Latch pin inhibitor for folding wing-tip aircraft

In a system of a type having first and second structures hingedly connected to each other, said structures including first and second lugs, respectively, each said lug having an opening, and said lugs being movable relative to each other along a spread pathway between a folded position and a spread position in which said openings are aligned for receiving a latch pin, apparatus for sensing said spread position, comprising:

• an inhibitor pivotably mounted on said first structure to pivot between an inhibit position in which it extends into said pathway and an engaged position;
• said inhibitor being positioned to be engaged by said second lug, as said lugs move from said folded position to said spread position, and to be moved thereby from said inhibit position to said engaged position;
• a spread valve having a sense port, a pressure port, a return port, and a valve member;
• said valve member being movable between a first position in which said sense port is in communication with one of said pressure and return ports and is closed from communication with the other of said pressure and return ports, and a second position in which said sense port is in communication with said other of said ports and is closed from communication with said one of said ports;
• and
• linkage interconnecting said inhibitor with said valve member to cause said valve member to be mechanically moved from said first position to said second position by movement of said inhibitor from said inhibit position to said engaged position.

In an aircraft folding wing system of a type having first and second wing portions hingedly connected to each other, said portions including first and second lugs, respectively, each said lug having an opening, and said lugs being movable relative to each other between a folded position and a spread position in which said openings are aligned for receiving a latch pin, apparatus for inhibiting premature extension of the latch pin, comprising:

• an inhibitor pivotably mounted on said first portion to pivot between an inhibit position in which it extends over a portion of said opening in said first lug to inhibit extension of the latch pin through said opening in said first lug, and an engaged position;
• said inhibitor being positioned to be engaged by said second lug, as said lugs move from said folded position to said spread position, and to be moved thereby from said inhibit position to said engaged position;
• and
• a first abutment surface carried by said second lug, and a second abutment surface mounted to pivot with said inhibitor;
• said first abutment surface being positioned to be brought into abutment with said second abutment surface, as said lugs move toward said folded position, to move said inhibitor into said inhibit position.