GB871089A - An improved device for the suspension and release of objects from aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

871,089. Hooks. AERO CONTROLS Ltd. April 14, 1960 [April 24, 1959], No. 14071/59. Class 89(2). [Also in Group XXI] A device for suspending and dropping objects such as bombs and fuel tanks from aircraft comprises a housing 1 of light alloy containing linkage and a solenoid for moving a shaft 6 out of the housing so that steel lugs 3, pivoted on the shaft and held in engagement with a load by the pressure of a steel plate 8, are freed, and release the load. The lugs 3 pivot about a pin 4 passing through a part-spherical bush 5 and mounted in an eye end of the shaft 6, which shaft is guided by a bush 7 within the housing. The shaft is connected to toggle linkage 10, 13, 13a stressed by a spring 22 but held in the loadsupporting position by a toothed quadrant 15, which meshes with a quadrant 16. Quadrant 16 is urged to the release position by a spring 21, but is held cocked by the armature 19 of a solenoid 20. On energizing the solenoid or applying a pull to a lever 23, the armature moves and releases the quadrant 16, which then rotates quadrant 15. The pull on link 10 due to spring 22 and the load breaks the toggle and shaft 6 moves downwardly freeing the lugs 3 from plate 8. Link 10 as it rotates operates a micro-switch 27 to indicate audibly or visibly the release of the load. To attach the load, an eye on the load is pushed between the lugs forcing the shaft 6 upwardly to the position of Fig. 3, the switch 27 being closed to indicate that the unit is cocked. A sealing compound is introduced between the mating faces of the housing and the shaft 6 is sealed by an O-ring 9. A rubber collapsible sleeve 26 seals the spindle extension of the solenoid armature.