Abstract: A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base.

Abstract: A fumigation device suitable for agricultural purposes, using aerodynamic hovering without touching the ground, which operates autonomously or under the supervision of a remote operator, comprising at least four rotors individually operated through energy generating devices, with a constant rotor speed, being the only control variable for the whole flight steering. Since the device only operates in ground effect, it is fair to say that it is not exactly an airplane; in addition, it does not carry crew, and it only operates within rural areas as other agricultural machines, being able to be transported on a trailer; therefore, it would operate outside the rule of aeronautic regulations. It has full redundancy of systems both for thrust and control.

Abstract: A drone-based microbial analysis system includes an electronic drone control facility including an electronic storage memory device. The storage memory device stores information including a location of at least one possible contaminated area previously determined to contain at least one positively-tested microbe. At least one drone vehicle is in signal communication with the drone control facility and autonomously navigates to the at least one possible contaminated area to collect a specimen. The drone control facility performs a microbial analysis based on the collected specimen and confirms the at least one possible contaminated area is a positively contaminated area that contains at least one microbe based on the microbial analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of flow diverting lift elements which, when placed in the proper orientation and propelled through a fluid, produce a lift force with improved lift versus velocity performance. The flow diverting lift elements can produce lift for rotary lift devices such as aircraft. The flow diverting lift devices include an airfoil and a diversion wall extending from an upper surface of the airfoil. The airfoil can be an annular airfoil.

Abstract: A tow plate and active vibration control (AVC) housing configured to couple to a helicopter sponson about an AVC and support a gun mounting system.

Abstract: A modular aircraft closet including a structural frame having a top, a bottom, an inboard sidewall, an outboard sidewall, an open forward face and an open aft face. A forward panel attaches to the structural frame to cover the open forward face and an aft panel attaches to the structural frame to cover the open aft face. The forward and aft panels can be equipped with an exterior panel feature to customize, brand, reconfigure or retrofit the closet.

Abstract: An aircraft viewing platform system that enables passengers to view the exterior of the aircraft while in flight includes a canopy assembly, a platform assembly supporting at least one seat, and an elevating mechanism to facilitate raising the platform into a volume of the canopy assembly extending through a fuselage cutout beyond the fuselage periphery. The system may include an actuating mechanism such as a jack screw or a telescoping system. The platform can have integrated rollers slide configured to roll in guide rails. The system can include a control panel that regulates the elevating mechanism motion. The control panel allows the viewer to move the platform. The platform can include a rotating pedestal to allow passengers have a 360 degree view of the aircraft exterior.

Abstract: A construction kit for a housing structure of a monument for a cabin of a vehicle, in particular of an aircraft includes a plurality of integrally formed sandwich panels which each have two cover panels, which surround a core, and are formed with panel connecting structures which are each formed as a plug region or as a mating plug region. The mating plug region is formed so as to be complementary to the plug region in such a way that a plug region of a sandwich panel can be plugged into the mating plug region of another sandwich panel to connect the sandwich panels.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin having seats with at least one of which is paired with a passenger terminal to communicate wirelessly. A control unit of the seat transmits data on the capabilities for adjusting the seat to the passenger terminal. The passenger terminal transmits instructions for adjusting the seat to the control unit of the seat. The passenger terminal includes application software to interpret the data received from the control unit of the seat to display a representation of the possible adjustments on a screen of the passenger terminal and to interpret actions by an operator on keys of the passenger terminal as instructions for adjusting the seat. A main computer of the cabin handles the communication between the passenger terminals and crew terminals to transmit, via displays on screens of the terminals, requests from a passenger to the crew and from the crew to a passenger or group of passengers.

Abstract: A system that comprises a nozzle arrangement is provided. The nozzle arrangement includes at least one nozzle configured to supply a medium at a nozzle flow rate to a fan of an air cycle machine. The nozzle flow rate provides a pneumatic power assist or a power augmentation to a fan of an air cycle machine. The power augmentation, in accordance with the nozzle flow rate, reduces a need for a flow across a turbine of the air cycle machine.

Abstract: A temperature control system comprises a heat exchanger providing thermal communication between and inlet air and an avionics temperature controlled fluid, for controlling the temperature of the inlet air for use in an onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS).

Abstract: A method of forming an air data probe comprises the steps of utilizing an additive manufacturing technique to lay down a portion of a wall of an air data probe, and also utilizing an additive manufacturing technique to lay down a conductive portion of a heater element within the wall. An air data probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system in which a combustion engine is arranged to drive an electrical generator. An electrical energy store is provided within the system. A propulsive rotor is arranged to be driven by an electric motor and a controller selectively varies the supply of power to the electric motor from the generator and/or energy store in dependence on one or more property of a vapour trail resulting from the engine exhaust flow. The controller may also control the supply of power to the energy store for charging.

Abstract: A power spring passively applies tension to a cable connected to an aircraft refueling boom. The power spring has a first end engaging a fixed arbor and second end engaging a rotatable spooling drum around which a portion of the cable is wound. The power spring biases the drum to rotate in a winding direction to apply tension to the cable, and the power spring stores energy when the drum rotates in an unwinding direction. The power spring may be located inside the drum or outside the drum. The drum may be actively driven by a motor that may be uncoupled from the drum to permit freewheeling rotation of the drum, wherein the power spring continues to apply tension to the cable. The invention eliminates reliance on one or more powered motors for removing unwanted slack in the cable.

Abstract: The invention is a watercraft to aircraft refueling system (“WARS”). A WARS is a refueling system based from a watercraft, such as a surface ship or submarine. A WARS would typically include an elevation apparatus to lift a refueling hose above the water. The elevation apparatus can compose a lifting or swiveling mechanism. In some embodiments both a lifting and swiveling mechanism is used. The WARS lifts the refueling hose above the water, allowing an aircraft to engage with the WARS. The refueling hose may also include a telescoping mechanism or a rotor apparatus or a pressurized water nozzle system to elevate the refueling hose and assist in engaging a WARS with an aircraft.

Abstract: A hybrid-electric propulsion system includes a motor drive and a rechargeable energy storage system electrically connected to the motor drive. A gas turbine engine is operatively connected to the motor drive and the rechargeable energy storage system. An emergency power source is operatively connected to the motor drive. The emergency power source is a primary battery in electrical communication with the motor drive. A method for providing emergency power to a hybrid electric propulsion system includes determining whether one of a main engine power source and a rechargeable energy storage system are available for powering a motor drive. The method includes initiating a primary battery for powering the motor drive if the main engine power source and the rechargeable energy storage system are unavailable.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a first light assembly that is configured to emit light periodically. The lighting system further includes a second light assembly that is spaced apart from the first light assembly, the second light assembly also being configured to emit light periodically. The periodic light emitted by the first and second light assemblies is synchronized such that the first and second light assemblies operate in unison to form a single light source.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching an aircraft secured to a balloon by a tether includes a support member and a launch arm connected to the support member and rotatable relative to the support member about an axis. At least one mechanism releasably connects the aircraft to the launch arm and has a first condition securing the aircraft to the launch arm when the aircraft has a first orientation relative to the launch arm. The release mechanism has a second condition automatically releasing the aircraft from the launch arm when the aircraft has a second orientation relative to the launch arm different from the first orientation.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions include personal Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) and UAV universal docking ports “docking ports” to be incorporated into and/or attached to headwear, including helmets, hard hats and hats and face masks, as well as footwear including boots and shoes, clothing and outerwear, devices, gear and equipment, land, air, water and space vehicles, buildings, wireless towers and other mobile or stationary objects and surfaces referred to collectively as “docking stations”. A docking station may have one or more docking ports for docking, networking and charging or refueling compact personal UAVs, and for providing data communications between said UAVs and other electronic devices that remain with the person while the UAV is in flight or driving or landed on terrain. Said docking ports may also incorporate wireless power transmission for remote wireless charging of one or more UAV's.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for integrating a central part of the fuselage of an aircraft. The tooling assembly comprises a tooling train which comprises a succession of movable carriages arranged behind one another and which are able to carry one or more items of aircraft equipment to be integrated into the central part of the aircraft. Such a tooling train, which extends over at least a length of the central part of the fuselage, makes it possible to integrate, at the same time, items of aircraft equipment produced in the form of elongate modules, thus reducing the time for integrating the items of aircraft equipment.

Abstract: A first satellite and a second satellite are configured to be disposed together, in a launch configuration, for launch by a single launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a primary payload adapter and the first satellite includes a secondary payload adapter. In the launch configuration, the first satellite is mechanically coupled with the primary payload adapter and the second satellite is mechanically coupled with the secondary payload adapter. Following injection into a first orbit by the launch vehicle, the first satellite separates from the primary payload adapter while the second satellite is mechanically coupled with the secondary payload adapter. The second satellite is detached from the secondary payload adapter of the first satellite only after an orbit transfer maneuver executed by a propulsions system of the first satellite. In the launch configuration, the mass of the second satellite is at least 30% of the mass of the first satellite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a space wing, produced by means of a diaphragm forming a polygonal surface provided with an inflatable structure which includes ribs extending over the diaphragm along diagonals of the diaphragm and passing through a central point of the diaphragm. The inflatable structure includes at least one film strip, the perimeter of which adheres onto the diaphragm such as to form an inflatable space with the diaphragm.

Abstract: A core element for use with an inflatable or expandable spacecraft is claimed. The core element has a plurality of panels connected by hinges so that the core element can be packed into a smaller volume for loading into a launch vehicle. Upon deployment in space, the core element can be unpacked and can enclose a larger volume than that in the packed state. Multiple core elements can be used to cover a spacecraft to a desired degree.

Abstract: A method for arranging a plurality of spacecraft comprises the following steps: arranging a first layer of spacecraft around a dispenser; fixing the spacecraft of the first layer to the dispenser using mechanical interfaces extending in a radial direction; arranging a second layer of spacecraft around the first layer and the dispenser, the spacecraft of the second layer being arranged that they extend beyond, in a longitudinal direction of the fairing, the spacecraft of the first layer which are interposed between them and the dispenser; fixing the spacecraft of the second layer to the dispenser using mechanical interfaces extending in a radial direction over a distance greater than that of the mechanical interfaces of the first layer; and arranging the assembly thus obtained, under the fairing of a launcher. Assembly of spacecraft that can be obtained by the method and a dispenser suited to the assembly is provided.

Abstract: A binding medium clamping mechanism includes a rotatable clamping element configured to clamp a binding medium, a driving element configured to drive the clamping element, a one-way transmission element connected between the driving element and the clamping element, and a rotatable clamping head opening element configured to open the clamping element, wherein in the case that the clamping element rotates in a first rotation direction to a position for waiting to clamp the binding medium, the positions of the clamping element and the clamping head opening element interferes with each other, to open the clamping element, and in the case that the clamping element rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the clamping head opening element is pushed by the clamping element to rotate in the first rotation direction to move out of a moving track of the clamping element.

Abstract: A strap sealing module is provided. The strap sealing module includes a moving cutter having a first shearing surface and a first dovetail member and a bearing plate having a second dovetail member. The first dovetail member is matingly and slidably coupled with the second dovetail member to slidably couple the moving cutter to the bearing plate. The machine also includes a stationary cutter fixedly secured to the bearing plate, the stationary cutter having a second shearing surface. A strap feed path is defined between the moving cutter and the stationary cutter. The moving cutter is slidable along the bearing plate in a first direction toward the stationary cutter so as to overlap the stationary cutter by a predetermined clearance in a cutting position and slidable in a second direction away from the stationary cutter to a retracted position.

Abstract: A device for transferring leaflets from an upper level to a lower level, where packing apparatus work stations insert the leaflets into boxes together with product, includes at least two belts loop-wound to have two opposed branches define a straight section having an upper end for infeed of leaflets and a lower end for exit of leaflets and a deflector, at the upper level by a side of a rest plane on which the leaflets arrive so as to deviate a transversal flap of the leaflet at the upper end of the straight section such that the leaflet can be drawn to follow the straight vertical section towards the lower end such as to be predisposed vertically. A drum rotatable about a rotation axis bears two gripping arms for extracting the leaflet from the straight section and transferring it to a gripper borne by a conveyor, which gripper takes the leaflet and transfers it to the packing apparatus work stations.

Abstract: A packaging device, particularly for vacuum packaging, and particularly for packaging trays containing food products, which comprises a heat-sealing and cutting station for heat-sealing a film on the edge of a tray and for cutting the film, the device further comprising a supporting surface that comprises a plurality of receptacles that accommodate a plurality of dies which can have different dimensions and/or formats in order to accommodate trays of different dimensions and/or formats, the supporting surface being actuatable in order to move one of such dies at the heat-sealing and cutting station.

Abstract: There is provided a sealing apparatus for a cryopreservation bag, with which a sealing treatment of an inlet/outlet of the cryopreservation bag is carried out automatically and anyone can safely and properly carry out the sealing treatment. The sealing apparatus includes: a bag clamping device 56; a laser device 57; and a scanning structure 58 for moving the bag clamping device 56, for example. The bag clamping device 56 includes a fixed pinching block 67, a movable pinching block 69, and a clamp actuator 70. The laser device 57 includes a laser oscillator 104 and a condensing lens 107. The fixed pinching block 67 includes a block base 73, a heat radiator 74, and a heat radiator holder 75. An infrared laser beam is radiated to a sealed portion 55 of the bag to form a seal bead 125 for sealing in a state in which the sealed portion 55 is pinched and fixed by the heat radiator 74 and the movable pinching block 69 and while the bag clamping device 56, for example, is moved by the scanning structure 58.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging individual medication doses in blister bags includes a plurality of storage and dispensing stations, at least one guide and collection arrangement for picking up the medication doses and passing them on, or conducting them, to a packaging station, the packaging station forming a strand of connected blister bags from packaging material. Also included is a labeling and printing station for applying data to the packaging material, an optical detection device that optically detects characteristics of the individual blister bags of the strand, an evaluation device that compares the characteristics detected for an individual blister bag with reference characteristics, and a storage station that stores the strand of the blister bags in an ordered manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of tube blister packages includes dispensing stations and a collection apparatus for providing medication doses to a blister packaging apparatus. The blister packaging apparatus fills the received medication doses, by groups, into pockets of a tube blister package. An inspection buffer apparatus disposed between the collection apparatus and the blister packaging apparatus includes a buffer apparatus for temporarily storing at least one group of medication doses intended for being filled into a pocket, a sensor apparatus for detecting an image and/or predetermined properties of the temporarily stored group of medication doses, and an evaluation and control device. The evaluation and control device determines whether the temporarily stored group of medication doses corresponds to a group of medication doses to be filled in, and if so, passes the temporarily stored group on to the blister packaging apparatus.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal machine includes a pair of reciprocating jaws, located below the product delivery conduit of the machine. The jaws are spaced apart to permit the film tube coming off the product delivery conduit to pass between the jaws after the film tube separates from the product delivery conduit. One of the reciprocating jaws has a toothed blade with a leading edge of the toothed blade extending beyond a leading edge of the one jaw. When the pair of jaws closes, teeth of the blade cut a transversely extending series of perforations adjacent to a transverse seal. Accordingly, the machine outputs a continuous string of connected sealed packages having a transversely extending perforation between adjacent packages is formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and packaging a mattress includes compressing a finished mattress to flatten the finished matter and rolling said finished mattress into a cylinder. The method includes placing the compressed and rolled mattress into a bag, and sealing the bag to form a sealed bag containing the compressed and rolled finished mattress. The method includes providing an elongated container having a closed bottom end and an open upper end, and passing the sealed bag containing the compressed and rolled finished mattress through the open upper end and into the elongated container. A cap is placed over the open upper end of the elongated container.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bottle including forming the bottle (10) that is formed in a bottomed tubular shape and has a bottom wall section (19) provided with a contact part (18) positioned at an outer circumferential edge thereof and a deformable tube part that is of a multilevel topped tubular shape, is provided upright at the contact part (18), and blocks an inside of the contact part (18); the method having a primary blow molding process of performing biaxial stretch blow molding on a preform to obtain a primary intermediate molded article; a heat treatment process of heating the primary intermediate molded article to be forcibly shrunken and molded into a secondary intermediate molded article; and a secondary blow molding process of performing blow molding on the secondary intermediate molded article to obtain the bottle (10).

Abstract: Container (1) made of plastics material, including a body (5) which extends along a main axis (X), and a base (6) which extends at a lower end of the body (5), the base (6) being provided with protruding feet (7) that are provided with crowns (11) which extend in a common setting-down plane (12), pairs of the feet (7) being separated by recessed grooves (15) which extend radially from a central region (8) of the base (6), each foot (7) having two flanks (17) that each laterally border a groove (15), characterized in that the flanks (17) of two adjacent feet (7) which border one and the same groove (15) form between one another, at the level of the setting-down plane (12) and in a plane transverse to the radial direction of extension of the groove (15), an obtuse angle (A) at the crown.

Abstract: A re-closable tamperproof food box, including first and second main panels connected with a rear panel, the first main panel forming the bottom and the second main panel forming the top. The first main panel has two side panels and a front panel attached. The second main panel has two side panels and a front panel attached. The second main panel is connected along fourth edge to the rear panel connected along a fourth edge of the first main panel. At least one strip of adhesive is disposed on one of the two opposing side panels and the front panel of the first main panel A perforation is disposed along the second main panel, forming a tear strip. A continuous length of material on an interior surface of the second main panel, to tear through the tear strip.

Abstract: A tamper-evident food delivery container comprising a basin portion and a cover portion. The basin portion is enclosed by a first plurality of sidewalls and the cover portion is enclosed by a second plurality of sidewalls. The tamper-evident food delivery container also includes a flap extending from either the first or second plurality of sidewalls, and operable to be affixed to the other of the first or second plurality of sidewalls to seal the tamper-evident food delivery container. A pull tab disposed in the flap is operable to be pulled to detach a portion of the flap, and to allow access to the food delivery container when the pull tab is detached. A closing mechanism is also provided to prevent the food delivery container from opening automatically once the pull tab is detached.

Abstract: A box includes a front receiving panel, a bottom surface panel, a rear surface panel, a top surface panel, and a front surface panel that are integrally connected one to another. Each pair of bottom side panels, rear side panels, top side panels, and front side panels are integrally connected to the respective sides of each of the bottom, rear, top, and front surface panels. The front receiving panel, the bottom and rear surface panels, and the bottom and rear side panels constitute a tray portion of the box, with the remaining panels constituting a lid portion of the box. A cut line for separating the lid portion from the tray portion is formed to pass through one or both of the rear surface panel and the top surface panel.

Abstract: A shelf-ready shipper display system having a tray portion, a hood portion, and one or more zones of weakness that enable the hood portion to be separated from the tray portion so that the shipper display system can be converted from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. In certain embodiments, the shipper display system is made from a single blank. In some embodiments, the shipper display system includes a reinforcement panel that is also capable of being separated from the tray portion as the shipper display system is converted from the shipping configuration and to the display configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transport and packaging container for accommodating a plurality of cylindrical containers for substances, comprising at least two segments of which each can be handled separately and which can be assembled or stuck together to jointly form the transport and packaging container, wherein a first segment of the at least two segments has a bottom for supporting the plurality of containers, and positioning devices are provided for positioning the plurality of containers in the interior of the transport and packaging container in a regular arrangement in such a manner that a collision of the directly adjacent containers is prevented, and wherein at least one of the segments comprises sealing means. The containers can be processed in the transport and packaging container or also in a supporting structure, particularly at very high temperatures of up to 330° C. and preferably up to 350° C.

Abstract: A plastic fabric composite for a plastic fabric composite bag has a strip fabric, an outer film, a plastic intermediate layer disposed between the outer film and the strip fabric, where a line of weakness in a form of a punching line is included, where the strip fabric is completely severed along the punching line, where the punching line ends in the intermediate layer and where the outer film is undamaged at the punching lines.

Abstract: An interlock for the top and bottom members of a foldably-constructed pallet and a method of assembling a pallet wherein the top and bottom members are interlocked. By folding straps around the corners of the pallet, either from one sidewall of the pallet around the corner to the adjacent sidewall or from the top of the pallet to the bottom (and optionally from the bottom of the pallet to the top), and anchoring the end of the strap to the adjacent sidewall or the bottom member of the pallet (and if a second strap folded from the bottom member to the top member is utilized, to the top member), the load-bearing capacity of the pallet is substantially increased.

Abstract: A container apparatus having at least one containment member is disclosed that may include a bottom and at least one sidewall, an interior and an open end. The container may also include a flange that extends around a free end of the at least one side wall, and a plurality of wall members (or castellations) connected to/formed with/that extend from the flange. The plurality of wall members may be separated by ventilation apertures, with the plurality of wall members and the ventilation apertures extending around the perimeter of the free end. A sealing material, such as a removable film, may extend over the open end to enclose the containment member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system to separably connect a multiple of containers to each other. Each of the containers has a cover lid press-fitted thereon. Each of the cover lids has diametrically opposed extensions thereon. One of the extensions has a downward lug thereon. The opposite extension has an opening therein to accommodate the lug of the opposite extension. In order to connect two of more containers to each other the lug on one of the lids is inserted into the opening of the adjacent lid and pressed therein. Thereby two or more adjacent containers may be connected to each other but can be separated by removing the lug on one of the lids from the opening in the adjacent lid.

Abstract: A tote style container with a first handle and second handle that can be picked up by a fork tine is provided. The container includes features for blocking the tine of lower containers when in a stack of like containers.

Abstract: A portable fluid tank made from a flexible accordion duct tube and a method of make same is disclosed. The method comprises cutting a length of impermeable flexible accordion duct hose; attaching a cap to each end of the length of hose, at least one cap having a coupling for receiving a smaller tube in sealed engagement; and sealing the caps to the hose.

Abstract: A container which in this case is a pump action bottle 10 has a container body 11 and a lid 12 including a pump portion 13 a nozzle 14 a trigger 15 and a neck section, shown generally at 16. It has an accessory in with a cloth keeper 17 clipped to the neck by reason of resilient legs 18, 19 which have a narrow entrance at 20 and an internal spacing slightly less than the outside diameter of the neck 16. Thus in the usual way of clips of this kind it may be pushed onto the neck and snap into position. The keeper 17 has a cylindrical eyelet 21 so that a rag 22 may be drawn from below through the eyelet and as the rag gathers it will wedge in position. The rag may be easily removed simply by pulling downward in the direction of arrow 23. The rag may be kept with the bottle when stored.

Abstract: A sea salt cup, made from a single block of unrefined sea salt, having an inner lining to significantly minimize or prevent the intermixing of the salt with any liquid or food item contained therein, and also having a salty lip for enhancing the flavor of the liquid or food item contained therein. The sea salt cup comprises a uniform exterior portion, a uniform hollow interior receptacle, a flat bottom, a flat rim, and an inner lining. The inner lining is made of plastic or other durable material and serves as a barrier between the salt and any liquid or food item contained in the sea salt cup.

Abstract: A receptacle including a shield to protect label or graphics, where the label can be separate from, in between, or in combination with the receptacle and/or the shield. The receptacle including stacking lugs to help reduce vacuum and friction when de-nesting the receptacles. The receptacle including a lid that helps when storing certain types of goods and/or serves as a seat. A septum or receptacle molded into the lid to allow for injection of inert gases or flushing headspace.

Abstract: The Bag-Mate apparatus utilizes a light weight frame for opening and closing common plastic bags. This apparatus is accompanied by several interchangeable attachments that change the configuration and function of the device to meet the user's needs. These attachments are screwed into the back mount of the device. The apparatus uses clips to grip the plastic bag for control of its opening and closing.