Abstract: In order to reduce the switching hysteresis in a dynamic positioning system and/or an autopilot system for watercraft, an arrangement is provided for determining a force acting on a rudder for watercraft. This arrangement includes a processing unit, at least one measuring device for determining values of a physical quantity of a rudder, and means for transmitting the determined values of the physical quantity to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine the force acting on the rudder on the basis of the determined values of the physical quantity.

Abstract: A boat maneuvering system, including a first power source having a first controller, a first operating device having a second controller configured to receive a first operation instruction and to output a first control signal for controlling the first power source, a second power source provided separately from the first power source, and a second operating device provided separately from the first operating device for operating the first and second power sources. The second operating device includes a third controller provided on a communication path connecting the first and second controllers, the third controller being configured to receive the first control signal, generate a second control signal, and output the second control signal to the first controller, and to receive a second operation instruction via the second operating device, generate a third control signal, and output the third control signal to the second power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringer, particularly to a stiffening and structural longitudinal element for skin of aircraft airfoil surfaces, characterized in that it incorporates two separate and independent reinforcement areas, one in the foot and the other at the end of the web (head) of the stringer, where the reinforcement areas are obtained by a widening of the section of the stringer, the widening being formed by a localized stack of reinforcing plies of composite material which are embedded within the stringer. The invention also relates to the method of manufacture and is particularly applicable to stringers having an L-shaped or T-shaped section.

Abstract: A joining structure for an interior panel for an aircraft includes two interior panels, each provided with a corner portion formed on an internal-side surface plate by an edge of an end portion of an external-side surface plate and an edge of an end portion of an internal-side surface plate being attached, the corner portion extending in the direction the edges extend. Strip-shaped connection pieces are provided at the corner portion and are formed across an entire length of the corner portion by a portion, with gaps between the strip-shaped connection pieces. The two interior panels are joined when brought together, with the connection pieces of the two interior panels passing through the gaps between the connection pieces of the other interior panels and being adhered to the external-side surface plate of the other interior panels by an adhesive.

Abstract: A telescoping aircraft door is disclosed having first and second panels that slide relative to one another to extend and retract as the door closes and opens, respectively. The first panel is hinged to the door frame in a traditional manner, and the second panel is fixed to the door frame by a linkage that limits the arc of the second panel. By selecting the location and length of the linkage, the relative movement of the two panels can be predictably controlled to reduce the depth of the door when closed and the length of the door when opened.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank system is disclosed in which a vent tank is provided with a compact vent pipe comprising one or more built-in flame barrier elements providing high liquid fuel outflow rate.

Abstract: In a high-lift-device, a wing, and noise reduction device for a high-lift-device that are capable of reducing noise generated when a flap is extended, preventing deterioration of aerodynamics characteristic when retracting the flap, and preventing an increase in weight, a flap main body (5) disposed so as to be extendable/retractable relative to a main wing and a protruding portion (6A-1) that smoothly protrudes at least at the vicinity of one end portion of a positive-pressure surface (PS) of the flap main body (5) in a direction away from the flap main body (5) are provided.

Abstract: Latching apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first latch portion including a first tooth and a first pin disposed in a first aperture defined by the first tooth and a second latch portion including a second tooth and a second pin disposed in an second aperture defined by the second tooth. The second tooth of the second latch portion is to mesh with the first tooth of the first latch portion to substantially orient the first pin and the second pin along an axis. The example apparatus further includes an actuator adjacent a first end of one of the first latch portion or the second latch portion to move the first pin and the second pin along the axis to lock the first latch portion to the second latch portion.

Abstract: A method for aiding navigation is provided, implemented in a flight management system, for the construction of a vertical trajectory of an aircraft following a predetermined lateral trajectory between a departure point and an arrival point; the departure point and arrival point furthermore being characterized by predefined altitudes, respectively Hd and Ha, and predefined speeds, respectively Vd and Va. The method comprises the steps of: selection of a transition manoeuvre in terms of altitude and speed from a predetermined list of manoeuvres; determination of a manoeuvre point PM on the lateral trajectory, of altitude Hd and of speed Vd, from which the transition manoeuvre must be initiated so as to allow the aircraft to reach at the arrival point the predefined speed Va and the predefined altitude Ha.

Abstract: A spring assembly elongate along a longitudinal direction includes a first spring that includes a first spring member and a first elongate member that extends from the first spring member along the longitudinal direction. The spring assembly includes a second spring including a second spring member and a second elongate member that extends from the second spring member along the longitudinal direction. The second elongate member extends through the first spring member, and the first elongate member extends through the second spring member such that the first and second spring members are spaced apart with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly comprising a support leg, a main wheel rotatably mounted on the support leg, a brake comprising a first sub-assembly fixed to the main wheel and a second sub-assembly moveably mounted on the support leg and a ground reaction wheel coupled to the second sub-assembly, wherein on application of the brake, the first sub-assembly engages with the second sub-assembly to exert a braking force on the second sub-assembly; and wherein the ground reaction wheel is arranged to transfer the braking force from the second sub-assembly to the ground.

Abstract: An aircraft brake system may include a linear variable differential transformer (“LVDT”). A brake control unit (“BCU”) may measure an output voltage from the LVDT. The BCU may include a hardware module, a software module, and an offset module. The hardware module may include a preprogrammed threshold voltage. The output voltage may be measured, and an offset voltage may be determined and stored in the offset module. The software module may measure the sum of the output voltage and the offset voltage. In response to the hardware module and the software module indicating that the threshold voltage has been reached, the BCU may allow braking of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling aircraft brakes in an aircraft that includes a brake pedal and an electric brake actuator. An aircraft operational state is determined and an application force that is supplied to the brake pedal is determined. When the determined aircraft operational state is a ground-idle state and the determined application force is greater than a set force magnitude, an actuator brake is moved to engage the electric brake actuator and the electric brake actuator is de-energized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Personal Electric Helicopter device with an integral wind turbine recharging capability. The device is a relatively small, lighter weight powered aircraft capable of vertical take-offs and propulsion across various terrain at low altitudes. The device is uniquely capable of re-charging its power source by connection to an electrical grid or by using its uplift components as a wind turbine for re-charging. The preferred embodiment is comprised of a rechargeable uplift and propulsion power system with components and features; a frame structure to carry an operator and/or payload; a means to connect the structure to the power system; and a means to control the uplift and propulsion system wherein the vehicle may be used to elevate and propel a payload at low altitudes across various terrains and may be positioned to reverse power the wind turbine to recharge the batteries.

Abstract: Apparatus to adjust airfoils of rotor blades are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first surface to be attached to a trailing edge of a rotor blade; a forward edge having a first thickness; an aft edge having a second thickness; and a middle portion between the forward edge and the aft edge having a third thickness greater than the first and second thicknesses.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade, a rotatable flap portion disposed along a span of the rotor blade. A rotary actuator is located inside the rotor blade and is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis. A rotary-winged aircraft includes an airframe and a main rotor assembly operably connected to the airframe. The main rotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blade assemblies rotatable about a rotor assembly axis. At least one rotor blade assembly of the plurality of rotor blade assemblies includes a rotor blade and a rotatable flap portion disposed along a span of the rotor blade. A rotary actuator located inside the rotor blade and is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis. The rotary actuator is absent oil, grease or other fluid lubricant.

Abstract: A device for permanently maintaining the altitude of a payload the altitude-maintenance energy source of which is practically permanent and extracted from the medium includes at least two gliding bodies connected together by at least one physical link and being, in use, at different altitudes relative to the ground and for which the instantaneous winds have, practically permanently, different characteristics, and further includes a system for controlling the respective attitudes of these two bodies.

Abstract: An oblique wing aircraft designed for reduced surface area to volume ratio. The aircraft has an oblique wing comprising a forward swept wing segment and an aft swept wing segment. A center oblique airfoil section connects the forward and aft swept wing segments. The center oblique airfoil section has a larger chord near its centerline than the chords of either of the forward or aft swept wing segments. The chord of the center oblique airfoil section tapers down more rapidly than the forward or aft wing segments as the center oblique airfoil section extends outboard toward the forward and aft swept wings. Preferably, the aircraft is an all-wing aircraft.

Abstract: An add-on sling-load system capable of being attached to a host that comprises a load provided with at least two slices arranged in a predetermined configuration and preferably a stack and a controlled coupling mechanism configured to attach and release at least one slice from the arranged configuration. The sling load system is used for multiple deliveries.

Abstract: A lavatory for an aircraft cabin includes a wall having a forward wall portion disposed immediately aft of and substantially conforming to an exterior aft surface of an aircraft cabin structure, such as a passenger seat, that is substantially not flat in a vertical plane. The forward wall portion includes a forward projection over an aft portion of the adjacent passenger seat. The forward wall portion can define a secondary space in the interior lavatory space, which can provide an amenity stowage space, and can include design elements providing visual space.

Abstract: A cabin air compressor outlet duct includes an outlet portion, a first inlet portion fluidly connected to the outlet portion, and a second inlet portion fluidly connected to the outlet portion and joined to the first inlet through a curvilinear surface having a bend radius between about 2.50 inches (6.35 cm) and about 2.60 inches (6.60 cm).

Abstract: Decompression panel assemblies and methods of equalizing air pressure differential are provided. The decompression panel assembly includes a panel comprising an opening defined therein, a vent cover coupled across the opening, and a latching mechanism. The vent cover is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The latching mechanism is configured to maintain the vent cover in the first position when a pressure differential across the panel is below a predetermined value and facilitate the vent cover moving to the second position when the pressure differential across the panel exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: An air distribution system for an aircraft that has a simplified construction that saves space in the aircraft, reduces the weight of the air distribution system from that of currently employed air distribution systems, handles the mixing of interior aircraft cabin air with exterior fresh air and the drainage of moisture from the air, and improves aircraft cabin air quality. The system employs a mixing chamber having a conical configuration with an apex of the conical configuration at the bottom of the chamber and a base of the conical configuration at the top of the chamber. Inside the chamber first and second separate interior volumes separated by an interior wall of the mixing chamber wrap around each other. The interior air and exterior air are mixed as they spiral around the interior volumes and are directed toward two discharge openings from the two volumes at the top of the mixing chamber. From the discharge openings the mixed air is directed to air diffusers in the aircraft cabin.

Abstract: An aircraft propulsion control system for an aircraft having a plurality of combustion engines is provided. The system has a plurality of sensors for sensing a condition indicative of properties and/or formation of vapor trails which may be formed by the plurality of engines. A controller is arranged to control one or more operational variable for each of the plurality of engines. The controller is arranged to undertake a search of trial values of the operational variable by instructing different concurrent values of said operational variable across the plurality of engines and determining the resulting impact on the vapor trail formation and/or properties as sensed by the sensors. A population-based search may be performed, for example in parallel over all the engines at once so as to reduce the time taken to achieve vapor trail mitigation.

Abstract: Despite pilot training and current safety systems, aircraft accidents continue to occur. It is recognized herein that existing approaches to preventing aircraft accidents lack capabilities. A predictive aircraft recovery control unit can receive flight data from the plurality of data nodes. The flight data can be indicative of at least a speed of the aircraft and a position of the aircraft. In some cases, based on the flight data, the predictive aircraft recovery control unit can determine that the aircraft will enter a stall condition. Furthermore, based on the flight data, the predictive aircraft recovery control unit can determine a time period that will elapse before the aircraft enters the stall condition. In response to determining that the aircraft will enter the stall condition after the time period elapses, the predictive aircraft recovery control until can trigger a recovery sequence before the aircraft enters the stall condition.

Abstract: A method of notifying an aircraft crew member using a notification management system includes creating a rule based on at least one flight condition and transmitting the created rule to the aircraft. The at least one flight condition may include air travel data. The method also includes receiving aircraft data generated by one or more aircraft systems, comparing the received aircraft data with the rule, and issuing a notification to the aircraft crew member based on the comparison between the received aircraft data and the at least one condition in the rule. The notification may include at least one action to be performed in response to the notification.

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 system for capturing aerial images, the system comprising at least one camera unit, the camera unit comprising a plurality of steerable detail camera modules, each steerable detail camera module comprising a detail camera and a beam-steering mechanism in the optical path of the camera whereby the pointing direction of the camera is time-multiplexed to provide a wider effective field of view.

Abstract: An acquisition circuit for a vehicle or other system is provided. The system, for example, may include, but is not limited to a control moment gyroscope, and a fully differential ground isolated acquisition circuit communicatively connected to the control moment gyroscope and configured to acquire a differential data signal on the control moment gyroscope and output the differential data signal to at least one output node. The acquisition circuit may include, but is not limited to a ground reference correction circuit configured to recenter the differential data signal on at least one output node, and at least one ultra-high impedance output circuit coupled between the ground reference correction circuit and the input differential circuit.

Abstract: A method for increasing density of a region of a porous, phenolic bonded (“PPB”) body adjacent to a selected surface to increase failure tensile strength of the adjacent region and/or to decrease surface recession at elevated temperatures. When the surface-densified PPB body is brought together with a substrate, having a higher failure tensile strength, to form a composite body with a PPB body/substrate interface, the location of tensile failure is moved to a location spaced apart from the interface, the failure tensile strength of the PPB body is increased, and surface recession of the material at elevated temperature is reduced. The method deposits and allows diffusion of a phenolic substance on the selected surface. The PPB body and the substrate may be heated and brought together to form the composite body. The phenolic substance is allowed to diffuse into the PPB body, to volatilize and to cure, to provide a processed body with an increased surface density.

Abstract: A head (5) is associated with a device (1) for dispensing measured dosages of a free-flowing material. The head has housing (3) with an interior space (59) with a fill opening (57) and a discharge orifice (62). A shutter bolt (80) is arranged in the housing to open and close the discharge orifice (62) and to loosen and advance the material. The head (5) has a dispensing position, in which the shutter bolt is oriented substantially vertically and a fill position. In the dispensing position, the material is dispensed through the discharge orifice (62). In the fill position, material is filled through the fill opening (57), which is positioned laterally on the housing when the head is in the dispensing position. A rest surface (51) is diametrically opposite the fill opening, so that the head lies on its rest surface in the fill position.

Abstract: A system for filling a blow-fill-seal (BFS) container is provided. The system includes a first fluid circuit constructed to selectively deliver a purge fluid to an open BFS container. A second fluid circuit selectively delivers a product to the open BFS container. A third fluid circuit, having a vent line in fluid communication with the open BFS container and to the ambient, directs a bulk fluid comprising at least the purge fluid from the container when the purge fluid is introduced into the BFS container. The second circuit selectively delivers product when the first fluid circuit selectively does not deliver the purge fluid, and the second circuit selectively does not deliver product when the first circuit selectively delivers the purge fluid.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a liquid containing bag and a case member. The liquid containing bag includes a flat end portion extending in a first direction. The case member defines an opening at one end and accommodates the liquid containing bag inserted from the opening in the first direction. The case member has an end portion accommodating section extending in the first direction and accommodating at least the end portion of the liquid containing bag, a main portion accommodating section accommodating a main portion of the liquid containing bag, and a partition wall that partitions the end portion accommodating section and the main portion accommodating section. The partition wall includes a slit extending along the first direction, with the end portion of the liquid containing bag being inserted through the slit.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of objects with a film has a film supply holding the film and a support including only two vertical masts adjacent the film supply and juxtaposed with the stack to be wrapped. A pull-down device is shiftable vertically along the two masts next to the stack. A film-feed head is also shiftable vertically along the two masts. The film extends from the supply through the film-feed head to the pull-down device. A film-storing means or looper is provided in the film-feed head for storing a variable length of the film in the head.

Abstract: A process for forming and filling pouches on a vertical, fill, seal (VFFS) machine having an apparatus for producing an oscillating force that actuates a mechanism comprising: a frame; channels attached to sides of frame; a servo motor positioned on top of frame; a shaft assembly having an off-set slider assembly where top end is attached to servo motor and bottom end is positioned adjacent to bottom of the frame; a pusher block having a rectangular shaped opening therein and horizontal rails each attached to opposite sides of block and slidably positioned in channels of frame and off-set slider assembly positioned in rectangular shaped opening of pusher block; an actuation mechanism attached to pusher block that provides a forward and backward oscillating motion to pusher block; and a heat sealing mechanism actuated by the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device for a production machine, in particular, a bottling plant 1 with a filling device 7 or a filling and sealing device 13, with a stream of products (5) consisting of one or more columns, wherein the inspection device is arranged in the production machine, advantageously in the bottling plant 1, directly after the filling device 7 or the filling and sealing device 13 or before a separating device 23, so that the products 5 are inspected before the separation 23 or packaging 25 of the products 5. Furthermore, the invention relates to an inspection method for a production machine, in particular, for a bottling plant 1, in which an inspection device consisting of a source 17 and a sensor 19 scans several products 5 perpendicular or diagonal to the product motion B.

Abstract: The invention relates to labeling and/or printing devices, methods and systems for applying coding and/or labeling to containers that are stacked or otherwise organized in a group (e.g., containers stacked on a pallet). In embodiments of the invention, labeling and/or printing devices are mounted on carriages that are capable of moving in a vertical direction to apply labels as they move. Horizontal movement is imparted either by moving such carriages in a horizontal direction adjacent to the containers, or by moving the containers themselves (or the pallet holding them) in a horizontal direction adjacent to such carriages. Multiple carriages with labeling devices may be provided to provide simultaneous labeling to more than one side of a group of stacked containers. Embodiments of the invention are capable of providing labeling of containers that are uniformly or non-uniformly grouped or stacked.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for generating a label for use in a medical application. Label content specified by a user that is to be applied to a surface of the label is received. The label content, which includes a machine-generated character, is printed on demand onto the surface of the label. The label bearing the label content is dispensed in a condition suitable for use in the sterile environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for the fabrication of glass containers with internally threaded neck and such containers. The plunger (6) is from the glass leaving an imprint corresponding to the mouth (M) of a bottle, wherein the plunger has at least one helical groove (15) in its outside surface. During the extraction, the plunger is rotated around a longitudinal axis (X-X) performing a roto-translational motion to unscrew the plunger out of the partially solidified glass, leaving an internal thread in the mouth (M) of the bottle.

Abstract: A wrap around case including: a case body that includes a top face panel and a bottom face panel, a front face panel and a back face panel, and a pair of side face panels, and that is formed with a perforated tear section running along a ridgeline formed by the top face panel and each of the pair of side face panels; and an overlap section that extends from the top face panel toward the bottom face panel side and overlaps the front face panel, and that is formed with a gap to an edge portion at the bottom face panel side of a cutout portion formed at a position offset to one end side or another end side of the center, along the facing direction of the side face panels, of an edge portion at the top face panel side of the front face panel.

Abstract: A shipping and display container includes, for example, first and second tray elements, each of which has a tray element bottom panel and a tray element back panel, and each of which tray element back panels has portions defining a sleeve. A bridge element disposed between the first and second tray elements is movable between accordion-folded and extended positions of the bridge element, and a header card element has a back panel with a first portion that is received in the sleeve defined by portions of the first tray element back panel and a second portion that is received in the sleeve defined by portions of the second tray element back panel.

Abstract: A method of deploying a retail ready container from a single container blank utilizes a container having a container body portion and a protective cover portion. The container in the assembled state is configured so that the finished sides of left and right side cover panels are respectively positioned adjacent to and opposed from respective finished sides of left and right side container body panels. The container is deployed in a retail environment by lifting the protective cover portion upwardly with respect to the container body portion in a pivotal movement, at least partially tearing the frangible connections between the respective container body panels and cover panels.

Abstract: A pull-tab sealing member for a container containing an upper laminate forming a pull-tab bonded to a lower laminate capable of being heat sealed to a container's mouth or opening. The upper laminate defines the pull tab wholly within a perimeter or circumference of the seal. The sealing member further includes a sub tab layer or member under the gripping tab for structural support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing disc for a container closure used for a container having a mouth delimited by a circumferential edge. The sealing disc is composed of a plurality of layers with an edge. Before the container is opened for the first time, at least one group of layers tightly closes the mouth of said container. One of the layers is a metallic layer that can be heated by induction. The other layers are non-metallic and unable to be directly heated by induction. The group of layers can be sealed, using a sealing layer, on the circumferential edge of the mouth. One of the layers is composed of a thermally insulating material. The sealing disc has at least one grip tab. The grip tab is formed from just one or more of the layers of the layer group. The surfaces of the layers that form said grip tab project beyond the edge of the metallic, induction-heatable layer of the group for the length of the surface of the grip tab.

Abstract: A can end (2) is described for a metal beverage can, optionally for carbonated drinks, the can end including a cap top (3), arranged in connection to a pull tab (4) configured to remove the cap top along a pre-defined groove (9), to thereby create a drinking or pouring aperture; an elastic resilient element (10) attached to the can end; and a resiliently operated shut-off valve (6) that is part of or is connected to the elastic resilient element (10) and that is configured to seal the drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring; wherein the cap top (3) is configured to remain located, after the removal, on top of the shut-off valve (6). Further, a can including such a can end, and a method for opening and reclosing such a can are described, as well as a method for producing such a can.

Abstract: A pull-tab sealing member for a container containing an upper laminate defining a circular segment and forming a pull-tab bonded to a lower laminate capable of being heat sealed to a container's mouth or opening. The upper laminate defines the pull tab wholly within a perimeter or circumference of the seal, but the upper laminate does not extend the full width of the sealing member in order to define the gripping tab.

Abstract: A platform is described for use in a logistic system such as by being placed onto the loading surface of a vehicle in a conveying or haulage direction (A) and by being taken from the loading surface of a vehicle in the same direction. The platform has dimensions that are substantially adapted to the loading surface of the vehicle. The platform has at least one first platform element and one second platform element, which can be locked to each other and released from each other. The first platform element has a locking element and the second platform element has a locking receptacle provided facing the locking element in such a way that the locking receptacle of the second platform element can engage with the locking element of the first platform element.

Abstract: A plastic pallet for receiving flexible bulk containers comprises at least one pair of tunnel-shaped receptacles for the fork tines of a forklift, with the tunnel-shaped receptacles connecting two opposite sides of the plastic pallet. Each tunnel-shaped receptacle has a tunnel bottom that is formed by bottom ribs spaced by bottom air gaps. Each tunnel-shaped receptacle also has a tunnel vault that is formed by vault ribs spaced by vault air gaps. In each of the tunnel-shaped receptacles, the bottom ribs and vault ribs are staggered and dimensioned in such a way that a bottom rib is arranged below a vault air gap and a vault rib is arranged above a bottom air gap.

Abstract: A member formed of a set of elongated corrugated cardboard plies secured together with a biodegradable adhesive along the lengths thereof and coated with a biodegradable coating which may be stacked to form a support for a portion of an elongated weighty member.

Abstract: A lightweight manually transportable unit, effective in supporting a heavyweight tubular member including a spaced pair of beams each formed of a set of plies of corrugated cardboard and having a recess with a curved cross-sectional configuration, aligned with the recess of the other of such beams, and an enclosure formed of planar and curved panel formed of corrugated cardboard encompassing such spaced beams, wherein the plies of such beams and the enclosure encompassing such beams are secured together by a biodegradable adhesive.