Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chaff dispensing system that is provided on an aircraft. The chaff dispensing system includes a container, a dispensing assembly, a controller, and a volume of chaff material. The container has a first end, a second end, and a chamber that extends between the first and second ends, and the second end defines an ejection port. The dispensing assembly is provided on the aircraft, and the dispensing assembly is operably engaged to the container. The controller is electrically connected to the dispensing assembly. The volume of chaff material is disposed inside the chamber of the container. The volume of chaff material is dispensed by the dispensing assembly operably through the controller in metered volumes of chaff material. In addition, a first volume of chaff material may be metered at a first time and a second volume chaff material may be metered at a second time in which the second volume of chaff material is different than the first volume of chaff material.

Abstract: In an aspect, a modular battery configuration with a centralized bus on an electric aircraft, including an electric aircraft which comprises a propulsor configured to generate thrust and a centralized electrical bus connected to the propulsor. A plurality of modular battery packs is configured to provide electricity to the centralized electrical bus, wherein the plurality of modular battery packs is arranged about a center of gravity of the electric aircraft.

Abstract: A rotatable nacelle includes an engine inlet configured to receive air and an inlet air management system (IAMS). The IAMS includes a primary inlet configured to selectively allow air to flow into a duct associated with the engine air inlet via the primary inlet and a secondary inlet configured to selectively allow air to flow into the duct associated with the engine air inlet via the secondary inlet. The secondary inlet is configured to receive an air filter.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cattle shed, comprising a cattle bedding, a feeding channel, a fixed roof, a movable roof, a feeding trough, a peripheral rail fence, and a rail fence gate, wherein the cattle bedding is provided with no dividers and needs no hardening and daily manure cleaning, which is merged with playground and enclosed. The feeding channel is hardened and higher than the cattle bedding, the fixed roof and the movable roof cover the cattle bedding and the feeding trough, the peripheral rail fence and the rail fence gate surround the cattle bedding and the feeding trough, and the fixed roof and the movable roof are arranged in a slope mode, and the movable roof can be opened to allow sunlight to enter and exchange air to form convection. The cattle shed of the present invention can reduce the construction cost, open the movable roof, effectively utilize the sunlight and the air convection, ensure a complete rain-sewage separation, and realize zero discharge of manure and sewage.

Abstract: In a flying object, a PCU has a plurality of operation modes in which an engine and/or a motor generator is used as a driving source for a pusher propeller. In accordance with the state of the flying object, the PCU controls the engine, a clutch, and the motor generator in one of the operation modes.

Abstract: A gear box includes a housing, an actuator coupled to the housing, and a bearing assembly pivotably coupled to the actuator. The bearing assembly including an outer raceway, a cylindrical housing positioned within the outer raceway, and an annular bearing positioned between the outer raceway and the housing. The cylindrical housing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A sensor is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical housing and configured to monitor an operating condition of the annular bearing. A linkage couples the actuator to the second end of the cylindrical housing and an output shaft is rotatably coupled to the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A lockout system for an aircraft having a rotor assembly. The lockout system includes a drive shaft coupled to and rotatable with the rotor assembly, a nonrotating airframe structure disposed proximate the drive shaft and a lock assembly having first and second lock members. The first lock member is rotatable with the drive shaft and includes a plurality of bearing assemblies. The second lock member is coupled to the nonrotating airframe structure and includes a cradle having a plurality of asymmetric slots each with a leading ramp and a trailing stop. The lock assembly has a disengaged position in which rotation of the drive shaft is allowed and an engaged position in which each of the bearing assemblies is seated within one of the asymmetric slots to prevent rotation of the drive shaft. The lock assembly is actuatable between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A cryogenic fuel tank for retrofitting a conventional fossil-fuel-powered aircraft, or for a purposely built aircraft to run on hydrogen has an aerodynamically shaped outer surface including an ogive shaped nose cone, and a tapered tail cone, wherein the tapered tail cone includes actively adjustable elements for adjusting aerodynamic characteristics of the cryogenic fuel tank. The cryogenic fuel tank is configured to be attached below wings of the aircraft, through support pylons, which include sensors configured to measure forces applied by the cryogenic fuel tank to the airframe. The cryogenic fuel tank includes a nozzle and valve configured to vent gas from the cryogenic fuel tank by expansion through the nozzle in the event that the cryogenic fuel tank is jettisoned from the aircraft.

Abstract: An automatic unit for one or several beehives for commercial or recreational beekeeping including honey production and pollination services comprises: (a) a plurality of bee frames (honeycomb, brood frames and other bee frames) releasably mounted within at least one hive chamber; (b) a mechanism for removing the bee frames from the hive chamber and inserting the bee frames thereinto; (c) an automated honey harvesting arrangement; (d) an arrangement for monitoring bees conditions, analyzing obtained data and reporting results to a user; and (e) an arrangement for feeding bees, pest and climate control. The mechanism for removing and inserting the bee frames comprises a frame loader linearly displaceable along at least one hive chamber.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a center wing box to a bulkhead of an aircraft. The joint includes a flex angle member with a first section shaped to abut against and be connected to the center wing box, a second section shaped to abut against and be connected to a first side of the deck of the bulkhead, and an intermediate rounded corner positioned between the first and second sections. First support members are attached to the center wing box at first pins and support a first side of the second section of the flex angle member. Second support members are attached to the web of the bulkhead at second pins and support a second side of the second section of the flex angle member. The first support members are positioned on a first side of the deck of the bulkhead and the second support members are positioned on an opposing second side of the deck.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin section includes a door frame, which forms a door opening, a passenger door, which is arranged on the door frame and is configured to close the door opening, and a door insulation arrangement, which is larger in at least one direction than the door opening. The door insulation arrangement is produced from a textile which is heat-insulating and/or airflow-inhibiting. Furthermore, a corresponding door insulation arrangement and an aircraft having such an aircraft cabin section or such a door insulation arrangement are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for protection of at least one aircraft door sill, including a rigid panel having shape and dimensions configured to cover and to protect the sill at least partially having an attachment face oriented toward the sill of the aircraft and configured to come to rest on the latter and a step face oriented in the direction away from the attachment face. The panel includes, on one transverse side, at least one cavity forming a housing and, on the other side, an arrangement for removably fixing to the sill. The protection system equally includes at least one bar having a shape at least partially complementary to the cavity to assure the nesting thereof. In this way the panel protects the sill and can easily be replaced: the sill is provided with a rapidly interchangeable protection system.

Abstract: A metering dispenser for pet products and other products has a container and a tunnel within the container. The tunnel has a product receiving opening near an internal wall of the container and a dispensing opening extending through an opposite wall. When the container is moved, products fall into the receiving opening, through the tunnel and out through the dispensing opening. Pet product ingestion is extended and pets learn to manipulate the container to obtain food and treats.

Abstract: Embodiments for hybrid pressure deck of an aircraft. One embodiment is a pressure deck disposed over a main gear wheel well of an aircraft. The pressure deck includes longitudinal beams extending in a forward and aft direction between an aft wheel well bulkhead and a rear spar of the aircraft. The pressure deck also includes a web attached to an underside of the longitudinal beams. The web includes a flat web portion supported by transverse stiffeners extending in an inboard and outboard direction, and a curved web portion including arches configured to flex laterally from load in the inboard and outboard direction. A transition between the flat web portion and the curved web portion extends at least partially in the forward and aft direction of the aircraft.

Abstract: A tip-up cover is provided that may be used during ice fishing. The tip-up cover may be set over a hole made in the ice during ice fishing to protect the hole from wind and snow. The tip-up cover may include a transparent lid such that a user can view the interior of the tip-up cover without opening the cover. Also, the lid allows a user to adjust a spool within the tip-up cover without requiring the user to completely remove the cover from the ice hole. Finally, the tip-up cover includes a flag and a bite-indicator light that provide visual cues to the user when a fish is caught on the line attached to the spool.

Abstract: A cage assembly can have at least one enclosure. Each enclosure can have a floor defining a floor area having a major dimension and a cover having a bottom surface. A spacing between the bottom surface of the cover and the floor can define a cage height. At least one sidewall can extend between the floor and the cover. A ratio of the cage height to the major dimension of the floor area of each enclosure of the at least one enclosure can be at least 0.70.

Abstract: A system for consistently emitting a volatile material, the system including a dispenser having at least one aperture, a substrate adapted to fit within the dispenser, and a volatile material. The substrate includes a first woven layer having a first pore size, a second woven layer having a second pore size, and a third, non-woven layer that extends between the first woven layer and the second woven layer. Further, the system has a steady state weight loss of the volatile material over a time greater than 30 days.

Abstract: A door mounting system mountable to an overhead luggage bin, which includes a bucket with a belly wall and side walls extending transversely from the belly wall, includes: a bullnose having a bullnose body extending between a first bullnose end and a second bullnose end, the bullnose body having a trailing edge mountable to the belly wall; and a hinge bracket mountable to one of the side walls of the bucket, the hinge bracket extending between a lower portion mountable to one of the first and second bullnose ends, and an upper portion structured for hingedly mounting a door thereto. The hinge bracket has a rear mounting extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The rear mounting is mountable to a forward edge of the one of the side walls of the bucket.

Abstract: A method of operating a supply aircraft for in-flight recharging comprises: transmitting a deploy command signal from a communication unit of the supply aircraft to a communication unit of a receiver aircraft, to cause a line and drogue to deploy from the receiver aircraft; controlling at least one of the supply aircraft and the drogue to engage the drogue with a first end of an electrical cable of the supply aircraft, a second end of the electrical cable being connected to the supply aircraft; and transmitting a return command signal from the communication unit of the supply aircraft to the communication unit of the receiver aircraft, to cause the line and drogue to return to the receiver aircraft with the first end of the electrical cable. The supply aircraft is located behind the receiver aircraft and the deploy command signal is for causing the line and drogue to deploy rearwardly of the receiver aircraft.

Abstract: A folding dip net fixed with two fulcrums comprises a net rod and a net rack. A connecting part and a lock catch are disposed at a front end of the net rod. A tail end of the net rack is mounted on two sides of the connecting part through rotating shafts. The lock catch is slidably connected to the net rod and locks the tail end of the net rack when the net rack is unfolded. Clamping grooves are formed in the two sides of the connecting part and are communicated with a bottom surface of the connecting part. The clamping grooves are of an arc structure and become narrower gradually from bottom to top. Support parts are disposed on the two sides of the connecting part and are located above the clamping grooves. Protrusions are disposed on the net rack and are located on the two sides of the connecting part.