structure comprising a structural component providing structural strength and stiffness to the aircraft structure, the structural component comprising an integral fixing for moveably mounting the aerodynamic structure externally to the aircraft, and an integral fixing for attachment to an actuator for actuating movement of the aircraft structure with respect to the aircraft, and an aerodynamic surface component attached to one side of the structural component, the aerodynamic surface component providing an aerodynamic external surface of the aircraft structure. The technology herein also relates to a method of manufacturing the aircraft structure.

Abstract: A peripheral mounting system for a drone has a cylindrical receptacle configured to be mounted to the bottom of a drone, an attachment for engaging with the receptacle, the attachment having a dome-shaped capsule configured to retain a peripheral, the edge of the capsule defining a base and a fastener at the base of the capsule, for sealingly engaging with the receptacle to form a watertight seal. The receptacle may be a threaded collar affixed to the bottom of the drone, wherein the fastener is threaded into the receptacle. In an embodiment, the peripheral is a sonar unit to locate fish and a wireless unit is configured to transmit fish location to a remote user. In another embodiment the peripheral comprises a grip configured to carry a fishing line to a remote location.

Abstract: A slat can assembly with a slat can body includes at least one full ply of a composite fiber sheet material and a plurality of elongated, unidirectional fiber ply strips that are arranged into the shape of the slat can body. At least some of the unidirectional fiber ply strips are laid over the full ply. And, the full ply and the elongated, unidirectional fiber ply strips cooperate to provide a contoured shape defined by a cellular core member.

Abstract: A configurable control panel for an aircraft cockpit includes a set of universal control modules each comprising at least one screen including at least one manually manipulable control key. Each of the control modules further includes at least one master control module, and at least one universal slave module associated with the master module, and including a screen and at least one control key. The at least one master module is configured to control the screen and the at least one control key of the at least one universal slave module.

Abstract: A shock wave in a gas is modified by emitting energy to form an extended path in the gas; heating gas along the path to form a volume of heated gas expanding outwardly from the path; and directing a path. The volume of heated gas passes through the shock wave and modifies the shock wave. This eliminates or reduces a pressure difference between gas on opposite sides of the shock wave. Electromagnetic, microwaves and/or electric discharge can be used to heat the gas along the path. This application has uses in reducing the drag on a body passing through the gas, noise reduction, controlling amount of gas into a propulsion system, and steering a body through the gas. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for operating a landing gear system, preferably in a tricycle configuration, wherein main landing gear (MLG) and the nose landing gear (NLG) are operable from a retracted position where they are housed respectively inside landing gear bays, to a fully extended position where they are extended for landing the aircraft. According to the disclosure, the extension of the nose landing gear (NLG) is delayed in time with respect to the extension of the main landing gear (MLG), and the nose landing gear (NLG) is kept retracted during a major part of the time that the main landing gear doors (MLGD) are extended. In this manner, vibrations on the main landing gear doors are reduced and incidents caused by fatigue are also reduced, which in turn implies that the maintenance cost of the aircraft is greatly reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a propeller-type vertical take-off and land aircraft with a torque removal and balancing function, the aircraft comprising: a body; a body support frame to support the body; at least one main rotor blade provided out of the body; a rotation rotor coupled centrally to the main rotor blade; a rotation drive axis operatively coupled to the rotation rotor; a main rotor motor operatively coupled to the rotation drive axis; and a counter-torque and balancing wheel disposed under the body support frame to be coupled to a torque-removal inverse motor to be configured to rotate in an opposite direction to a rotation of the main rotor blade, wherein the counter-torque and balancing wheel is housed in the body.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing craft that utilizes lifting, propulsion and maneuvering (LPM) assemblies comprising a series of blade foils arranged along track elongated loop paths disposed at the sides of a fuselage. These LPM assemblies are provided with control mechanisms enabling lift, attitude changes, altitude changes and directional flight propulsion and control including those needed for hovering as well as vertical takeoff and landing. The LPM assemblies are configured to drive large volumes of air in a manner and scale favorably similar to conventional rotorcraft while in contrast, providing capability for faster flights by eliminating or minimizing speed limiting factors commonly associated with rotorcraft.

Abstract: A method for transporting maintenance personnel at a cell tower includes, responsive to a requirement for a tower climb for one or more of a site survey, a site audit, maintenance, and installation at the cell tower, securing a person in a drone, wherein the drone includes flight components at a substantial length from the person allowing the flight components to fly over a top of the cell tower and to place the person directly adjacent to a desired location on the cell tower; flying the drone up the cell tower to locate the person directly adjacent to the desired location; and performing the one or more of a site survey, a site audit, maintenance, and installation at the cell tower.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide an interface that adjusts for distance changes between mobile seats. One embodiment comprises an elongated housing having a bottom side that mounts to a seat track, an opposing top side having an opening, and side walls between the bottom side and the top side. The housing has a front side that receives an end of a seat track cover within an interior space of the housing. The surfaces of the side walls within the interior space include pairs of slots in opposition that extend from the top side toward the bottom side. The pairs of slots receive an electrical connector of the seat, and mate it to an electrical connector of the seat track cover. A spacing of the pairs of slots along a length of the housing defines a variable distance between the end of the seat track cover and a leg of the seat.

Abstract: In a method for the ventilation of an aircraft area, air conveyed from an aircraft environment by a conveying device into an interior space of the aircraft is supplied during ground operation of the aircraft to the aircraft area to be ventilated. During flight mode of the aircraft, air flowing from the aircraft environment via a ram air duct into the interior space of the aircraft is supplied to the aircraft area to be ventilated. During flight mode of the aircraft, in addition to the air flowing from the aircraft environment via the ram air duct into the interior space of the aircraft, air conveyed from the aircraft environment by the conveying device into the interior space of the aircraft is supplied to the aircraft area to be ventilated when a flight velocity of the aircraft falls below a flight velocity threshold value.

Abstract: An aircraft galley compartment cooling system includes a source of chilled air, and a closed compartment with a door. A sensor detects the opening of the door, and sends a signal to the cooling system to deactivate while the door is opened to prevent ambient air from entering the cooling system. Once the door is closed, the cooling system is reactivated. The sensor can be a light sensor, a mechanical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like for determining movement or the presence/non-presence of the door to the compartment.

Abstract: A mixed coating material includes: a cold curing resin that undergoes reaction curing at normal room temperature; and a particulate fluororesin. The constituent ratio of the particulate fluororesin in a coating film that is a cured state of the mixed coating material is 43 wt % or more and 82 wt % or less. A wing includes a non-water-repellent coating film that forms an outermost layer in a water droplet impact region in a leading edge portion of the wing; and a water-repellent coating film that is formed of the mixed coating material and that forms an outermost layer in a water-repellent region adjacent to the water droplet impact region P. An anti-icing system includes the wing and a heating unit that heats the water droplet impact region.

Abstract: An aircraft de-icing system has a nozzle with at least one movable element configured to move between a first position and a second position to change a spraying configuration of the nozzle between a first configuration and a second configuration. The aircraft de-icing system further has at least one storage reservoir configured for containing a de-icing agent and a pump for pumping the de-icing agent from the at least one storage reservoir to the nozzle. The aircraft de-icing system further has a pressurized air source in fluid communication with the nozzle for delivering pressurized air to the nozzle. The nozzle is configured for selectively mixing varying amounts of the pressurized air and varying amounts of the de-icing agent to provide a spray pattern for application on a surface of an aircraft based on a position of the at least one movable element between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An embodiment of an inflatable tube includes an elongated tube portion formed from a first fabric, the tube portion including at least one outer wall segment defining a cavity therein. A web is formed from a second fabric, and includes two or more edges secured to an interior surface of the at least one outer wall segment such that the web is disposed along a portion of a tube length.

Abstract: An alternating current type electric propulsion system is described that includes an AC generator and a plurality of propulsors electrically coupled to the AC generator. A first propulsor from the plurality of propulsors includes a first motor that drives a first fan of the first propulsor at a first speed. A second propulsor from the plurality of propulsors comprises a second motor that drives a second fan of the second propulsor at a second speed that is different than the first speed.

Abstract: A system includes a first flow path fluidly connecting a first supply to an inerting apparatus. A second flow path connects a second supply to a turbine of a compressor device. A first valve, located within the first flow path, is configured to be open in a first state and closed in a second state. The first valve is configured to allow a supply of air from the first supply to an inerting apparatus directly. A second valve, located within the second flow path, is configured to be closed in the first state and open in the second state. The second valve is configured to allow a supply of air from the second supply to drive the turbine of the compressor device. When in the second state, the compressor device is operated to compress air from the first supply prior to the air being supplied to the inerting apparatus.

Abstract: An aircraft with an auxiliary power unit attached to the aircraft fuselage via an attachment system. The auxiliary power unit is placed inside the aircraft fuselage structure. The attachment system comprises a plurality of structural wires that link the auxiliary power unit to the aircraft fuselage structure. An attachment device is located at the end of each structural wire to connect the structural wire to the aircraft fuselage structure. Each attachment device comprises a metallic plate adjacent to the aircraft fuselage structure and a layer of damping elastomeric material adjacent to the metallic plate. The metallic plate is placed between the layer of damping elastomeric material and the aircraft fuselage structure. The attachment device is joined to the aircraft fuselage structure by attachment fasteners.