The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 10, 2018
Filed:
Aug. 24, 2016
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Falls Church, VA (US);
Cory M. Combs, Del Aire, CA (US);
Charles Smith, Acton, CA (US);
John Rufino, Long Beach, CA (US);
Kevin A. Noertker, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Greg A. Cifu, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Falls Church, VA (US);
Abstract
A pneumatic fastening mechanism is provided for fastening an aircraft surface panel to an aircraft panel support member. The panel includes a plurality of receptacles extending from the panel lower surface. The panel support member includes a corresponding plurality of panel engagement mechanisms, disposed on the support member lower surface, and translatable through the support member to engage the receptacles. The panel engagement mechanisms are extendable from a first position, wherein the panel abuts and is engaged to the panel support member, to second position wherein the panel is elevated above the panel support member upper surface where the panel may be unlocked and separated from the panel engagement mechanism. The panel engagement mechanism is operative to elevate and release the panel in response to changes in fluid pressure communicated to the panel engagement mechanisms.