Abstract: An aeroplane includes an escape opening passing through an external skin and an internal bulkhead. The escape opening is closed off by an external escape hatch having an external opening controller. The aeroplane further includes an internal escape hatch that closes off said escape opening flush with the internal bulkhead, and kept closed by at least one catch movable between a locked state and unlocked state, a first opening controller that controls the passage from the locked state to the unlocked state of the catch being accessible from inside the aeroplane, and a second opening controller that controls the passage from the locked state to the unlocked state of the catch being positioned such that the actuation of the external opening controller of the external escape hatch or the passage of the external escape hatch from the closed position to the open position causes the second opening controller to be actuated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a leading edge of an aircraft lifting surface, the leading edge having a leading edge skin and a supporting structure including at least two spars span-wise arranged and fixed internally to the leading edge skin. In the method of the invention, the supporting structure is obtained from a single laminate of plies of composite material, which is conformed in such that in a cross-sectional view, the laminate includes a trapezoidal configuration which forms a front spar and a rear spar of the supporting structure. A leading edge obtained by the above-described method is disclosed. Since the supporting structure of the leading edge is obtained from a single component, namely the laminate, the manufacturing method is simplified and production costs are significantly reduced.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle including a fuselage, a main wing attached to the fuselage, a support structure extending upwardly from the fuselage and having a front surface facing the main wing, an overhang positioned on a top of the support structure and extending towards the main wing, one or more rotating actuators positioned on the overhang, a rear elevator attached to the one or more rotating actuators that are configured to move the rear elevator from a flying mode position where a leading edge of the rear elevator faces the main wing to a hover mode position where the major surfaces of the rear elevator faces the main wing, and wherein the major surfaces of the rear elevator remain in front of the front surface of the support structure when the rear elevator is moved from the flying mode position to the hover mode position.

Abstract: Aircraft and air scoop systems are provided. An aircraft includes an interior compartment, an outer skin, an air scoop, it movable element, and a passive pneumatic actuator. The interior compartment encloses a substantially constant interior air mass at a cabin pressure during flight and the outer skin at least partially defines a ventilated cavity. The air scoop is disposed on the outer skin and communicates air between the ventilated cavity and an external environment in which the aircraft is located. The movable element is movable between an open position and a closed position over the air scoop to define an air flow area through the air scoop. The passive pneumatic actuator is operatively coupled with the movable element and moves the movable element towards the closed position in response to an increasing altitude of the aircraft based on a differential pressure between the interior air mass and the external environment.

Abstract: A flight control system for a rotary wing aircraft, the aircraft following a track Tsol relative to the ground with a ground course angle TKsol, a forward speed Va, a pitch angle P, and a heading ?, the aircraft having one or more rotary wings provided with blades of collective pitch and of cyclic pitch that are variable about respective pitch axes and that are capable of performing movements in rotation and in translation. The flight control system has two control members each provided respectively with at least one movement axis A, B, C, D, and an autopilot for generating control signals. An action on one of the control members relative to one of the movement axes A, B, C, D gives rise independently to a modification to the forward speed Va, to the ground course angle TKsol, or indeed to the pitch angle P by means of the autopilot.

Abstract: A flight control method and system for a rotary wing aircraft. When the longitudinal speed UX of the aircraft is greater than a first threshold speed Vthresh1, a first mode of operation of the method enables flight to be performed while maintaining track relative to the ground, the flight setpoints of an autopilot being a ground course angle TKsol, a forward speed Va, a pitch angle P, and a heading ?. When the longitudinal speed UX is less than a second threshold speed Vthresh2, a second mode of operation enables flight to be performed while maintaining heading, the flight setpoints being the longitudinal speed UX, a lateral speed VY, a vertical speed WZ, and the heading ?.

Abstract: A method and a system for engaging hovering flight for a rotary wing aircraft. A first mode of operation makes it possible, while the longitudinal speed UX of the aircraft is greater than a first threshold speed Vthresh1 to approach a stop position S while maintaining track relative to the ground, the flight setpoints of an autopilot being a ground course angle TKsol, a deceleration rate Ga for the forward speed Va of the aircraft, a pitch angle P, and a heading ?. A second mode of operation makes it possible, when the longitudinal speed UX is less than a second threshold speed Vthresh2, to engage hovering flight at the stop position S while maintaining heading, the flight setpoints being the longitudinal speed UX, a lateral speed VY, a vertical speed WZ, and the heading ?, the speeds UX, VY, and WZ being reduced progressively to zero speed.

Abstract: An airborne wind turbine system including an aerial vehicle having a main wing, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a ground station, a plurality of power generating turbines connected to the main wing, a communication network positioned with the aerial vehicle, including a first flight control computer, and first plastic optical fiber signal transmission lines extending between the first flight control computer and the plurality of power generating turbines.

Abstract: An aircraft electric taxi drive system may provide electric taxiing of an aircraft by integrating control of an electric drive and an engine during the taxi phase of a flight plan. In some embodiments, the engine may provide supplemental drive to the aircraft's wheels during electric taxiing. The engine may be maintained on while the electric drive provides the main driving force to the wheels. A controller may determine the criteria to operate the engine as the electric drive taxis the aircraft to achieve a target ground speed. In some embodiments, a pilot interface may integrate control of the electric drive and the engine into a single throttle control providing the pilot an intuitive and singular point to throttle the aircraft without having to decide which taxi source is providing the taxi driving force.

Abstract: An aircraft taxi control system may include a left main gear (MG) drive motor, a right MG motor, a first motor drive controller configured to produce a left motor torque signal responsively to nose gear angle (NGA) and nose wheel speed (NGS), and a second motor drive controller configured to produce a right motor toque signal responsively to the NGA and the NGS. The left motor torque signal and the right motor torque signal may be coordinated to reduce lateral loading of the nose wheel during a turning maneuver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing an electric motor (6) intended to drive rotationally a wheel (4) of an aircraft (1), the method comprising the step of short-circuiting the phases of the electric motor (6) when the aircraft (1) is in a period of deactivation of the motor (6) during which it is envisaged not using the electric motor (6).

Abstract: A pitch trimmer assembly for an aircraft landing gear having a damping element arranged to be connected between a first and a second element of an aircraft landing gear and arranged to exert a first damping force when in a first state and a second damping force in a second state, the damping element being switchable between the first and second states in dependence on the relative positions of the first and second landing gear elements.

Abstract: Improved active vibration control (AVC) devices (20), systems, and related methods are provided herein. An AVC device (20) includes a controller (24) adapted to receive real-time aircraft information and adjust at least one control parameter as a function of the real-time aircraft information is provided. An AVC device is adapted to detect changes in real-time aircraft information, as the aircraft moves from a steady state to transient performance, low and high air speeds, or vice versa. An AVC system (e.g., AVCS) includes one or more sensors (22), one or more actuators (26), and a controller (24) adapted to receive real-time aircraft information and adjust at least one control parameter. In some aspects, a method of controlling vibration within an aircraft includes receiving vibration information from at least one sensor (22), receiving real-time aircraft information from an avionics system (40), adjusting at least one control parameter used in a control algorithm, and generating a force command.

Abstract: A helicopter main rotor control system includes a trunnion head mountable to a rotatable helicopter mast wherein the trunnion head has a control bar pivot supported by the trunnion head and pivotal about an axis substantially at a right angle to the helicopter mast. A control bar extends through the control bar pivot at a right angle thereto, and a pair of opposing leaf hinges are pivotal about the control bar and centered about said trunnion head. Each leaf hinge has a hinge plate extending from the control bar and defines a rotor blade mount hole therethrough.

Abstract: A reliable reduced weight coaxial lifting system includes a reducing gear with two shafts rotating in opposite directions, upper and lower rotor hubs mounted on the respective shafts and upper and lower swashplates connected to one another, which are movable in the axial direction and are kinematically linked to guides of blades positioned on the upper and lower rotor hubs. Guides of the blades are connected to the upper swashplate by rockers mounted on a slide block located above the upper rotor hub and guides of the blades of the lower rotor hub are connected by tie rods directly to the lower swashplate. The lower swashplate is connected to control systems of a collective and a cyclical pitch and the slide block is connected to a control system of a differential pitch of the upper rotor.

Abstract: Described herein is an aircraft that includes a fuselage with a higher portion and a lower portion. The aircraft also includes two fixed wings that are coupled to and extend from opposing sides of the lower portion of the fuselage. Additionally, the aircraft includes a tilt-rotor assembly that is coupled to each of the two fixed wings.

Abstract: An airdrop platform comprises a load-carrying base (10) having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes attachment points (14) for one or more parachutes. The load-carrying base (10) is formed from a material, such as a glass fibre reinforced plastics material in the form of a grating, which is such as to flex to absorb energy on changes of the energy of the platform under the forces applied to the base (10) on parachute opening and on landing.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle having a low radar signature includes a first side on which turbine openings, and payload bays or landing gear bays are disposed. A second side of the aerial vehicle is designed to have a smaller radar signature than the first side.

Abstract: An aircraft flight deck audio system, including a central management unit and pilot, co-pilot and third-man terminals. Estimation units estimate the quality of uplink and/or downlink digital signals of the pilot and co-pilot terminals. A control unit is configured such that, when the quality of the digital signals on the uplink and/or the downlink of the pilot or co-pilot terminal is estimated as unsatisfactory, the digital signals intended for the pilot or co-pilot terminal are routed toward the third-man terminal downlink and the digital signals originating from the third-man terminal and present on the uplink are routed toward the output of the pilot or co-pilot terminal. Transceiver units of the pilot, co-pilot and third-man terminals, respectively, transmit the digital signals of the pilot or co-pilot terminal on the third-man terminal downlink and the digital signals on the uplink of the third-man terminal toward the pilot or co-pilot terminal.

Abstract: A display device for use in transportation equipment according to the present disclosure includes a monitor, a hold portion, a shaft portion, a regulation portion, and a release unit. The monitor is disposed on a back side of a seat, and configured to be switchable between a stowed state where a longitudinal direction is defined in a vertical orientation, and a deployed state where the longitudinal direction is defined in a horizontal orientation. The hold portion is disposed on a back side of the monitor, and supports a back of the monitor. The shaft portion is disposed on the back side of the monitor, and supports the hold portion such that the hold portion is rotatable together with the monitor. The regulation portion regulates rotation of the monitor in the stowed state. The release unit releases hold caused by the regulation portion such that the monitor is rotatable about the shaft portion when the monitor shifts from the stowed state to the deployed state.

Abstract: A method of controlling motion of movable components of a powered seat includes, using the controller, monitoring a feedback signal of an actuator during motion of a component. During an acceleration phase of the motion of the component, a reference state of the time-varying motion command is detected and a reference value of the monitored feedback signal is determined as a reference value. A feedback-signal acceptance range is determined using the reference value of the monitored feedback signal. During a steady-state phase of the motion, the motion of the component is terminated if the monitored feedback signal departs the determined feedback-signal acceptance range. A control system for a powered seat of a vehicle is described. A powered seat assembly is described.

Abstract: An aeroplane includes an external skin and an internal bulkhead delimiting a cabin, and an escape opening passing through the external skin and the internal bulkhead. The escape opening is closed off by an external escape hatch disposed flush with the external skin. The aeroplane also includes an internal escape hatch that closes off the escape opening disposed flush with the internal bulkhead, and pressure regulating means capable of automatically triggering an opening of the internal escape hatch or a part of the internal escape hatch when a pressure differential on both sides of the internal escape hatch exceeds a determined value.

Abstract: An engine mount may include a clevis and a lug defining a hole therethrough. A pin may be joined to the clevis and may extend through the hole of the lug with the pin and the lug defining a clearance therebetween. A trigger system may be disposed on the lug and operatively associated with the pin.

Abstract: A system for fuel and thermal management of fuel delivered to an engine is disclosed. The system includes a supply of fuel in fluid communication with a fuel inlet of the engine, and an oxygen sensor for measuring dissolved oxygen content in the fuel is in fluid communication with the fuel. The fuel is heated by transferring heat from engine oil in a heat exchanger. The temperature of the fuel is controlled by controlling engine oil flow and airflow through another heat exchanger upstream of the fuel/oil heat exchanger on the oil circulation path with engine oil.

Abstract: A method of controlling cooling in an aircraft system includes endothermically cracking a fuel to increase its cooling capacity using a catalyst that includes at least one transition metal compound of at least one of carbides, nitrides, oxynitrides, oxycarbonitrides, oxycarbides, phosphides, and combinations, and the transition metal includes at least one of zirconium, hafnium, tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium, rhenium, and combinations thereof. The cracked fuel is used to cool a heat source that includes an aircraft component.

Abstract: A method for testing an airplane maintenance system, which comprises the steps of: testing communications and data transmission between an aircraft operator and a management service provider; testing general communications and data transmission between internal systems of the management service provider; and testing communications and data transmission between the internal systems of the management service provider during for predetermined procedures.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the approach to a platform by an aircraft, the method comprising a step of constructing a database, including for each stored platform at least one identifier of the platform, coordinates of a geometrical center of the platform, a height of the geometrical center, and the radius (OR) of a circle in which the platform lies. During a parameter-setting step, the target platform to be reached, a course to be followed, and a height parameter relative to a minimum decision altitude are determined. During a path construction step, the positions of an initial approach fix (IAF), of a final approach fix (FAF), and of a decision point (MAP) are determined by placing them in a plane that is offset relative to the platform.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the approach to a platform by an aircraft. The value of the required position integrity performance (RNP) is determined for a localization system. During an approach stage, this position integrity performance (RNP) is compared with a position integrity radius (HPL) resulting from the use of a GNSS localization system, and an alert is generated if the position integrity radius (HPL) is greater than the position integrity performance (RNP).

Abstract: A system may include a tether, a tether gimbal assembly, a drive mechanism, and a control system. The tether may include a distal end, a proximate end, and at least one conductor. The tether gimbal assembly may be connected to the tether. The drive mechanism may be coupled to the tether gimbal assembly and may include a housing, a spindle, and a motor. The housing may be fixed to the tether gimbal assembly. The spindle may be rotatably coupled to the housing, and the tether may be coupled to the spindle and rotate in conjunction with the spindle. The motor may be coupled to the spindle and configured to rotate the spindle and the tether. And the control system may be configured to operate the drive mechanism to control twist in the tether.

Abstract: A system may include a tether, a slip ring, a tether gimbal assembly, a drive mechanism, a control system. The tether may include a distal tether end coupled to an aerial vehicle, a proximate tether end, and at least one insulated electrical conductor coupled to the aerial vehicle. The slip ring may include a fixed portion and a rotatable portion, where the rotatable portion is coupled to the tether. The tether gimbal assembly may be rotatable about at least one axis and is coupled to the fixed portion of the slip ring. The drive mechanism may be coupled to the slip ring and configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the slip ring. And the control system may be configured to operate the drive mechanism to control twist in the tether.

Abstract: A space launch apparatus comprising a solid triangular space frame constructed of a plurality of connected truss members that are attached to each other at nodes and are also attached to at least one rocket motor and to at least one payload whereby the force produced by the operation of the rocket motor is transferred to the payload and aerodynamic and vibration loads are distributed through the truss members and their nodes.

Abstract: A spacecraft arrangement having sensors for providing the three dimensional imaging of space object to be imaged and having a plurality of spaced apart nodes defining an open imaging area therebetween through which imaging area the space object to be imaged passes.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing collars (14) of packets (10) for cigarettes, a preferably continuous material web (23) formed of a packaging material for the collars (14) being conveyed along a transport path (collar path 36), one or more processing stations for processing the material web (23) with regard to one or more characteristic properties of the collars (14) being arranged along the transport path, and the collars (14) being severed from the material web (23) in a processing station by applying a transversely directed severing cut. The material web (23) for the collars (14) is processed in the processing station or processing stations in such a way that at least some collars (14) differ with regard to at least one characteristic property.

Abstract: An apparatus for laning rolled products is disclosed. The apparatus can include an infeed section having one or more adjacent infeed lanes. Each infeed lane can convey a plurality of rolled products in a first direction. The infeed section can feed rolled product to a transfer section, the transfer section receiving one or more of the plurality of rolled products from each lane of the infeed section. The transfer section can convey the one or more rolled products in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction to a discharge section. The discharge section can have one or more adjacent discharge lanes for receiving the one or more rolled products from the transfer section. The discharge section can convey the one or more rolled products in a third direction substantially parallel to the first direction. A displacement device can transfer rolled products from the transfer section onto the discharge section.

Abstract: An apparatus for laning rolled products is disclosed. The apparatus can include an infeed section having one or more adjacent infeed lanes. Each infeed lane can convey a plurality of rolled products in a first direction. The infeed section can feed rolled product to a transfer section, the transfer section receiving one or more of the plurality of rolled products from each lane of the infeed section. The transfer section can convey the one or more rolled products in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction to a first or second discharge section. The first or second discharge sections can each have one or more adjacent discharge lanes for receiving the one or more rolled products from the transfer section. The first or second discharge sections can convey the one or more rolled products in a third direction substantially parallel to the first direction. A displacement device can transfer rolled products from the transfer section onto the first or second discharge sections.

Abstract: A packaging machine for placing articles into a carton includes rotating flight assemblies that receive a carton or carton blank, and rotate the carton blank and carton with articles while the flight assemblies move downstream. The flight assemblies each include two fixed segments and one segment that includes a block and associated bracket that rotate as the flight assembly is pulled through the machine by a conveying system. A method includes carton blanks being fed by a carton feeder onto the flight assemblies. Articles are formed into an article group, which is then placed onto a carton blank. As the blank and article group move in a downstream direction, the side panels of the carton blank are wrapped around the article group and the carton and article group are rotated to assist in closing the carton end flaps.

Abstract: A conveying system for transporting a food product from an oven to a loading or packaging machine includes a transport conveyor system that has an input conveying belt and an output conveying belt that is parallel, driven at different speeds, and operatively mounted to a frame for transporting a food product. A plurality of displacement members are secured to the frame and positioned adjacent the input conveying belt. A sensor is located adjacent to a first end of the frame and adjacent to the input conveyor. Connected to the drives, the displacement members, and the sensor is a controller. The controller activates a selected displacement member based upon a sensed position of the food product as compared to a determined theoretical position of the food product to move the food product from the input belt to the output belt. The geometry of the belts on the transport conveyor allow the food product to self-center on the belt after the transfer.

Abstract: A control device, comprising a processor and a memory that contains computer readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to receive a first user input corresponding to first parameters for forming a first unit of packaging material, add first instructions corresponding to the first unit to a queue for a packaging device, receive a second user input corresponding to second parameters for forming a second unit of packaging material, add second instructions corresponding to the second unit to the queue, and transmit the queue to the packaging device to cause the packaging device to create the first and second units of packaging material according to the first and second parameters.

Abstract: Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In particular, the disclosed subject matter involves container base configurations having particular up-stand geometries that can assist or facilitate elevated temperature processing and/or cooling processing of plastic containers.

Abstract: Systems and methods using container holders configured to provide a stable support for containers held therein in order to efficiently cool the containers after a hot-fill or elevated temperature operation. The container holders can allow a fluid to pass from an inner volume of the container holder to outside the container holder through side apertures and/or an open bottom end of the container holder. Groups of containers and container holders also may be cooled. Groups of containers in container holders can be processed through the cooling operation at a speed different from a speed for holderless containers.

Abstract: The invention can be used for the labelling of fruit and other objects. It comprises a labelling device and a feed device for a belt bearing a series of labels. The labelling device comprises an angled leg to which is coupled part of the belt having a belt-advance branch with labels and a return branch without labels, the labels having been detached in a forward region in front of the point at which the two branches meet. The labelling device can bend each label before it is detached from the belt and prior to being stuck on the product. To that end, the labelling device has characteristic means for bending the labels, including a rotary module associated with an encoder.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a neck portion, a sidewall portion, and a base portion. The neck portion includes a plurality of threads, which may be configured to retain and/or secure a cap or lid. In embodiments, the threads may be blown and/or the neck portion may include a neck rib provided vertically above the threads.

Abstract: A container (1) and a screwable closure (2) comprising a hollow body (11) and a neck finish (10) terminated by a wide-mouth opening (100). Said neck finish comprises a neck support ring (102) and a neck portion (101) extending between the wide-mouth opening (100) and the neck support ring (102). The neck portion (101) comprises an upper portion (1010) and a reinforced lower portion (1011). The inner face (1011b) of the reinforced lower portion (1011) is transitioning to the inner face (1010b) of the upper portion (1010) along a transition step (1011c) in such a way that said reinforced lower portion (1011) is thicker than the upper portion (1010) at least in a top part of the reinforced lower portion (1011). The neck support ring (102) is below the removable closure (2).

Abstract: A method for producing a screw-top bottle-can and a screw-top bottle-can are provided so that a screw-thread can be formed without damaging an inner coating and a resealing operation can be improved. A shoulder part is formed by reducing a diameter of an opening part of a closed-end cylindrical body, a cylindrical part having an intermediate diameter between a major thread diameter and a minor thread diameter and a tapered part which is tapered from an upper end of the cylindrical part toward an opening-end part are formed above the shoulder part, and forming a screw-thread from the tapered part to the cylindrical part so as to form a starting part of the screw-thread at a middle part of the tapered part.

Abstract: A leak protector tray preferably includes a modular tray assembly suitably sized and shaped for being removably positioned within a sink cabinet. Such a modular tray assembly includes Notably, each tray has alternating tongue and groove edges that are interlocked together via a coupling to provide a secure and water-tight connection between adjacent trays. In this manner, the interlocking edges allow a user to adjustably link a plurality of trays to accommodate various sized and shaped sink cabinets, while ensuring moisture/water do not seep through the interlocked edges.

Abstract: A paper cup, including: a cup body including a surface, and a base. A plurality of uneven stiffeners are arranged on the surface of the cup body. A method for preparing the paper cup includes: 1) selecting polyethylene (PE) or polylactic acid (PLA) coated paper as a raw material, the PE or the PLA coated paper including: a coated side, and a printed side; 2) printing a figure on the printed side of the PE or the PLA coated paper; 3) embossing uneven stiffeners on the paper via an embossing device; 4) cutting the paper into a shape of a section as a cup body via a die cutting machine; 5) shaping the cup body and the base into the paper cup via a molding machine; and 6) sterilizing, and packaging the paper cups.

Abstract: A re-closeable folded container includes a hexahedral base including a front panel and a rear panel, a cover pivotally connected with an upper edge of a rear panel for movement between an open position and a closed position, and a locking panel hingedly connected with an upper edge of the front panel. The front panel includes a tear-away portion defined by a score line. The locking panel includes a first tab, a second tab, and a tear-away portion defined by score lines. The tear-away portion of the locking panel is fixedly attached to both the front portion of the cover and the tear-away portion of the front panel such that initial movement of the cover from the closed position toward the open position causes the locking panel and the front panel to tear along the score lines and causes both tear-away portions to pivotally move with the cover.

Abstract: A shelf ready package having improved shelf presentation, even when some or all of the products have been removed.

Abstract: Packaging used to hold and ship consumer products may include a packaging insert having an exterior profile that substantially matches an interior profile of the box it is placed in during assembly. In some embodiments, the packaging insert may be formed using a thermo-forming process that inhibits the formation of defects, such as stress marks, located near or on the corners of the packaging insert. The packaging insert may include a side wall having a plurality of extended portions and a plurality of abbreviated portions. In some embodiments, the packaging insert may include a plurality of flaps rotatably connected to a body of the packaging insert.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device (PED) includes a stand that is configured to support a PED in an upright position. The stand may be pivotally coupled to a sliding member that can move along the case's back side. The sliding member and stand may move between a first position in which the stand supports the device in an upright position and a second position in which the stand lies flush with the rear face. Thus, the stand may selectively support the case in an upright position or be compact for easy storage.