Abstract: A buoyancy system (10) for an aircraft (1), the buoyancy system (10) being provided with at least one inflatable float (15). The buoyancy system (10) has at least one inflator (25) and at least one actuator (30) interposed between the inflator (25) and a float (15), the actuator (30) having a cylinder (35) and a rod (40) partially received in the cylinder (35). The rod (40) is secured to a piston (50) defining a first chamber (61) within the cylinder (35) and in fluid flow communication with the inflator (25), and a second chamber (62) within the rod (40) and in fluid flow communication with the float (15), and the piston (50) has a channel (63) to put the first chamber (61) into fluid flow communication with the second chamber (62), the deployment device (20) having a shutter (70) for shutting the channel (63).

Abstract: Deployment and control actuation mechanisms are incorporated in unmanned aerial vehicles having folding wings and/or folding canards and/or a folding vertical stabilizer. The folding canards and folding vertical stabilizer can be deployed using respective four-bar over-center mechanisms. Elevators pivotably mounted to the folding canards and a rudder pivotably mounted to the folding vertical stabilizer can be controlled by means of respective twist link mechanisms. The folding wings have respective wing roots that are driven by respective gas springs to pivot on bearings about a wing root hub having control servo wire paths.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a drone. The drone may include: a navigation unit configured to determine the location of the drone and navigate the drone to designated locations; a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to read RFID tag information from RFID tags; and a wireless network transceiver configured to periodically transmit the location of the drone and RFID tag information to an inventory management system. Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a drone. The method may include: receiving navigation path information; navigating the drone along the navigation path based on satellite location signals; determining current position information based on the satellite location signals; reading RFID tag information from a first RFID tag; and transmitting the RFID tag information and the current position information via a wireless client to a central computing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to capturing and displaying images and/or data received from a manned, or, more typically, an unmanned aerial drone. More particularly, the invention relates to a system of sensors mounted on an aerial drone and display systems in addition to transmission and reception components associated with the sensors and display systems respectively whereby images and/or data captured by the sensors can be transmitted to, received by, and viewed on single and multiple monitor display systems.

Abstract: An aircraft may include a cabin having a first portion, a second portion, a first ramp and a second ramp. The first portion of the cabin may include an upper deck and a lower deck. The upper deck and the lower deck may be disposed proximate to each other with vertical separation therebetween. The second portion may include an intermediate deck disposed in a plane that is substantially parallel to planes in which the upper deck and the lower deck lie. The intermediate deck may be vertically separated from both the upper deck and the lower deck. The first ramp may extend between the lower deck and the intermediate deck to provide access therebetween. The second ramp may extend between the upper deck and the intermediate deck to provide access therebetween.

Abstract: A passenger control unit is provided that may include a push-button, power assembly, and control and communication circuitry. The push-button may be for control of a passenger service unit (PSU) onboard a passenger vehicle, and may also generate mechanical energy when pushed. The power assembly may convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy, and store the electrical energy, solely from which the control and communication circuitry may be powered. The control and communication circuitry may include a microprocessor and a communications interface. The microprocessor may receive an indication when the push-button is pushed, and generate an instruction to control the PSU in response thereto. And the communications interface wirelessly transmit the instruction to a control unit configured to effect control of the PSU based thereon.

Abstract: A portable baggage compartment that will fit snugly within the confines of a passenger airplane and conform to the shape of the plane's interior curvature is contemplated by this device. The device will be made from suitable material that can be securely fastened to the interior compartment of an airplane. The device will comply with all Government regulations and will be comprised of a series of compartments that can be used to stow material.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a seat device for an aircraft or spacecraft with at least one photoelectric device, which is designed to provide electrical energy such that this energy can be used to charge or supply an electrical device, and/or amplify audio signals, and/or transmit data.

Abstract: A block of two seats side by side which can be converted individually between a chair configuration and a horizontal flat bed configuration, the longitudinal axes of two of the seats in the bed configuration converging towards a point situated in front of the seats at a distance such that the foot areas in front of the seats in the bed configuration are superposed. Bed planes of the two seats of the block are vertically offset and extended by rest surfaces of the foot areas arranged in a column arranged between the seat backs of the seats of a block situated in front, making it possible to reduce the seat pitch while not affecting comfort, and allowing an improved cabin layout for transporting passengers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved pivot articulation for a kinematic seat. Certain embodiments provide an elastic pivot that is formed as flexion weaves that connect upper and lower portions of a seat back. The flexion weaves may be inner and outer legs that are curved in configuration or that have bent dimensions.

Abstract: A water-inflow prevention device is provided by installing a closing lid 6 for blocking a duct 2 of an air pressure regulating valve 1, which regulates air pressure inside a cabin 101. A buoyant body 9 is attached to the disc-shaped closing lid 6 installed to the duct 2 so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 7. The buoyant body 9 receives a buoyant force from water when immersed in the water. Since the side of the closing lid 6 in which the buoyant body 9 is attached is thereby floated in the water, the closing lid 6 automatically rotates around the rotation shaft 7 so as to close a ventilation port 2a.

Abstract: An aircraft includes an engine mounted to a wing by a first support, such as a strut, configured to secure the engine to the wing in a position above the wing. A second support, secured to a fuselage portion of the aircraft, is defined by a bridge structure configured to separately and independently secure the engine to the fuselage. The engine is thus secured by the first support directly to the aircraft wing, and via the second support, in concert with the first, to a portion of an aircraft fuselage spaced laterally of the engine-to-wing attachment. In one embodiment the bridge structure, which extends between the engine and fuselage, may be bowed upwardly so as to define a convex curvature when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. Such a curvature may, inter alia, optimize aerodynamic spacing of the bridge from the wing to minimize undesirable shock waves.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in generating alerts regarding terrain near an aircraft are provided. A method includes determining a plurality of warnings relating to terrain near an aircraft, each warning indicating terrain above a threshold elevation and having a position associated with the warning. The method further includes, for each warning, generating alert data formatted for display as an alert on a display device of the aircraft within a plan view terrain display screen on or proximate to the position associated with the warning and overlapping a visual representation of a portion of the terrain. The method further includes transmitting the alert data to the display device. A same alert shape is used for all warnings, and the alert areas of the alerts are at least partially transparent, such that the visual representations of the portions of the terrain within the alert areas are visible.

Abstract: An aircraft assembly comprising a plurality of structural components and an electrically conductive bonding network, wherein at least one of the structural components is formed of material of low electrical conductivity, and the bonding network includes either: at least one substantially planar strip of highly electrically conductive material attached to at least the one structural component, and wherein the strip includes a substantially omega-shaped loop extending out of the plane of the strip; or at least one strip of highly electrically conductive material attached to at least the one structural component, wherein the strip comprises first and second planar attachment portions for attaching the strip to the structural component(s) and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second attachment portions, and wherein the intermediate portion includes a loop which extends outwards from the plane of the first attachment portion.

Abstract: Preventing damage to a metal component or reducing manufacturing assembly steps. An initial channel, defined by an inner surface, is formed through the metal component. A bushing is placed into the initial channel, the bushing having an outer surface and an inner channel. An interference fit is created between the outer surface and the inner surface. A final channel is formed through the bushing. In forming the final channel, material is removed from the bushing to increase a size of the inner channel to be suitable to receive a fastener and such that the inner surface of the metal component remains unexposed within the final channel. The final channel extends through a second component. A fastener is placed into the final channel to attach the metal component to a second component, wherein electrical magnetic effects occur between the fastener and the bushing.

Abstract: A visual search assistance system and related operating method are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the method dynamically determines a desired line-of-sight vector from an occupant of a vehicle to a visual target, and dynamically determines, with an onboard tracking system of the vehicle, an actual line-of-sight vector for the occupant of the vehicle. The actual line-of-sight vector is temporally associated with the desired line-of-sight vector. The method compares the actual line-of-sight vector against the desired line-of-sight vector to obtain a difference measurement, and generates a notification when the obtained difference measurement exceeds a threshold value. The notification provides guidance to redirect a gaze direction of the occupant toward the visual target.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated asset tracking within an aircraft are disclosed. In one example, a method for use in automated tracking of assets in a vehicle utilizing a robotic vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving inspection data concerning the vehicle and the assets. A navigation path is generated thorough the vehicle. The robotic vehicle traverses the navigation path and locates at least one asset with the vehicle along the navigation path. An identification of the asset located within the vehicle is transmitted to a remote computing device and stored in a database associated with the remote computing device.

Abstract: Techniques for placing a satellite into a highly inclined elliptical operational orbit (HIEO) having an argument of perigee of 90° or 270° include executing an orbit transfer strategy that transfers the satellite from a launch vehicle deployment orbit to the operational orbit. The launch vehicle deployment orbit is selected to have an argument of perigee of approximately 90° greater than the argument of perigee of the operational orbit, and to be substantially lower than the operational orbit. The orbit transfer strategy includes (i) an apsidal rotation of approximately 90°, at least a substantial part of the apsidal rotation being attained without expenditure of any satellite propellant; and (ii) an electric orbit raising maneuver to attain an apogee altitude and a perigee altitude required by the HIEO.

Abstract: A high speed particle packaging machine comprises a weighing station, operable to weigh a cluster of particles. A densification station is positioned downstream of the weighing station and is operable to collect a cluster of particles recently released from the weighing station to densify the cluster of particles. The densification station includes an openable gate operable to instantaneously release the cluster of particles collected at the densification station. A bagging station is positioned downstream of the densification station and is operable to receive the densified cluster of particles after being released by the gate.

Abstract: A method and device for filling packages with a bulk cushioning material, in particular foam peanuts, where the cushioning material is conveyed to the package by a feed unit. In order to be able to easily fill the packages in an automated fashion, according to this invention, a measuring device is used to determine a volume of the package to be filled, a variable quantity of cushioning material is poured into a receiving container of the feed unit by a quantity-varying unit, and the poured quantity is poured into a package.

Abstract: A sterile dispense system provides for transfer of a fluid from a disposable fluid-path to a vial without needles piercing the vial stopper, for disconnecting the vial from the disposable fluid-path while keeping integrity of the solution filled into the vial and to enable withdrawing of the solution from the vial. The pressure valve and luer valve are provided in serial connection to a fluid vial to enable clean filling and dispensing from the vial.

Abstract: The present invention is a marketing and distribution method for introducing and maintaining refillable containers for personal care products such as cosmetics, creams, lotions, and sprays. The refillable container is refilled at local refill stations at stores, kiosks, vending machines, and the like, to eliminate the need for new packaging with each purchase. The method is designed to reduce waste and costs associated with product packaging by using refillable containers to dispense personal care products.

Abstract: An example embodiment of an apparatus includes a housing with an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end, a plurality of hollow tubes attached to the plurality of holes, a plurality of containers removably attached to the hollow tubes, and a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping each container to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each container with the fluid inside.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an open end of a package comprises a first longitudinally extending sealing jaw, bearing mounted on a first eccentric shaft rotatable around a first rotational axis, and a second longitudinally extending sealing jaw, bearing mounted on a second eccentric shaft rotatable around a second rotational axis, the second sealing jaw being parallel with the first sealing jaw. At least one motor drives rotation around the first and second rotational axis in opposite directions, wherein the first and the second sealing jaws oppose each other, and are allowed to oscillate between sealing and open positions by moving towards and away from each other. A first and second transversally extending guiding bar cooperate with the first and second eccentric shaft via guiding pins running in guiding grooves, such that transverse play between the first and the second eccentric shaft and the first and second sealing jaw is allowed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to multiple sealing bars to seal articles moving on a conveyor (2) inside a sleeve (4) that forms a continuous film tube (5). Retracting conveyors act to collapse the tube between the articles so that the collapsed portion of the tube can be sealed. The synchronization of the sealing bars with the movement of retracting conveyors allows for a continuous motion machine where the products inside the film do not stop.

Abstract: An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw drum for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided and a cutoff device for cutting the carrier into a desired size. The cutoff device includes an adjustable beam positionable into multiple angular positions relative to a flow of the plurality of containers depending on the desired size of the multipack.

Abstract: A custom-content beverage cartridge manufacturing and vending machine has a cabinet housing, a user interface area, and a dispensing area that allows an untrained user to obtain beverage cartridges by entering instructions using aspects of the user interface area. The machine allows the user to quickly and easily produce factory quality beverage cartridges according to the user's particular tastes and preferences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food production line (11) with a forming apparatus (5) that comprises a rotating drum (1), which is utilized to form a product (7) from a food mass and a packaging machine (13), which packages the products in a packaging (14). The present invention further relates to a process for forming a product, whereas several products are formed and subsequently dropped simultaneously from a drum on an accumulation belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting objects, in particular packaging means, said device comprising a continuous conveying section (3) and a plurality of conveying assemblies (40) that circulate on the conveying section (3). Each conveying assembly (40) comprises a first conveying element (4) and a second conveying element (5) and each of said conveying elements (4, 5) can be driven individually and independently of one another. The conveying elements (4, 5) are designed to jointly transport one individual object (2).

Abstract: Provided is a self-closing and automatically fitting device for packaging (e.g. shrink wrapping, fasteners, enclosures of objects). The device includes a wrapping material and/or closure bands/straps which are made of a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material. The device also includes at least one pair of clasp members attached to the wrapping material and/or closure bands/straps. Upon stimulation by a trigger source, the shape memory material deforms and brings the wrapping material to self-assemble about an object to be packed. The self-assembly of the wrapping material and/or closure bands/straps further brings the two clasp members close to each other and facilitate the clasp thereof to form a self-assembled and closed package. The device may also include a motor, a control unit, and sensors which enable a motor actuated fine tensioning of the self-assembled and closed package.

Abstract: A device for detecting elevations and/or depressions on bottles, in particular in a labeling machine, the device comprising a lighting unit with a light screen for generating a light reflection on a bottle to be examined and at least one camera for detecting the light reflection. By areas of varying luminance being formed on the light screen, molding seams can be reliably detected over a large area of the bottle wall and embossings can be located in various rotational positions of the bottle. The invention also relates to a method for applying the device.

Abstract: A lightweight polyester preform is disclosed for the production of light weight polyester containers by blow molding. The preforms and the resulting blown containers have threads on an exterior surface adjacent an upper end. Adjacent to and located below the threads is a support ring. The support ring is used in handling and conveying a preform from injection molding to a blow mold and in blow molding the container from the preform. It also is used in handling and conveying the preform from storage to the blow mold. To lightweight the preform, and subsequent container, the support ring is designed to have a minimum weight, but a sufficient strength for the handling of the preform in the production of the blow molded container. The support ring is reduced in weight by about 10% to about 70% from a conventional preform support ring.

Abstract: A molded plastic container having an open top and an outwardly smooth sidewall wherein the interior surface of the sidewall is characterized by a plurality of parallel vertical flutes defined by shallow, smooth concavities joined by flat columns of uniform thickness wherein the ratio of the circumferential diameter of each concavity to the circumferential width of a column is about 8:1. The outside surface of the container is smooth and molded with two integral, vertically spaced, circumferential rings for added hoop strength. The container exhibits a high stacking strength-to-weight ratio. The preferred material is HDPE.

Abstract: A foldable box with a base and a sidewall extending from the base is provided. The sidewall includes an upper edge forming an opening into the box. The box further includes a first flap foldably attached to the upper edge of the sidewall and a second flap foldably attached to the upper edge of the sidewall opposite the first flap. A pair of side flaps are each foldably attached to the upper edge of the sidewall on opposite sides of one another. Each of the side flaps include a side flap slit. Each of the first flap and the second flap include a handle hole formed through an upper portion, and at least one tab extending from an upper edge. At least one of the first flap and the second flap include a flap slit. The tabs are formed to fit and secure within the side flap slits in an extended position and the flap slit in a stackable position.

Abstract: A self-locking display box is disclosed, which is configured to receive one or more electrical components, wherein the box is erected from a blank having a deck panel having a pair of tabs, which are configured to fit within a corresponding notch of a back panel and which snaps into place to form a rectangular box. The back panel has an upper flap panel and a lower flap panel, the upper flap panel and the lower flap panel each having the corresponding notch therein. The deck panel has a pair of tabs, which extend outward from an upper edge and a lower edge of the deck panel, respectively, and are configured to be received within the corresponding notches of the upper flap panel and the lower flap panel upon assembly of the box.

Abstract: A multipurpose box includes a receiving case having a space therein, an auxiliary plate extended upwardly from the receiving case, and a pair of cut portions spaced apart from each other on the auxiliary plate. The multipurpose box is capable of packaging a product and concurrently having a business card, a photograph, or the like, placed therein. The multipurpose box can be reused as a frame, or to store simple things such as office supplies and/or the like at a later time.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a platform positioned on the pallet, the platform having a load bearing surface including a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first, such that the second portion overlies the first portion. A method of unloading articles from a pallet including arranging the loaded pallet with the second portion of the platform in the second position, unloading articles from the first portion of the platform, shifting the second portion of the platform to the second position, and unloading articles from the second portion of the platform. A method of loading articles on a pallet, including arranging the pallet with the second portion of the platform in the second position, loading articles onto the second portion of the platform, shifting the second portion of the platform to the first position, and loading articles onto the first portion of the platform.

Abstract: An article that can be formed into a sleeve or a coaster for a beverage container. The article includes: (a) a first sheet that is at least sufficiently flexible to be wrapped around the cylindrical body of the beverage container to position an inner surface of an end portion of the first sheet adjacent an outer surface of a tab portion of the first sheet to form an overlapping area between the end portion and the tab portion; (b) a first adhesive on a first portion of an inner surface of the first sheet, wherein the first portion is at least partially within the overlapping area; and (c) a second adhesive on a second portion of the inner surface of the first sheet, wherein the second portion is at least partially outside the overlapping area, and wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive can be the same or different.

Abstract: A container for food products is defined by a cup-shaped basket, which is made of a first polymeric material, and is provided with a gripping handle connected to the basket in rotary manner by means of two coupling elements, which are made of a second polymeric material, and are welded to the basket itself.

Abstract: The combination of molded plastic closure for an open top container and an extensible plastic spout adapted to be joined to the deck of the closure in either of two ways. In one way, the spout is molded with a U-shaped peripheral channel which receives a downwardly extending flange surrounding an aperture in the deck. In another way, the spout is pre-molded and then used as an insert when molding the closure.

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

Abstract: UV curable sealants, method s for making the sealants, and method for using the sealants are disclosed. The UV curable sealants may be used in seal caps useful to seal fasteners in aerospace fuel tanks. The UV curable sealants may also be used to smooth defects in surfaces such as aerospace surfaces.

Abstract: A food container is disclosed that is adapted for facilitating venting of gasses to and/or from the interior of a body of the food container. The food container includes a container body, a lid and a sealing membrane. At least one skip seal or gap is formed between the sealing membrane and the container body to facilitate venting. During formation of the at least one skip seal a recess in either the lid or rim of the container reduces pressure at the skip seal to reduce or eliminate inadvertent closing of the skip seal. Methods of manufacture of the food container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crown for a bottle or other container has a top portion and an annular skirt that descends contiguously from the top portion. An opener assembly and an arrangement of frangible scoring lines on the crown allow for ease of opening the bottle or container. Corrugated embodiments provide material strengthening for a reduced gauge crown.

Abstract: A manually extendible plastic spout for use in combination with the closure for an industrial container. The spout has a peripheral flange with a U-shaped channel which receives a downwardly extending flange on the closure so that the spout is installed from the bottom side of the closure rather than according to the more customary top-mounted procedure. The body of the spout is pleated and has an outlet collar which is threaded to receive a cap having a pull-ring, an integral internal seal is also provided. The spout can be extended to any of several stable positions or conditions.

Abstract: A tamper evident closure and spout are provided. The closure includes an outer wall and a central wall supported from the outer wall. The closure defines a passage extending between an upper edge and a lower edge of the closure and located between an inner surface of the outer wall and an outer surface of the central wall. The closure includes a tamper-indicating band extending from the central wall. The spout includes a wall portion and a central channel extending through the wall portion between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The spout includes a structure located below the inlet opening the first and second exterior surfaces are both angled toward the central axis of the spout.

Abstract: A container includes a body defining an interior and an opening that leads to the interior. A cap removably affixes over the opening to move the container between an opened position and a closed position. A child resistant closure moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and prevents moving the container from the closed position to the opened position when in the engaged position.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a gift box for presenting a gift or other item to a recipient. The gift box contains various electronic components contained in some portion of the box which are used to effect, movement, sound, light or other special effects. The box may have one or more special effects which can be triggered automatically or by interaction with a user or gift box recipient.

Abstract: A method for producing a primary laminate including a tabstock by feeding a seal laminate comprising bottom food contact layers including a foil layer and a top polyester layer to a laminating station wherein either the foil layer of the underside of the polyester layer has been printed; simultaneously feeding a tabstock, which is narrower than the seal laminate, to the laminating station such that the bottom of the tabstock and the top polyester layer of the seal laminate come into contact to form a primary substrate, simultaneously feeding a plastic film stock; and continuously extruding a polymeric adhesive between the top face of the primary substrate and bottom surface of the plastic film stock.

Abstract: The present application is directed to closure assemblies, and particularly closure assemblies for closing an opening in a vessel. In particular embodiments, the closure assemblies described herein can have a first ring having a top surface, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises threading, wherein the first ring comprises a first flange having a top surface extending radially inward from the inner surface of the first ring a distance of FL, and wherein the top surface of the first flange is spaced apart from the top surface of the first ring by a distance FH, and wherein a ratio of FH:FL is greater than 1.