Abstract: Provided are larders systems, aircraft equipped with such systems, and methods of operating such systems. A larder system includes at least two larder cases removably disposed in the same compartment of a larder enclosure. The two cases are detachably interlocked with each other such that removal of the outer case from the enclosure advances the inner case closer to the opening. After the removal of the outer case, the inner case may be retained at the opening. The two cases may be interlocked when pushed against each other, such as when the outer case is inserted into the compartment containing the inner case. In some embodiments, a larder case may be interlocked with the larder enclosure or one of its components, such as a door. This enclosure interlocking allows for the larder case to retain its interlocked position when, for example, the enclosure is only partially filed.

Abstract: Described are commercial aircraft cabin arrangement comprising a plurality of seat units (14), each seat unit including a primary seat (16) and a secondary seat (18) arranged facing one another. The primary seat (16) and the secondary seat (18) are configured to combine into a single bed position for the seat unit. The plurality of seat units (14) are arranged in two columns separated by a wide central aisle (72).

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioning system with a redundant feed of supply air comprising at least one pack which is supplied with air, with at least one valve being arranged in the feed for the air flow control. In accordance with the invention, an electrical flow control valve and a pneumatic flow control valve are arranged in parallel connection in front of the pack for the air flow control.

Abstract: A replacement system, which includes a plurality of heat exchangers and a compressing device, is configured to prepare in parallel a medium bled from a low-pressure location of an engine and flowing through a plurality of heat exchangers into a chamber. The compressing device is in communication with the plurality of heat exchangers and regulates a pressure of the medium flowing through the plurality of heat exchangers. The replacement system employs a subsystem to treat the medium from the low-pressure location of the engine before it is received by the inerting system.

Abstract: A cooling system for an interior space of a vehicle comprises a main cooling system coupled with an air inlet for receiving air and coupled with the interior space for providing cooled air to the interior space, at least one air duct arranged between the air inlet and the interior space, a reservoir for liquid nitrogen having a nitrogen outlet and a valve arranged between the outlet and an injection port of the at least one air duct. The reservoir is couplable with the injection port of the at least one air duct via the valve on demand for evaporating nitrogen in the at least one air duct. With the injection of liquid nitrogen the main cooling system is supported in case it is not able to provide a sufficient cooling power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling assembly (15) including: a conduit (16) including a side wall (17) and a fan (20) comprising: a rotating electric machine (32) a power supply module (35) including: three distinct single-phase self-transformers (79a, 79b, 79c) and magnetically decoupled, each self-transformer (79a, 79b, 79c) surrounding the side wall (17) of the conduit (16).

Abstract: An anti-icing system is provided within a chamber having an exterior wall of which an outer surface may be subject to ice formation. The anti-icing system comprises a nozzle arranged to inject hot gas within the chamber. A gas-mixing device defines a channel for receiving hot gas from the nozzle. The gas-mixing device includes a swirl-inducing feature for causing gas from the chamber to be drawn into the channel with a swirling effect when hot gas from the nozzle is injected into the channel.

Abstract: A method for detecting an icing condition using an apparatus comprising a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A system for quickly locating and retrieving flight data of an aircraft after an aircraft mid-air mishap comprises: a flight data recorder; a tracking device comprising at least one camera; a rapid ejection system for ejecting the flight data recorder and tracking device; a soft landing system; and a tow system, wherein the tow system is configured to continue to transmit flight information from the aircraft to the tracking device via the data communication link for a period of time after the ejection of the tracking device; and wherein the tracking device transmits to the flight data recorder the flight information received from the aircraft after ejection and the images captured by the tracking device immediately following the mid-air mishap, and wherein the flight data recorder is configured to in turn transmit said flight information and images to the remote device.

Abstract: A propulsion system and related methods are disclosed. A propulsion system may have a propulsor, an energy conversion system, an energy storage system that stores electrical energy, and a turbine. The propulsor may be in electrical communication with the energy conversion system, and the energy conversion system may receive electrical energy from the turbine or the energy storage system and deliver it to the propulsor. In this manner, a vehicle may be propelled by the propulsor even when the turbine is not operating.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hand-launched solar-powered aircraft are disclosed. In addition, embodiments of kits are disclosed for the construction of a hand-launched solar-powered aircraft. Further, embodiments of methods of making a hand-launched aircraft are disclosed. In some embodiments, the hand-launched aircraft is solar-powered. Still further, embodiments of an educational kit for a hand-launched, solar-powered aircraft are disclosed. In various embodiments, the educational kit comprises educational material on one or more science and technology learning topics, which educational material is relevant to and supplemented by the assembly and/or operation of the aircraft. The education material can relate to, for example, one or more of flying techniques, aeronautics, renewable energy, electronics, mechanical engineering, and/or climatology.

Abstract: A de-icing device is provided that includes a piccolo tube integrated with a front bulkhead for limiting an inner volume of a perforated front lip. The piccolo tube is in contact with a noise reduction cellular structure provided with perforations and hot air circulation channels delivered by the piccolo tube, the de-icing hot air being diffused through the perforations and channels of the cellular structure, on the perforations facing the front lip.

Abstract: A method and a system for inerting an aircraft fuel tank includes at least one inert gas generator. The device includes at least means of determining the inert gas requirement of the aircraft tank(s) in real-time, means of regulating the inert gas flow rate of an inert gas generator, and controlled distribution means of the inert gas in the various fuel tanks and/or various compartments of an aircraft fuel tank. A control unit is capable of real-time determination of an inert gas flow rate setting according to the inert gas requirement of the tank(s) of the aircraft transmitted by the means of determining the inert gas requirement, the settings being transmitted in real time to the inert gas flow rate regulating means, and is also capable of determining the inert gas distribution control settings to the controlled distribution means of inert gas into the various fuel tanks and/or various compartments of a fuel tank.

Abstract: A method for calculating an optimum maximum range cruise speed in an aircraft and its use is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a plurality of flight parameters including weight of the aircraft, an aircraft bearing and an atmospheric pressure, an atmospheric temperature, a wind speed and a wind bearing at the altitude of the aircraft; calculating a weight coefficient of the aircraft, a wind Mach number and an absolute value of a difference between the wind bearing and the aircraft bearing. Additionally, the method includes calculating an optimum Mach number of the aircraft, which provides the optimum maximum range cruise speed. The calculation of the optimum Mach number includes the weight coefficient, the wind Mach number, and the absolute value of the difference between the wind bearing and the aircraft bearing.

Abstract: A system for rapid separation of a flight data recorder from an aircraft comprises a flight data recorder; an emergency detection system comprising a plurality of sensors for detecting flight parameters and at least one computer processor for analyzing the flight parameters and determining, based on the analysis, that an emergency event is occurring; a rapid ejection system comprising a pneumatic system configured to eject the flight data recorder out of an opening in a housing and through the skin of the aircraft when the emergency detection system determines that the emergency event is occurring; and a soft landing system, said soft landing system being attached to the flight data recorder and configured to reduce force of impact upon landing and increase buoyancy of the flight data recorder.

Abstract: A device for aeroplane landing monitoring equipped with a microprocessor system for measuring height of an aeroplane above airfield apron in order to ensure correct course of landing and avoid damage of undercarriage or even the structure of fuselage and wings characterised in that the device (2) located in aeroplane (1) is equipped with a system of multi-channel measurement microprocessor sensors comprising a system of nose sensors (3) in the front part of the aeroplane and the system of tail sensors (4) in the rear part of the aeroplane. Each of the multi-channel measurement microprocessor sensor systems (3, 4) comprises at least one measurement sensor.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver packages between an initiation point and multiple delivery points at a raised elevation. The UAV flies between points in an organized manner, using logistical, maintenance and safety software, commands from a delivery organization, and guidance tools to coordinate deliveries. One advantage of the system is that the UAV engages the delivery points at a raised elevation, rather than the ground level. The UAV docks through an elevated structure at the delivery point for delivering the package and replenishing a power source. The package is conveyed from a docking end and through a central shaft of the elevated structure by means of an elevator. The package then travels to a lower structure, such as a house or office, for pickup. After completion of the delivery, the UAV replenishes its power source and/or continues on the delivery route.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and method for autonomously or semi-autonomously landing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a landing pad. The landing pad can include features configured to correct misalignment of the UAV on the landing pad. The landing pad can additionally include one or more markers than can be identified by the UAV to aid the UAV in locating the landing pad and determining the location of the UAV relative to the landing pad.

Abstract: A rail transport system comprising at least two runners having a shaped profile, a transport rail, and a transport carriage, the runners with a shaped profile being extended over a staircase or over a flat section and the transport carriage being moved along the transport rail. The transport carriage is provided with at least one electric motor. The runners having a shaped profile and the transport rail are stored in the transport carriage. A method for constructing a rail transport system and for transporting at least one container for loading or unloading the galley of an airplane, and a system for simultaneously loading and/or unloading the galley of an airplane.

Abstract: A docking station for an aircraft includes a base portion and an alignment system disposed on the base portion configured to orient the aircraft relative to the base portion. The alignment system can include a plurality of protrusions extending away from the base portion in a vertical direction. The plurality of protrusions can extend away from the base portion in both the vertical direction and a horizontal direction such that the protrusions can extend from the base portion at an angle.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite assembly may include providing a first laminate and a second laminate respectively formed of first and second composite plies, and having a respective first and second cured section and a respective first and second uncured section. The method may further include interleaving the first composite plies in the first uncured section with the second composite plies in the second uncured section to form an interfacial region. The method may additionally include curing the interfacial region to join the first laminate to the second laminate and form a unitized composite assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembling a detail to a flexible member includes positioning the detail against a plurality of reader pogos, and axially displacing the plurality of reader pogos to substantially conform to a detail contour. The method additionally includes recording reader pogo position data representing the detail contour, clamping a flexible member against a plurality of positioning pogos, and axially displacing the plurality of positioning pogos complementary to the reader pogo position data. In addition, the method includes deflecting, using the positioning pogos, the flexible member into a contour corresponding to the reader pogo position data, and assembling the detail to the flexible member.

Abstract: A remote computing system is described that includes at least one processor and at least one module. The at least one module is operable by the at least one processor to receive first operational data collected by a first line-replaceable-unit of a first aircraft during flight operations of the first aircraft, and receive second operational data collected by at least one second line-replaceable-unit of at least one second aircraft during flight operations of the at least one second aircraft. The at least one module is further operable by the at least one processor to predict, based at least in part on the first operational data and the second operational data, a failure condition associated with the first line-replaceable-unit of the first aircraft, and output, based on the impending failure condition, an indication of the predicted failure condition.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to visualize an internal structural members, which are covered with a skin and therefore unrecognizable to the naked eye, from the outside of the skin. There is provided an internal structure visualization method applied to a main wing of an aircraft, which includes a skin with a front surface and a back surface and structural members supporting the skin from the back surface side, to display, when necessary, a trace map composed of lines extending along projection regions of the structural members, wherein functional lines, which are a developing element of the trace map, are provided along the projection regions of the front surface, and the trace map is displayed by performing a predetermined process on a predetermined region of the front surface where the functional lines are provided.

Abstract: A fuel pump arrangement has multiple fuel pumps for fitting to aircraft fuel tanks and allowing maintenance of the pumps without requiring access from inside the tanks, particularly one having a housing with two fuel pumps for mounting in or adjacent a single aperture in the wall of a fuel tank, each pump being individually removable from the housing by withdrawal away from the tank. A sleeve is moveable also in the same direction as the pump to obstruct inlets in the housing and isolate the housing from the fuel in the tank so the tank need not be drained.

Abstract: A nanosatellite with an illumination element, and an arrangement of nanosatellites in low earth orbit (LEO) arranged to controllably apply their illumination to be visible on the ground. The nanosatellites may be coordinated to provide illumination events visible on the ground at particular locations and particular times.

Abstract: A compartment for a space vehicle includes a pressurized structure having a structural wall, the structural wall having interior surfaces facing an interior of the compartment and exterior surfaces exposed to an external environment. An internal mounting structure for mounting a component is provided within the compartment, and mounting features support the internal mounting structure from the pressurized structure. The internal mounting structure is spaced away from the interior surfaces of the pressurized structure, and a thermal fluid is provided in the pressurized structure. The thermal fluid enables convective heat transfer between the component mounted on the internal mounting structure and the interior surfaces of the pressurized structure.

Abstract: A foil deployment mechanism comprises a first drum rotatable about a first longitudinal axis, and a second drum rotatable about a second longitudinal axis. The foil deployment mechanism further comprises a cable, the cable comprising a first section which extends from a lower part of the second drum to an upper part of the first drum, a second section which is wound around a part of the first drum facing away from the second drum, a third section which extends from a lower part of the first drum to an upper part of the second drum, and a fourth section which is wound around a part of the second drum facing away from the first drum, wherein the first section and the third section intersect each other between the first drum and the second drum when being viewed along the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propulsion unit for a reusable launch vehicle including a rocket engine supported by a cradle. According to the invention, the cradle includes at least three attachment elements for assembling the unit on the structure of the vehicle to which the unit is to be connected, the at least three attachment elements defining a plane for removing the unit, and in which the unit includes one or more fluid and/or electric links of the engine, each one of the links including a free end to be assembled with a corresponding circuit for supplying the vehicle, to which the unit is to be connected, the tip of at least some of the free ends being contained in the removal plane.

Abstract: A device for filling a container with a fill product, for example a fill product that is viscous and contains particles, is described. The device includes a fill product reservoir for accommodating the fill product that is to be filled, a dosing cylinder within which a dosing piston is displaceably accommodated for dosing the fill product, and a discharge channel with an outlet end for discharging the fill product into the container that is to be filled. The discharge plunger is disposed in the discharge channel for expelling a product residue at the end of the filling process, and the fill product reservoir, the dosing cylinder, and the discharge channel are in communication with each other via a common product channel. A valve for opening and closing the connection between the fill product reservoir and the product channel is disposed in the base of the fill product reservoir.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a container processing machine including a rotating conveyor, and processing units carried by the rotating conveyor and designed to engage at least one container to carry out processing operations is disclosed. The method includes operatively coupling a first set of monitoring sensors to the processing units on-board the processing machine to monitor relevant operating parameters. The method also includes controlling the processing units to execute test operations in lieu of processing operations. The method further includes acquiring measurement data from the first set of monitoring sensors during the test operations. The method further includes processing the acquired measurement data to provide maintenance information on the reliability of at least one of the processing units or the processing machine.

Abstract: Multi-layer web and mechanical scoring process for forming lidding film for push through blister packages. The web is configured to resist the tensile forces encountered during manufacturing processes, including slitting, rewinding and heat sealing processes. A simplified web conversion process for creating mechanically scored lidding film for blister packages is provided at reduced investment and operational costs compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction bag emptying device (13) comprising a container (15) with a lid for a suction bag to be placed into the container. The container (15) has a discharge point (17) for removal of the contents of the suction bag. The emptying device (13) is provided with a holder for suspending a suction bag with a lid from the holder by the lid, and a jacket (24) for lateral support of the suction bag. The lid (14) of the emptying device (13) is provided with means for puncturing the lid (4) of the suction bag (3) and for supplying pressurized liquid or gas into the suction bag (3). The invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one suction bag (3) and a suction bag emptying device (13), and to a method for emptying the suction bag (3).

Abstract: Plastic containers exhibiting reduced plastic resin usage, while maintaining a specific gravity of below 1.0, so as to allow their quick and easy separation using floatation techniques during recycling. Within a layer or portion some of the plastic resin of the container body may be replaced with an inorganic mineral filler material, while within another layer or portion of the plastic container, the plastic material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) may be foamed. The fraction of mineral filler material that may be included within the polyethylene may thus be increased beyond that previously possible while maintaining the specific gravity below 1.0, by also foaming a layer or portion of the polymeric material, so as to create voids therein. This allows significantly less resin material to be employed, while maintaining strength characteristics of the plastic container so as to be at least comparable to existing plastic containers not including such mineral filler materials.

Abstract: A combination bottle and system for devising combination bottles for the retention of liquids and other pliable items is provided. A base container unit with an open mouth is configured to retain liquids and exhibits a base unit perimeter lip with an attachment configuration and the base container unit may be combined with various capacity-adding units which have perimeter lips with a variety of attachment configurations that allow attachment between the base unit and the capacity-adding unit(s). The base container unit may be combined either alone or with various numbers of capacity adding units with one or more top units that have top unit perimeter lips with top unit attachment configurations mateable with the various constituent members of the combination bottle system. Various top units are provided which exhibit functional end selected from the group of: sippy cup functional end, straw functional end, and nipple functional end.

Abstract: A container (10) consists of a substantially planar blank having a plurality of regions, the regions including a base (18), side walls (14), end walls (16) and a lid (12). Each of the regions is connectable to at least one of the other regions by a hinge (20) formed within the blank. The blank is able to be converted into a first unassembled configuration in which regions of the blank are pivoted around the hinges (20) connecting the regions in relation to other regions, to form a rectangular slab in which compact mode blanks are able to be stacked, and a second configuration in which the blank is erected to form the container (10), which has a cuboidal structure of substantially uniform cross-section, for the storage of articles.

Abstract: An inmate locker incorporating a corrugated paperboard board having a generally three dimensional rectangular body with an open interior. The body includes a lid hingedly attached along an edge thereof, the lid including one or more window apertures which are covered by a flexible mylar or other plastic material adhered to outer or underside perimeter encircling edges of the lid. The lid further includes a fold over flap exhibiting at least one inter-engaging portion configured on an inner facing surface and which, upon closing the lid over an open top of the body, interengages with an aligning inter-engaging portion configured upon an exterior facing side location of the body. Handhold apertures are configured at overlapping locations of the fold over flap and side location of the body upon closing and sealing the lid over the open top.

Abstract: A reinforced pallet assembly constructed generally of wood, including a generally planar top platform, spacers to provide apertures for a forklift, bottom runners, and is completely encapsulated by a polymeric material. The spacers may include a foam core to reduce pallet weight but not compromise strength. The bottom runners enhance pallet stability and strength. The polymeric material provides surface friction, resistance to surface damage, and overall integrity.

Abstract: A plastic tote style container having a first handle connected to an upper portion of a first end wall and a second handle connected to an upper portion of a second side wall is provided. The first and second handles are sized and positioned to form openings between the handles and the end walls that can accept a single tine of a fork truck or other similar device. This allows for carrying heavier loads in the tote style container.

Abstract: An upright pallet device is provided that comprises a pallet base and an upright support surface extending therefrom. The pallet base comprises an upper deck, a bottom deck, and blocks therebetween to offset the upper and bottom deck. The pallet base is a hollow, rectangular structure that comprises openings on all fours sides thereof. The sides, openings, and open interior of the base accommodate the fork of a pallet jack, a forklift, or the nose of a hand truck. The bottom deck comprises an open structure that accommodates a fork wheel therethrough when elevating the pallet device from the floor. Finally, the upstanding surface comprises a solid or open frame construction for supporting upright loads on the pallet base, whereby the load can be tethered or wrapped thereto. Two or more pallet devices can be carried on a single pallet fork, thereby allowing several pallet devices to be transported simultaneously.

Abstract: A framework for a pop-up structure is provided comprising three or more loops (18, 12, 22) and a plurality of resilient deformable elongate members (14) extending between adjacent loops. The elongate members are pivotally attached to the loops (18, 12, 22) and the framework is extensible between a collapsed condition and a expanded condition, upon rotation of one loop relative to an adjacent loop. There is also provided a pop-up container comprising said framework and having an attachable cover.

Abstract: Access-limiting mechanism limits access to a container. Access is controlled by moving a slider back and forth along a plastic zipper, opening and closing the zipper. The access-limiting mechanism includes, in addition to the slider, a coupler. The coupler can stay fixed, immovable, at a given location, relative to the zipper; or can be moved along the zipper. As the slider moves close to the coupler, the slider and coupler are releasably coupled to each other, limiting the ability of the slider to open the zipper. Access can be further limited by adding a second control mechanism such as a cover, optionally a latching cover, overlying one or both of the slider and coupler. To open the container, the slider and coupler, and/or as applies the cover, are released from respective coupling or latching arrangements. Then, the slider can be moved away from the coupler to open the container.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture are disclosed for sanitary dispensing of lotion and tooth-paste. In various embodiments each lotion or toothpaste tube has at least two dispensing ports, each of which may be assigned to an individual household member. In some embodiments the dispensing ports may be stacked on top of each other or may be placed side by side or be located at different parts of the lotion or toothpaste tube. In some other embodiments the dispensing ports may be colored differently or may be different in size and/or appearance. In various embodiments the dispensing ports may be opened by unscrewing, turning, pushing, pulling, lifting, or by a combination thereof. In yet other embodiments small pumps may be used to dispense the lotion or tooth paste. According to the present disclosure, inexpensive multi-port dispensing heads may be manufactured separately for retrofitting any store-bought lotion or toothpaste tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a twist closure combined with a bottle. The shell is secured between the twist closure that permits rotation of the closure with respect to the bottle while keeping the closure secured thereto. Rotation of the closure moves an orifice from a raised segment closing the bottle to an notched segment that permits the contents of the bottle to flow out of the orifice.

Abstract: A combination of a closing element (28) and a receiving structure (24) is provided wherein the closing element (28) and receiving structure (24) are in an initially assembled orientation which prevents, but which can he subsequently operated to permit, communication through the receiving structure (24). The receiving structure (24) includes at least one laterally projecting shear member (40) and a spout (30) defining (A) an access passage (32). The closing element (28) has an aperture (78) for receiving a shear member (40) of the receiving structure (24). At least one frangible bridge (78) extends across a portion of the aperture (74) for being severed by the shear member (40) during relative rotation between the closing element (28) and the receiving structure (24).

Abstract: An improved container closure is provided, and a manufacturing process therefor.

Abstract: A container having tamper evident and resistant features includes a tray, a cover, and a blocking wall that prevents direct access to a peripheral cover lip of the cover when the cover is in a closed position on the tray. The container includes at least one tab that prevents direct access to the peripheral cover lip and which is at least partially separable from the container along at least one line of weakness to provide access to the peripheral cover lip for removing the cover from the tray. The tab further includes an interference element that inhibits replacement of the tab into its original position with respect to the container after the at least one line of weakness have been severed.

Abstract: A container having tamper evident and resistant features comprises a tray having a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, which collectively define a compartment, and terminating in a tray rib to at least partially define an open top providing access to the compartment. The container further comprises a cover comprising a top wall that terminates in a cover rib having a peripheral cover lip, an interference element extending from the container, at least one tab provided in the container and associated with the interference element, and at least one line of weakness coupling the tab to the container. The tab is moveable between a first position where the line of weakness is not severed and a second position where the line of weakness is severed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a hinge in a thermoformed container, such as an egg carton, and the resulting container. The hinge is formed in the mold, by severing a thermoformed container along the length of a hinge line, with the exception of plurality of spaced connecting membranes that are not severed. The alternating severed portions and connecting membranes are referred to herein as a notched hinge connection. The width, depth, and location of the connecting membranes can be adjusted so the hinge area is strong enough to withstand multiple openings during use.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be opened by pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the button is released. Thus, the user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. The beverage container closure includes an actuating lever configured to press the button when a user applies a force to the lever. By utilizing the mechanical advantage provided by the lever, a user is able to selectively open and close the stopper using a relatively low amount of force.