Patents Issued in January 12, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170008609
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerospace vehicle comprising an airplane or spacecraft, operatively coupled to an airship balloon containing lighter than air gas adapted to elevate the vehicle. A control system adapted to deflate the balloon upon reaching a predetermined altitude by directing the gas for powering the vehicle at greater speed. The balloon can be re-inflated for decreasing the speed of the vehicle upon reaching a destination and deflated in a controlled manner for landing the vehicle or disengaged from the vehicle upon transferring the gas from the balloon to a propulsion system of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Arash Peyman, Nazmi Peyman
  • Publication number: 20170008610
    Abstract: An aircraft is disclosed, the aircraft having a fuselage having a centerline, and a wing extending from the fuselage and having a leading edge and a trailing edge. Additionally, the aircraft includes an engine mounted to the wing and having a rotating output shaft, and a propeller operably coupled to the output shaft and generating a rotating flow field to define a propeller wake when the propeller is rotated by the rotating output shaft. The propeller is located forward of the leading edge of the wing, so the propeller wake flows over the wing forming localized areas of effectively increased angle of attack generating a corresponding increased wing loading, with the wing having corresponding localized areas of reduced chord length to neutralize the otherwise increased wing loading. A method of countering the aerodynamic effects of propeller wake acting on a wing is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Angela Marie KNEPPER, Paul Nicholas METHVEN
  • Publication number: 20170008611
    Abstract: An aircraft wing is provided having a spanwise wing spar which includes a one-piece upright central web extending in a spanwise direction between inboard and outboard ends of the wing spar, and a plurality of contiguously adjacent wing spar sections. At least a first wing spar section includes at least one upper and lower spar chord which is unitarily formed as a one-piece structure with upper and lower ends of the upright central web, respectively, while at least a second wing spar section includes at least one upper and lower spar chord which is a separate structural element integrally fixed to the upper and lower ends of the upright central web, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Yvan Bovolenta MURTA, Renato Campos da SILVEIRA, Clovis Augusto Eça FERREIRA, Wanderley MONTORO
  • Publication number: 20170008612
    Abstract: Pitch control assembly and propeller blade assembly having a spider hub are disclosed. The spider hub includes a hub and a set of arms spaced circumferentially about the hub and projecting radially from the hub, wherein the set of arms are configured to receive a set of blades such that a blade root of a blade is rotationally mountable into an arm included in the set of arms, a crosshead located within the hub and axially moveable relative to the hub, a torque tube located in the arm and extending into the hub, wherein a pitch angle of the blade can be adjusted by axially moving the crosshead to rotate the torque tube to effect a corresponding rotation of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: David Raju YAMARTHI, Rajendra Vishwanath PAWAR, Amit Arvind KURVINKOP, Sandeep KUMAR, Murugesan PERIASAMY, Ravindra Shankar GANIGER, Bajarang AGRAWAL, Nagashiresha G.
  • Publication number: 20170008613
    Abstract: An autopilot system for an aircraft and related process are provided. The system includes a first load factor command definition and application module; a second roll command definition and application module; a control module of the first definition and application module and the second definition and application module, able to define parameters of a recovery maneuver seeking to return the aircraft to setpoint attitudes at the end of a maneuver from initial attitudes. The control module includes a submodule for computing at least one pair of authorities respectively applied by the first module and by the second module during the recovery maneuver. The authorities are computed as a function of at least a current movement parameter of the aircraft and a safety parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Arnaud TURPIN, Nicolas LE CORRE
  • Publication number: 20170008614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flight control device for an aircraft, the device comprising a mount, a lever pivotally mounted on the mount, and mechanical means for generating a return force for the lever, said means including a spring and a first motor member that are arranged so that a first end of the spring is constrained to move in rotation with the lever and a second end of the spring is constrained to move in rotation with an outlet shaft of the first motor member. According to the invention, the flight control device includes an electrical assistance system for assisting said mechanical means for generating a return force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Bruno TILLY, Nicolas RAVOUX
  • Publication number: 20170008615
    Abstract: A multilayered active surface is presented whose rugosity can be controlled by an applied electrical field. Varying the applied electrical field can control the rugosity of the surface which makes contact with a fluid, and thereby can affect instabilities of the boundary layer. A middle layer of the multilayered active surface can be made of a compliant electroactive material. In some cases, a pre-stretch in the middle layer can predefine a rugosity of the multilayered active surface without an applied electrical field, in which case an applied electrical field can further alter the rugosity in both amplitude and spatial periodicity and ultimately result to a smooth surface for a higher value of the applied electrical field. A top layer and a bottom layer are constructed using conductive material and uses as electrodes coupled to a voltage source to generate the electric field that controls the rugosity of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Paul MAZUR, Kaushik BHATTACHARYA, Beverley MCKEON
  • Publication number: 20170008616
    Abstract: An aircraft wing assembly including: a wing having a wing box structure with an upper wing cover and a lower wing cover, and a wing tip device attached to the outboard end of the wing, the wing tip device including an upper cover and a lower cover, wherein a gap between opposing edges of the wing tip device lower cover and the lower wing cover is at least 5 mm, a seal assembly aerodynamically seals the gap, wherein the seal assembly includes a bridging component on an interior side of the gap, and a seal which fills the gap and is supported by the bridging component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Huw DAVIES, Nigel McKENNA
  • Publication number: 20170008617
    Abstract: A device for measuring a relative rotation speed and/or a relative angular position between a first rotating element (2) and a second rotating element (3). The device includes a structure for generating a magnetic field rotating at a magnetic rotation speed representing a rotation speed of the first rotating element and a sensor (5) mounted to rotate and adapted to produce from the rotating magnetic field a measurement signal representing the relative rotation speed and/or the relative angular position. The device also has a processor (11) positioned on the static part and intended to acquire the measurement signal. A transmitter is adapted to transmit the measurement signal to the processor from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Francois-Noel LEYNAERT, Marc QUENERCH`DU, Guillaume DURAND
  • Publication number: 20170008618
    Abstract: A method is provided for maximizing efficiency of ground travel in aircraft equipped with landing gear wheel-mounted non-engine drive motors for autonomous ground travel. Selective operation of the non-engine drive motors and selective operation of the aircraft's engines are integrated to power aircraft movement when different ground travel speeds or airport ground travel conditions require operation of engines or non-engine drive motors for optimal efficiency of aircraft ground travel. The non-engine drive motors may be specifically designed to move aircraft at lower speeds optimal for ground maneuvers in a ramp area or elsewhere, and one or more of the aircraft's engines may be operated at a thrust level that moves the aircraft efficiently at higher taxi speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Joseph J. Cox, Isaiah W. Cox, Jan Vana, Rodney T. Cox
  • Publication number: 20170008619
    Abstract: A controller for an aircraft steering system, the controller being configured to receive a steering input representative of a desired direction of travel of a steerable nose landing gear, and to receive one or more force-based inputs representative of lateral forces acting upon the nose landing gear, wherein the controller is adapted to automatically adjust the steering input based upon the force-based input(s) so as to output an adjusted steering command for a steering actuator of the nose landing gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Louis-Emmanuel ROMANA, Miguel Angel Gama
  • Publication number: 20170008620
    Abstract: Improved active vibration control (AVC) devices, systems, and related methods are provided herein. An AVC device includes a controller adapted to receive real-time aircraft information and adjust at least one control parameter as a function of the real-time aircraft information is provided. An AVC device is adapted to detect changes in real-time aircraft information, as the aircraft moves from a steady state to transient performance, low and high air speeds, or vice versa. An AVC system (e.g., AVCS) includes one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and a controller adapted to receive real-time aircraft information and adjust at least one control parameter. In some aspects, a method of controlling vibration within an aircraft includes receiving vibration information from at least one sensor, receiving real-time aircraft information from an avionics system, adjusting at least one control parameter used in a control algorithm, and generating a force command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Doug A. SWANSON, Paul R. BLACK, Jihan RYU, Steve C. SOUTHWARD, Doug G. PEDERSEN
  • Publication number: 20170008621
    Abstract: An improved rotorcraft blade tracking system and method is provided. The provided blade tracking system and method projects a focused beam of light with minimal variance in predetermined spectral characteristics at the ranges of distance suitable for rotorcraft blade tracking applications. The provided system and method detects a reflected beam of light that is associated with the projected focused beam of light. The provided system and method maintains eye safety, and performs consistently over a variety of environmental conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Bernard Fritz, Andrew Peter Vechart, Paul Frederick Dietrich, Rich Olson
  • Publication number: 20170008622
    Abstract: An aircraft is provided that is convertible in flight between a rotary wing configuration and a fixed wing configuration. In its fixed wing configuration the aircraft resembles a Blended Wing Body (BWB) having a swept wing angle ?. Conversions from the fixed wing configuration to the rotary wing configuration, and vice versa, are accomplished by flipping an outboard portion of one wing through 180° to reorient the leading edge of the outboard portion by an angle of 2? to establish a reverse sweep. In its rotary configuration, the entire aircraft is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Linden S. Blue, Austin J. N. Blue
  • Publication number: 20170008623
    Abstract: A rotary machine includes a rotatable shaft and a retaining ring coupled to, and at least partially extending about, the rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The rotatable shaft and the retaining ring define an annular cavity. The rotatable shaft and the retaining ring each include a radially outer surface. The rotary machine also includes a monitoring system including a stationary reader-antenna positioned proximate the retaining ring and a radio frequency (RF) coupler. The RF coupler includes at least one flexible antenna band coupled to, and extending over, the radially outer surface of the retaining ring. The flexible antenna band is configured to establish RF coupling with the stationary reader-antenna. A sensor die is coupled to the flexible antenna band. The sensor die extends into the substantially annular cavity and the sensor die is also coupled to the radially outer surface of the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Yongjae Lee, Joseph Alfred Iannotti
  • Publication number: 20170008624
    Abstract: An emergency collective actuator includes an actuator motor to produce an actuation force and an actuator linkage that directly engages a friction control lever that is pivotally supported on the collective stick of a helicopter to apply the actuation force directly to the friction control lever such that the actuation force initially disengages the friction control and then reduces the adjustable pitch toward a minimum collective pitch position. The actuator can include a clutch that slips to allow the pilot to overcome the actuation force and that slips responsive to an engagement of the friction control by the pilot, but otherwise the clutch co-rotates with the motor shaft to bias the adjustable pitch toward a minimum collective pitch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Marvin, John E. Mercer, Derek Vetter
  • Publication number: 20170008625
    Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) may be uniquely capable of VTOL via a folded wing design while also configured for powered flight as the wings are extended. In a powered flight regime with wings extended, the VTOL UAS may maintain controlled powered flight as a twin pusher canard design. In a zero airspeed (or near zero airspeed) nose up attitude in a VTOL flight regime with the wings folded, the unmanned aircraft system may maintain controlled flight using main engine thrust as well as vectored thrust as a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. An airborne transition from VTOL flight regime to powered flight and vice versa may allow the VTOL UAS continuous controlled flight in each regime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Orville Olm, Zenon Dragan
  • Publication number: 20170008626
    Abstract: In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jason S. Walker, John W. Ware, Samuel A. Johnson, Andrew M. Shein
  • Publication number: 20170008627
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards hybrid power supply that provides electric power to a multirotor rotorcraft to extend range or flying time. In one embodiment, an internal combustion engine and fuel tank are provided that interoperate with a battery provided by a commercial multirotor rotorcraft to substantially extend flying time or flying distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Joaquin de Soto, Jorge F. Miranda
  • Publication number: 20170008628
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for guide assemblies. A guide assembly may comprise a sliding rail comprising a first channel and a second channel, a first fitting comprising a first retaining rail, wherein the first retaining rail is configured to slide within the first channel, and a second fitting comprising a second retaining rail, wherein the second retaining rail is configured to slide within the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Skandan Berikai Kuppan, Bharath Marappan, Mallikarjun Awarad, Jeff Werbelow, Mark Olson
  • Publication number: 20170008629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing wastewater contained in a water retention tank of a grey-water management system for an aircraft toilet. In accordance with the invention, the method consists in removing the wastewater via a diaphragm pump having an undulating diaphragm, which pump includes an inlet pipe connected to said retention tank, the diaphragm of the pump being suitable for undulating, under the action of actuation means, so as to remove said wastewater present in the retention tank through the inlet pipe of the pump to an outlet pipe of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Razmik Boodaghians, Kevin Huang, Christina Ortolan
  • Publication number: 20170008630
    Abstract: A modular lavatory monument assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The modular lavatory monument assembly includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines a lavatory interior. The fourth wall includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a sink module positioned in the alcove, a mirror module positioned above the sink module in the alcove, and a door positioned on one of the second or third walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Scott Savian
  • Publication number: 20170008631
    Abstract: An aircraft seat that includes a seat bottom frame having a back, a seat back frame pivotally connected to the back of the seat bottom frame, and a seat back shell. The seat back shell has at least a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, and at least two side panels disposed between the front and back panels which connects the front panel to the back panel. The combination of the front, back, and side panels form a gap to receive the entire seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: PAC Seating Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hector Noel MARINI
  • Publication number: 20170008632
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger restraint and protection system including an aircraft seat mounted at an oblique angle to a direction of forward travel, a multi-point seat belt associated with the aircraft seat, and a structural mounted airbag located forward of the aircraft seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: THOMAS CARLTON EBERLE, MACK THOMAS MOORE, ALEN WYSS, JOE GUTOSKY, RANDY PENLEY, STEPHEN BRYANT ADKINS, MARK EDWARD DEEVEY, MARC SCHATELL, KRIS CLARK, MATTHEW KARL
  • Publication number: 20170008633
    Abstract: An aircraft turboprop engine includes at least a low-pressure body and a high-pressure body. The low-pressure body drives a propeller by means of a gearbox. The turboprop engine also includes means for supplying air to an air-conditioning circuit of an aircraft cabin, wherein the supply means has at least one compressor borne by the gearbox and of which the rotor is coupled to the low-pressure body by means of the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicants: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, SAFRAN, SAFRAN POWER UNITS
    Inventors: Nicolas Claude Parmentier, Pierre Froment, Jean-François Rideau, Bruno Thoraval
  • Publication number: 20170008634
    Abstract: An engine nacelle is provided and includes an outer fixed structure (OFS) assembly disposed about an inner fixed structure (IFS) barrel and a latch beam, which is separate from the IFS barrel along an entire length thereof. The latch beam includes forward and trailing ends directly and indirectly supportively coupled to the OFS assembly, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Anthony Lacko
  • Publication number: 20170008635
    Abstract: An embodiment of a jet engine air inlet providing anti-icing, and optionally, engine noise reduction, includes a rigid frame defining a gridwork of contiguous cells. A cap skin has an outer surface sealingly attached to an inner surface of the frame. An outer skin has an inner surface sealingly attached to an outer surface of the frame and contains a plurality of openings therein. Each of the openings is disposed in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the cells, each of which can comprise a Helmholtz resonator. A serpentine manifold extends adjacent to an inner end of each of the cells and contains a plurality of apertures in a sidewall thereof, each of which is disposed in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Steve G. Mackin, Bradley S. Leisten
  • Publication number: 20170008636
    Abstract: A fuel tank system comprising a fuel tank, a number of fasteners, and a number of covers. The number of fasteners has a number of ends extending into an interior of the fuel tank. The number of covers is configured to cover the number of ends of the number of fasteners. A cover in the number of covers comprises a housing configured to cover an end of a fastener in the number of ends, a deformable material associated with an interior side of the cover, and cells that are present within the deformable material. The deformable material is configured to contain energy within the cover in which the energy is caused by an electromagnetic event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin O'Brien Gaw
  • Publication number: 20170008637
    Abstract: A control system for an aircraft refueling boom controls the movements of the boom in certain areas in a total field of movement volume of possible boom movements based on the location of the boom in the total field of movement volume and based on the current rate of movement of the boom in the total field of movement volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kimberly Hinson, Jung Soon Jang, Richard Golob, Justin Cleve Hatcher, Jeffrey Lee Musgrave
  • Publication number: 20170008638
    Abstract: A power-distribution panel has a circuit-breaker panel that is completely separable from an aircraft and from a back chassis connected to the aircraft. The back chassis is mechanically mounted to the aircraft and electrically connected to both a power-supply bus and a power-distribution harness of the aircraft. The circuit-breaker panel can be removably coupled to the back chassis to complete a plurality of circuits from the power supply bus to a plurality the plurality of circuits that receive power via the power-distribution harness. In some embodiments, the circuit-breaker panel can be slideably coupled to the back chassis without the use of tools. Electrical connectors may provide electrically connectivity between the circuit-breaker panel and the back chassis. The electrical connectors may have back chassis portions that align with circuit-breaker panel portions so as to provide such electrically connectivity automatically when the circuit-breaker panel is coupled to the back chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Wavering, Richard L. Downing
  • Publication number: 20170008639
    Abstract: A warning method for an aircraft includes receiving a first parameter indicative of an aircraft's flight path, calculating a stable approach value based on the first parameter, receiving a second parameter indicative of the aircraft's turbulence, calculating a turbulence factor based on the second parameter, calculating a safe landing value based on the stable approach value and the turbulence factor, comparing the safe landing value to a threshold value, and providing an aircraft warning when the safe landing value fails to meet the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Safe Flight Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Randall A. GREENE, Shawn P. BEYER, Robert D. TETER
  • Publication number: 20170008640
    Abstract: A flight management assembly for an aircraft and method for monitoring such an assembly. The flight management assembly includes two guidance systems each provided with a flight management system, the flight management systems being independent, each of the flight management systems carrying out at least one calculation of roll commands for the aircraft, the flight management assembly also comprising a data generating unit, preferably forming part of a guidance computer, for calculating a roll command and a monitoring unit for carrying out a monitoring of the roll commands calculated by the two flight management systems and by the data generating unit in such a way as to be able to detect and identify a defective flight management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Jean-Claude MERE
  • Publication number: 20170008641
    Abstract: A control device including at least one control member for measuring an acceleration of an aircraft, for generating an inflation order, and for transmitting the inflation order to an inflation member, the inflation member serving to inflate at least one inflatable safety bag, the control device, the inflation member and the inflatable bag being arranged together on a single seat of the aircraft. Such a control device includes at least one readying system connected to the at least one control member, the readying system comprising: at least a first sensor suitable for continuously measuring a first current acceleration of the aircraft relative to at least one axis; and at least one switch that is controllable as a function of the first current acceleration of the aircraft as measured by the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Tomas SANTANA-GALLEGO
  • Publication number: 20170008642
    Abstract: A warning method for an aircraft includes receiving a first parameter indicative of an aircraft's flight path, calculating a stable approach value based on the first parameter, receiving a second parameter indicative of the aircraft's turbulence, calculating a turbulence factor based on the second parameter, calculating a safe landing value based on the stable approach value and the turbulence factor, comparing the safe landing value to a threshold value, and providing an aircraft warning when the safe landing value fails to meet the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Safe Flight Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Randall A. GREENE, Shawn P. BEYER, Robert D. TETER
  • Publication number: 20170008643
    Abstract: An airport is provided which is compact and which is such as to facilitate efficient movements of aircraft into and out of parked positions and to also facilitate movements of passengers. Aircraft can be moved in a forward direction both when entering and when exiting each parked position. Loading/unloading means include escalators that move passengers between underground gate areas and landings at about ground level and also include ramp structures that can move passengers between the landings and openings in the fuselage of a parked aircraft. Structures illuminate gate areas and landings of the loading/unloading means and extend above ground level but such structures and the ramp structures are so designed that neither interferes with movements of aircraft into and out of parked positions. The parked positions can be located in rows with aisles between such rows for movement of aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Arthur S. Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20170008644
    Abstract: A processing station for registering a piece of passenger's luggage for a trip, wherein the processing station includes an injector for receiving the piece of luggage associated with the passenger; at least one sensor associated with the injector, the at least one sensor, in combination with at least the floor of the injector, creating a zone around the piece of luggage. A controller associated with the sensor being adapted to monitor, via the at least one sensor, intrusions through the zone to determine one or more of whether a predetermined limit on dimensions of the piece of luggage has been exceeded or whether a foreign object has intruded the zone from outside, and allow further processing of the piece of luggage only if no intrusion of the zone is detected. The controller also adjusts the area of the zone to accommodate different sizes of luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: ICM AIRPORT TECHNICS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventors: Richard DINKELMANN, Rainer DINKELMANN
  • Publication number: 20170008645
    Abstract: A tank is coupled to a body assembly of the fuselage of an aircraft with a lug of the tank mounted on a pin coupled to a body assembly. The pin is marked using a special tool with a first location mark and a second location mark. The lug of the tank may be mounted on the pin. To verify that the tank is correctly located on the pin, the position of the lug may be compared to two marks disposed on the pin. When the respective marks are visible on either side of the lug, the tank is properly aligned on the pin and the tank can be secured to the body assembly. The process is particularly helpful when the pin is located in an area that is inaccessible for direct observation or measurement after the tank is in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rosemary D. Pham, John W. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20170008646
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning fastener holes of two components. An alignment fixture includes two mating fixtures. Each mating fixture includes a reference plate that is aligned to the fastener holes of one of the components. Each mating fixture also includes an alignment device. The alignment devices can be aligned with the respective reference plates such that the alignment between the reference plates and the fastener holes are transferred to the alignment devices. Once aligned, the alignment devices can be temporarily attached to the respective components at locations away from the fastener holes. The reference plates can then be removed. Thereafter, the components can be brought together such that mating features on the alignment devices engage. Engagement of the mating features aligns the two components such that the fastener holes on the components are aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Edward NESTLEROAD, Andrew Michael HUCKEY, William Shawn WHORTON, Craig CHARLTON, Jake Aspen WILSON
  • Publication number: 20170008647
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a shock absorber on a landing gear assembly of an aircraft in a weight-on-wheels state is disclosed. The shock absorber includes at least one chamber containing both hydraulic fluid and a gas in fluid communication with each other. The apparatus includes a source of gas and a source of hydraulic fluid. The amount of hydraulic fluid in the chamber is corrected, preferably such that the chamber is then filled with a known amount of degassed hydraulic fluid. The process may be at least semi-automatically performed, for example under the control of a control unit. By delivering a pre-set mass of gas into the chamber, there is no need to rely on a measure of gas pressure or H-dimension (h) when servicing the shock absorber, and more accurate servicing of a shock absorber may thus be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Oliver POUNTNEY, Alan SHEPHERD
  • Publication number: 20170008648
    Abstract: A method and portable apparatus for servicing a shock absorber on a landing gear assembly of an aircraft in a weight-on-wheels state is disclosed. The shock absorber includes at least one chamber containing both hydraulic fluid and a gas in fluid communication with each other. The apparatus includes a source of gas and a source of hydraulic fluid. The amount of hydraulic fluid in the chamber is corrected, preferably such that the chamber is then filled with a known amount of degassed hydraulic fluid. A pre-set mass of gas is then delivered into the chamber under the control of a gas delivery system of the portable apparatus. More accurate servicing of a shock absorber may thus be provided since account is additionally taken of gas dissolved in hydraulic fluid. By delivering a pre-set mass of gas into the chamber, there is no need to rely on a measure of gas pressure or H-dimension (h) when servicing the shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Oliver POUNTNEY, Alan SHEPHERD
  • Publication number: 20170008649
    Abstract: A system for feeding a space vehicle with propellant, the system comprising: an on-board device (100) comprising: a frame (110) having a feed orifice (112) leading to an on-board tank (120); and a valve (130) adapted to act selectively to shut or open said feed orifice (112); a ground device (200) comprising: a feed duct (210); and a control body (240) surrounding a free end (212) of the feed duct (210) and provided with an actuator (250); the on-board device (100) and the ground device (200) being configured so as to be capable of being associated so that, in an open configuration, propellant can be transferred from the feed duct (210) to the on-board tank (120), the actuator (250) being configured so as to control the opening and shutting of the feed orifice (112) by the valve (130); the system being characterized in that said actuator (250) surrounds the outer periphery of the feed duct (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Olivier YHUELLOU, Georges VERDIER, Olivier ADAM
  • Publication number: 20170008650
    Abstract: An attitude estimation method for an on-orbit three-dimensional space object comprises an offline feature library construction step and an online attitude estimation step. The offline feature library construction step comprises: according to a space object three-dimensional model, acquiring multi-viewpoint characteristic views of the object, and extracting geometrical features therefrom to form a geometrical feature library, where the geometrical features comprise an object main body height-width ratio, an object longitudinal symmetry, an object horizontal symmetry, and an object main-axis inclination angle. The online attitude estimation step comprises: preprocessing an on-orbit object image to be tested and extracting features, and matching the extracted features in the geometrical feature library, where an object attitude characterized by a characteristic view corresponding to a matching result is an attitude estimation result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Tianxu ZHANG, Liangliang WANG, Gang ZHOU, Ming LI, Weidong YANG, Kuan LIU, Yayun ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20170008651
    Abstract: A machine and a method are for the automatic preparation of substances for intravenous application. The machine includes a container receiving zone which defines a matrix of individual positions for initial and final containers, and a number of actuators for transferring substances from initial container to final container. Each of the actuators is positioned beneath the zone for receiving initial and final containers, each of the actuators is able to move relatively, independently of the rest of the actuators, and each of the actuators is suitable for receiving and operating injectors with different volumes and degrees of precision in order to remove substances from initial containers and insert them into final containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Borja Lizari Illarramendi, Naiara Telleria Garay, Asier Lizarriturri Martiarena, Ana Belen Barrio Jimenez, Amaia Ilzarbe Andres, Jose Ignacio Andres Pineda
  • Publication number: 20170008652
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tool setting management system and method that provides a tool having a tool setting that a user cannot modify by directly physically manipulating any tool setting modification device of the tool and that enables the user to modify the tool setting using a device wirelessly connected to the tool. Generally, the tool setting management system enables a user to wirelessly pair a user device with a tool. The tool has at least one modifiable tool setting, but does not include any component physically manipulatable by the user to modify the tool setting. Once paired with the tool, the user device enables the user to input a tool setting modification, and sends the tool setting modification to the paired tool. Upon receipt, a controller of the paired tool modifies the stored tool setting in accordance with the received tool setting modification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Janusz Figiel, Walter L. Boss, Wayne Skonieczny, JR., Mark Ragusa, Guido Simon Leine
  • Publication number: 20170008653
    Abstract: Provided is a process for thermoforming a gas and liquid permeable layer (10) of thermoplastic material having an average thickness of less than 1.0 mm, the process comprising the steps of bringing the layer of thermoplastic material, at a temperature below that required for thermoforming, into contact with a mould (16) at a temperature above that of a thermoforming temperature of the thermoplastic material; pressing the mould into contact with the layer of thermoplastic material, the contact between mould and thermoplastic material causing heat to transfer from the mould to the thermoplastic material and raising the temperature of the thermoplastic material to a thermoformable temperature; such pressing thereby causing thermoforming of the thermoplastic material to conform to the shape of the mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER
    Inventor: Adrian Michael Woodward
  • Publication number: 20170008654
    Abstract: The volume, content, and void volume of a box are determined. Using those determinations, a fill ratio calculation is used to establish the packing element requirement of the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: FoldedPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Boothman, Ron Maynard, Brad Fehn
  • Publication number: 20170008655
    Abstract: To provide a medicine inspection system capable of appropriately outputting an inspection result while minimizing damage and the like to a packaging bag and a medicine. A medicine inspection system 10 includes an inspection device 20 which inspects a numerical quantity and/or a type of a medicine contained in a packaging bag p based on an image photographed of the packaging bag p to be inspected, and a marking device 50 which records an inspection result from the inspection device on the packaging bag p. After the packaging bag p, which has a seal section S formed by pressure bonding an overlapping portion of a packaging paper, is inspected at the inspection device 20, a stamp which indicates the inspection result thereof is output by a marking device 50 onto the seal section S.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Amano, Hiromichi Tsuda, Yasuyuki Yoshikawa, Hirokazu Chihara, Dai Shimizube
  • Publication number: 20170008656
    Abstract: A high speed manufacturing process for large format aluminum bottles (up to 750 ml) based on the DWI process that uses 3xxx can body stock with high recycled content. The process can include forming a bottle preform by redrawing, drawing and ironing, and doming a cup. The bottle preform formed by the process has a diameter of about 2.5? to about 3.0?, a height of about 10.0? to about 12.5?, a wall thickness of about 0.006? to about 0.020?, and a dome depth of between about 0.400? to about 1.00?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Johnson Go, Gin-Fung Cheng, Jeffrey Samuel Warner, Sebastijan Jurendic
  • Publication number: 20170008657
    Abstract: A packing body (1) includes a casing portion (2) which includes an accommodating groove (10) accommodating a packing object (X) and a lid portion (3) which is integrally formed with the casing portion (2) and is capable of being folded on the casing portion (2) to block an opening of the accommodating groove (10). The casing portion (2) includes a first restraining portion (14) which is provided in the accommodating groove (10) and restrains the packing object (X) in directions other than the opening direction of the accommodating groove (10) and a protruding bank portion (18) which is provided in the entire periphery of the opening of the accommodating groove (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki YOKOTA, Nobuaki HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20170008658
    Abstract: A package is defined to retain a first product and a separate ingredient. The package includes a hollow tubular body and first and second end closures sealed to the ends of the tube. A retainer cup is provided for storing the separate ingredient. The retainer cup includes a generally tubular cup wall, with an upper edge portion defining a support rim that surrounds a cup opening. One sidewall of the cup wall includes a plurality of concave curved groves forming a scalloped surface. The scalloped surface extends longitudinally along the cup wall and defines a scalloped edge profile for the support rim. A closure lid overlies the cup opening and closes the separate ingredient within the cup interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Chad E. Lagace, Keith E. Antal