The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary actuator that includes a first rotary actuator assembly having a first housing, a first mounting assembly radially projecting from a first longitudinal end of the first housing and defining a first axial aperture, and a first output shaft extending into the first axial aperture, a second rotary actuator assembly having a second housing, a second mounting assembly radially projecting from a second longitudinal end of the second housing and defining a second axial aperture, and a second output shaft extending into the second axial aperture, and a bearing assembly having an outer surface in contact with at least one of the first mounting assembly and the second mounting assembly, and an inner surface in contact with at least one of the first rotor assembly and the second rotor assembly.

A control system for an aircraft includes a hydraulic pump, first hydraulic line, second hydraulic line, a first actuator coupled with a first control surface, a second actuator coupled with a second control surface, and a third actuator coupled with a third control surface. The first control surface and the second control surface are at a distance to each other and symmetrically relative to a symmetry axis. The third control surface is substantially on the symmetry axis, and the first hydraulic line and the second hydraulic line are connected to the hydraulic pump. The first actuator is connected to the first hydraulic line, and the second actuator is connected to the second hydraulic line. The third actuator is connected to the first hydraulic line downstream of the first actuator at a junction point, and the first hydraulic line at least partially includes a larger diameter than the second hydraulic line.

A control system for an aircraft includes a hydraulic pump, first hydraulic line, second hydraulic line, a first actuator coupled with a first control surface, a second actuator coupled with a second control surface, and a third actuator coupled with a third control surface. The first control surface and the second control surface are at a distance to each other and symmetrically relative to a symmetry axis. The third control surface is substantially on the symmetry axis, and the first hydraulic line and the second hydraulic line are connected to the hydraulic pump. The first actuator is connected to the first hydraulic line, and the second actuator is connected to the second hydraulic line. The third actuator is connected to the first hydraulic line downstream of the first actuator at a junction point, and the first hydraulic line at least partially includes a larger diameter than the second hydraulic line.

A fluid module configured to be connected to an aircraft, comprising a manifold configured to direct fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet, the outlet configured to be connected to a hydraulic system of the aircraft and the inlet configured to be connected to a ground source of fluid, the manifold comprising a filter port adapted to receive a filter port; the first inlet in fluid communication with the filter port; and the outlet in fluid communication with the filter port. A method of utilizing the fluid module to provide fluid from the ground fluid source to the filter unit; filtering the fluid via the filter unit; and providing the filtered fluid from the outlet to one or more components, a reservoir of the aircraft, or combinations thereof.

A fluid module configured to be connected to an aircraft, comprising a manifold configured to direct fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet, the outlet configured to be connected to a hydraulic system of the aircraft and the inlet configured to be connected to a ground source of fluid, the manifold comprising a filter port adapted to receive a filter port; the first inlet in fluid communication with the filter port; and the outlet in fluid communication with the filter port. A method of utilizing the fluid module to provide fluid from the ground fluid source to the filter unit; filtering the fluid via the filter unit; and providing the filtered fluid from the outlet to one or more components, a reservoir of the aircraft, or combinations thereof.

A drive mechanism for actuating a control surface of a vehicle that moves through a fluid medium. The mechanism directly translates the rotational motion provided by an input drive to a control surface that is used to direct the vehicle. The mechanism provides both weight and space savings as well as limits, if not eliminates, backlash. The angled drive mechanism may be particularly suited for use in applications such as UAV/UUV, munitions, and other relatively small platforms.

A fluid pressure valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a fluid pressure servo mechanism. The fluid pressure valve includes a housing having a housing member, the housing member being formed integrally so as to have a first port, a second port, and a flow path connecting between the first port and the second port.

A rotary actuator, including a manifold block and a rotor assembly that includes a rotor shaft and a plurality of arcuate pistons attached to the rotor shaft, each arcuate piston curving at a set radial distance from the rotor shaft, and each piston attached to the rotor shaft via a crank arm. A pressure chamber assembly coupled to the manifold block defines a plurality of piston pressure chambers that receive and at least partially enclose each arcuate piston, including a plurality of gland seals disposed adjacent the entrance of each piston pressure chamber to create a seal between the inner surface of the pressure chamber and the outer surface of the arcuate piston. Each gland seal includes an inner seal that engages the piston surface of the arcuate piston, and plural outer seals that engage the inner surface of the piston pressure chamber, forming a hydraulic seal.

A rotary actuator for a hinged panel assembly, e.g., of a fixed-wing aircraft, includes ball bearings, an outer cylinder, a piston, and an inner shaft. The outer cylinder admits fluid pressure from a fluid pressure supply. The piston is circumscribed by the outer cylinder. The piston, outer cylinder, and ball bearings collectively forming an outer ball screw. The piston translates along a longitudinal center axis in response to the fluid pressure. The inner shaft is circumscribed by the piston, with the inner shaft, piston, and ball bearings collectively forming an inner ball screw that is concentric with the outer ball screw. The ball screws form an interlaced ball circuit with one or more shared ball paths. Piston translation rotates the piston and inner shaft, and to thereby recirculates the ball bearings between the outer ball screw and the inner ball screw through the interlaced ball circuit.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary actuator that includes a first rotary actuator assembly having a first housing, a first mounting assembly radially projecting from a first longitudinal end of the first housing and defining a first axial aperture, and a first output shaft extending into the first axial aperture, a second rotary actuator assembly having a second housing, a second mounting assembly radially projecting from a second longitudinal end of the second housing and defining a second axial aperture, and a second output shaft extending into the second axial aperture, and a bearing assembly having an outer surface in contact with at least one of the first mounting assembly and the second mounting assembly, and an inner surface in contact with at least one of the first rotor assembly and the second rotor assembly.