The Boeing Company

Michael C Sturm

Michael Anthony Fleming

A vent-latch interlock assembly (22) for installation to an aircraft door (20) that is provided with a latch assembly (32) that controls the opening and closing of the aircraft door. The vent-latch interlock assembly includes a pressure vent door (40) that is positioned to be seated in an opening (42) formed in the aircraft door (20). The pressure vent door (40) is rotatably attached to a shaft (44) that is rotatably mounted to the aircraft door (20). A set of springs (68) normally biases the pressure vent door (40) away from the opening (42). A drive rod (45) connected between the latch assembly (32) and the shaft holds the pressure vent door (40) in the closed position when the aircraft door (20) is closed. An interlock cable (46) is connected between the pressure vent door and an interlock follower (48) and is located next to the latch assembly (32). When the pressure vent door (40) is closed, the interlock cable forces the interlock follower against the latch assembly (32) to prevent actuation of the latch assembly and opening of the aircraft door (20). When the latch assembly (32) is actuated to open the door, the drive rod (45) releases its force against the pressure vent door (40). If the pressures inside and outside of the aircraft are approximately equal, the springs (68) will pivot the pressure vent door (40) open. This causes the interlock cable (46) to release the tension on the interlock follower (48) so that the follower moves away from the latch assembly (32) and the latch assembly can continue to be actuated in order to open the aircraft door (20).

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Redmond, WA, United States of America

Michael C Sturm