Patents Issued in December 8, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160355251
    Abstract: An inceptor apparatus (10) for controlling a vehicle, in particular an aircraft comprises a control stick (15) for operation by a user and a user feedback generator (28) coupled to the control stick and configured to receive signals from a vehicle condition indicator (40) remote from the inceptor apparatus. The apparatus also has a first vehicle condition sensor (54,56) dedicated to the operation of the inceptor apparatus. In a first mode of operation, the user feedback generator (28) is operable to generate tactile feedback to the user via the control stick in dependence upon signals received from the vehicle condition indicator (40). In a second mode of operation, in the event that no signal is received from the vehicle condition indicator (40), the user feedback generator (28) is operable to generate tactile feedback to the user via the control stick in dependence upon signals received from the first vehicle condition sensor (54,56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventor: Robin William DAVIES
  • Publication number: 20160355252
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include attitude determination and control system (ADCS) and associated methods. Systems for determining attitude may be used by various vehicle types, such as to determine the vehicle's attitude relative to an external point of reference. The ADCS may be used for passive or active stabilization of spin on multiple axes. The ADCS uses an incorporated autonomous control algorithm to characterize the effects of actuation of the system components and simultaneously trains its response to attitude actuators. This characterization generates and updates a movement model, where the movement model is used to indicate or predict the effect of one or more attitude actuators given vehicle state information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Jeremy Straub, Michael Wegerson, Ronald Marsh
  • Publication number: 20160355253
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for actuating flight control surfaces (16A-C) of fixed-wing aircraft are disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus disclosed includes a common movable driving member (20) for actuating a plurality of flight control surfaces; a first power transfer device (24A) configured to variably adjust power transfer from the common movable driving member to a first of the plurality of flight control surfaces; and a second power transfer device (24B) configured to variably adjust power transfer from the common movable driving member to a second of the plurality of flight control surfaces. The power transferred to the second flight control surface may be adjusted independently of the power transferred to the first flight control surface. Apparatus and methods for actuating flight control surfaces using magneto-rheological fluid or electro-rheological fluid are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Gustave NFONGUEM, Patrick CHOUINARD, Jean-Sebastien PLANTE
  • Publication number: 20160355254
    Abstract: A method of securing a split winglet to a wing tip of an aircraft includes fastening an upper winglet to an upper winglet attachment portion of a wing attach fitting having a wing attachment portion. The method further includes fastening a lower winglet to a lower winglet attachment portion of the wing attach fitting. The method additionally includes fastening the wing attachment portion to the wing tip using tension fasteners installed from an inboard side of the wing tip to secure the split winglet to the wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Philipp Witte, Darrell D. Campbell, JR., Billy P. Tung, Fedor Kleshchev
  • Publication number: 20160355255
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Nicholas Toon
  • Publication number: 20160355256
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear longitudinal force control system for an aircraft having landing gears with braking and/or driving wheel(s). The system includes an error-based force controller having feedback for minimising any error between the demanded force and the actual force achieved by the force control system. The feedback may be derived from force sensors on the landing gear for direct measurement of the landing gear longitudinal force. The force control system may include an aircraft level landing gear total force controller and/or a landing gear level force controller for each actuated landing gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicants: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED, AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Miguel Angel GAMA-VALDEZ, Louis-Emmanuel ROMANA, Andrea DAMIANI
  • Publication number: 20160355257
    Abstract: Embodiments of unmanned aerial rescue systems are disclosed, which may comprise: a frame or chassis, a landing member, a control system, a propulsion system, a propulsion system support member, a propulsion system orientation mechanism, a rotor shield or protector, a sealed equipment container, a cover or shroud, an equipment carrier, an equipment release mechanism, a navigation system, a sensor system, a sound system, a light system, a data communication system, an emergency equipment system, and a power management system. In some embodiments, a parabolic shroud increases the performance of sensor systems of the unmanned aerial rescue system, such as sound and light systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Dana R. CHAPPELL
  • Publication number: 20160355258
    Abstract: An aerial fluid delivery system comprises a dispenser, a loiter-line, and an aircraft. The dispenser capable of releasing controlled amounts of a fluid. The loiter-line connected to the dispenser and connected to an aircraft, wherein the aircraft can maneuver the dispenser via the loiter-line such that the dispenser is positioned for accurate fluid delivery to a target. The dispenser fluid can be an aerosol, a dispersion, optical taggants, or powder based.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Vadient Optics, LLC.
    Inventors: George Williams, David Barsic
  • Publication number: 20160355259
    Abstract: A hardpoint relief pad is described and includes a base surface, a hardpoint overlay, and a first stress relief area. The base surface is configured to conform to and be fixedly attached to an interior surface of an aerial vehicle wing. The hardpoint overlay protrudes above adjacent areas of the hardpoint relief pad and is adapted to conform to a hardpoint. The hardpoint protrudes from the interior surface of the wing and is configured to carry a load fixed to the hardpoint. The hardpoint overlay includes an oculus that is configured to allow the load to be fixed to the hardpoint through the hardpoint overlay. The first stress relief area protrudes above adjacent areas of the hardpoint relief pad and also forms a hollow cavity between the first stress relief area and the interior surface of the wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Damon Vander Lind, Gregor Boone Cadman
  • Publication number: 20160355260
    Abstract: A cylindrical active airborne platform for determining measurement data is latchable to a carrying cable such that the airborne platform is towable through the air. Sensors are configured to determine the measurement data and a flight position of the airborne platform. Two aerofoils arranged in the middle region of the airborne platform are adjustable and are connected to electrical adjusting devices configured as ailerons so as to vary a vertical flight position. Opposing two first air guide surfaces and two second air guide surfaces have further electrical adjusting devices configured respectively as elevators and as rudders. A computer supported control device comprises an automatic flight management system that is configured to provide self-acting control of the vertical flight position of the airborne platform, and that is configured to control the further electrical adjusting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Andreas Herber, Dirk Kalmbach, Ruediger Gerdes, James Bradley Watson
  • Publication number: 20160355261
    Abstract: An airborne drone launch and recovery apparatus for selectively launching drones located on the underside of a carrier aircraft or recovering drones following flight of the drones, the airborne launch and recovery apparatus has an extensible stinger slidable along the length of a stinger sheath between a retracted position proximal the rear portion of the carrier aircraft and an extended position in front of the carrier aircraft, and a catcher shuttle carried on the forward part of the stinger for extending into the non-turbulent air in front of the carrier aircraft when the stinger is in the extended position. The carrier shuttle includes a launch/recovery assembly for selectively either having a locked condition for the recovery guide of a drone prior to the positioning of the catcher shuttle in a selected for the launch of the drone, and having an open condition for receiving the recovery guide of a drone at the termination of the flight of the drone to terminate the flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Howard Martin Chin, Kimberly A. Carraha
  • Publication number: 20160355262
    Abstract: An aviation mask is disclosed which includes a first set of sensors that monitors cockpit ambient air and health of an aircraft crew member for detecting parameters that cause respiratory disorder to the aircraft crew member an oxygen regulator that switches between a dilution mode, an emergency mode, and a recirculation mode to supply respiratory gas to the aircraft crew member, an augmented reality visor, a second set of sensors that detects a portion of a cockpit area that is viewed by the aircraft crew member, and a display computational unit that projects a prestored image associated with the portion onto the augmented reality visor which is superimposed over the portion of the cockpit area. The first set of sensors also monitors aircraft cockpit area for detecting vision obscured emergencies. The superimposed prestored image is used to identify objects in the portion during the vision obscured emergency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: ANURAG SHARMA
  • Publication number: 20160355263
    Abstract: A portable electronic device holder incorporated in a seatback of a passenger seat. The device holder includes a shelf and a release latch arranged to hold the respective bottom and top edges of a portable electronic device for hands-free use. The latch holds the shelf in a stowed position flush with the seatback and releases to allow the shelf to rotate away from the seatback for use. The shelf is positioned apart from a tray table, when present, so that the device holder and tray table can be deployed and used at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander Nicholas Pozzi, Franics Xavier L. Garing, Robert J. Henshaw, Adam Britton, Kosta Gainakopoulos
  • Publication number: 20160355264
    Abstract: A door module for a vehicle lavatory that includes a bi-fold door having a first panel and a second panel each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The first and second panels are pivotably connected together by a living hinge. The living hinge includes a hinge member that extends between first and second securing members, wherein the first securing member extends along and is attached to an inner edge of the first panel and the second securing member extends along and is attached to an inner edge of the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Eric Long, Scott Savian, Ian Geoffrey Scoley, Glen Noda, William Young, Richard McClure
  • Publication number: 20160355265
    Abstract: An armrest structure and an aircraft Seat assembly thereof are disclosed. The armrest structure includes an armrest body and two support plates. The armrest body is disposed between two aircraft seats. The shape of the support plates correspond to the armrest body and the support plates are disposed at two sides of the armrest body respectively. Each of the support plates has a first position and a second position. The support plates combine with the armrest body to form an armrest when the support plates are at the first position. The support plates and the armrest body are vertical to each other so that a hand of the passenger can rest on the support plates when the support plates are in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: AIRCOM PACIFIC INC.
    Inventor: Daniel SHIH
  • Publication number: 20160355266
    Abstract: A module for an aircraft cabin and an aircraft with a passenger cabin and such a module where the module includes a door to open the module, and a seat that is fastened to the door. The seat can be a vehicle attendant seat, and the module can be a lavatory. The rear side of the module can nestle against the pressure bulkhead in the tail of the aircraft. The module can include another module directly adjacent to its side, e.g., a galley module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Seibt
  • Publication number: 20160355267
    Abstract: A system includes an inlet line configured to receive a medium flowing from a low-pressure location of an engine to a chamber, a plurality of heat exchangers configured to receive the medium from the inlet line, and a valve located upstream from the plurality of heat exchangers. The valve is configured to divide in parallel the medium across at least a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger of the plurality of heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Thomas M. Zywiak, Erin G. Kline, Christina W. Millot, Donald E. Army, JR., Harold W. Hipsky
  • Publication number: 20160355268
    Abstract: An airplane is provided. The airplane includes an environmental control system that provides a pressurized medium to a chamber of the airplane. The airplane also includes a bleed system. The bleed system includes a plurality of ports, each of which can provide a bleed medium from an engine of the airplane to the environmental control system. The plurality of ports includes at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is selected for an idle condition. The second port is selected for a hot day cruise condition. The third port is selected for a standard operating condition. The bleed system can operate in a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode to provide the bleed medium to the environmental control system from the first port, the second port, or the third port respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Louis J. Bruno
  • Publication number: 20160355269
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a first environmental control sub-system, operating in a first mode, that receives a first medium at a first flow amount and a first pressure. The system also includes a second environmental control sub-system, operating in a second mode, that receives a second medium at a second flow amount and a second pressure. The first flow amount is greater than the second flow amount, and the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Thomas M. Zywiak, Erin G. Kline, Christina W. Millot
  • Publication number: 20160355270
    Abstract: An airplane is provided. The airplane includes a pressurized compartment and an environmental control system. The environmental control system includes a compressing device. The compressing device includes a compressor and a turbine. The airplane also includes a first flow of first medium configured to enter the pressurized compartment and a second flow of the first medium configured to enter the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Donald E. Army, Thomas M. Zywiak, Harold W. Hipsky, Erin G. Kline
  • Publication number: 20160355271
    Abstract: An airplane is provided. The airplane includes a vapor cycle air conditioning system that receives outside air, a bleed system with at least one port, and an electric fan. A source of outside air when the airplane is on ground is forced air from the electric fan. The source of the outside air when the airplane is at cruise is bleed air from the at least one port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Thomas M. Zywiak, David W. Anderson, Todd A. Spierling
  • Publication number: 20160355272
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system includes at least first and second propulsor arrangements. Each propulsor arrangement includes an internal combustion engine configured to mechanically drive a plurality of propulsors. At least one of the propulsors of each propulsor arrangement is driveable via a shaft and at least one reduction gearbox. Each internal combustion engine is coupled to a motor generator arrangement configured to drive at least one of the mechanically driven propulsors when in a motor mode, and to generate electrical power when in a generating mode. The system further includes an electrical interconnector configured to transfer electrical power between the first and second propulsor arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Matthew MOXON
  • Publication number: 20160355273
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to baffle fuel dams and tank boundary fuel dams having a single-piece or two-piece construction. In one example, a baffle fuel dam is a single piece having slotted holes sized and spaced to accommodate for tolerance variations during installation. The baffle fuel dams also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations. The disclosure also relates to tank boundary fuel dams that include a two-piece configuration which incorporates slotted holes to accommodate tolerance variations and that are sized/spaced for different installation locations. The tank boundary fuel dams may also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Fernando L. Perez Diaz, Richard Tanner, Brendamari Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20160355274
    Abstract: An aircraft aerial refuelling system including at least one pressure controlled fuel pump having a control system adapted to regulate the pump outlet fuel pressure using an outlet fuel pressure signal as control feedback. Also, methods of operating an aircraft aerial refuelling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Franklin TICHBORNE, Mark LAWSON, Hugh FREEMAN, Arnaud EPIFANIE, Adrian EDWARDS
  • Publication number: 20160355275
    Abstract: An example aircraft electrical system includes a generator coupled with a gas turbine engine and a controller operable to distribute power of the generator. The controller includes a first control module positioned at a first location remote from the generator and a second control module positioned at a second location proximate the generator. The first control module is configured to verify at least one output of the generator, detect a fault condition of the generator, and control operation of at least one power bus in communication with the first control module. The second control module is configured to regulate the at least one output of the generator, where the at least one output includes a voltage. An example method of operating an electrical system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Mark J. Seger, Wes Ralph, Lon R. Hoegberg, Robert A. Bayles, Sunil S. Patel
  • Publication number: 20160355276
    Abstract: An engine assembly comprising an engine and a pod surrounding the engine that is equipped, upstream according to the direction of entry of air into the engine, with a fan provided with blades, the pod having an upstream air intake. The engine assembly also comprises a display unit including at least one light ring arranged in the air intake upstream of the fan, the light ring including at least one row of light-emitting diodes and being configured to emit at least one light beam and to project it on the blades of the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Frederic Chelin, Wolfgang Rehm, Nathalie Papin, Irene Moreno Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20160355277
    Abstract: An arrestor bed for slowing an oncoming aircraft, including an elongated excavation, a plurality of foamed glass aggregate bodies positioned within the elongated excavation, and a covering positioned over the elongated excavation to define an arrestor bed. The respective foamed glass aggregate bodies are oblong, irregularly shaped bodies and have characteristic stacking angles of about 35 degrees. The arrestor bed has a rapid brittle crushing failure mode under compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Ungerleider, W. Gene Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20160355278
    Abstract: System identification from free response time decay history data of a dynamic system employs a new closed form shape fit for solving the dynamic system free response decay equation. The closed form shape fit allows for the treatment of the mode shapes as linear coefficients and allows the mode shapes for each sensor to be computed independently, thereby reducing computation time. The closed form shape fit efficiently provides mode shapes for a large set of sensors based on a fit from a small set of sensors. The closed form shape fit combined with a non-linear fit of frequency and damping characteristics efficiently estimates the optimal solution, thereby reducing the time to completion of non-linear optimization. A nonlinear optimization can incorporate the closed form shape fit into determining the Jacobian matrix of sensitivities and evaluating the residuals, thereby reducing the number of parameters and reducing the time to completion of the non-linear optimization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Charles E. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20160355279
    Abstract: A new approach for rapid slew and settle of small satellites is based on four single degree-of-freedom control moment gyroscopes with variable speed flywheels (or reaction wheels) in a pyramid configuration, combined with path and endpoint constraint time-optimal control. The path and endpoint constrained time-optimal control can be augmented with momentum management without the use of additional actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Sungyung Lim, Seamus Tuohy, Daniel Dionne, Laurent Duchesne, Louis Breger
  • Publication number: 20160355280
    Abstract: A vehicle, a satellite control system, and a method for controlling the same are provided. The satellite control system, for example, may include, but is not limited to, a control moment gyroscope having a gimbal, at least one gimbal angle sensor configured to determine an angle of the gimbal, each gimbal angle sensor having an output circuit configured to output the determined angle, a signal conditioner circuit having substantially identical circuit topology as the output circuit, and a common mode error compensation circuit electrically coupled to the signal conditioner, the common mode error compensation circuit configured to determine common mode error in the gimbal angle sensor based upon a voltage output from the signal conditioner circuit and to output a signal to compensate for the common mode error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Smith, Don Crippen, Joshua Matthew Stiles, Mostafa Sayed
  • Publication number: 20160355281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly machine adapted to assemble caps (3) onto spouts (2) and a method of assembling caps onto spouts, wherein use is made of such an assembly machine. The assembly machine comprises a spout supply (10), a cap supply (20) and a frame comprising a cap guide arc (30). The frame further comprises a turret assembly (40) comprising a circular spout transporter (41), a cap positioning element (42) provided above the cap guide arc (30) and a cap assembly unit (43) provided above the spout transporter (41). The cap assembly unit (43) is adapted to pick up the cap at a pick-up position (C) and assemble the cap onto the spout at an assembly position (D).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Laurens Last, Willem Jan Adriaan Oosterling
  • Publication number: 20160355282
    Abstract: A thermo-sealing machine for filling containers with liquids and sealing them, comprising a bearing structure on which a bell member is mounted, at a higher position than that of support means for supporting at least a container to be filled and sealed, said bell member comprising a metering device, die-cutting means and sealing means, for die-cutting and sealing a film slidable between said bell member and the container to be filled, said machine being provided with an anti-polluting and operator safety system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Riccardo VALLI
  • Publication number: 20160355283
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging a product comprises a packaging assembly to fix a film sheet to a support. The packaging assembly includes a lower tool having seats for receiving the support and an upper tool facing the lower tool and comprising a film holding plate for holding the film sheet. The film holding plate has an active surface for receiving the film sheet, where the upper and lower tools cooperating to define a packaging chamber. The packaging assembly is open to receive the film sheet in a first operating condition and is hermetically closed in a second operating condition. The film holding plate has a lateral surface extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the active surface, the film holding plate comprising ejectors arranged in the lateral surface for ejecting a stream of gas substantially parallel to said plane and substantially away from a center of the active surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Stefano Capitani
  • Publication number: 20160355284
    Abstract: An assembly for packaging products comprising at least one line for supplying the products to be packaged, at least one dispenser of covering sheets, a plurality of handling devices for juxtaposing a sheet on a respective product, and at least one output line for the packaged products. The handling devices comprise: at least one movable gripper; at least one pusher; at least one pair of clamping jaws for the forced juxtaposition of mutually opposite flaps of the at least one sheet; at least one abutment for folding the portions of the juxtaposed flaps; at least one contoured clamping plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: CMFIMA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio FRABETTI, Luca BARALDI
  • Publication number: 20160355285
    Abstract: A closure unit includes a closure head that closes a container by applying a closure onto a container opening thereof, a grouper that brings bring closed containers close together to form a bundle of closed containers, and an adhesive applicator that applies adhesive to a circumferential side wall of a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Wilfried Ehmer
  • Publication number: 20160355286
    Abstract: Unit and method for applying a wall to a hollow body in a manufacturing process for producing a beverage capsule; are provided: a sealing conveyor which advances along a sealing path; a sealing head conveyed by the sealing conveyor and which supports a gripping device for gripping the wall and a retaining device suited to retain the hollow body; a first feed station for feeding the wall to the sealing head, so that the wall is gripped by the gripping device; and a second feed station arranged downstream from the first feed station along the sealing path, for feeding the hollow body to the sealing head, so the hollow body is coupled to the wall gripped by the gripping device, and is retained by the retaining device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Luca CAVAZZA, Sauro UCCELLARI, Umberto ZANETTI, Andrea BIONDI
  • Publication number: 20160355287
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for controlling a plurality of magnetrons of a thermal processing tunnel in accordance with a preconfigured magnetron actuation scheme. In some implementations, the process can include the steps of: receiving an identifier indicating a predefined packaged food product configuration; based on the identifier, obtaining a preconfigured magnetron actuation scheme that is preconfigured based on at least one characteristic of the predefined packaged food product configuration, wherein the preconfigured magnetron actuation scheme is preconfigured to cause at least one of the plurality of magnetrons to have a different execution characteristic than at least one other magnetron of the plurality of magnetrons; and transmitting at least one instruction in accordance with the preconfigured magnetron actuation scheme to a signal controller that drives the plurality of magnetrons, thereby causing the plurality of magnetrons to execute in accordance with the preconfigured magnetron actuation scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Karl Keller, Silvia Kurtz, David Wiemann, Rebecca Jahn, Scott Lineback, Faisal K. Abou-Nasr, Ryan T. Grace
  • Publication number: 20160355288
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of sterilizing elastomeric articles in a manner that prevents and/or reduces degradation to the articles, particularly degradation that may be caused and/or accelerated by sterilization techniques such as gamma irradiation, x-ray irradiation, and electron-beam processing. The methods include packaging the elastomeric articles in order to improve their resistance to degradation. In certain aspects of the invention, packaged elastomeric articles, optionally containing one or more antidegradants, such as antioxidant and/or antiozonant compounds, are also provided. The methods of providing degradation-resistant elastomeric articles in accordance with the present invention may also be used to reduce the occurrence of cracking and discoloration in elastomeric articles, regardless of whether they are subjected to sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: SEONG FONG CHEN, WEI CHEONG WONG
  • Publication number: 20160355289
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of sterilizing elastomeric articles in a manner that prevents and/or reduces degradation to the articles, particularly degradation that may be caused and/or accelerated by sterilization techniques such as gamma irradiation, x-ray irradiation, and electron-beam processing. The methods include packaging the elastomeric articles in order to improve their resistance to degradation. In certain aspects of the invention, packaged elastomeric articles, optionally containing one or more antidegradants, such as antioxidant and/or antiozonant compounds, are also provided. The methods of providing degradation-resistant elastomeric articles in accordance with the present invention may also be used to reduce the occurrence of cracking and discoloration in elastomeric articles, regardless of whether they are subjected to sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Seong Fong Chen, Wei Cheong Wong
  • Publication number: 20160355290
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a packed product includes the steps of: a) bringing a product into a superheated steam atmosphere with an O2 content of maximum 10 vol.-%, a pressure of between 950 mbar and 1100 mbar and a temperature of minimum 100° C., b) making available a packing container in the steam atmosphere and filling the packing container with a predetermined quantity of the product, wherein a residual volume of the packing container not filled with product is filled with the steam atmosphere, c) replacing at least 50% of the residual volume of steam atmosphere in the packing container by a sterile inert gas, d) sealing the packing container, and e) cooling the packing container and the product contained therein to a temperature of between 10° C. and 25° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: SIEGFRIED SCHMIDT, THORSTEN K. KLIMACH
  • Publication number: 20160355291
    Abstract: An integrated conveyor line system for placing safety and non-safety caps onto bottles traveling on the same conveyor line. A network of sensors and RFID readers determine the location of bottles and ensure that the right cap is placed on each bottle. The processing system controlling the hardware components instructs the appropriate components to divert bottles to a reject holding queue when the system detects a bottle having the wrong type of cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20160355292
    Abstract: A wrap feed system is provided for an agricultural harvesting machine having a module-forming arrangement. A wrap feeding arrangement delivers wrapping material from a wrapping material supply to the module-forming arrangement, which is disposed in a module-forming chamber. A guide arrangement guides the wrapping material from the wrapping material supply to the wrap feeding arrangement. A sensor arrangement has at least one detection field directed toward at least one of the wrapping material supply, the wrap feeding arrangement, the guide arrangement and an inlet of the module-forming chamber to detect at least one of a module and the wrapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, HENRY D. ANSTEY, JASON C. EUBANKS, JERRY B. HALL
  • Publication number: 20160355293
    Abstract: A system for dispensing film wrap is disclosed, the system comprises a dispenser having a first connector portion and second connector portion spaced apart from the first connector portion. A roll of film wrap comprising a core having film wrap wound thereon is configured to extend between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. At least one end of the wall of the core and/or the edge of the film wrap is profiled and interlockable with a complimentary interlocking member located at the remote end of the first or second connector portion so as to prevent lateral movement of the film wrap with respect to the first and second connector portions of the dispenser. This beneficially reduces slippage of the film wrap when it is being used to wrap a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Marcus Clarke
  • Publication number: 20160355294
    Abstract: Provided is a resin-coated metal sheet for a container having a resin layer (A) having a multi-layer structure containing polyester as a main component on an inner-surface side of the container when the metal sheet is formed into the container. The resin layer (A) contains terephthalic acid in an amount of 85 mol % or more, the resin layer (A) has at least two layers including an uppermost resin layer (a1) which comes into contact with contents and contains wax compounds in an amount of 0.10 mass % or more and 2.0 mass % or less with respect to the uppermost resin layer (a1), with respect to a Raman band of 1615 cm?1 determined by performing Raman spectroscopy on the uppermost resin layer (a1), the maximum value of the peak intensity ratio (IMD/IND) of peak intensity in a longitudinal direction to peak intensity in a thickness direction is 1.0 or more and 4.0 or less, a thickness of the uppermost resin layer (a1) is 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichiro Yamanaka, Junichi Kitagawa, Hiroki Nakamaru
  • Publication number: 20160355295
    Abstract: A divider that has a die-cut board that is grease resistant coated on both sides and is scored to define a plurality of alternative valley and peak folds. There is at least one perforated line that passes through all of the valley and peak folds. The divider may taper at its sides from the peak folds to neighboring ones of the valley folds. Two perforated lines may be provided to sever the tapers from the sides to leave the sides substantially reside in parallel planes with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: FC MEYER PACKAGING LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Arthur Baryshyan
  • Publication number: 20160355296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic products and packaging therefor. More particularly, some implementations of the invention relate to a thermoplastic material that is packaged in a box, such as a corrugated cardboard box. In some cases, the box has a quick opening mechanism extending between two opposite sides of the box. Some examples of such quick opening mechanisms include a perforation, a tear strip, a hook-and-loop fastener, and a chain stitch. While the packaging can in opened in any suitable manner, in some cases, a user grabs a flap on the box, pulls the flap to rip the box down a perforated quick opening mechanism, and uses the weight of the thermoplastic material to knock down the box so that it becomes substantially flat. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Trent N. Baker, Brent C. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20160355297
    Abstract: An inventory system includes a pallet and a base for palletizing or unpalletizing a mobile drive unit. The pallet has a set of openings corresponding with features of the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit features may extend into the pallet openings. The base includes protrusions corresponding to the pallet openings. Engaging the pallet and base can position the base protrusions in the pallet openings. Positioning the base protrusions in the pallet openings can displace the mobile drive unit features from the pallet openings and/or provide a surface upon which the mobile drive unit can navigate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Martin Hess, Scot Douglas Davis, Stephen Aquilino
  • Publication number: 20160355298
    Abstract: A dual-use lid comprises a cover. The cover has a protruding segment, an annular wall, and a circular body. The protruding segment is formed on the cover. The annular wall extends from the protruding segment. The circular body is formed on the annular wall. The dual-use lid can be combined with various containers. An annulus is detachably mounted on the cover to form a space for loading food, and users are able to have drink and food at the same time. In addition, the cover and annulus are detachable, such that the cover and annulus can be transported and stored in increased amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Kao
  • Publication number: 20160355299
    Abstract: A carrying case for electronic game components includes a briefcase-like container having a pair of mating case halves joined together along a bottom edge of each by a piano hinge. Hinged stop bars are pivotally joined between opposed sides of the case halves to restrict rotation of one of the case halves with respect to the other to 90°. A first case half is designed to hold a video display screen while the second case half contains a console, one or more game controllers, a DC power converter and plural CD's in separate pockets formed in a foamed plastic sheet. The case includes a terminal strip whereby electrical power and control signals from game controllers interface with the display screen and the game consol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Lapoint
  • Publication number: 20160355300
    Abstract: An optically readable code support to be associated with or be part of a capsule indented for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule, the support comprising at least one sequence of binary symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation, wherein the binary symbols are essentially formed of light reflective surfaces and light absorbing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Carlo Magri, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Alexandre Perentes, Christian Jarisch, Stefan Kaeser, Patrik Benz, Daniel Abegglen