Abstract: A balloon having an envelope, a gas contained within the envelope, a payload connected to the envelope, wherein the envelope has a first portion that has a first absorptive or reflective property with respect to allowing solar energy to be transferred to the gas within the envelope, and a second portion that has a second absorptive or reflective property with respect to allowing solar energy to be transferred to the gas within the envelope where the second absorptive or reflective property is different than the first absorptive or reflective property, wherein the second portion is provided with a darkly colored surface that allows more solar energy to be transferred through the envelope to the gas within the envelope than the first portion, and wherein the envelope is rotatable to allow a preferred ratio of the first and second portions of the envelope to be positioned facing the sun.

Abstract: A decompression panel for use in an aircraft assembly includes a body portion including a top end and a bottom end, and an array of openings formed in the body portion. The openings in the array progressively decrease in size along a height of the body portion from the bottom end towards the top end.

Abstract: A roadable, adaptable-modular, multiphibious-amphibious ground-effect or flying, car-boat-plane or surface-effect motorcycle. A pivoting wing using the NACA 23112 airfoil provides longitudinal stability through changes in wing or power settings. The airfoil can also be “locked” in place to provide conventional aircraft type controls. The wings fold for driving mode or can be removed. Surface-effect sensor rods provide the automatic altitude control for operations in surface-effect mode. Horizontal stabilizer and elevator provide trim and balance to level the vehicle for passenger comfort and optimal landing attitude. The hull/fuselage consists of three main modules: The main central module (engine, transmission, passengers, wings and cargo storage), the forward module and the aft module which may include one or two wheels with or without a motor, engine, batteries or fuel and differential.

Abstract: A fixed compliant wing system is provided that is coupled to a rigid spar and a rigid stopper. The fixed compliant wing system includes an actuator and at least two compliant rib structures coupled to the rigid spar. The compliant rib structures include an outer compliant contoured structure, a drive member coupled to the outer compliant contoured structure where the drive member is in a sliding arrangement with the rigid stopper. The drive member is further connected to the actuator. The outer compliant contoured structure of the compliant rib structures is configured to deform when force is applied from the actuator to the drive member. The fixed complaint wing system further includes a skin encompassing the compliant rib structures.

Abstract: A method, and an associated device, is provided for the determination, by a flight management system of an aircraft, of a lateral trajectory of said aircraft on the basis of a predefined flight plan allowing consecutive conflicts to be resolved in an improved manner. This allows an improved lateral trajectory to be designed in the case where multiple trajectory conflicts exist. The trajectory obtained is closer to the flight plan defined by the pilot. The propagation of trajectory conflicts to the following flight segments is thus avoided. In fact, instead of propagating the trajectory conflict from one resolution to another, the method allows the conflict to be resolved in a space delimited at most by the input of the first conflict and the output of the last conflict.

Abstract: A geodetic marking system for marking a known target point, having an automotive, unmanned, remotely controllable air vehicle and having a geodetic position determination arrangement for determining the external actual position of the air vehicle. The air vehicle also has a marking unit for marking the target point, and the marking system has a control unit such that the air vehicle can be positioned relative to the target point position on the basis of the external actual position, which can be determined continuously. The control unit is also configured in such a manner that it is possible to control the marking unit for marking the target point taking into account the actual position, the desired position and a defined marking direction from the marking unit to the target point, with the result that the target point can be marked with geodetic accuracy in the defined marking direction.

Abstract: A drive system with harmonic drive designed to meet the high power and torque requirements required to drive an aircraft independently on the ground is provided. The drive system includes an electric motor driven by a harmonic drive assembly that may be configured to be integral with the motor. This drive system with harmonic drive can be effectively installed in an existing aircraft nose wheel or main wheel without changes to other components.

Abstract: A method of controlling a helicopter having a rotor with blades is provided. The method includes receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, at least one input associated with the helicopter; generating, by the computing device, control signals configured to counteract blade bending associated with the rotors based on the received at least one input; measuring, by the computing device, blade signals using sensors for the blades; extracting, by the computing device, harmonic loads from the measured blade signals; adapting, by the computing device, the control signals based on the harmonic loads; and controlling, by the computing device, servos connected to the blades to adjust the blades according to the adapted control signals to reduce vibratory loads on the blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.

Abstract: Improved supersonic laminar flow wing structure, on a supersonic aircraft, having strake extending forwardly of the wing inboard extent, and reversed fillet at strake junction with the wing leading edge. Plain and split flap structures may also be provided at each laminar flow wing.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.

Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing so as to form a clearance space therebetween. The nacelle includes at least a first cowling which at least partially defines an inlet of the nacelle and which at least partially defines an outlet of the nacelle. The first cowling can include a unitary portion that extends continuously from the inlet to the outlet. The first cowling can also include a flattened surface.

Abstract: A fuel line assembly for an aircraft comprises a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule affixed to an isolation tube, which may be directly affixed to a fuel tube or affixed to an extension tube, which in turn, is affixed to the fuel tube. The ferrule assembly provides electrostatic discharge protection and lightning protection as the isolation tube maintains a separation distance from the ferrule and fuel tube, both of which are made from metal. The isolation tube is made from a dielectric material, but which may have conductive particles added to aid in the dissipation of an electrostatic charge. The electrical resistance through the isolation tube has a lower limit to arrest the flow of the induced lightning current through the assembly. The amount of lightning protection afforded can be configured. The ferrule assembly components may be affixed by using thermo-welding, adhesive, or mechanical pressure.

Abstract: An aircraft electrical supply circuit including: a power distribution network, onboard the aircraft, for electrical devices located in an engine of the aircraft or near the engine; and a power supply generator built into the engine of the aircraft to supply AC voltage power to a deicing or anti-icing system. The power supply generator is connected to a thrust reverser electromechanical actuator by a rectifier for supplying DC voltage power to the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an angle measurement probe on board an aircraft, which comprises a fin, which can move in rotation about an axis, at least one first optical encoder and one second optical encoder, each comprising at least one disk, each disk being fixed at right angles to the central axis and being provided with at least two circular tracks, each track being provided with alternate opaque and transparent zones, means for processing the output signal from each encoder.

Abstract: A flight path maker (FPM) and a target attitude relative to air display are displayed on a primary flight display (PFD), which is an integrated indicator. The target attitude relative to air display is a mark indicating a target attitude relative to air representing a target angle-of-attack and a target sideslip angle of the aircraft to achieve a target flight path. The PFD displays the relative difference between the FPM and the target attitude relative to air display and shows that the aircraft is flying in the target traveling direction when the FPM matches (is superposed on) the target attitude relative to air display. Thus, controlling with higher trackability than controlling performed based on a target attitude relative to ground is enabled.

Abstract: The display device comprises display means which highlight on a screen, preferably of PFD type, the information useful to the pilot relating to at least one flight parameter, especially while reducing the corresponding scale on said screen.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for health and trend monitoring for aircraft systems includes receiving, by a processor on the aircraft, a plurality of sensor signals from a respective plurality of sensors onboard the aircraft and determining a reference signal from a subset of the plurality of sensor signals. Next, each of the plurality of sensor signals is individually compared to the reference signal to provide a plurality of difference signals. Each of the plurality of difference signals is compared to a threshold value, and a maintenance message is provided for any respective sensor associated with any of the plurality of difference signals exceeding the threshold value. An aircraft employing the health and trend monitoring system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for testing a vehicle entertainment (IFE) system, comprising: functionally replicating each of a plurality of IFE components selected from the group consisting of an aircraft interface unit, a content server unit, a network distribution unit, and a seat unit with a corresponding simulator unit model that simulates functions of the respective IFE component; providing each simulator unit model on a simulator server having a processor, the simulator server connecting to an IFE network that also connects at least one of actual or simulated seat units to at least one of actual or simulated content servers; providing a test controller that controls each simulator unit model; transmitting scenario information containing operation instructions to the simulator unit model; and executing the scenario information by the simulator unit model to perform operations corresponding to the operation instructions that cause the simulator unit model to communicate over the IFE network.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying bags of pulverulent products without the spread of dust on the outside, which is intended to be used in particular in a water treatment plant, the apparatus including a box equipped with a removable closure, a slab situated at the periphery of the box, the slab being able to receive the bags so that they can be opened inside the box, a dust suction situated at the top of the box, a mechanism for dispersing the sucked-up dust or dissolving it in scrubbing water, a hopper situated at the base of the box, able to collect the powder from the bags, a mechanism of transporting the powder from the hopper to a powder storage.

Abstract: A medicine inspection device includes: an inspection unit on which a medicine for inspection is disposed, the medicine being contained in a sachet; an imaging unit capable of photographing the sachet disposed on the inspection unit; and a medicine information detector capable of detecting at least either of a quantity or type of the medicine based on an image obtained by the imaging unit. The inspection unit includes a backlight with illumination areas located dottedly per predetermined pitch which is capable of illuminating the sachet from backside when photographing. The medicine information detector is further configured to implement: a basic image acquisition process for acquiring a basic image; an inspection area defining process for defining the area of inspection; an inspection image acquisition process for acquiring the inspection image; and an image inspection process for performing image inspection.

Abstract: An in-line method of rejecting composition-filled pouches having a defect such as a leak comprises inspecting a first composition-filled pouch. If a leak is detected, that pouch is rejected from the manufacturing process. The pouch adjacent to the leak is also rejected.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: An example includes a method for forming tubular lengths of web material. The example can include winding a portion of web material in a tubular configuration such that opposite vertical ends of said linear portion overlap. The example can include welding said overlapping ends to fix said linear portion of web material in sleeve configuration. This welding can include heating up at a first temperature a first region of said portion over the whole of which said ends overlap and heating up at a second temperature lower than said first temperature a second region of said portion adjacent to said first region, said ends of said portion of labelling web material overlapping over only a part of said second region. One or more examples relate to a forming unit configured to implement the method outlined above.

Abstract: A method for producing a preform and a preform produced by extrusion blow molding for producing plastic containers in a stretch blow molding process and having a neck portion and a body portion closed by a preform base, which portions are separated from each other by a supporting ring protruding from the outer wall. The preform has a body portion of which the outside diameter narrows from the supporting ring in the direction of the preform base.

Abstract: A screw-type bottle neck having areas of reduced wall thickness is provided. The bottle neck includes a neck opening having a neck opening axis, a neck interior surface, and a neck exterior surface. The neck exterior surface includes at least one spiral thread portion. The bottle neck has at least one area of first neck thickness having a first neck thickness, and at least one area of second neck thickness having a second neck thickness. The second neck thickness is greater than the first neck thickness. The difference between the first neck thickness and the second neck thickness allows for a substantial reduction in the amount of material required to manufacture the bottle neck.

Abstract: A reinforced intermodal container has a corrugated steel wall with an outer side and an inner side. In a length direction the corrugations have alternating inboard and outboard flat panels with adjacent panels linked by web portions. A strengthening structure is welded to the container wall which provides flanges extending generally perpendicularly to the general plane of the wall. The flanges extend between plates welded to the inside faces of the outboard panels and flat strengthening plates welded to the inside faces of the inboard panels. The strengthening structure does not alter the outside width of the container in comparison with the outside width of the unreinforced container. The strengthening structure reduces the inside volume of the container by only a small amount compared with the volume of the unreinforced container.

Abstract: A box for a plumbing fixture includes first and second side panels, an end panel, and first and second corner panels, which are interconnected at parallel joints. In a first configuration, the box is collapsed and generally planar, the first side panel being folded at a central crease closer to a forward end than a rearward end thereof, and the second side panel being folded at a central crease closer to a forward end than a rearward end thereof. In a second configuration, the box is expanded such that (a) a cavity is defined between the first side, second side, end, first corner, and second corner panels, (b) the first and second side panels are generally planar, and (c) a sum of angles between the end and first corner panels and between the end panel and second corner panels is greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A molded plastic arch shape cross section stormwater chamber having a corrugated wall comprises separately molded half chambers which are connected by hinges at a joint at the top of the chamber. The chambers may be compactly stored and transported in splayed out configuration, with the arch is flattened out and the base flanges are widely separated. Near the point of use, the chambers are hinged to their arch shape use configuration. Preferably, the half chambers are substantially identical and are made in the same mold. Methods of molding the chambers enable providing a larger or smaller corrugation at one end of a chamber made from substantially identical half chambers.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical transport container includes a first body portion adapted to receive at least a portion of a pharmaceutical vial, a second body portion removably engaged with the first body portion to fully enclose the vial, and a flexible ring positioned in an interior cavity of the second body portion and configured to flex between a relaxed state and a radially-outward extended state. The pharmaceutical transport container may also include a removable end cap having a receiving chamber to receive the first body portion, and/or a guide tab extending from an exterior surface of the second body portion to engage a guide slot defined in a fluid injection system docking station, whereby the transport container translates axially and rotationally into the docking station to establish a fluid connection between the vial and a fluid connector mechanism or element disposed within the docking station.

Abstract: A pallet container for storing and transporting liquid filling materials includes an exchangeable thin-walled inner container of thermoplastic, and a tubular lattice frame closely enclosing the inner container and made of vertical and horizontal tubular bars. The tubular lattice frame is fastened to the upper outer rim of a bottom pallet having a flat pallet top deck which includes a sheet-metal plate for supporting the inner container and a pallet substructure having four corner feet, four middle feet arranged there between, and a steel-tube base ring that is horizontally peripheral on the bottom side. The pallet substructure has four individual tube sections which extend diagonally directly beneath the metal plate and are each fastened to two adjacent middle feet to form a diamond-shaped supporting frame beneath the bottom plate. The tube sections are connected to base ring in an electrically conductive manner via corresponding screw connections.

Abstract: Stackable trays for bags containing liquids, stacked arrangements and stacking methods are disclosed. A tray has a first surface to support one or more bags containing liquid and could include a plurality of cells adapted to receive the bags. The tray has a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface transfers at least a portion of a load on the first surface to one or more bags containing liquid arranged below the second surface. A stacked arrangement includes multiple layers of bags containing liquid with a respective stackable tray between adjacent layers of the multiple layers. The trays could thus be used in stacking or otherwise arranging bags containing liquid in multiple layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pouch (6) having a flexible casing delimiting a reservoir wherein a product to be dispensed is intended to be conditions, said pouch being provided with a tip (19) comprising a base that has an exterior wall whereon is fixed in a sealed manner a mouth (21), said tip having a duct extending between a lower opening and an upper opening, the tip (19) also having a well that extends between an interior opening and a lateral opening coming out into the exterior wall by being covered in a sealed manner by the mouth (20), the upper opening opening to the exterior of the pouch (6), said tip being provided with a cap (26) which is arranged in order to be able to be mounted in said upper opening by closing in a sealed manner the communication between the reservoir and the exterior while still leaving open the communication between the reservoir and the well.

Abstract: A package containing a stack of wet wipes moistened with aqueous lotion is disclosed. The package comprises a polymeric film wrap, the film wrap comprising a laminate with an inner layer of a first polymer and an outer layer of a second polymer, and a surface bearing scoring along a path defining a substantially closed shape, the scoring at least partially penetrating the outer layer and not entirely penetrating the inner layer.

Abstract: Provided is a cartridge receiving case including a case section in which a cartridge is inserted and disposed, a lid section configured to be opened and closed with respect to the case section and to cover the cartridge disposed in the case section upon closing, and a rear plate section configured to connect the case section and the lid section. The case section, the lid section, and the rear plate section are integrally formed. A pair of parallel thin hinges are formed as curved portions when the lid section is opened and closed with respect to the case section. One of the thin hinges is formed at a position deviated with respect to a continuous portion between the rear plate section and the case section. The other thin hinge is formed at a position deviated with respect to a continuous portion between the rear plate section and the lid section.

Abstract: A target supply device may include a tank formed cylindrically with a first material, a cylindrical portion for covering the tank, the cylindrical portion being formed of a second material having higher tensile strength than the first material, a first lid formed of the second material and having a through-hole, the first lid being provided at one end in an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, a second lid formed of the second material and provided at another end opposite the one end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and a nozzle provided to be in fluid communication with the interior of the tank and to pass through the through-hole, the nozzle being formed of the first material.

Abstract: A stored liquid dispensing applicator includes a valving arrangement formed of a valve seat and a spring-driven shuttle that is disposed for axial displacement into and out of valve-defining abutment and engagement with the valve seat. The shuttle is displaceable between distal and proximal limits of travel that include a first position defining the distal limit and a second position proximally spaced from the distal limit and distally spaced from the proximal limit. The valve seat is arranged for contact with the shuttle uninterruptedly between the first and second positions to close the valve, and for spaced apart relation with the shuttle between the second position and the proximal limit of travel to open the valve for dispensing of stored liquid.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features. Additionally, the end closure may include various safety features, such as a safety fold. In some configurations, the container end closure does not include a pull tab for opening.

Abstract: A lid opening/closing mechanism switches a lid between a closed position closing an opening portion of a box-like base body, and an open position opening the opening portion. A distinct point is to include an arm allowing a tip side to turn to a front of the base body as a support point on a base end side pivotally supported at the base body by a first axis support portion, and connected to the lid turnably by a second axis support portion. The lid is turned in an opening direction or a closing direction in association with a turn of the arm.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a belt of capsules comprising: providing a first strip of material, forming a matrix of receptacles in the first strip, depositing a quantity of at least one material in each receptacle, attaching a second strip of material over the first strip to close the receptacles and form a matrix of capsules, and cutting the matrix of capsules into rows to thereby form a plurality of belts of capsules.

Abstract: A cushioning material of the present enclosure includes a base material and columnar support portions, and is arranged between a packed item and an outer box. The base material includes a main body portion which is brought into contact with a cushioned surface of the packed item and a bending part which is formed integrally with the main body portion. The columnar support portions are arranged in a plurality of places on a surface on the opposite side to a surface in contact with the cushioned surface of the base material. At least one of the columnar support portions is fixed to or formed integrally with the bending part such that, when the bending part is bent substantially perpendicularly with respect to the main body portion, all the columnar support portions protrude from the surface of the main body portion by substantially the same height.

Abstract: A biosensor system for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample includes a plurality of test sensors, and includes a container including a desiccant and the plurality of test sensors, sealed in the container. When the container is stored for two weeks at a temperature of 50° C., and each test sensor is subsequently removed from the container, connected through the at least two conductors to a measurement device and then contacted with one of a plurality of samples including an analyte, where the plurality of samples has analyte concentrations that span the range of 50 mg/dL-600 mg/dL, and the analyte concentration in each sample is determined by the test sensor and the measuring device, the bias of each determined analyte concentration may be within ±10 mg/dL or ±10%, and the coefficient of variation of the determined analyte concentrations may be at most 2.5%.

Abstract: This drug-supplying device is provided with: a rotator that discharges drugs towards the outer diameter by being rotated; a drug shape-specifying unit for specifying the shape of the drug; and a control unit that rotates the rotator at a rotational speed specified, on the basis of a speed table that correlates drug shape to rotator rotational speed, by the shape that has been specified by a drug-detecting unit.

Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a metal frame, tracks having horizontal and vertical portions attached to opposite sides of the frame, and a plurality of support member assemblies extending between the tracks. Each support member assembly includes end members located at the ends of a tubular support, the end members being movable in the tracks. The support member assemblies support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment.

Abstract: The distribution of condition air into the cargo space of a temperature controlled container is improved. Conditioned air may be selectively distributed into the cargo space from a plenum beneath the cargo support floor through a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced apart openings through the cargo support floor. Side air ducts may be provided extending rearwardly along the side walls of the container for distributing conditioned air received from a pair of side air outlets in a refrigerant unit associated with the container. The side air ducts may have a plurality of air discharge openings and may discharge conditioned air into vertically extending recesses in the side walls. The side air outlets have a selectively variable flow area. The number, location and size of the openings through the cargo support floor, as well as the air discharge openings in the side air ducts, may be selectively varied so as to selectively distribute the conditioned air flow throughout the cargo space.

Abstract: A tank container comprising a container for a liquid to be stored or transported, a pipe circuit comprising a heat transfer circuit part mounted to the wall of the container, which pipe circuit is filled with glycol, a storage vessel connected to the pipe circuit for holding an amount of glycol, a heating device designed for selectively heating the glycol in the pipe circuit, and a pump in the pipe circuit for circulating the glycol, wherein a second heating device is provided in or around the storage vessel, which heating device is designed for maintaining the temperature of the glycol in the storage vessel at at least 25° C., preferably at least 35° c.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for easily and simply lifting and holding open residential size trash containers thereby allowing the user the use of both hands for hoisting and dumping the trash without having to touch the lid with bare or both hands. The device also holds the lid in an open position without having to rest the lid against a wall or abutment or having the lid completely flip to the back side of the receptacle through the hinge.

Abstract: A cart including a container that defines an interior space. The cart also includes a cover that is movable between an open position providing access to the interior space and a closed position inhibiting access to the interior space, and a latch that is located between the container and the cover to releasably hold the cover in the closed position. The cart further includes a hands-free mechanism that is coupled to the container and engaged with the cover to move the cover between the open position and the closed position. The hands-free mechanism is further coupled to the latch and operable to disengage the latch to permit movement of the cover to the open position.

Abstract: A chute for use in pouring concrete into a wall form includes a floor with front, rear and side edges; sides connected to the floor along each of the side edges and projecting upward from the floor; a first flange connected to the floor along the front edge and projecting downward therefrom; and a second flange connected to the floor and projecting downward therefrom. The flanges are substantially parallel and spaced apart by a distance greater than a thickness of a wall form panel; accordingly, placing the chute on top of the wall form panel with the flanges respectively interior and exterior to the wall form securely aligns the chute with the wall form panel. The flanges project downward at approximately a 45° angle. Concrete deposited into the chute is funneled toward the front, and flows off the front edge into the wall form.