Douglas J Chapman

US Patent:

6360617, Mar 26, 2002

Filed:

Jan 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/238490

Inventors:

Douglas Marden Chapman - Irvine CA

Assignee:

Kaiser Electroprecision - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G01L 104

US Classification:

73862627

Abstract:

A load cell assembly for use in measuring the level of a liquid in an airplane waste tank includes a lower member, a spherical bearing placed in the lower member, an upper member, in contact with the spherical bearing, and a fastener to couple the lower member, spherical bearing and upper member together, the lower member having pockets formed therein and including a strain gauge device within each of the pockets.

US Patent:

8496204, Jul 30, 2013

Filed:

Jul 6, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/177496

Inventors:

Abbas M. Charafeddine - Mission Viejo CA, US
Douglas M. Chapman - Santa Ana CA, US
Robert S. Barlow - Irvine CA, US
Guy J. Duplain - Irvine CA, US

Assignee:

Rockwell Collins, Inc. - Cedar Rapids IA

International Classification:

B64C 13/42

US Classification:

244 994, 244 999

Abstract:

The actuator locking mechanism is a bi-directional secondary load path lock that operates under both compression and tension loads via a radial locking wedge and axial slide lock system. This locking mechanism is designed to effectively protect against structural disconnect after a primary load path failure occurs and to minimize the axial play in the engaged secondary load path. To avoid the dormancy of such a failure, the activated mechanism jams/stalls the actuator drive thereby alerting the aircrew and the maintenance crew of the fault condition and allowing safe continued flight and landing. This locking mechanism is impervious to relative deflection between the primary and secondary load path such that under a non-failed condition, the mechanism will not jam. A jam only occurs when axial displacement (tension or compression direction) is greater than a predetermined relative deflection. This axial displacement is eliminated by the slide locking system minimizing the axial play.