Maintenance Tools

Latchways Wingrip Fall Protection System: Harnessing the Science of Safety

Working atop aircraft is dangerous due to the slippery, sloped nature of the surfaces. The Latchways Wingrip fall protection system is designed specifically to meet this need. Wingrip allows access to all areas of any aircraft including wings, fuselage and stabilizers whether in the hanger or on the ramp. The system consists of a series of pads that give anchor points on the aircraft, using vacuum via an intelligent module. Mechanics attach to two lengths of protected cable connected to the pads, via their safety harness and lanyard. The system is quick and easy to set up and can be used in multiple or single pad mode. Latchways products are subjected to rigorous testing. The integrity of the system’s performance is dependent on a comprehensive test program and carried out at the Latchways Devizes facility. Testing is overseen and approved by independent standards agencies. The systems are tested above and beyond those standards to gain a full understanding of how their systems perform in extreme circumstances. Most restraint-only systems cannot be guaranteed to ‘arrest’ a fall should one happen. A fall arrest system allows access to the hazard, and should a fall occur, has the capability to withstand the loads created by the fall and successfully ‘arrest’ the fall. According to Latchways, the company has always set a principle of designing their systems to be fall arrest capable, but predominantly used in restraint. Although the system should be used to prevent a fall, i.e. fall restraint, even under conditions of misuse as in their tests, the system still retains the capability to arrest the falls with no failure of the system in wet and dry conditions provided there is adequate ground clearance. Latchways, +44 (0) 138-073-2700 or visit www.latchways.com.

Portable LED Probe for Tight Spaces

A new LED fiberoptic probe from Buffalo, N.Y.-based Titan Tool Supply is intended to light up hard-to-reach areas for visual inspections. The portable stainless steel probe features a base and extensions that come in three angles: 180, 90 and 45 degrees. Each extension is available in diameters of 0.120, 0.058 and 0.030 inches. According to Titan, the probe can be used for inspecting aircraft engines, parts and systems, as well as for assisting with installation and repair of electronics equipment. Titan Tool Supply, 716-852-4410 or visit www.titantoolsupply.com.

Keystone Offers New Test Point Colors

Astoria, N.Y.-based Keystone Electronics has expanded its range of colors available on its series of devices intended to replace wire-wrap post and turret terminals. Blue, brown, gray, green and purple have joined the existing colors of black, red, orange, white and yellow J-hooks, EZ-hooks, grabbers, alligator clips, tips and probes. The test points are intended for 0.062 and 0.093-thick PCBs with a variety of gripping decides. All 10 colors are available for use with Keystone’s miniature, company and multipurpose test points. Keystone Electronics, 800-221-5510 or visit www.keyelco.com.

Gas Boosters to Speed Oxygen Cleaning

Haskel Intl has unveiled a new series of – 50 ratio gas boosters that offer higher flow rates and faster fill times. Conforming to Mil-Std 1330D, the boosters meet emerging requirement for greater gas flow than – 30 ratio units and higher gas volumes than – 75 ratio boosters. Designed for high-flow production applications such as military and commercial aircraft ground support, the boosters supply up to 15,000 psi. They have a built-in cooling system and do not require electricity or airline lubrication. Haskel Intl, 818-843-4000 or visit www.haskel.com.

Handheld LCR Meter for Testing

Intelient Technologies division Protek Test and Measurement of Englewood, N.J. is offering its Model Z580, a handheld 9-volt LCR meter that supplies 0.3 percent accuracy, has a 5-digit LCD screen and can be used for ESR measurements. The Z580 displays component value and its Q or D on a dual display. Frequencies of 100 hertz, 120 hertz, 1 kilohertz and 10 kilohertz can be tested using the device with 0.1, 0.3 and 0.42-volt test voltages. The Z580 also comes with AC/DC and test lead adapters, Kelvin clips and rechargeable battery pack. Protek, 201-227-1161 or visit www.protektest.com.

Earmuff Hood Protects Head and Face

Sperian Hearing Protection of Smithfield, R.I. has introduced its Polar Hood and Slim Belt Clip for its line of Howard Leight earmuffs. The balaclava-style hood can be worn over or under the earmuffs for protection in cold or windy climates, such as when for maintenance personnel on an airport tarmac. Sealing around the face helps to prevent exposure to the elements. The belt clip, which is lightweight and features a low profile, offers easy access to earmuffs when moving between jobsites. Sperian, 800-430-5490 or visit www.howardleight.com.