Hector V Tomassi

US Patent:

56284772, May 13, 1997

Filed:

Feb 13, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/387648

Inventors:

Joseph S. Caferro - Seattle WA
Hector V. Tomassi - Renton WA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B64C 1314
B64C 350
B64C 1330

US Classification:

244214

Abstract:

Apparatus for detecting and signaling a skewing or misalignment of adjacent aircraft leading edge slats is disclosed. A cable is attached to an actuator having a compression spring system and located in an outboard slat. The cable passes through cable guides in several adjacent slats before being attached to an inboard slat. The compression spring system utilizes a dual concentric pair of compression springs for maintaining a tight cable. When a misaligned condition is detected by a proximity switch, the increased cable load will cause the actuator to lock itself in a position out of the range of the proximity sensor.