Abstract: A small vessel propulsion system includes a mode switching signal output outputting a mode switching signal to switch a travel mode among a plurality of travel modes including a first mode of making a small vessel travel in accordance with operation of an accelerator operator and a second mode of making the small vessel travel in accordance with a command different from the operation of the accelerator operator, and a controller configured or programmed to switch the shift position of the shift mechanism to the forward drive position by controlling the shift actuator and switch the travel mode to the second mode when the mode switching signal output outputs the mode switching signal to switch from the first mode to the second mode and the shift position detector detects a shift position other than the forward drive position.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a prime mover, a jet pump driven by the prime mover and jetting water from a jet port, a reverse gate changing a direction of the jet flow jetted from the jet pump, a shift actuator capable of moving a position of the reverse gate to a plurality of shift positions including a forward drive position, at which the direction of the jet flow is toward the rear of the body, a reverse drive position, at which the direction of the jet flow is toward the front of the body, and an intermediate position in between these positions, and a controller configured or programmed to execute a stoppage shift control of controlling the shift actuator to move the reverse gate to the forward drive position when stoppage of the prime mover is detected.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a prime mover, a jet pump driven by the prime mover and jetting water from a jet port, a reverse gate changing a direction of the jet flow jetted from the jet pump, a shift actuator capable of moving the reverse gate to a plurality of shift positions, a reverse gate operator configured to set a position of the reverse gate, and a controller configured or programmed to prohibit startup of the prime mover when it is determined that the reverse gate operator is being operated.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a prime mover, a jet pump driven by the prime mover and jetting water from a jet port, a reverse gate changing a direction of the jet flow jetted from the jet pump, a shift actuator switching a position of the reverse gate among a plurality of shift positions, a reverse gate position detector detecting the position of the reverse gate, and a controller configured or programmed to execute a shift control of setting a target shift position of the reverse gate and controlling the shift actuator to move the reverse gate to the target shift position and execute an error judgment of judging that an error has occurred when the position detected by the reverse gate position detector differs from a control position.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite paddles that may be used in kayaking and other sports alike. A composite paddle may include a shaft connected to one or more blades. A paddle blade may include a spine having a distal end and a proximal end to be connected to a mandrel; and a body having a layered cross-sectional profile to enclose the spine. The layered cross-sectional profile may include at least three adjacent layers of unidirectional carbon fiber or unidirectional fiberglass. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Described herein are spacers for oarlock height adjustment, for example, for rowing racing shells. The spacers can have a C-shaped clamp section; and a grip section having two handles extending from said clamp section, wherein said clamp section is adapted to be securely fastened to an oarlock pin and to release from the oarlock pin when the handles of the grip section are squeezed together. The clamp section can have an outer rim section, an inner rim section, and an opening configured to pass around the oarlock pin. Also described herein are methods for adjusting oarlock height making use of the spacers.

Abstract: A Remote Electric Lift Assembly for Bow Mount Trolling Motors for remotely raising and lowering the shaft of a bow mount trolling motor. The invention is configured with a Custom Frame that mounts to a bow mount trolling motor or boat bow, a small Direct-Current Motor that mounts to the Custom Frame, a Custom Cable System that connects to the Direct-Current Motor and the shaft of the bow mount trolling motor, an Electrical Switch for remote raising/lowering control, and an Electrical Wiring Harness that connects the Electrical Switch to the Direct-Current Motor and a battery source. When the switch is operated the Direct-Current Motor provides the energy necessary for remotely raising and lowering the trolling motor shaft via the Custom Cable System to any desired position.

Abstract: There is provided an electric outboard motor. An upper unit is provided to be rotatable in a horizontal direction about a swivel unit. A lower unit is provided below the upper unit and configured to function as a rudder. The upper unit comprises an electric motor supported by a rear side of the swivel unit via a mount unit. The upper unit or lower unit has a gear deceleration device configured to couple an output shaft of the electric motor and a drive shaft extending in an upward and downward direction to each other. The drive shaft is coupled to the gear deceleration device in front of the output shaft of the electric motor and configured to transmit an output of the electric motor to a propeller provided in the lower unit. The gear deceleration device is arranged below the swivel unit so as to overlap with the swivel unit in a front and rear direction.

Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a fuel tank, a fuel path, and a fuel pump. The fuel tank includes a fuel storage region including a sealed region configured to store a fuel. The fuel path is connected to an engine and the fuel tank. The fuel path includes a vaporized-liquid fuel mixture suction portion to suck a vaporized-liquid fuel mixture. The vaporized-liquid fuel mixture is produced by mixing the vaporized fuel into the liquid fuel. The vaporized fuel is produced from the liquid fuel stored in the fuel storage region. The fuel pump is disposed in the fuel path. The fuel pump is configured to produce a negative pressure in a pump suction port connected to the vaporized-liquid fuel mixture suction portion.

Abstract: A boat propulsion device includes an engine, a fuel tank, a fuel path, a fuel pump, and a controller. The engine includes a fuel injection device. The fuel tank includes a fuel storage region configured to store fuel. The fuel path is connected to the fuel injection device and the fuel tank. The fuel pump is disposed in the fuel path and is configured to discharge the fuel stored in the fuel storage region to the fuel injection device. The controller is configured and/or programmed to control a load on the fuel pump. The controller is configured and/or programmed to include an empty-fuel condition detector configured to detect that the fuel stored in the fuel storage region has become a predetermined remaining amount or less based on a variation in the load on the fuel pump.

Abstract: A structural component, including a composite tapered wing spar having a web and two flanges on opposite sides of the web, the composite tapered wing spar having a first fiber layer made up of a plurality of plies, wherein the plies have respective longitudinal axes that are straight, wherein a first ply of the plurality of plies is effectively parallel to a respective direction of extension of one of the flanges at a first transition zone of the one flange and web, wherein a second ply of the plurality of plies is effectively parallel to a respective direction of extension of the other of the flanges at a second transition zone of the other flange and web, and wherein at least most plies of the plurality of plies of the first layer located between the first ply and the second ply extend at respective oblique angles relative to the respective directions of extensions of the first ply and the second ply.

Abstract: A structural component, including a composite tapered wing spar including a first fiber layer and a main web, wherein respective longitudinal axes of fibers making up the first layer at least substantially lying on a plane corresponding to the main web of the wing spar are curved over at least most of the respective lengths of the fibers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an empennage attachment system features an aft attachment mechanism and a forward attachment system. The aft attachment mechanism is configured to be coupled to a tail section of a body of an aircraft and to an empennage proximate to an aft spar of the empennage. The aft attachment mechanism defines a pitch axis such that the aft attachment mechanism allows the empennage to rotate about the pitch axis. The forward attachment system is configured to be coupled to the tail section of the body and to the empennage proximate to a forward spar of the empennage. The forward attachment system is configured to restrict rotation of the empennage about the pitch axis to an allowable range of motion.

Abstract: A joint arrangement includes an outer joint component, an inner joint component, a cage and at least two balls located between the outer and inner joint component and in openings of the cage. The balls run in ball recesses, while at least two are in a mechanical contact with pressing devices, which are adapted for holding the respective balls in a radially flexible position relative to one of the inner joint component, the outer joint component and the cage and for pressing the respective balls into the corresponding recesses. Such a joint arrangement is based on a homokinetic joint and allows a homogenous transfer of torque without alternating acceleration and deceleration due to the action of the joint itself. Furthermore, a reliable and effective torque limitation may be accomplished.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for opening and closing, in a substantially longitudinal direction, at least one hatch of a landing gear bay of an aircraft. In particular, the system includes: a proximal guide rod and a distal guide rod, each having a first end pivotably attachable to the hatch, and a second end pivotably attachable to a stationary inner structure of the gear bay, and arranged such as to form a deformable parallelogram hinge; and at least one drive rod having a first end that is pivotably attachable to the hatch, and a second end that is pivotably attachable to a landing gear leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rotationally driving an aircraft wheel, the wheel being equipped with a rim comprising two half-rims assembled by bolts (5), in which method a drive member for generating a torque for driving the wheel is controlled, characterized in that the method comprises the transfer of the drive torque to the wheel via the rim assembly bolts.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive system for rotating a wheel of an aircraft landing gear. The drive system includes a motor operable to rotate a drive pinion, and a driven gear adapted to be mounted to the wheel. The drive system has a first configuration in which the drive pinion is capable of meshing with the driven gear to permit the motor to drive the driven gear and a second configuration in which the drive pinion is not capable of meshing with the driven gear. The drive system includes a linear positioning actuator for moving the drive pinion relative to the driven gear. The positioning actuator has a first end and a second end, the first end having a pivotal connection with a pivot axis spaced at a fixed distance from an axis of rotation of the driven gear, and the second end having a pivotal connection with a pivot axis spaced at a fixed distance from an axis of rotation of the drive pinion.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator including an aircraft parking brake may include a motor shaft, a park brake disk, and a voice coil assembly. The voice coil assembly may include a bobbin configured to translate between an engaged position and a disengaged position. An engagement feature may be coupled to the bobbin. The engagement feature may contact the park brake disk in the engaged position. The engagement feature may be magnetically coupled to a voice coil magnet and washer in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A system for air-launching a liquid fueled rocket launch vehicle using a tubular rocket support structure for holding the launch vehicle and for supplying the launch vehicle with make-up cryogenics, electrical power, and control signals, and for providing coupling to a launch-assist aircraft. The tubular rocket support structure contains cryogenic fluids, in addition to fuel and oxidizer, to cool the fuel and oxidizer during the pre-launch phase. The tubular rocket support structure has features that keep the liquid fuel and oxidizer from sloshing away from the tank outlet ports to the launch vehicle's rocket engine after release from the aircraft but before rocket launch. In operation, the aircraft controllably releases the tubular rocket support structure containing the launch vehicle, and the launch vehicle then launches from the rocket support structure.

Abstract: A wheelchair-accessible aircraft lavatory unit includes a movable wall section that can be moved to a standard position to allow two lavatories to be used separately. The movable wall section can be moved to a non-standard position to join the two lavatories and establish a broad space in which a wheelchair can turn around within the aircraft lavatory unit. A large opening formed by connecting two openings can be formed in a front wall by moving the movable wall section to the non-standard position and opening doors of the lavatories, which is advantageous in allowing for easy access to an aircraft lavatory unit.

Abstract: A seating device with at least one lateral luggage bar, which is provided for being mounted underneath a seat, and with at least one carrier element, which is implemented by a step element and provided for receiving a support force in at least one operating state. In order to achieve improved characteristics regarding complexity and weight, the carrier element and the luggage bar have at least one coupling point, in which the luggage bar and the carrier element are rigidly connected to each other in at least one direction via a form-fit manner, by a substance to substance bond and/or via a force-fit manner and which coupling point is provided for transferring at least a portion of the support force from the carrier element onto the luggage bar.

Abstract: A support structure for attachment to a tray table for a passenger seat, a tray table for a passenger seat, and a passenger seat. The support structure comprises a support arm shaped to substantially match at least a first portion of a peripheral contour of the tray table; and a connecting structure for connecting the support arm to the tray table in a manner such that the support arm is configurable into a stowed position in which the support arm extends substantially along said at least first portion of the peripheral contour of the tray table and at least one support position for supporting an item on the tray table in an angled orientation between a surface of the item and the surface of the tray table.

Abstract: A tray table that facilitates consumption of entertainment and various other media via a electronic device is disclosed herein. The tray table includes an inner tray secures the electronic device for use. One or more channels at the inner tray receive at least a first portion of the electronic device, while a movable stop helps ensure the electronic device is secured to the inner tray. The inner tray is capable of rotating between an open and closed position, while the tray table itself may rotate between a stowed and service position.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a seat fastening for fastening a seat, in particular an aircraft seat, to a fastening rail, with at least one base body, which is provided at least for a vertical fastening in the fastening rail, and with at least one horizontal-fastening element, which is slidable with respect to the base body at least between a locking position and an unlocking position. It is proposed that the seat fastening comprises at least one locking device, which is provided to fixate the at least one horizontal-fastening element in the unlocking position.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a structure which can reduce the scale of modification of an airframe and allows a device to be installed outside the aircraft to be easily mounted onto the airframe. An aircraft includes, as a structure for mounting a measuring device to be installed outside the aircraft onto the airframe: an arm which penetrates the airframe inwardly and outwardly through a window, and has a portion to be provided with the measuring device and a portion located inside the aircraft; seat rails which support seats disposed inside the aircraft; and a mount which is connected with the arm inside the aircraft and transmits a load input from the arm to the seat rails.

Abstract: A nacelle for an aircraft turbojet engine includes: a substantially cylindrical internal envelope, a substantially cylindrical external envelope, a downstream partition wall and an upstream partition wall secured to the cylindrical internal envelope and a front lip disposed forward of the upstream partition wall. The cylindrical internal envelope includes an upstream portion including an acoustic shroud connected, by an attachment flange, to a downstream portion including a fan casing.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an automated aerial vehicle (AAV) and system for automatically detecting a contact or an imminent contact between a propeller of the AAV and an object (e.g., human, pet, or other animal). When a contact or an imminent contact is detected, a safety profile may be executed to reduce or avoid any potential harm to the object and/or the AAV. For example, if a contact with a propeller of the AAV by an object is detected, the rotation of the propeller may be stopped to avoid harming the object. Likewise, an object detection component may be used to detect an object that is nearing a propeller, stop the rotation of the propeller, and/or navigate the AAV away from the detected object.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank inerting system for a fixed wing aircraft having at least one main fuel tank in the wing and an associated surge tank includes a source of inerting fluid and a flow passage for supplying said inerting fluid to the main fuel tank and discharging it into the main filet tank through at least one discharge outlet. The flow passage includes a pressure relief arrangement adapted to discharge into the surge tank if a pressure in the main fuel tank exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A refueling device for use in in-flight refueling operation between a tanker aircraft and a receiver aircraft includes a selectively steerable body and a controller. The selectively steerable body configured for being towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling, and includes a boom member having a boom axis and configured to enable fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to a receiver aircraft along the boom axis during the in-flight refueling operation. The controller is configured for selectively steering the body to an engagement enabling position spaced with respect to the receiver aircraft and for aligning the boom axis in an engagement enabling orientation at the spaced position, and for subsequently moving the boom member along the boom axis towards the receiver aircraft for enabling fuel communication therebetween.

Abstract: A pump system includes an actuator which can be retracted by a fluid in the pump system. Also included is a pump with a first drive coupling and a rotational power device with a second drive coupling. The second drive coupling is configured to removably mate with the first drive coupling for powering the pump. A spool valve that is spring loaded and in fluid connection with the pump when the spool valve is in a stow position is also included. In addition, the pump system includes both a relief valve and a reservoir both in fluid connection with the actuator.

Abstract: The ready-to-use, anti-static, pressure-sensitive adhesive patch provides a means preventing and/or eliminating the accumulation of static electricity as it occurs in the course of everyday activities. The buildup may occur between a human and their clothing, or between two articles of clothing (known as static cling), or between clothing and other fabric. The buildup may also occur when a person slides onto and off a seat (to include an automobile seat when entering and exiting a vehicle). The patch will be comprised of a fibrous top side coupled with an adhesive bottom side, which delivers or exposes a pre-determined amount of anti-static agent. This patch can be customized with fragrance, additional additives, and can be of any shape or size. The patch can adhere to either the human body or to fabric.

Abstract: A system and method for airside activity management using video analytics are disclosed. In one embodiment, video data of a survey area is obtained, in real time, from one or more video cameras. Further, time stamps associated with one or more airside activities of an aircraft from touchdown to takeoff are determined by applying video analytics on the obtained video data to manage the one or more airside activities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ground-based aircraft thrust systems are provided. A sled can be adapted to support at least wings and a fuselage of an aircraft. A guideway can be configured to receive the sled and move the sled along the guideway for assisted takeoff of the aircraft. A magnetic propulsion system can be configured to levitate the sled and propel the sled along the guideway independent of thrust provided by the aircraft.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube (100)that comprises at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate (370) disposed about a right parallelepiped aperture (305), at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate (380) disposed about the right parallelepiped aperture, and one or more structural panels (341-344) disposed between the at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate (340) and the at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate (380). An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube (100) that comprises a tethered sabot (700,740) configured to engage a UAV within a launcher volume defined by an inner wall, the tethered sabot(700,740) dimensioned to provide a pressure seal at the inner wall and tethered to the inner wall, and wherein the tethered sabot (700,740) is hollow having an open end oriented toward a high pressure volume and a tether (740) attached within a hollow (910) of the sabot(700) and attached to the inner wall retaining the high pressure volume or attach to the inner base wall (1013).

Abstract: An underground hangar for storing helicopters includes an underground room (1), made by a structure of reinforced concrete (2) inside which a plurality of columns (11) are situated near the walls and anchored to the floor of reinforced concrete. The columns (11) support a platform (10) which moves between the ground level and the underground level. The helicopter can land on the platform (10) and be automatically brought to the underground level, after which the underground room is automatically closed by the doors (8) and the pilot can go out through an adjacent underground room (1a) provided with its access trap door (4).

Abstract: A hydrant coupler (12) is disclosed that includes a coupler body (16), an actuating collar (20) movable relative to the coupler body (16) and a handle assembly (25) connected to the actuating collar (20). The handle assembly (25) includes an upper arm component (31) and a lower arm component (33) separated by a handle articulating feature (35) that connects the upper and lower arm components (31, 33), but permits relative motion therebetween.

Abstract: A passenger boarding procedure is disclosed which eliminates disadvantages associated with conventional techniques. In some embodiments, passengers may be physically arranged in a pre-boarding waiting area largely as they would be seated on the aircraft. When boarding commences, passengers with assigned seats in the row at the back of the plane are allowed to board first. These passengers may board so that those who have been assigned window seats sit down first, followed by those who have been assigned middle seats (if present), followed by those who have been assigned aisle seats (if present). The passengers who have been assigned seats in the next rear-most row may then board the aircraft, sitting down in the same order as those who previously boarded, and this procedure is repeated until all passengers have boarded. Physical articles and other apparatus are disclosed for facilitating the boarding procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for swapping the battery on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV may be able to identify and land on an energy provision station autonomously. The UAV may take off and/or land on the energy provision station. The UAV may communicate with the energy provision station. The energy provision station may store and charge batteries for use on a UAV.

Abstract: A method of docking and recharging using a base station and a station-mating frame on the multicopter. The base station includes an upward-facing camera that is used by a docking controller to detect the presence, position, and orientation of a frame, with infrared light-emitting diodes arranged in a predefined pattern. The controller of the base station acts to emit wireless signals to the multicopter to guide the multicopter with its station-mating frame to a predefined position above the base station. The controller transmits a wireless signal to the multicopter to reduce thrust, and the multicopter lowers itself onto a sloped receiving surface that may be arranged in a crown pattern to provide passive gravity-driven centering, which causes the station-mating frame to slide to a lowest vertical point of the receiving assembly. A locking mechanism engages to lock the frame in place and provide electrical contact for recharging.

Abstract: A multi-zone battery station is provided, comprising a plurality of landing areas configured to support a UAV. The battery station may permit battery life to be reloaded onto a UAV, which may include recharging a battery of the UAV or exchanging the UAV battery for a new battery. The different zones may accommodate different UAV types, different battery types, or operate in accordance with different energy provision rules. A marker may be provided on a landing area to aid in guiding the UAV to an appropriate landing area.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a tool, system and method for refueling on-orbit spacecraft. The tool and system are configured to allow for resupply of spacecraft configured to be propelled by either a bipropellant (oxidizer and fuel) or a monopropellant (typically hydrazine). The refueling tool is particularly suited for resupply of satellites not originally prepared for refueling but the system may also be used for satellites specifically designed for refueling.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a tool, system and method for refueling on-orbit spacecraft. The tool and system are configured to allow for resupply of spacecraft configured to be propelled by either a bipropellant (oxidizer and fuel) or a monopropellant (typically hydrazine). The refueling tool is particularly suited for resupply of satellites not originally prepared for refueling but the system may also be used for satellites specifically designed for refueling.

Abstract: A bag loader apparatus for filling an elongated bag may comprise a base assembly, and a bag interface assembly for removably mounting a bag thereon and forming a tunnel with a rear opening for fluid communication with the bag. A primary auger assembly has an output opening in communication with the tunnel of the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, a bag mounting assembly may be configured to lift a bag onto the bag loader apparatus into a position for loading the bag by the apparatus. In some embodiments, a plurality of bag securing elements on the bag interface assembly may be configured to secure a portion of the bag to the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, an auxiliary auger assembly carried on the base assembly may be configured to feed material into the primary auger assembly.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed which connects two bulk restaurant condiment bags which allows users to move the food product in one bag into the other, the device comprising a hollow connecting tube sized to fit and secure to the bags.

Abstract: An example embodiment of an apparatus includes a housing with an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end, a plurality of hollow tubes attached to the plurality of holes, a plurality of containers removably attached to the hollow tubes, and a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping each container to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each container with the fluid inside.

Abstract: A fluid fill system includes a fill nozzle having a head configured to be received in a reservoir of a vehicle component for filling the reservoir with a fluid and a fluid fill sensor system having an air hose coupled to the head. The fluid fill sensor system has a pressure sensor pneumatically sensing when the fill nozzle is properly seated with the vehicle component by sensing an increase in a pressure of the fluid fill sensor system.

Abstract: Apparatus to transfer bottles in a container, said apparatus comprising at least a transfer device to transfer the bottles in a first direction and a pick-up and delivery member configured to transfer the bottles from the transfer device to the container. The transfer device and the pick-up and delivery member are disposed consecutive with respect to each other and are of the metering screw type. The pick-up and delivery member is associated to movement means provided to translate the pick-up and delivery member and bring it from a first pick-up condition to a second delivery condition, and vice versa, in a second direction, transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus displaces and positions items in a predetermined configuration. The apparatus includes a grouping station, a grouping manipulator using at least two degrees of freedom and having a prehension end-effector and a placing manipulator using at least four degrees of freedom and having a prehension end-effector. The grouping manipulator is configured to pick items at a first item location, displace the items towards the grouping station, and release the items at the grouping station to form a group of items. The placing manipulator is configured to pick the group of items at the grouping station, change an orientation of the group of items, and release the group of items at a receiving station in the predetermined configuration. A method displaces and positions items in a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material includes a base, a frame coupled for rotation about the base, and a plurality of box-forming stations coupled to the frame. Each box-forming station includes a mandrel coupled to the frame. The mandrel includes a bottom face having two pairs of opposing edges, a pair of opposing side faces, and a pair of opposing end faces. Each box-forming station also includes a first pair of opposing presses each configured to be moved into close proximity to a respective end face, and a second pair of opposing presses each configured to be moved into close proximity to a respective side face. Each box-forming station additionally includes at least one manually operable mechanism configured to control a position of a first press from among the first pair of opposing presses and the second pair of opposing presses.

Abstract: A stretch packaging machine is provided with a lift mechanism and a tray movement mechanism. The lift mechanism has a plurality of loading members on which a tray is loaded and which lift up the tray toward film such that the tray contacts the film sealing an opening at the top of the tray. The tray movement mechanism is configured to move the tray slidingly over the loading members of the lift mechanism to a predetermined position on the loading members. A frictional coefficient of at least first loading members is such that contact between the tray and the loading members disposed on the near side in the moving direction in which the tray is moved by the tray movement mechanism is smaller than the frictional coefficient of second loading members disposed on the far side in the moving direction.