US Patent 7044024 Apparatus and method for servo control of an aircraft

Autopilot control of an aircraft is accomplished using a servo wherein the input shaft and output shaft are collinear. In one embodiment, the output shaft is supported, in part, by the input shaft. In further embodiments an engage clutch mechanism is provided to allow decoupling of the motor from the output shaft, and a slip clutch mechanism is provided to limit the torque output of the servo to enhance the safety of operation. The collinear shaft arrangement enables the engage clutch mechanism and slip clutch mechanism to synergistically utilize components for multiple functions.