Abstract: A robotic end of arm tool to effectuate loaded case closure is provided. The tool includes a loaded case flap folding assembly to effectuate folding of flaps extending from a first case panel of a loaded case and, advantageously, loaded case squaring assemblies. The folding assembly includes flap engaging elements, a linkage and an actuator, the flap engaging elements operatively united with the linkage, the linkage actuatable via the actuator in furtherance of causing the flap engaging elements to engage the flaps extending from the first case panel. Flap engaging elements include a first flap engaging element for engagement with a first flap extending from the first case panel of the loaded case, and second and third flap engaging elements for engagement with second and third flaps opposingly extending from the first case panel, each of the second and third flaps adjacent the first flap.

Abstract: A method of reducing noise from an aircraft in a noise abatement zone during flight of the aircraft includes determining where the flight path of the aircraft will intersect the noise abatement zone and then operating the aircraft in a quieter manner when the aircraft is within the noise abatement zone.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling an aircraft during descent are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a speed margin for the vehicle and a processor communicatively coupled to the input device wherein the processor is programmed to automatically determine a flight path of the vehicle that is shallower than an idle flight path for the vehicle and generate a flight control surface control signal configured to maintain the determined flight path using the received speed margin. The control system further includes an output device communicatively coupled to the processor. The output device is configured to transmit the flight control surface control signal to a flight control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling an aircraft during descent are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a speed margin for the vehicle and a processor communicatively coupled to the input device wherein the processor is programmed to automatically determine a flight path of the vehicle that is shallower than an idle flight path for the vehicle and generate a flight control surface control signal configured to maintain the determined flight path using the received speed margin. The control system further includes an output device communicatively coupled to the processor. The output device is configured to transmit the flight control surface control signal to a flight control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A candle filter assembly for a filter device includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a tubular core having an outer surface and an inner surface, and including a plurality of openings extending therethrough, a filter media supported by the core defining a core and filter media subassembly, and a drain pipe including a plurality of openings extending therethrough to permit fluid to flow between an outer surface of the drain pipe and the inside of the drain pipe. The drain pipe is located inside the core. The candle filter assembly also includes an end cap, a first sealing block including a drain pipe opening. The drain pipe extends through the drain pipe opening in the first sealing block. The candle filter assembly further includes a compression nut threadingly engaging the drain pipe extending through the first sealing block.

Abstract: A trash compactor which is hydraulically actuated and which has a compactor blade which can be moved the full length of a truck body with a telescoping cylinder with one actuation of the cylinder and wherein one end of the cylinder is connected by a bracket to the rear end of the body of the truck and the other end of the cylinder extends into a nose portion of the compactor blade where it is attached with a bracket. A relatively low pressure hydraulic system actuates the compactor blade and a release valve limits the maximum pressure to which the system is subjected.

Abstract: A security latch is provided in the form of a two-piece molded plastic padlock. The padlock comprises a one-piece molded plastic body having an opening at one end thereof. The body is hollow and is closed at the open end by a plate. A flexible shackle is molded integrally with the lock body or a separate plate and has a free end with a resilient reentrant finger thereon. The free end is insertable into an opening with the finger snapping behind a structural portion of the lock to latch the free end within said opening. An additional access opening is provided into the body and a key element is insertable therein to cam said latching finger out of latching engagement to allow retraction of the shackle.

Abstract: A novel suspender fastener is disclosed. The suspender fastener comprises a first lever, a second lever, and a ratchet. The first and second levers are pivotally connected in a manner such that a fulcrum is formed therebetween. A first pair of mutually proximate end portions of the levers are longitudinally spaced from the fulcrum, and form a pair of jaws for engaging a garment therebetween. The ratchet preferably includes a loop for securing a suspender thereto. The ratchet is variably engageable with the first and second levers in a manner such that co-action between the ratchet and the levers causes the jaws to progressively tighten.

Abstract: A snap hook comprising a bi-ended base portion, a blade portion, a re-entrant portion and a latch portion, is disclosed. The blade is integral with a first end of the base, through the re-entrant portion, thereby providing the snap hook with an aperture intermediate the base and the blade. The aperture has a mouth and two integrally formed lips. The aperture is adapted to receive a substantially cylindrical portion of a retainer therein. The latch is integral with the second end of the base and thereby provides the snap hook with a corner at the junction thereof. A free end of the blade and a free end of the latch are in distal relation to the base. A relaxed condition for the snap hook is defined to be when the distal end of the blade is above the distal end of the latch, in relation to the base. A locked condition for the snap hook is defined to be when the distal end of the blade is positioned beneath the distal end of the latch, in relation to the base.

Abstract: A cord lock is provided for securing or locking a flexible cord or the like. The cord lock has but three pieces, a molded plastic cylinder and a molded plastic piston, and a biasing spring trapped therebetween. Snap-over cammed retaining means are provided for holding the piston and cylinder in assembled relation against the biasing force of the spring. Confronting flats are provided on the outer surface of the piston and inner surfaces of the cylinder to maintain rotational alignment so that a pair of lateral apertures in the cylinder can be aligned with a cross-bore in the piston for movement of a cord or the like therethrough.

Abstract: A molded plastic buckle adapted to releasably secure extremities of a web-like material includes a receptacle body and an insert body having a tongue portion adapted to be slidably received in the receptacle body. The receptacle body includes a top wall having a through aperture defining a plurality of surrounding side surfaces. At least one of these side surfaces is angled to converge in the direction of slidable insertion of the insert body tongue portion. The insert body tongue portion includes a raised portion receivable within the aperture. This raised portion has a trailing side surface formed at a complementary angle to the angled side surface of the aperture to facilitate locking interengagement between the raised portion and the aperture.

Abstract: A fastening system including two plastic fasteners for removably securing two workpieces together, including a female socket accepted and retained within a bore in one workpiece and a double ended male stud self-retained in a bore in the second workpiece and removably accepted in complimental fashion in the female socket. One end of said male stud carrying a deflectable spherically shaped segmented head which permits limited tolerance variation between center lines positions of making bores in the two workpieces.

Abstract: A plastic buckle adapted to adjustably secure extremities of a web-like material including a frame-like body portion, fastening means at one end of said body portion for fixedly securing the buckle to one extremity of said web-like material and means for adjusting the opposite extremity of said web-like material including at least two transverse parallel bars positioned adjacent the opposite end of said body portion. Said adjusting means including two transverse parallel bars providing edges spaced from one another on opposite sides of a plane a distance not greater than the predetermined thickness of the web and lying in spaced planes perpendicular to said first mentioned plane.