公开(公告)号：US09816571B1

公开(公告)日：2017-11-14

申请号：US15598811

申请日：2017-05-18

Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION

Inventor： Matthew A. Neal ,  Charles R. Smith ,  Robert E. Bauer

IPC: F16D41/066 ,  F16D41/08 ,  F16D27/01 ,  F16D43/14 ,  F16D27/02

CPC classification number: F16D41/066 ,  F16D27/02 ,  F16D41/088 ,  F16D2041/0665

Abstract: A bi-directional coupler that selectively couples and de-couples a driving element to a driven element. The coupler includes an outer shaft having an outer shaft slot and an inner shaft having an inner shaft slot, where the inner and outer shafts are configured to rotate independently of each other. The coupler also includes a ball bearing provided within the inner shaft slot and having a size so that when the ball bearing is located at a center portion of the inner shaft slot it does not interfere with rotation of the outer shaft, where the ball bearing is held in that location by a magnet located in the inner shaft. Rotation of the inner shaft above a predetermined rotational speed causes the ball bearing to engage the outer shaft slot so as to cause the inner shaft to be locked to the outer shaft and rotate therewith.

公开(公告)号：US09689412B1

公开(公告)日：2017-06-27

申请号：US15421962

申请日：2017-02-01

Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION

Inventor： Charles R. Smith ,  Cory M. Combs ,  John C. Rufino ,  Matthew A. Neal

IPC: F16B5/06 ,  B64C1/12 ,  H01F7/04

CPC classification number: H01F7/04 ,  B64C1/12 ,  F16B1/0057 ,  F16B5/0642 ,  F16B2001/0035

Abstract: A magnetic fastener assembly for securing an access panel to an aircraft structure. A panel magnetic foundation member is rigidly secured to a surface of the panel facing the aircraft structure and a land magnetic foundation member is rigidly secured to a surface of the aircraft structure facing the panel. A planar magnet is positioned between the panel magnetic foundation member and the land magnetic foundation member and being magnetically coupled thereto so as to secure the panel to the aircraft structure. A separation device, such as a pneumatic bladder, is positioned between the panel and the land structure and adjacent to the magnet, and is rigidly secured to the aircraft structure. The separation device is actuated to apply pressure to the panel and break the magnetic attraction between one or both of the panel magnetic foundation member and the magnet or the land magnetic foundation member and the magnet.