Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protection device for a component of a releasable plug-in connection between a plug and a socket, which is arranged on or in a housing of an electronics unit of a field device. The protection device includes a first half shell and a second half shell at least partially complementary to the first half shell, wherein the two half shells are embodied as to define an internal volume when assembled and at least partially surround at least the plug, at least a first passageway for passage of the plug, or the plug and a cable secured to the plug, into the internal volume of the protection device, at least one securement unit for releasably securing the protection device to the housing, and at least one assembling unit for releasably assembling the two half shells with one another.

Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine including: a tower, a nacelle mounted on the tower, an electrical generator housed in the nacelle, a wind rotor rotatably coupled to the nacelle for rotating about a rotational axis and having at least one rotatable blade, two rotating shafts for connecting the wind rotor to the electrical generator, a shaft connector for rigidly connecting the two rotating shafts. The shaft connector includes: a hollow body, at least an inner flange protruding from the hollow body towards an axis of rotation of the shaft connector, the inner flange being connectable to one of the two rotating shafts, at least one hole provided on the hollow body for accessing the inner flange.

Abstract: A component according to the disclosure may include a body having an aperture therein for receiving one of a turbomachine shaft or a lathe chuck, wherein in response to the body being coupled to the lathe chuck, the aperture is oriented substantially axially relative to an axis of rotation of the body with the lathe chuck; and a flange coupled to and in direct axial contact with the body, the flange including a surface that extends axially relative to the axis of rotation of the body, wherein the surface of the flange comprises a matingly engageable face configured to contact an axially aligned surface during operation of the component and having a sanding indentation thereon, wherein a surface roughness of the surface of the flange is less than a surface roughness of a remainder of the component.

Abstract: A cable tray section includes first and second side rails, each side rail having opposite longitudinal ends and a length extending between the opposite longitudinal ends. A splice member is secured to one of the first and second rails adjacent one of the longitudinal ends. The splice member includes at least one opening configured to receive a fastener to connect the splice member to another splice member of another cable tray section to attach the two cable tray sections together. The at least one opening has an axis extending along the length of at least one of the first and second rails.

Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a composite gas turbine engine component including a first flange extending radially from a main body at a junction having an arcuate profile. An adapter ring includes a mate face dimensioned to follow a contour of the junction such that the junction sits on the mate face. A method of assembly for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner for a vehicle and a controlling method thereof. The air conditioner includes: a defrost vent and a face vent formed in a straight line; a defrost door part and a face door part formed in a straight line; and a duct separator having the defrost door part therein and being mounted inside an outlet, in which the defrost vent and the face vent are formed, to partition the defrost vent and the face vent, thereby enhancing assemblability by facilitating assembly even if the defrost door part and the face door part are mounted at different angles. Moreover, the air conditioner and the controlling method thereof can control an air outflow mode and an air inflow mode to be operated in interwork by connecting a first operating member for operating a mode door and a second operating member for operating an intake door with each other.

Abstract: A thread connection is provided between a filter cartridge and its base, as well as to a filter cartridge comprising such a thread. The thread has a reversed load flank.

Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection system for connecting component sections of wind turbine blades, according to which one or more intermediate parts (2) formed by a complex structure defining end transverse partitions (2.1) and a central transverse partition (2.2), between which there extend columns (2.3) separated by openings (2.4), is arranged between the blade sections (1) to be connected, the openings (2.4) including short bolts or screws (3) that pass directly through the end transverse partitions (2.1) and long bolts or screws (3) that pass inside the columns (2.3), said bolts or screws (3) being screw-coupled to nut-like anchoring parts (4) housed in the material of the blade sections (1).

Abstract: A case includes a first case section and a second case section defining an interior. The first case section includes a groove extending along the first case section. The second case section includes a tongue extending along the second case section into the groove. The groove includes a groove inner wall proximal to the interior of the case and a groove outer wall distal from the interior of the case. The tongue extends from a tongue base end to a tongue free end and includes a tongue inner wall proximal to the interior of the case and a tongue outer wall distal from the interior of the case. The tongue free end is in contact with the groove inner wall and spaced apart from the groove outer wall and the tongue base end is in contact with the groove outer wall and spaced apart from the groove inner wall.

Abstract: A modular blind includes a left half and a right half that are constructed through a molding process where one half can be nested within the other half during transit and when displayed for sale. The left half and the right half of the blind include mating flanges that are positioned adjacent each other and secured together to form the blind. A retaining mechanism or plurality of retaining mechanisms is utilized to retain the mating ends proximate each other. Each half of the blind includes a plurality of slots through which a gun barrel can be inserted or through which an arrow can be shot. The blind can optionally include a door in either half or both halves for ingress into and egress from the blind. Because the halves of the blinds can nest within each other, the cost of transportation can be significantly reduced relative to a blind with a monolithic wall construction.

Abstract: A parts washer assembly containing a volume of cleaning solution and a receptacle disposed on top of a tank holding the cleaning solution may comprise a control unit disposed on top of the tank and covering a portion of an opening of the tank and a pump assembly including a motor and extension wherein the motor is located above the control unit and the extension extends into the tank of cleaning solution.

Abstract: A flange connection on a shaft having at least two diameters of different size, wherein the diameter of the flange connection is smaller than a diameter of the roller bearing seat. Machine parts on the shaft can thereby be rapidly and simply interchanged without the flange having to be removed in the process.

Abstract: A cowl cross assembly includes a cowl cross bar positioned in the front region of a vehicle body, and a cowl cross half-panel joined to one end of the cowl cross bar. A part of the cowl cross bar made of a steel material is cut, and the cowl cross half-panel made of a plastic material is mounted to the cowl cross bar, thereby reducing the weight and the cost and reinforcing the strength to support the air conditioning equipment. In addition, the cowl cross bar can be easily joined to the cowl cross half-panel to improve the workability.

Abstract: A pressure casing has a plurality of casing shells (10a, b) which can be connected in a pressure-tight manner in a parting plane (11) by a flange (13). The casing shells (10a, b) are pressed together with sealing effect in the parting plane (11) in the region of the flange (13) by at least one threaded bolt (19; 19a-d) which extends through the flange (13) perpendicularly to the parting plane (11). A reduced thermal loading of the threaded bolts (19; 19a-d) of the flanged joint is achieved by the at least one threaded bolt (19; 19a-d) being exposed over a part of its length towards the inner side of the casing (10).

Abstract: A tool coupler for connecting a machine to a tool is disclosed. The tool coupler may have a first frame module having a first pair of side plates and a pair of aligned bores passing through the first pair of side plates. The aligned bores may be configured to receive pins that are connectable to a linkage of the machine. The tool coupler may also have a second frame module releasably attached to the first frame module. The second frame module may have a second pair of side plates and a pair of hooks fixedly connected to the second pair of side plates. The pair of hooks may be configured to receive corresponding pins that are connectable to the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating an edge of a first object with a second object using an insert. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a structure and a number of attachment features associated with the structure. The structure is configured to be inserted within a hollow portion of the first object at an edge of the first object. The structure is further configured to span an entire thickness of the first object at the edge of the first object. The number of attachment features is configured for use in attaching the second object to the structure to attach the second object to the edge of the first object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating an edge of a first object with a second object. An insert comprising a structure holding a fastener element may be positioned within a hollow portion at the edge of the first object. The structure may be configured to span an entire thickness of the first object at the edge of the first object. The structure may be adhesively bonded to the first object. The second object may be attached to the edge of the first object using the fastener element.

Abstract: This invention discloses an auxiliary motor for a bicycle and a related bicycle wherein the auxiliary motor has an energy storage device for storing energy, a drive device for converting the energy stored in the energy storage device into kinetic energy and a transmission device for transmitting the kinetic energy onto a pedal crank spindle, wherein the auxiliary motor is designed to be attached to a down tube of a bicycle at least parallel to the down tube and to power a pedal crank of the bicycle.

Abstract: A sun tracking solar energy collection system can include torque tubes formed with a plurality of rotatable shafts connected to each other in an end to end fashion. The ends of the shafts can be connected with coupling devices in the form of an integrated coupling flange and mounting devices. The coupling flange can include a mounting surface that extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. Additionally, the coupling flange can include a coupling face that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so as to provide a mating face for an adjacent coupling flange to transmit torque from one shaft to another. The mounting flanges can be used to support devices such as solar energy collection devices including photovoltaic modules or other devices.

Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft nacelle includes a reinforcing plate and a flange that includes one first portion and one second portion. The first portion of the flange is attached to another flange, and the second portion extends transversely relative to the first portion and is attached onto a panel of the assembly. In particular, the reinforcing plate is attached directly, or optionally indirectly, onto the flange via an intermediate plate attached between the reinforcing plate and the flange. The reinforcing plate has a beveled portion opposite the second portion of the flange.

Abstract: A floating cover roof for a storage tank has a frame assembly and multiple floating units. The frame assembly has a holding frame and an outer rim. The holding frame has multiple longitudinal beams and transverse beams. Each longitudinal beam has a connecting seat, a first holding segment and a second holding segment. Two of the transverse beams are connected to two adjacent longitudinal beams to form a locating area between the beams. The floating units are mounted in the locating areas of the frame assembly, are connected to the beams of the holding frame and each has an outer casing and a body. The outer casing is mounted in one of the locating areas of the holding frame, is connected to the adjacent beams and has a casing body and a top board. The body is mounted in the outer casing between the casing body and the top board.

Abstract: A motor component for coupling a motor to a work component is provided. The motor component includes a flange coupled to the motor; and an adapter coupled to the flange. The adapter includes a shaft aperture and a pattern of a plurality of through-holes disposed about the shaft aperture and configured to couple to a plurality of pads of the work component. A method of assembling an electrical machine to a work component includes coupling a motor component to a motor of the electrical machine. The method further includes aligning a pattern of a plurality of through-holes of the motor with at least one pad of a plurality of pads of the work component. The method includes coupling the pattern of the plurality of through-holes to the at least one pad of the plurality of pads of the work component.

Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.

Abstract: Fastening system for wind turbines characterized by comprising a front flange (9) and a rear flange (8), which are joined together and supported on the hollow rotary shaft (2), and coupled to the pitch system comprising the bearings (6) for the shaft and the star-shaped part (4). The fastening method couples the rear flange (8) to the hollow shaft (2) with a tapered collar (10) and also to the front flange (9) through some spacer bushings (11). The collar (10) uses friction to transfer significant moments and axial stresses so as to improve the fastening system, and the direction of the bolts on the collar (10) and the bolts (12) on the spacer bushings (11) simplify inspection and maintenance tasks.

Abstract: A system for assembling furniture includes a bracket coupled to a first item and a frame coupled to a second item of furniture. The bracket is configured to removably interengage with the frame. The bracket includes a pair of co-planar extensions, a pair of supports, and an elongated resilient bent middle section having a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of each of the extensions such that end tab portions of the bent middle section extend beyond the supports. The frame includes a pair of rails, each rail having a recess and a flange. The recess receives respective ones of the end tab portions. The flange receives respective ones of the end tab portions responsive to the middle section being urged from the recess into the flange to cause the bent middle section to deform into an interference fit engagement with the flange.

Abstract: A flange component used to secure a first panel to a second panel including a first section to be affixed to the first panel and a second section to be affixed to the second panel. The second section is integrally formed with the first section, which has a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of the second section forming first and second tabs. The second section of the flange component is integral to an intermediate section between the first and second tabs. The second tab is offset relative to the intermediate section and first tab whereby when the first section is attached to the first panel, a space is formed between the second tab and the first panel. A first tab of an adjacent flange component is inserted this space, and the second section protrudes from a periphery of the first panel for receiving the second panel.

Abstract: A reusable device for detachably mounting an object to a platform includes a breakaway plate that is mounted to the object and a mounting bracket that is fixed to the platform. The breakaway plate is formed with a circumferential groove, and an o-ring is placed in the groove. A tooth ring having a slight gap is positioned over the o-ring. As a retaining ring is placed over the o-ring and tooth ring and fastened to the mounting bracket, the tooth ring compresses, which causes the o-ring to compress and engage the tooth ring at a breakaway force of the object. When an applied force that is greater than the breakaway force is applied to the object, the o-ring pops out to separate the object and platform. The o-ring durometer is chosen according to the magnitude of breakaway force that is desired by the user.

Abstract: A method of aligning flanges on two components to align and transfer torque from one component to the other uses a plurality of scallop regions on the periphery of a flange on one component; and a plurality of raised regions on the periphery of a flange on the other component, the raised regions being sized and shaped to engage the scallop regions on the flange when axially aligned to transfer torque there between

Abstract: A beam (20) comprising first and second flanges (23, 24), the beam (20) having a first region (28, 30) extending between the flanges (23, 24) and a second region (26) extending between the flanges. The first region (28, 30) is designed to support an applied concentrated shear load and the second region (26) is designed to support a predominantly bending load. The first region comprises a fan-shaped truss comprising a hub (36) adjacent the first flange and a plurality of struts (37) which extend substantially radially from the hub (36), and the second region (26) comprises either a truss structure which is substantially regular in the longitudinal beam direction or a shear web. The beam may, for example, be used as a floor beam for an aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: A positive coupling between a first housing component (11, 21, 31, 41, 51), which has a first flange (11a, 12a, 31a), and a second housing component (12, 22, 32, 42, 52), which has a second flange (12a, 22a, 32a). The positive coupling is formed by an interlocking element is an insert (13, 23, 33, 43, 53) which is located between the first and the second flanges (11a, 12a; 21a, 22a; 31a, 32a). The recesses (11b, 12b; 21b, 22b; 31b, 32b, 32c; 41b, 42b; 51a) are formed both in the first flange and in the second flange (11a, 21a, 31a, 12a, 22a, 32a) while the projections (13a, 13b; 23a, 23b; 33a to 33d; 43a,43b; 53a) are arranged on both sides of the insert (13, 23, 33, 43, 53) for mating engagement with the recesses (11b, 12b; 21b, 22b; 31b, 32b, 32c; 41b, 42b; 51a).

Abstract: A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flange that can be fixed to an interior wall structure, such as an electrical box. A planar surface of the flange abuts the outer surface of the wall substrate thus providing tight contact between the wall substrate and the interior structure. Mating elements of the flange engage an electrical device to maintain the device in flush and parallel alignment with the substrate.

Abstract: A punching sheet-type flange formed by overlapping and fixing punching sheet-structure assemblies, comprising a substrate (2) and multiple flange sheets (1) fixed with the substrate (2). The substrate (2) and the flange sheets (1) are of a punching sheet structure. The flange sheets (1) are annular, and connection slots (4) are arranged on the periphery of the flange sheets (1). The flange sheets (1) are arranged on both sides of the substrate. The substrate (2) combines with the flange sheets (1) to form the flange. The substrate (2) and the flange sheets (1) are formed by punching processing. The number of the flange sheets (1) is adjustable. The flange sheets (1) having the complex structure can be processed, thereby accommodating connecting parts of different structures. Connection slots (4) enable convenient assembling and replacement. The flange solves the difficulty in die casting of flanges having complex structures, and solves the problem of flange thickness being not adjustable.

Abstract: An assistant handle clip for a module headliner of an automobile, which includes a base and a hook integrally bent from the base. The hook includes: support arms bent at opposite sides of the base in the inward opposite directions; flanges, each of which extends toward opposite sides of an upper end of each support arm and is bent downward; two pairs of retaining arms bent at opposite sides of the flanges in the outward opposite directions; retaining parts bent at lower ends of the retaining arms in the inward opposite directions; retaining steps bent downward at lower ends of the retaining parts; and at least one noiseproof protrusion protruding from opposite faces of the flanges in the inward opposite directions.

Abstract: A joint assembly for coupling a first rotating part and a second rotating part includes a first rotating part comprising a first mounting flange having a first shoulder and a first axis and a second rotating part comprising a second mounting flange having a second shoulder and a second axis, the first flange and the second flange configured to secure the joint assembly. It also includes a cylindrical inner surface disposed in the second shoulder. It further includes a centering flange disposed on the first shoulder, the centering flange having a first length and disposed about the first axis; the centering flange having an axially extending non-contact section and an axially coextending contact section that is disposed within and extends radially outwardly from the noncontact section, the contact section having an annular convexly curved outer surface disposed about the first axis and a second length substantially smaller than the first length.

Abstract: Attachment members are disclosed for use with an insulation panel or composite siding panel. The attachment member includes a male connecting member, a hem portion, and a connection portion joining the male connecting member and the hem portion. The male connecting member extends into the body of a foam insulating layer along a first end edge. The attachment member and the first end edge cooperate to be complementary in shape with the second end edge such that adjacent panels can engage each other.

Abstract: A device is provided for the mutual fixing of two components, which are interconnected via a flanged joint, for preventing a relative movement of the components in relation to each other in the connecting plane of the flanged joint. The device includes a key which engages in both components in a form-fitting manner in the region of the flanged joint. A simplified and flexible application is achieved by the key being guided in one of the components by means of a precision fit, whereas in the other of the components the form fit can be adjusted by adding shims.

Abstract: A load coupling device for a power train including: a rotatable shaft; a first flange on a first end of the shaft, wherein the first flange is adapted to couple to a first rotating shaft of at a torque producing turbine or a torque driven electrical generator; a second flange on an opposite end of the shaft, wherein the shaft is adapted to couple to a second rotating shaft of the other of the turbine and the generator, and an annular ring extending radially outward from the first flange, wherein the mass of the annular ring is selected to shift a torsional natural frequency of the power train away from an operational condition of the power train. Trim masses may be added to make fine adjustments to the torsional natural frequency of the power train.

Abstract: A system including a votex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression device dimensioned to suppress a vortex induced vibration of a support structure, the VIV suppression device having a base portion that encircles at least a portion of the support structure and a support member formed along the base portion. The system further including a collar having a body portion defining an annular channel and a flange portion extending outwardly from the annular channel, the flange portion dimensioned to form a receiving channel around the support structure for receiving the support member. The support member is received within the receiving channel to secure the VIV suppression device to the support structure and the VIV suppression device is capable of rotating around the support structure along the receiving channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural component interconnect assembly. The structural component interconnect assembly includes a first component adapted for interconnection with a second component. A connection component is adapted for securing the first component and the second component together in a secured interconnection. The connection component includes at least two flanges spaced from each other by a first distance. The first component includes a mating surface having at least two slots formed therein and spaced one from another by the first distance. The second component includes a first surface and a second surface spaced one from the other by a distance on the order of the first distance. Engagement of the at least two flanges, via the at least two slots, with the first surface and the second surface secures the first component to the second component.

Abstract: An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for holding the interface of a stationary outer structure (15) of a nacelle (3) and housing (27) of a jet engine (5), said assembly including: a first raised element belonging to the upstream end of the stationary outer structure (15); a second raised element belonging to the downstream end of the housing (27), said first and second raised elements being formed so as to be placed in contact with each other; two half-rings (109) formed by a wall defining a recess that is formed so as to receive the first and second raised elements when the housing (27) and the stationary outer structure (15) are mounted edge to edge; and an abutment means formed so as to keep the first and second raised elements in the recess.

Abstract: A fryer has spinning function to spin fried food of residual oil on the food. The fryer comprises an oil container (101) having a spindle extending from the centre of the base of the oil container. A basket (201) made of wire mesh having a funnel (203) in the centre of the basket is provided, and is suitable for lowering into the oil container with the funnel slipped over the spindle (401). In a lowered position, the basket submerges food into oil in the container for frying. In a raised position, food in the basket is raised above surface of the oil to terminate the frying. A cover (109) is provided for closing over the oil container and the basket. The underside of the cover has a coupler (501) for engaging the funnel of the basket and also the spindle when the cover closes over the oil container. The spindle can be spun by a motor in the fryer such that, when the spindle spinning the coupler rotates along with the spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus forming a assembly includes at least two panels. Each panel has a top surface and a plurality of perimetric edges. Each edge of one panel is adapted for joining any edge of another panel or to rounded edge pieces that connect is a complementary manner to the panels similar to other panels. The apparatus includes at least one connector adapted to secure two panels in adjoined relation. The connector has a first end adapted for engagement with the two adjoined panels, and a second end adapted to be swung into a locked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection between components of a wind turbine. More specifically, the present invention relates to components for a wind turbine having a diameter of more than 0.5 m, preferably more than 1.0 m, and more preferably more than 1.5 m. The wind turbine includes two components that are connected together, whereby each component has a contact surface. The surface of the contact surface of a first component is softer than the surface of the contact surface of a second component. Further, the surface of the contact surface of the second component is annealed.

Abstract: The joint between the gearbox input shaft and the rotor rotation shaft is made with a banded flange that combines an interference joint between the horizontal surface of the rotor shaft (4) and the internal surface of the flange (5), with a bolted joint between the vertical surface of the flange (5) and the front surface of the body of the gearbox (4) corresponding to the low speed shaft. The interference joint adds a keyway between both surfaces with their corresponding key (9). Likewise included is an assembly method with a surface treatment at temperature T1, flange heating (5) in an oven at a temperature T2, a banding of the flange (5) on the rotor rotation shaft (4) having the keyway line up with the key (9), a subsequent cooling and finally a bolted joint between the flange (5) and the gearbox (3).

Abstract: Components of a modular component system are disclosed. A representative component has, at a first side, a first channel for receiving a connector and, at a second side, a second channel for receiving a connector. The first channel extends inwardly from an outer edge of the first side and in cross-section has a body portion which extends from an opening in the component in a direction generally parallel to the first side and a head portion which extends outwardly of the body portion. The second channel extends inwardly from an outer edge of the second side and in cross-section has a body portion which extends from an opening in the component in a direction generally parallel to the second side and a head portion which extends outwardly of the body portion.

Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.

Abstract: Aircraft including a powerplant mounted on an airframe and a rotor/wing rotatably mounted on the airframe. The rotor/wing has multiple blades extending outward from roots adjacent the airframe to tips opposite the roots and having internal conduits extending between inlets adjacent the roots and downstream outlets. The aircraft also includes multiple intermediate ducts having upstream ends including flanges and downstream ends slidably and pivotally connected to corresponding blade inlets. Moreover, the aircraft includes a manifold having an upstream end in fluid communication with the powerplant and multiple downstream ends including flanges connected to upstream ends of corresponding intermediate ducts. The aircraft further includes multiple covers connected to corresponding manifold flanges and covering corresponding intermediate duct flanges.