Abstract: Systems and methods provide for a guided lift system utilized for maneuvering payloads. According to aspects of the disclosure, a guided lift system may include a lift unit attached to a payload, at least two control tethers attached to the lift unit, and at least two control units fixed in positions and capable of adjusting the lengths of the control tethers. Coordinated length adjustments of the control tethers pulls the lift unit and payload in a desired direction to a desired delivery location.

Abstract: A lavatory may include a vanity including a wash basin, and a handle assembly connected to a portion of the wash basin. The handle assembly provides an ergonomic shape that is configured to be grasped by an individual.

Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.

Abstract: A networked suite of aircraft-seat devices is disclosed, wherein the devices receive both power and network communications via the same terminal. The devices may be connected by a two-wire connection and may be configured in a daisy chain. Various aircraft seat devices, such as actuators, may be directly connected to the network or connected via control modules connected to the network. One device on the network may be designated as a master device for controlling network configuration. A method of automatically addressing network devices includes measuring a first quiescent current through the network, enabling an addressing current in unaddressed devices, and measuring the change in current at each device after enabling the addressing currents to determine the last device in the chain.

Abstract: Airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods for use in aircraft and other vehicles are described herein that can provide crash protection for occupants seated in an upright position while not injuring or striking occupants in the brace position. An airbag system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include an airbag configured to deploy through an opening of a housing during a crash event. The housing can be affixed to a seat or other interior portion (e.g., a fixed portion) of an aircraft forward of a passenger seat. The airbag can initially deploy in a direction away from an occupant in the seat and then move into position between a potential strike hazard and the occupant such that the airbag system can be used to protect occupants seated in an upright position while not injuring occupants in the brace position.

Abstract: An air distribution system for use in an aircraft includes a main distribution duct configured to receive mixed air and a gasper distribution duct coupled in flow communication with the main distribution duct. The gasper distribution duct is configured to receive a portion of the mixed air from the main distribution duct. The system also includes a plurality of gasper outlets in flow communication with the gasper distribution duct. The plurality of gasper outlets includes a subset of gasper outlets located within a same region of the aircraft. The system also includes a heater in flow communication between the gasper distribution duct and the subset of gasper outlets. The heater is configured to heat the mixed air flowing from the gasper distribution duct to the subset of gasper outlets.

Abstract: A cooling system for an aircraft includes an air intake, an expansion device, and an evaporator. A first heat exchanger receives air passing into the air intake when the aircraft is operating at elevation, and receives the refrigerant from a first compressor at a first pressure. A second compressor receives the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger and compresses the refrigerant to a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure. A second heat exchanger receives the refrigerant from the second compressor. The first and second compressors are configured the first and second compressors are configured to operate at pressures that avoid temperature differences between the refrigerant and the air within each of the first and second heat exchangers below a set restriction.

Abstract: An aircraft hybrid fuel system includes a main tank and a set of flexible bladders, the main tank and the set of flexible bladders defining a fuel containment space. The system further includes a set of pathways coupling the set of flexible bladders to the main tank. The set of pathways is constructed and arranged to vent gas out of the set of flexible bladders into the main tank while fuel from a fuel source is provided into the fuel containment space defined by the main tank and the set of flexible bladders. Along these lines, each flexible bladder can be provisioned with a fuel port to provide fuel, and a separate vent port to vent gas to the main tank.

Abstract: A refueling coupling regulator assembly including a housing forming a fluid path. A first stage pressure regulator may be provided within the housing, and may be operable between an un-modulated position and a modulated position to regulate a flow of fluid through the housing. A second stage pressure regulator may be provided within the housing, and may be operable between an un-modulated position and a modulated position to regulate a flow of fluid through the housing. The first stage pressure regulator and the second stage pressure regulator may be operable independent of one another.

Abstract: An architecture for providing power to an aircraft comprises a power supply. The power supply provides power to a plurality of components. An array has a plurality of storage cells. The plurality of storage cells includes capacitors which are charged by the power supply, and which selectively provide power to the components. The array is mounted on a fan case. An engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining at least one faulty piece of equipment from amongst a plurality of pieces of equipment of an aircraft. A system is also provided that implements the method. The method comprises the steps of reading a plurality of predetermined parameters for monitoring said equipment; defining a list of symptoms associated with said parameters read, using a predetermined correspondence table; attributing a value associated with each symptom according to the parameters read, which value is selected from amongst a predetermined list of values; evaluating for each piece of equipment an occurrence of one or more fault modes for said piece of equipment on the basis of at least one predetermined truth table which associates a fault mode with each combination of symptom values; and determining at least one faulty piece of equipment from amongst one or more pieces of equipment, of which at least one fault mode is currently occurring, referred to as potentially faulty equipment.

Abstract: Monitoring the propulsion system of an aircraft includes selecting elements representative of operation of the propulsion system, modeling the propulsion system by a model including the selected elements, a set of exogenic parameters of the propulsion system and interdependence relations between the elements, operation of a given element being modelled by at least one endogenic parameter dependent on at least one of the exogenic parameters and/or on at least one parameter of another element, and analyzing elements, the analysis of the given element including the expression of the at least one endogenic parameter of the given element as a function only of exogenic parameters of the propulsion system and being made by layers of different levels, a layer of a given level being capable of taking account of at least one parameter that is the result of a layer of a different analysis level of another element.

Abstract: A ground illumination aircraft light unit has an operating light emission distribution for illuminating a ground area below an aircraft, wherein the ground illumination aircraft light unit is configured to be mounted to an underside of an aircraft fuselage, and wherein the operating light emission distribution includes a straight downward emission direction normal to the ground area and covers a solid angle of illumination around the straight downward emission direction, wherein the solid angle of illumination is at least 1.3 ? sr.

Abstract: An electromagnetic tow system for towing nonpowered ultralight aircraft that allows for towing under constant and controlled tow line tension using both pay-in and pay-out tow methods. An electric motor is mechanically connected to a winch holding the tow line and electrically connected to a power supply. When the line is paid out on tow, the motor is disconnected from its power supply and its non-field windings are shorted outright or connected through a resistor. As the motor's rotor rotates inside the motor's magnetic field (created by the motor's permanent magnets or powered stator windings) under the mechanical load of the towed aircraft, current is generated in the non-field windings of the motor, which creates braking torque opposing the mechanical rotation of the rotor and provides tow line tension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated maintenance of the top and bottom surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened hollow structure (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the hollow structure on opposite sides of a vertical structural element. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external maintenance tool, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin to perform a maintenance function. The systems allow maintenance operations to be performed on both surface skins without turning the hollow structure over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory.

Abstract: A feeding bottle preparation assembly includes a housing. The housing has a fluid reservoir and a formula reservoir. A platform is movably coupled to the housing. The platform may support a plurality of bottles. A processor is coupled to the housing. An actuator is coupled to the housing and the processor. The actuator may actuate the processor. A control panel is coupled to the housing and the processor. The control panel may define operational parameters of the processor. A nozzle is coupled to the housing and the processor. The nozzle is in communication with the fluid and formula reservoirs. The nozzle may dispense the fluid and baby formula into the plurality of bottles. A motor is coupled to the housing and the processor. The motor is coupled to the platform. The platform may sequentially position each of the plurality of bottles under the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for saving and reusing fluid content in a drinking container, the method includes providing a resealable label having a body with a puncturable portion and aligning the puncturable portion with an opening on the container. The method also includes securing the resealable label to the container such that the puncturable portion overlays the opening on the container to seal the fluid within the container. Further, the method includes puncturing the puncturable portion with a straw and inserting the straw through the drinking container opening and at least partially into the container.

Abstract: A blank includes a main body; at least one support connected to the main body; and at least one support brace connected to at least one of the main body and at least one support. A packaging system includes a blank, the blank including a main body, at least one support connected to the main body, and at least one support brace connected to at least one of the main body and at least one support; and shrinkwrapping. A support may be a panel. A box may be included.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus comprising a base surface, in turn comprising a first end and a second end is disclosed. The packaging apparatus further comprises a feed tube between the first end and the second end of the base surface, a transporter between the first end of the base surface and the feed tube, a first sealer between the feed tube and the second end of the base surface, and a second sealer between the first sealer and the second end of the base surface.

Abstract: A machine (M) and a method for arranging objects (T, T1, T2) comprising a first end (Te) and a projecting edge (Tb) arranged in proximity to the first end, in an alternate manner along single file rows (F). The objects are oriented so that they rest on the first end and are divided into a first group (A) and a second group (B). The first group are moved in an anti-clockwise direction along a first arc of circumference (C1) and, simultaneously, the second group are moved in a clockwise direction along a second arc of circumference (C2). The objects (T1) of the first group and the objects (T2) of the second group are dropped in turn along the same direction (Y). The objects (T, T1, T2) are stacked on top of one another in an alternate manner along single file rows (F).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring a pattern from a universal surface to an ultimate package. The apparatus comprises an end effector for a pattern transfer robot. The end effector comprises a crowder plate with crowder plate slats spaced apart a distance to form openings between the crowder plate slats. The universal surface comprises a finger wall with finger wall slats spaced apart a distance to form openings between the finger wall slats. A portion of the crowder plate slats are sized to pass between a portion of mating finger wall slats.

Abstract: The diving nozzle includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube having a first inlet and a first outlet. The first inlet connected to a supply of a first material. The first outlet operable to dispense the first material into the package. The second tube is moveable with respect to the first tube. The second tube having a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet connected to a supply of a second material. The second outlet operable to dispense the second material into the package. The first material is one of the product and the purging gas, the second material is the other of the product and the purging gas.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product project a containment force to be applied to a load by a load wrapping apparatus prior to wrapping the load to facilitate proper configuration of the load wrapping apparatus for a wrapping operation.

Abstract: Control of a load wrapping apparatus may be based at least in part on the relative stability of a load, such as based upon one or more load stability types that categorize the relative stability of the load. A graphical depiction of a wrap profile may also be used in some instances to facilitate operator set up of the wrap profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeler comprising a label dispenser used for applying an adhesive label to a folded product and a press-on device following the label dispenser in the conveying direction of a conveyor system. The press-on device comprises two press-on units, wherein one of the press-on units is reversibly drivable by means of a motor.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels that at least partially form an interior of the carton. In a first configuration of the carton, the carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food products. The carton has features for converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

Abstract: A display container and a method of forming the same from a blank, including front and back walls, first and second side walls, and a bottom wall, at least one first projection having a first portion extending from the first side wall and a second portion extending from the bottom wall and at least one second projection having a first portion extending from the second side wall and a second portion extending from the bottom wall. The first projection having a portion extending from the first side wall extends towards the second side wall, and the second projection having a portion extending from the second side wall extends towards the first side wall.

Abstract: A device that can be fixed to the underside of a container cover that is compressed or flattened against said container cover while not in use but is formed into a rigid support stanchion extending from the underside of said container cover to the top surface of the product that is inside of the container when the container cover is placed over the product and thus preventing said container cover from collapsing into the contents held in said container and further substantially reducing or eliminating any damage that the container cover causes when it touches the product in the container.

Abstract: A cardboard box has a fold-out hanger arranged in a cut-out of the cardboard box, wherein at least a hanger portion of the cardboard box is assembled from two layers of cardboard, the hanger portion having a first hanger portion formed from a first cardboard layer and a second hanger portion formed from a second cardboard layer, wherein a first hanger section of the first hanger portion forms a front side of the hanger, a second hanger section of the second hanger portion forms a backside of the hanger and the second hanger section is smaller in lateral extension than the first hanger section.

Abstract: A blank (100) for a container (500) for the transit of goods, the blank configured to form a container having a base and sidewalls, the blank comprising: a flexible retainer (104) fixed to the blank and configured such that when the container is formed, first and second portions (104a, 104b) of the flexible retainer are positioned on opposing sidewalls of the container and are foldable over an item placed within the container to retain the item in position, wherein a cohesive material is applied to a first side (112) of the first portion of the flexible retainer and to a second side (114) of the second portion of the flexible retainer, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.

Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.

Abstract: The invention is a system for positioning and removably securing an intermodal container to an intermodal pallet. The system permits the container's longitudinal centerline to be offset from the longitudinal centerline of the pallet, while still providing sufficient support to the container. The invention is a removable system of adapters for positioning and securing a container to the surface of the pallet, and when the adapters are in place, define longitudinal and lateral boundaries for engagement with an intermodal container. A plurality of strap brace assemblies positioned on one side of the pallet to provide an offset anchor position for a plurality of flexible straps, which secure the container when it is positioned on the pallet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for a beverage having an inner coating layer containing resveratrol, a process for preparing such a container, the use of said container for the storage of a beverage and the use of resveratrol as an additive to coating layers of such containers.

Abstract: A two-way valve with secure structure for dispensing a large bottle of carbonated beverage into a vial comprises a valve body, valve spool, handle and bottle seal ring. The valve body has an inlet with an inner thread which matches an external thread of the large bottle and has an outlet with an inner thread which matches an external thread of the vials. The secure structure is an axial annular groove recessed axially into bottoms of the inner threads of the inlet and outlet of the valve body, one side of the axial recessed annular groove is the inner thread which extends to a bottom of the groove and other side is a groove wall, The bottle secure seal ring is deposited in the annular groove. Since the depth of the axial annular groove is greater than a thickness of the bottle seal ring, the outgoing pressure gas cannot reach the bottle seal ring.

Abstract: A plastic food storage bag having a spout at a top corner of the bag for facilitating pouring out the contents of the bag. The bag can be sealed with the spout in a closed position, just inside the press-seal or zipper-seal of the bag. The spout is rotatable from the closed position into an open position in which it extends out of the bag, for guiding the contents of the bag while being poured out the bag. The spout may be formed of a wedge-shaped plastic piece folded symmetrically along a central fold line, with front and back outside surfaces respectively secured to front and back major surfaces of the bag.

Abstract: A method of displaying an article, a package configured to display a selected portion of an article, and a blank for forming a rectangular box, which is configured to contain an elongate body are disclosed. The method includes establishing a box structure having an inner cavity and a side portion; dividing the side portion into a lower retention portion, and upper retention portion, and a window recess portion, the dividing including: establishing a side recess panel at a location along a side panel of the box structure; establishing a front recess panel along a front panel of the box structure, the front recess panel adjacent the side recess panel, the front recess panel having a greater width than the side recess panel; and establishing the window recess portion by folding the first and front recess panels into the box structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reclosable freezer bags with landing rails to reduce the contact of the bag walls to other surfaces, particularly while frozen, thereby reducing the formation of apertures or holes in the bag walls. This disclosure has many applications, but is particularly adapted to applications wherein reclosable bags are used to transport, freeze and store expressed mother's milk.

Abstract: The bag may include a draw tape that may be used to cinch closed the opening of the bag. The draw tape has at least one stretched elastomeric strip attached to the draw tape in an extended condition. The draw tape may be smaller in size than the bag sidewalls. The draw tape may include an elastic characteristic, such as patterned ribs. In one embodiment, the roll of bag is kept under tension to maintain the elastomeric strips in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A fluid preservation device, for preserving a liquid within a container, which includes an elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end and an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The outer shaft and inner shaft are attached to an expandable sealing member. The expandable sealing member has an expanded state and a collapsed state and a state change mechanism attached to the proximal end of the elongated member to change the state of the expandable sealing member between the expanded state and the collapsed state. When the expandable sealing member is in the collapsed state, it can pass through an opening of a container and when the expandable sealing member is in the expanded state it is big enough to contact the inner surface of the container near the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A paper cup cover structure device is disclosed, which comprises a cup body, being made of a paper, and comprising a cup opening disposed at a top thereof, and a cup bottom disposed at a bottom thereof, the cup opening having a flat cup rim disposed at an outer circumference thereof and having a flat face, the flat cup rim being contained within an extension cirucumferentially disposed downwards; and a cup cover, covering the cup body at the cover top, disposed at an inner wall face corresponding to the cup rim, and having a screw magzine circumferentially disposed with respect thereto, the screw magzine having a push-stop portion extending from a bottom thereof so that the cup rim and the screw magzine are rotationally combined with each other, where the cup body may be further reinforced by using the cup rim having the flat shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to containers and packaging that incorporate novel tamper evident features. In particular, the containers of the present invention comprise newly designed tamper evident linkages, i.e., wedged fracture tabs. In addition, the present invention provides novel methods of improving tamper security of packages or containers by incorporating distinguishing printed graphics on the tamper evident component (e.g., frangible hinge, frangible tear strip, or wedged fracture tabs) of the present invention.

Abstract: Implementations herein may involve a packaging system including a first box part including a plurality of lid walls, where a first lid wall comprises an aperture and a latch slidably disposed within the aperture. The packaging system may also include a second box part having a plurality of tray walls, where a first tray wall comprises a channel sized to slidably receive the latch. The channel may include an assembly channel segment and a locking channel segment, where the assembly channel segment intersects an edge of the first tray wall. Further, the second box part may be configured to fit within the first box part such that a) the assembly channel segment is aligned with the latch when the latch is in a first position within the aperture, and b) the latch is slidable within the locking channel segment to a second position.

Abstract: A spouted dispensing box comprising a housing, where the housing includes a pair of broad faces, a pair of narrow faces, a base and a lid; a spout on one of the narrow faces; a funnel attached to the spout, where the funnel extends into the housing; and a closure over the spout, where the closure closes the spout against the housing. The spouted dispensing box provides a reusable cereal container that prevents mess and keeps the food fresh.

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a fitment with a neck having a large diameter and child safety cap is provided. The pouch is configured to hold a product not fit for human consumption, such a detergent. The large diameter neck makes the neck difficult to grip by a child so as to make it difficult for a child to manipulate the safety cap. Further, the child safety cap makes accessing the contents difficult for a child.

Abstract: Containers are described that allow a consumer to see inside the container and to more easily access the products. One form of the container includes a base member with a lid defining a window. A flexible laminate with a peelable flap portion is attached to the lid to provide access to the products inside. The flexible laminate includes a first film layer laminated to a second film layer. The first film layer includes a first cut line defining a peelable flap portion and the second film layer includes a second cut line offset from the first cut line that defines an opening into the container. First and second reclose surfaces defined between the cut lines on the corresponding film layers include pressure-sensitive adhesive to allow the container to be re-sealed via movement of the peelable flap portion back into engagement with the flexible laminate remaining with the container.

Abstract: A cap for a bottle containing a cosmetic reservoir is cylindrical (not necessarily radially symmetric) and defines an inner volume containing at least one reservoir for cosmetics, the reservoir being accessible when the lid is opened and inaccessible when the lid is closed. The reservoir is refillable and can be a removable tray. The reservoir can be defined by a central wall dividing the reservoir into two or more cosmetic reservoirs. In another embodiment, two or more trays of cosmetics can be stacked, one upon the other. A method for carrying and dispensing cosmetics within a cap for a bottle includes opening the lid and filling a cosmetic reservoir within the cap with a cosmetic; opening the lid to access and remove a portion of the cosmetic from the reservoir; and applying the cosmetic and closing the lid.

Abstract: A blank (100) for a container for the transit of goods, the blank configured to form a container comprising a base and sidewalls, the blank comprising: an adhesive (110a) applied to an internal surface of the blank for receiving an item (300) to be secured within a container formed from the blank; a flexible retainer (110b) fixed to the blank and configured to be foldable over and adherable to the adhesive to secure an item between the flexible retainer and the adhesive.

Abstract: A tool packaged for retail sale has a tool handle including a handle outer surface and an internal storage channel within the handle and having a channel opening facilitating selective access to the storage channel. A removable handle cap with a cap-exterior surface is installed over the channel opening in order to close off the storage channel. The handle cap is retained in place by a cap-restraining strip fabricated from a tear-resistant material. More specifically, a central portion of the cap-restraining strip is disposed over at least a portion of the cap-exterior surface, while portions of the cap-restraining strip on opposite sides of the central portion are disposed to extend along mutually opposite sides of the handle outer surface. A wrapper securely binds the portions of the cap-restraining strip located on opposite sides of the handle outer surface, thereby preventing removal of the handle cap without destruction of the wrapper.

Abstract: A fireproof container is used to store items and prevent fires from damaging the items stored within the fireproof container. If a fire originates from within the fireproof container, the fireproof container may be used to prevent the fire from escaping. The fireproof container includes a receptacle, a lid, and a lip. The receptacle is used for storing objects and includes a base panel and a lateral wall. The lateral wall extends from the base panel and the lid may be positioned onto the lateral wall to cover items stored in the receptacle. The lip extends from the lateral wall and is used to precisely guide the lid onto the receptacle. An intumescent material is incorporated into the receptacle, the lid, and the lip and is used to prevent flames and heat from passing between the inside of the fireproof container and the outside of the fireproof material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for packaging perishable foods. A packaging method in accordance with several embodiments of the disclosure can include, for example, mating a tray with a product. The tray can include a compartment having a generally similar shape as the shape of the product. The method can further include gas flushing an internal atmosphere around a product, and sealing the product and the internal atmosphere between a lid and the tray. Additionally, the method can include pasteurizing the product with an application of substantially uniform high pressure to a surface area of the package (e.g., high pressure pasteurization).