Abstract: A refueling device for use in in-flight refueling operation between a tanker aircraft and a receiver aircraft includes a selectively steerable body and a controller. The selectively steerable body configured for being towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling, and includes a boom member having a boom axis and configured to enable fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to a receiver aircraft along the boom axis during the in-flight refueling operation. The controller is configured for selectively steering the body to an engagement enabling position spaced with respect to the receiver aircraft and for aligning the boom axis in an engagement enabling orientation at the spaced position, and for subsequently moving the boom member along the boom axis towards the receiver aircraft for enabling fuel communication therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for energy recovery of an aircraft, an aircraft comprising the apparatus and a method of energy recovery are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a turbine having a body and rotor blades. The turbine is adapted to be mounted to the exterior of an aircraft, such that the body receives an air stream flowing at the exterior of the aircraft. The rotor blades are selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein at the deployed position the rotor blades are rotated by the air stream so as to generate electricity. The blades may be deployed during descent of the aircraft to recover energy normally irretrievably dissipated as the aircraft descends and slows. The blades are stowed when not in use, such as during take-off and cruise.

Abstract: Flight deck display systems and methods for generating cockpit displays including dynamically-adjustable runway length symbology are provided. In one embodiment, the flight deck display system includes a display device to which a controller is operably coupled. A cockpit display, such as a primary fight display, is generated on the display device. The cockpit display is generated to include a runway graphic and a usable runway end marker. During operation of the display system, the controller receives runway usage restriction data identifying any currently restricted sections of a runway approached for usage by the aircraft. The controller further determines a dynamically-adjusted usable runway length as a function of the runway usage restriction data and then adjusts the position of the usable runway end marker, as generated on the cockpit display, along the length of the runway graphic in accordance with the dynamically-adjusted usable runway length.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept relates to a system of method having an electronic flight display that meets the FAR 23.1311(b) regulatory requirement for redundant backup instruments in the cockpit. The present general inventive concept also provides a system and method to detect failures, obstructions, or improper operation of the aircraft pitot pressure sensing system using a combination of dissimilar sensor data that is independent from each other, e.g., allocated from different sources and employed for different purposes on different displays, and displays information on an avionics display screen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a core of individual components having properties such that a system assembled from the components absorbs the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle. The components may be interlocking components. The components may be manufactured of ceramic or polymeric composite or other materials that are strong enough to absorb the vehicle's energy and help stop the vehicle safely by the system's ability to crush or deform upon impact, and not so strong that it causes the vehicle to crumple against the barrier. In one particular embodiment, the components may be modified packing elements that are traditionally used in gas to liquid columns.

Abstract: A method of docking and recharging using a base station and a station-mating frame on the multicopter. The base station includes an upward-facing camera that is used by a docking controller to detect the presence, position, and orientation of a frame, with infrared light-emitting diodes arranged in a predefined pattern. The controller of the base station acts to emit wireless signals to the multicopter to guide the multicopter with its station-mating frame to a predefined position above the base station. The controller transmits a wireless signal to the multicopter to reduce thrust, and the multicopter lowers itself onto a sloped receiving surface that may be arranged in a crown pattern to provide passive gravity-driven centering, which causes the station-mating frame to slide to a lowest vertical point of the receiving assembly. A locking mechanism engages to lock the frame in place and provide electrical contact for recharging.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a satellite is disclosed. The satellite includes a bus, an optical sensor configured to optically detect objects in a first zone extending from the satellite, and a solar assembly comprising a solar panel and a radar device. The radar device can be configured to detect objects in a second zone, different from the first zone, extending from the satellite in a direction transverse to a surface of the solar panel.

Abstract: A propulsion system for controlling the orbit of a satellite in earth orbit comprises a thruster suitable for delivering a force along an axis F, and a motor-driven mechanism linked on the one hand to the thruster and on the other hand to a structure of the satellite, said motor-driven mechanism being suitable for displacing the thruster on either side of the plane of the orbit and suitable for orienting the thruster so as to make it possible to control a component perpendicular to the orbit of the force in two opposite directions, to control the inclination of the satellite, and in that said motor-driven mechanism is suitable for displacing the thruster along an axis V parallel to the velocity of the satellite, and suitable for orienting the thruster so as to make it possible to control a component of the force on the axis V, to control orbit.

Abstract: Satellite solar generator wing including solar panels having at least two fixed solar panels and at least one semi-fixed solar panel. The solar panels are connected to one another in order to assume an operating position and a transport position, and, in the transport position, the solar panels are retained on top of one another and the semi-fixed solar panel is arranged in a freely oscillating manner between the two fixed solar panels.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of blowing and filling a container from a thermoplastic polymer preform, comprising: stretching a thermoplastic polymer preform (16) placed within a mould (12) during a stretching phase, starting an injection phase for injecting a liquid into the preform, the injection phase starting after the stretching phase has started, characterized in that prior to starting the injection phase the liquid is at a predetermined pressure above the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A machine for filling bags for example with meat, vegetables, pet food, beef sausages or similar products of any desired shape or irregular size, and a corresponding method for filling such bags uses a filling system for feeding the product. Means for compressing the product also form a path for directing the product into the open bag. Introduction means drive the product along the path into the open bag.

Abstract: The object of the application is a filling hopper for a filling apparatus for multi-segment trays in the tobacco industry with a receiving region for rod like articles in the form of a mass flow and a storing region for rod like articles comprising side walls (8, 9) and a bottom wall (10), whereas the storing region has double partition walls (16) alternately forming a plurality of parallel cavities (15) and slots (14), where the partition walls (16) extend in principle along the entire height of the storing region. The partition walls (16) are connected with each other by means of a carrying framework so that at least from one side free access to the articles inside the cavities (15) is maintained. The carrying framework comprises at least one fastening area (19).

Abstract: The invention relates to a clipping machine for closing tubular packagings. The machine has a blade and a counter blade for severing the packaging material. Both blades are arranged on closing arms of the machine. At least one of the blades has a drive which is also situated on one of the closing arms. This and the development of the cutting edges create an effective and at the same time space-saving cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for wrapping sheet material to produce finished mailpieces includes an upstream content module, a downstream mailpiece assembly module including a wrapper module adapted to encapsulate content material, and a buffer module interposing the upstream content and downstream assembly modules. The buffer module includes a plurality of buffer gates adapted to convey the content material from an upstream gate to a downstream gate to maintain a threshold pitch distance between successive pieces of content material. A controller is operatively coupled to the modules and controls the conveyance of content material through the buffer gates. More specifically, the controller coordinates the delivery and insertion of content material into the wrapper module to minimize dry-holes, maintain stresses below a threshold level to ensure continued operation, and optimize system throughput.

Abstract: An overhead packaging machine with articulating lugs is mountable along a product packaging system for the application of cartons such as wrap-style cartons about sets or groups of products. The overhead packaging machine includes a lug conveyor having a series of articulating lug assemblies mounted thereto and which are moved along a path of travel for engaging the groups of products with their cartons applied thereto. Each of the articulating lug assemblies includes a pair of articulating lugs mounted to a carriage, which articulating lugs are moveable into engaging positions for engaging the cartons applied to the groups of products as the groups of products are moved along their path of travel for folding and locking of the cartons thereabout.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing container bundles without a shrink film or strapping has container guides, which are either base or head guides, a grouping unit, one or more application elements, a multiple track container feed providing multiple container streams, and a container transporter for each stream. The guides are disposed on the container transporter. An application element near the transporter applies adhesive to containers. The grouping unit groups and compress a predetermined number of containers to form a container bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving, from a wide container stream upstream from the apparatus, single-lane container streams and creating package units of containers includes a separating and/or combining unit, application elements, and a linear transporter. The unit separates and/or combines containers to form partial packaged units that are then combined into a package unit. The application elements are disposed so that at least one container of a package unit has, on a contact surface thereof, adhesive or glue. The linear transporter comprises transport elements circulate along a guide element, and a controllable drive. Each transport element of the linear transporter comprises as many head guides as there are containers in the package unit, each of which is axially movable or rotatable relative to the transport element.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and a device for changing removable carrier units (8a?, 8b?) with flat packaging material (10) wound on supply rolls (9), in particular, packaging film (11) within a packaging machine (3), which is equipped with devices for at least partially wrapping piece goods, containers, article groups, etc., with flat packaging material (10). With the method removable carrier units (8a, 8b) with new supply rolls (9) are fed in a series one after the other to a work area (AB) of a handling device (5), the work area (AB) of which extends into at least one position of the operating position of the removable carrier unit (8a?, 8b?) arranged in the packaging machine (3), which is equipped with a supply roll (9), so that it replaces removable carrier units (8a?, 8b?) located in the packaging machine (3) and used up supply rolls (9?) with new removable carrier units (8a, 8b) with in each case a new supply roll (9).

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting. The devices include a pusher assembly, an electric motor, preferably a servo motor with a gear box, that drives a linear drive assembly. The devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the pusher assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to infusion bags for infusible substance such as tea or herbs or the like for which separation of the infusible substance from liquid is desired. The disclosure also relates to a device which provides function of storing empty infusion bags in a container, and retrieving the empty bag individually from the container, holding and opening the retrieved bag for filling, and ejecting the filled bag for use. The infusion bags and device of the present invention is ideal for making hot tea or herbal beverages, and for other infusion needs in cooking where separation of the infused material from liquid is desired.

Abstract: The support device includes a support and a pair of bars spaced apart from each other. The bars include a slot configured to enclose peripheral side edges of a flexible pouch. In one embodiment, the bars are wing shaped and include a first member and a second member. The first member is angled with respect to the second member. The slot extends inwardly from an inner surface of the bar and is disposed between the first and second member. The slot is configured to receive a peripheral side seal of the flexible pouch. The first and second members help keep the body of the pouch within the grips of the gripper. In a second preferred embodiment, the bars are an elongated member. The slot is disposed along the inner surface of the bars. The bars have a length sufficient to receive the side peripheral seal of the pouch.

Abstract: Compositions of and methods for formulating and delivering biologically active agent formulations having enhanced physical stability, and wherein deterioration from the presence of oxygen and/or water is minimized and/or controlled, to yield a stable formulation. The compositions of and methods for formulating and delivering biologically active agents of the present invention further facilitate their incorporation into a biocompatible coating which can be employed to coat a stratum-corneum piercing microprojection, or a plurality of stratum-corneum piercing microprojections of a delivery device, for delivery of the biocompatible coating through the skin of a subject, thus providing an effective means of delivering the biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a winding reel for a label dispenser and a method allowing a roll of a wound-up label carrier tape to be easily removed from the winding reel. A first rod of the winding reel is connected to a rotating element in a movable manner and at least two additional rods are connected to the rotating element in a stationary manner. An operating element is pivotably arranged on the free ends of the two stationarily arranged rods, where the operating element is connected to the free end of the first rod and configured such that it causes a deflection of the free end of the first rod in the direction of the rotary axis.

Abstract: An end load carton includes a closure system having a tab constituting part of a control region which is spaced from a free edge of an upper flap of the carton by a support region. The control region also includes a press zone adjacent the tab. After initially opening a top portion of the carton by releasing an adhesive connection between the upper flap and a lower flap, the tab can be positioned in a slot formed in the lower flap to reclose the carton. More specifically, the upper and lower flaps can be selectively interconnected through the closure system by pushing on the press zone to depress the upper and lower flaps in order to open up the slot and align the tab with the slot. To reopen the carton, the support region can be readily grasped and pulled to open carton without fear of tearing the upper flap.

Abstract: A package made from sheet material has a sealable coating on a first surface. The package has a plurality of panels, folded so that at least two side panels are able to be closed in an overlapping arrangement so that the two side panels are sealed together with the first surface and sealable coating in facing relationship.

Abstract: A packaging system for a corrugated cardboard shipping container. The system uses two vertical compartmented inserts divided by a horizontal insert. The compartmented insert can be configured by a packer to consist of four to two rectangular compartments. The horizontal insert can be folded in half or have a quarter section folded away in order to accommodate a loading plan that requires items to protrude above the height of the bottom vertical compartmented insert. An optional diagonal divider and dunnage may be used prior to sealing the container.

Abstract: A shipping carton having a force receiving area located adjacent opposing edges of the carton's top and bottom edges. The force receiving area is configured to deform in the presence of an external force and distribute that force through the force receiving area while minimizing the transfer of force directly to the appliance and minimizing damage to the surface panels of the shipping carton.

Abstract: A laminated sheet construction for use in product packages has a substrate layer onto which there is laminated a transparent solid plastic film with an exposed surface having a transparent thermosetting adhesive coating. The surface beneath the coating may be printed with text and/or graphics which is visible through the film and adhesive. A container for a product may be directly affixed to the adhesive surface. Panels of the laminated substrate may be bonded together for increased strength or for capturing the flange of a container which can project through a window in one of the panels while displaying printing on the other panel through the window.

Abstract: A tab is provided, which includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion disposed at or about the first end of the body, a lift portion disposed at or about the second end of the body of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a generally planar portion, a rivet hole having a perimeter, and an upturned portion extending upwardly from the generally planar portion about the perimeter of the rivet hole. The upturned portion reinforces the rivet hole and has an arcuate cross section profile. An integral rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to affix the tab to a can end. The upturned portion is devoid of any corners or edges both before and after the integral rivet is staked.

Abstract: A flat rack comprising, a cargo platform for carrying a load, terminal bulkheads for enclosing the cargo platform and two intermediate bulkheads positioned between the terminal bulkheads at equal distance from the center of gravity of the flat rack. Each of the intermediate bulkheads is equipped with lifting points suitable therefore. Optionally, the distance between the intermediate bulkheads is between 20? and 40?. More specifically, the distance between the intermediate bulkheads may be 34?. A method for loading or offloading a cargo vessel loaded with a plurality of flat racks. The method comprises operating a crane adapted to lift at least one of the plurality of flat racks as described herein above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging comprising two containers (1, 2) each having an open end, and two lids. The two lids are a male lid (3) and a female lid (4) each having a topside and a underside and being adapted to close the open end of a container. The male lid (3) comprises a protrusion (7) and the female lid (4) comprises a cavity (8) adapted to receive the protrusion of the male lid. The protrusion (7) of the male lid has an edge (12) circulating at least a part of the protrusion at varying heights of the protrusion, and the cavity (8) comprises a ledge (13) mating the edge of the male lid, so that when the protrusion is received in the cavity the edge of the male lid abuts the ledge of the cavity. This results in that the two containers (1, 2) are combined into a single packing when the lids (3, 4) are arranged to close the opening of the containers and the protrusion (7) is received in the cavity (8).

Abstract: A packing box can include a first cover, a second cover, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, a fourth sidewall, and a bulkhead. The first cover and the second cover can be opposite to each other. The four sidewalls can be sequentially coupled end-to-end. The bulkhead can be received in the main box and be substantially parallel to the first cover and the second cover. Four edges of the bulkhead can be coupled to the four sidewalls, respectively. An inner receiving space of the main box can be divided into a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity by the bulkhead. A number of receiving portions can be defined on a surface of the packing box facing the first receiving cavity.

Abstract: A bucket holding and tipping device with an adjustably movable cinching band on which are engaged one or more foot plates. On each plate, the band passes through slots in the plates and the plates are adapted to receive in pressing relationship the bottom of a human foot. Each plate also has a handle opening in the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of incrementally stretching polymeric film formed from a blown film extrusion process. The present invention is further directed to a polymeric bag formed from an incrementally stretched polymeric film. The incremental stretching is performed on a collapsed polymeric bubble via a pair of intermeshing rollers. The incrementally stretched polymeric film may be stretched only along a portion of its width. The polymeric bag may be a drawstring trash bag with an extended hem where only the extended hem of the polymeric bag comprises incrementally stretched polymeric film.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper pouch includes a zipper-operable section and a zipper-non-operable section to provide difficulty to a child to open the pouch, and remain easy for an adult or senior citizen to open the pouch.

Abstract: An adaptable tube connector configured to be coupled with a flexible tube includes a connecting tube with an inner surface and an extrusion tube. The connecting tube is made of flexible material, and defines a plurality of internal screw threads. Each screw thread extends around a periphery of the connecting tube. The extrusion tube is coupled to an end of the connecting tube, communicates with the connecting tube, and defines a flat outlet opening on the end away from the connecting tube.

Abstract: A closure for a product retaining container constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal forming neck of the container has a substantially cylindrical shape and substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of said closure, wherein at least one of said terminating surfaces is at least partially covered by a decorative layer. Indicia may be applied on at least one of the two substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of a closure by means of hot stamping.

Abstract: A packaging product and a method of closing a packaging product are provided. Closing a packaging product may include providing a first member of the packaging product having an aperture therein and providing a bubble rivet extending through the aperture and having an expanded hollow head portion on one side of the aperture with a neck portion of the bubble rivet being provided in the aperture. The hollow head portion of the bubble rivet is breakable to enable withdrawal of the head portion through the aperture thereby non-reversibly opening the packaging product.

Abstract: A stopper for closing a dispensing opening of a container which includes a body element having a top face and a bottom face, the bottom face being directed towards the inside of the container; a moving element which is situated at the top face of the body element, wherein the moving element is movable from an initial position in which the moving element does not extend beyond the top face in the plane of the top face, to an opening position in which the moving element is moved to extend at least partly beyond the outer extension of the top face, wherein the moving element provides, a gripping surface for a user to remove the body element from the dispensing opening. The moving element substantially covers the entire top face of the body element in the initial position.

Abstract: A crown cap, configured based on a sheet with a circular body perimetrally presenting, after being adjusted to the rim of the mouth of a bottle, a plurality of folds. The sheet has an extension that extends from the circular body and a first transverse folding line to determine a folded arm with two sections, an upper, external section that extends from the circular body followed by a lower, internal section, located between the external or front section and the bottle. The extension also has a continuous cut on the external section that determines a flap with an inverted U-shaped surface, the continuous cut allowing the flap to bend out of a plane of the external section so that during removal of the cap from the bottle, a distal end of the flap engages an area where the extension extends from the circular body.

Abstract: A connector for a self sealing fitment that includes a body, a lower flange, and a locking mechanism. The connector is configured to sealingly engage with a cap coupled to a spout of a flexible bag by sealingly engaging with a sealing membrane of the cap. The locking mechanism facilitates the maintaining of the same in the inserted configuration. A lockout collar is provided to preclude inadvertent and undesirable coupling between a connector and a sealing membrane of a cap.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device. In an embodiment, a device for dispensing a fluid under pressure is provided and includes: (A) a flexible container comprising four panels, each panel formed from a flexible multilayer film composed of one or more polymeric materials, the four panels forming (i) a body, and (ii) a neck; (B) a fitment comprising a top portion and a base, the base composed of a polymeric material, the base sealed in the neck; (C) a sleeve bag on valve assembly (SBoV) comprising (i) a valve housing, (ii) a core tube attached to the valve housing, (iii) a bag around the core tube, the bag attached to the valve housing, (iv) a sleeve surrounding the bag and the core tube, and (v) a valve seat; (D) the SBoV inserted through the fitment and located in the body; and (E) the valve seat attached to the fitment.

Abstract: A beverage container cap is revealed. The beverage container cap includes a cap body movably disposed on top of a beverage container, a waterproof gasket fixed on bottom of a valve seat with a chamber, and a pivot valve mounted in the chamber of the valve seat. A liquid through hole and at least one vent are arranged at the waterproof gasket. When a hemispherical pivot part of the pivot valve is pivotally rotated within the chamber of the valve seat to make the beverage container cap in a closed or open state, at least one lug on the hemispherical pivot part is pressed against or away from the vent of the waterproof gasket. Thereby pressure in the beverage container is equal to the pressure of the atmosphere outside while beverage in the container flows out. Thus users can drink the beverage from the container smoothly.

Abstract: A structural element for a bottle closure having means for showing a first use in nominal conditions. This structural element can be made from components such as a pouring dispenser or a frame. This structural element is characterized by the use of two components which are linked such that the attachment between both disappears after the first use in nominal conditions when said structural element is mounted in the operating mode on the bottle. The first use in nominal conditions requires removing one of the components and it cannot be put back in its original position, restoring its also original attachment.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for readmitting air into vacuum containers, such as canning jars, by incorporating a flexibly-mounted check valve in the container lid or body, and sandwiching an elastomeric seal member, such as an O Ring, between the check valve and the vacuum container's lid or wall. The check valve is flexibly mounted to the airtight container by a retainer member that permits the check valve to move vertically and horizontally and compresses the elastomeric seal member sufficiently to prevent leakage. Air is readmitted into the vacuum container by applying a force to the check valve that sufficiently decompresses a segment of the elastomeric seal member to cause leakage. The displacement force on the check valve may be applied by hand, without using any tools.

Abstract: A device comprising a body including a first polymer and a closure including a second polymer that is substantially not bondable to the first polymer and has a relatively higher shrinkage rate than the first polymer, wherein at least a portion of the closure overlaps at least a portion of the body, forming a hermetic seal therebetween and defining a sealed, empty, sterile container.

Abstract: A time capsule includes a housing having a floor and an upper side wall extending upwardly from the floor and a lower side wall extending downwardly from the floor. The floor and the at least one upper side wall together define an upper chamber. The floor and the at least one lower side wall together define a lower chamber. A bottom wall is fixedly attached to lower edges of the at least one lower side wall so as to block access to the lower chamber. A lid is coupled to upper edges of the at least one upper side wall, the lid movable between an open configuration allowing access to the upper chamber and a closed configuration blocking access to the upper chamber, the lid having a lock that holds the lid at the closed configuration until unlocked with a key situated in the lower chamber.

Abstract: A lockable cap, is a security feature for a medical prescription bottle. There is a three dial locking mechanism that is attached to the cap and the dial locking mechanism and the cap can be attached or removed from the bottle only when the user has the correct combination on the dial lock.

Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article. The carton comprises at least one panel that can form an interior of the carton. The carton comprises at least one protection feature for protecting the articles from breakage. The article protection feature can comprise at least one feature in end flaps of the carton. The article protection feature can comprise an article protection flap foldably connected to the at least one panel. The article protection flap can be moveable between a first position and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the at least one panel.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers that include a shoulder and a relatively narrower waist. The flexible carrier includes a flexible sheet having two rows of container receiving apertures formed therein. The plurality of containers are each placed into a respective container receiving aperture around the waist and are thus unitized in a package. The flexible carrier may further include an integrated handle.