Abstract: A collapsible anchor including a first shank, a second shank configured to be detachably coupled to the first shank, and at least one fluke configured to be hingedly coupled to the first and second shanks. The fluke is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The collapsible anchor also includes a first vane configured to be hingedly coupled to the first shank and a second vane configured to be hingedly coupled to the second shank. The collapsible anchor also includes at least one stop configured to limit rotation of the first and second vanes relative to the first and second shanks. When the first and second vanes and the at least one fluke are hingedly coupled to the first and second shanks, the first vane extends in a first direction and the second vane extends in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: A ship for bunkering liquefied fuel gas to a liquefied-fuel-gas propulsion ship includes: a liquefied-fuel-gas storage tank installed in the ship; a fuel supply pipe connected to the liquefied-fuel-gas storage tank and supplying fuel to the liquefied-fuel-gas propulsion ship; and a BOG collection pipe collecting BOG produced in a liquefied fuel gas tank of the liquefied-fuel-gas propulsion ship.

Abstract: A ride height adjustable oil damped air shock boat seat pedestal with selectively lockable swivel capability is shown, which includes a locking pin extending below the seat and moving up and down with the seat as permitted and controlled by the air shock. The locking pin being received by a structure, which limits rotation of the seat.

Abstract: A multi-column tension leg platform is an offshore floating structure that is used to facilitate production of natural resources contained below the seabed. The multi-column tension leg platform includes a hull which is used to keep the entire structure afloat. The structure also includes a topside which is mounted to the top of the hull. The topside is used as a surface for supporting workers and equipment. The hull is made up of a plurality of flotation columns and a plurality of pontoons. Both the plurality of flotation columns and the plurality of pontoons are positioned about a vertical central axis of the topside. The plurality of flotation columns and the plurality of pontoons are buoyant structures that are aligned vertically and are used to keep the topside above water. The plurality of pontoons is mounted amongst the plurality of flotation columns.

Abstract: A floating boat lift having flotation tanks positioned under sides of a frame of the boat lift. Water flow is regulated so that tanks fill from near the center of the boat lift. A preferred hingeable connection of the boat lift to a bulkhead, along with lateral stabilization, participates in maintaining a generally horizontal attitude for the boat lift. Water is accepted into or pumped from the flotation tanks, allowing the frame of the boat lift to fall or rise relative to the surface of the water. One or more catwalks along the sides of the boat lift and connected to the bulkhead may float, but at a level that is independent of the boat lift frame.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

Abstract: A flotation vest comprising single adjustment strap for adjusting the girth or the vest as well as the length of the vest to allow for a proper fit around the wearer by adjustment of a single continuous strap.

Abstract: Autonomous, unmanned submersible can turn upside down in order to use instrumentation placed on one side only. Batteries (106) and instrumentation housing (104) are installed on frame rails (112,14,108,110) and can change their relative positions, thus inverting the relative positions between center of buoyancy and center of gravity and subsequently inverting the submersible.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a door system includes a door attachment device and a receiver. The door attachment device may be coupled to a door, and the receiver may be coupled to a door frame. A receiving surface of the receiver may be configured to at least partially receive the door attachment device along a first axis. The receiving surface may have a non-planar portion curved relative to the first axis such that the receiving surface responds to movement of the door attachment device in a direction parallel to a second axis, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis, by repositioning the door attachment device in a third direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: A trim panel for the interior of an aircraft, the panel having a multilayer structure and including an outer layer made of material impervious to air, and which is positioned in use facing the fuselage of the aircraft; an inner layer made of trim material, and which in use defines the interior; a structural layer interposed between the inner and outer layer; and acoustic energy dissipating material, also interposed between the inner and outer layer; the inner layer being made of porous material allowing airflow towards the acoustic energy dissipating material.

Abstract: A solar powered aircraft having segmented wings that can be reconfigured during flight to optimize collection of solar energy are described. The aircraft have rigid construction that is resistant to inclement weather and is configured to rely on free flight control at high altitude and under conventional conditions, thereby providing flight duration in excess of 2 months. The aircraft is particularly suitable for use as part of a telecommunications network. A telecommunications network incorporating such aircraft is also discussed.

Abstract: A movable panel such as an aileron is connected to a load-bearing structure such as a wing of an aircraft by hinges which comprise flexible, elastic plates which are juxtaposed and are provided at opposite angles so as to allow the panel to rotate in an easy manner in response to the movements of an actuator; the hinges are, however, rigid in regard to other loads, such as aerodynamic suction loads, such that inadmissible travel of the panel is avoided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating flight control surfaces are provided. One system includes a control device having a two piece shaft including a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, a spline key detachably coupling the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, and a crankshaft operatively coupling the two piece shaft and a flight control surface. The control device further includes a driving mechanism coupled to the spline key and operable to move the spline key to engage and disengage the first and second shaft portions, wherein the first and second shaft portions are disengaged when a failure to the flight control surface is detected, causing the second shaft portion to drive the flight control surface to a safe position.

Abstract: A method and device for generating at least one set point from a flight control set point, a motor control set point and an aircraft guidance set point, a related computer program product and an aircraft are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes acquiring a mechanical property relative to at least one corresponding primary control member and computing at least one set point from among one or more primary set points and one or more secondary set points. The method also includes generating at least one of the computed set point(s) and switching, based on the mechanical property acquired for the corresponding primary control member, between a first mode in which one or more primary set points are generated and a second mode in which one or more secondary set points are generated.

Abstract: A device for lateral control of an aircraft includes a calculating unit for automatically applying, if conditions for turning of the aircraft are met, a symmetrical braking value at a brake assembly. Subsequently, in the course of the turn, the device automatically distributes this symmetrical braking value in differential braking between a braking device of the left main landing gear and a braking device of the right main landing gear of the aircraft. Distribution of the symmetrical breaking is performed as a function of current directional command orders in such a way as to maintain a constant overall braking level for, at least for directional command orders below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method provide emergency differential braking for effecting braked steering of an aircraft. A brake input device is provided that not only allows for emergency and parking brake functions, but also enables differential braking. The brake input device (e.g., a parking and/or emergency brake lever, pedal, handle, etc.) can be used in a brake system including a brake system control unit (BSCU), one or more electro-mechanical actuator controllers (EMACs) and a brake assembly including one or more electrical actuators. Each EMAC is electrically coupled to one or more of the actuators so as to provide electrical power for driving the actuators. Each EMAC is also communicatively coupled to the BSCU so as to receive braking data therefrom. In an emergency, the input device sends braking signals directly to the brake actuators.

Abstract: The instant invention provides cross-linkable coating compositions, process for producing the same, and substrates coated therewith. The cross-linkable coating composition comprises: (a) polyaldehyde, or acetal or hemiacetal thereof; (b) an acid catalyst having pKa of less than 6; (c) a liquid media; (d) an acrylic polycarbamate comprising at least an average of 2.0 carbamate functional groups, wherein said polycarbamate has a glass transition (Tg) of less than 25° C.; and (e) one or more fillers having a pH in the range of equal to or less than 9 and/or one or more pigments having a pH in the range of equal to or less than 9, and/or one or more additives having a pH in the range of equal to or less than 9, wherein said composition has a curing temperature in the range of less than 70° C.

Abstract: A rotorcraft may include an airframe and a rotor connected to the airframe. The rotor may include a hub and a rotor blade connected to the hub to extend radially away therefrom. The rotor blade may include biasing fibers, oriented to increase the twist of the rotor blade in response to an increase in the speed of rotation of the rotor corresponding to a mission, task, or maneuver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to provide sensor data and one or more processors. The one or more processors can be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environment type for the environment; select a flight mode from a plurality of different flight modes based on the environment type, wherein each of the plurality of different flight mode is associated with a different set of operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to operate within the environment while conforming to the set of operating rules of the selected flight mode.

Abstract: A seating arrangement includes a seat with a seating surface and a top bunk disposed adjacent to the seat. The seat and the top bunk are configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the seat accommodates a user in a seated position and the top bunk is stowed. In the second configuration, the seat and the top bunk form a bunk bed configured to accommodate users in prone positions. In the first configuration, the seating surface is disposed at a first predetermined height. In addition, in the second configuration, the seating surface is disposed at a second predetermined height that is lower than the first predetermined height.

Abstract: An aircraft seat includes a seat bucket that is integral by its seatback with a single beam oriented along an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the aircraft floor, which beam is integral with fastening points located on at least two separate lines on the aircraft floor.

Abstract: A balloon system is provided including a balloon envelope, a payload secured to the balloon envelope, a first parachute positioned within a parachute container, the parachute container secured to the payload, a first bridle line having a first end secured to the balloon system and a second end secured to the parachute container, a controller positioned on the balloon system, wherein when the controller receives a signal to deploy the parachute container, the controller is operable to cause the parachute container to be released downwardly from the payload.

Abstract: An aerodynamic fairing for a pylon of a turbojet engine, the fairing including: a frame oriented in a plane transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pylon, wherein the frame includes an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge; a deck attached to the lower edge of the frame; a downstream portion of the deck includes a front edge region overlapping a rear edge portion of an upstream portion of the deck, wherein an upper surface of the front edge region is joined to the lower edge of the frame such that the front edge portion is sandwiched between the lower edge of the frame and the rear edge region of the upstream portion of the deck, and a flange extends between and attaches the upstream portion of the deck and the frame and a gap is between the lower edge of the frame and the upstream portion of the deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft turbojet nacelle including a cowling assembly (60) made up of four covers (62, 64, 66, 68). Each cover extends in arcuate shape around part of the longitudinal axis of the nacelle, in symmetrical manner about a vertical plane (P) containing the axis. On either side of said plane, the cowling assembly comprises a top cover (62, 66) hinged at its top portion and a bottom cover (64, 68) hinged at its bottom portion. Access to the internal space (e) of the nacelle is obtained by moving the covers away from the longitudinal axis by pivoting them about their hinge axes. A top cover is less heavy for handling purposes than is a single cover of the prior art.

Abstract: An aircraft control system includes a co-axial, counter-rotating propeller shaft assembly. Also included is a first rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly, the first rotor having a first plurality of blades mounted thereto, wherein the first plurality of blades are disposed at a substantially identical nominal pitch during rotation of the first rotor. Further included is a second rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly, the second rotor having a second plurality of blades mounted thereto, wherein a pitch of the second plurality of blades is configured to cyclically change during rotation of the second rotor.

Abstract: A system is provided for inerting a fuel tank of an aircraft. The system includes a first compressor fluidly coupled to the fuel tank for removing an air and fuel vapor mixture from an ullage of the fuel tank. The system further includes a fuel processor fluidly coupled to the first compressor and configured to receive the air and fuel vapor mixture and to generate hydrogen from the air and fuel vapor mixture. The system further includes a fuel cell fluidly coupled to the fuel processor and configured to receive the hydrogen as anode fuel to produce electricity. The system further includes a combustor fluidly coupled to the fuel cell and configured to combust the exhaust product to produce combustion gas, and a first heat exchanger fluidly coupled to the combustor and configured to cool the combustion gas into inerting gas for the fuel tank.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a measurement system to measure characteristics of the velocity vector of an aircraft in relation to a surrounding air mass, the measurement system comprising—a frontal surface of the aircraft, two primary sensors, each being fixed to the frontal surface of the aircraft and able to deliver an output value relating to the deformation experienced by the sensor, and a processing unit able to receive the output values and able to calculate the angle of attack and/or the velocity of the aircraft on the basis of these output values.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling a flight obstacle lighting arrangement, wherein a receiver co-operates with a switching device for the flight obstacle lighting arrangement. According to the invention it is proposed that the receiver upon receiving a first predetermined signal controls the switching device in such a way that the flight obstacle lighting arrangement is switched off.

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine (“AWT”), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path, such as a substantially circular path, to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be coupled to a winch assembly via a tether. The winch assembly may include a winch drum and a drum door. The winch assembly may be configured such that the drum door may operate in two or more positions, such as an open position and a closed position, to reduce the likelihood of stability problems occurring at the aerial vehicle during winding or unwinding of the tether.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centring arrangement for a component carrier, in particular for a mounting frame for structural aircraft components, having a centring pin, a centring receptacle for the centring pin, and a rotary drive for rotating the centring pin about a longitudinal axis of the centring pin, so that the centring pin can be brought into centring engagement with the centring receptacle as a result of the rotation. The invention further relates to a method for centring and locking a centring receptacle.

Abstract: A method for testing a component part of an aircraft comprises the steps of determining at least one first test value of the component part of the aircraft and/or at least one first test value of a comparable component part of a further aircraft for at least one test parameter, inputting the first test parameter and the first test value into a pattern recognition system, which produces an inner correlation between the first test parameter and the first test value. The method further comprises the steps of defining at least one second test parameter, inputting the second test parameter into the pattern recognition system in order to determine a second test value by means of the inner correlation, checking whether the second test value falls within the predefined value range, and determining a third test value of the component part of the aircraft for the second test parameter if the second test value falls within the predefined value range.

Abstract: An improved spacecraft actuator wheel is provided which can be operated as a momentum wheel, a reaction wheel or a gimbal. The actuator wheel has a central cavity. One or more battery modules are located within the actuator wheel's central cavity. The battery modules supply power to one or more electronic components affixed to the actuator wheel or mounted on the spacecraft frame via an electrical harness. In addition, the actuator wheel's central cavity is pressurizeable for storing spacecraft propellant which can be controllably diverted to the spacecraft's thrusters through conduits and flow valves.

Abstract: A directionally-controlled roll-out elastically deployable solar array structure is disclosed. The structure includes one or more longitudinal elastic roll out booms that may be closed section or open section to allow for efficient rolled packaging onto a lateral mandrel. A flexible photovoltaic blanket is attached to a tip structure and to a lateral base support structure, but remains uncoupled from the longitudinal booms. The solar array system may be stowed simultaneously into a rolled package comprised of the roll out booms and the flexible planar blanket together, or onto independent rolls. Alternatively, the system may be stowed by rolling the booms, and accordion Z-folding the hinged flexible photovoltaic blanket into a flat stack. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the roll out booms, and several methods of deployment direction control are provided to ensure a known, controlled, and unidirectional deployment path of the elastically unrolling booms.

Abstract: A non-explosive tension release actuation device includes an initiator system and a housing base attached to the initiator system. The device also includes a carriage assembly positioned at least partially within the housing base. The carriage assembly includes a carriage unit, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The first rocker arm and the second rocker arm are attached to the carriage unit and to the initiator system. The device further includes a load attachment unit positioned at least partially within the carriage unit and between the first jaw and the second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to swing away from the load attachment unit in response to a downward motion of the carriage unit relative to the housing base.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact has a pan made from an elastomeric material. The pan is elastically biased to a size that is smaller than a pre-formed cake of cosmetic product. The empty pan is temporarily expanded by applying vacuum to a bottom and sidewalls of the pan. The cake of cosmetic is inserted in the expanded pan and the pan is released from the vacuum. The pan contracts toward the smaller size and thus traps and holds the cake in the compact.

Abstract: An injection member penetrates an elastic septum of a device defining a sealed, empty, sterile chamber in fluid communication with the septum. During penetrating, an annular interface is formed between the septum and the injection member extending axially between a penetration point on an interior surface of the septum in fluid communication with the sterile chamber, and an exterior surface of the septum engaging the injection member. The injection member is de-contaminated by (i) friction between the septum and injection member at the annular interface, and (ii) elongation of the septum at the annular interface. A substance is introduced through the injection member and into the sterile chamber of the device, the injection member is then withdrawn from the septum, the septum reseals itself at the resulting penetration aperture, and the chamber is maintained sterile throughout the foregoing steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermo-forming packaging machine comprising a product feeder for feeding a product to a loading stretch of the packaging machine, and a film web having trays formed therein wherein the trays are configured to receive a product. The product feeder may be arranged at least partially parallel to the loading stretch of the packaging machine. The thermo-forming packaging machine also includes a side panel disposed along the loading stretch that is formed such that it also forms part of the product feeder.

Abstract: Provided is a method for packing a cable having a static friction coefficient of 0.15 or more and 0.50 or less, a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.10 or more and 0.40 or less and a bending rigidity of 60 gf or more and 350 gf or less. The method includes the steps of: (1) winding the cable into a figure-of-eight shape to form a cylindrical cable bundle, (2) winding a wrapping film as a restraining member, which restrains the cable bundle, around an outer circumferential portion of the cable bundle, (3) winding a wrapping film as a closing member which closes openings on both ends of the cable bundle, and (4) housing the cable bundle being wound with the restraining member and the closing member in a housing container.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a container pack includes a linear transporter, applicator elements, and head guides. The linear transporter has first, second, and third sections. Transport surfaces run parallel to one another in said first section, are oriented at an angle to one another in said second section, and again run parallel to one another in said third section. The second section comprises applicator elements having transversely displaceable and rotatable head guides for single-container transport along said three sections. The apparatus is configured to bring containers together in said third section to form said pack and to transport said pack towards a discharge side.

Abstract: Improved product handling and transfer apparatus includes rotatable product buckets for receiving product and re-orienting product for packaging in diverse configurations or containers. Buckets preferably include channels spanned by deposited product or receiving product therein, with bucket turning as appropriate to a packaging configuration. Flat bottom buckets and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A labeling device may include a platform configured to advance objects, a sensing device directed toward the objects as the objects are advanced, and a label supply. The labeling device may include a robot configured to pick-up labels from the label supply and apply the labels to the objects as the objects are advanced, and a controller configured to operate the robot based upon the vision device.

Abstract: A bottle made of polymer material includes a base provided with a plurality of ribs. Each rib is composed of a curvature of the base of the bottle which forms a protuberance in the longitudinal direction directed towards the inside of the bottle. The ribs extend in a radial direction along a line of radial extension. The bottle is characterized in that the projection, in a transverse plane, of the line of radial extension of at least one of said ribs is curved.

Abstract: A compartmented bottle has a primary compartment and at least one secondary compartment. The primary compartment has an exhaust aperture and an inlet aperture, and the secondary compartment has a secondary exhaust aperture. The inlet aperture of the primary compartment and the secondary exhaust aperture of the secondary compartment are fluidically connected by an inter-compartmental conduit, and a selectively actuated inter-compartmental valve is disposed in the conduit. The valve, which could comprise a cylindrical valve, has a closed condition wherein the secondary compartment is sealed and an open condition wherein the secondary compartment is in fluidic communication with the primary compartment. A toroidal collar can bridge an annular channel between the primary and secondary compartments to establish a continuous cylindrical surface. The valve can be operated by a handle disposed at a distal end of an actuation rod that is drivingly engaged with the inter-compartmental valve.

Abstract: In a device for shaping a flat blank (46) made of cardboard into a container (48), comprising a shaping tool (50) and a ram (10) which can be moved in a primary shaping direction (z) into the shaping tool (50) so as to erect the flat blank by means of the shaping tool (50), at least two lateral walls (18) which can be pivoted about a respective pivot axis (s) located transversely relative to the primary shaping direction (z) are hinged to the ram (10), whereby a main surface defined by the free end edges (19) of the lateral walls (18) can be adjusted. In order to carry out a pivoting motion, the lateral walls (18) are seated in a non-positively sliding manner against wedge elements (28) by means of pretensioned spring elements (22, 24), the wedge elements being displaceable in the primary shaping direction (z).

Abstract: The flanged container for a dairy product or similar food composition is provided with a hollow body and a generally planar annular flange connected to the top of the body, the flange having outer straight side edges and an inner edge defining a circular upper opening of the container. The body has a planar bottom and a lower portion tapering from a generally cylindrical upper portion toward the bottom in a curved manner. The lower portion has a height h1 in some embodiments not less than 14 mm and the ratio h1/H is less than 2:5 where H is the height of the container. The side wall of the body has a thickness profile such that the average thickness of the lower portion is more than the average thickness of the upper portion. Several identical containers can be grouped in a pack with breakable junctions at the outer straight side edges.

Abstract: A corrugated plastic box and a method for manufacturing a corrugated plastic box from a blank are provided. The method includes the steps of forming rounded edge seals on the perimeter edges of the blank, pre-sealing portions of the blank to form a plurality of areas in which major and minor flap slots and a glue tab are desired, ultrasonically scoring the blank to form a plurality of flap score lines, and cutting the blank through the plurality of pre-sealed flap slots and glue tab, leaving a sealed edge.

Abstract: A divider that has a die-cut board that is grease resistant coated on both sides and is scored to define a plurality of alternative valley and peak folds. There is at least one perforated line that passes through all of the valley and peak folds. The divider may taper at its sides from the peak folds to neighboring ones of the valley folds. Two perforated lines may be provided to sever the tapers from the sides to leave the sides substantially reside in parallel planes with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box with lid which allows easy access to and removal of the product contained at the bottom or bottoms of the box, said box comprising at least one body (1) provided with cutting and folding lines demarcating a first central sector (10) forming the bottom of the body (1), and a pair of end sectors (11) corresponding to the larger sides of the body (1); further comprising a lid (2) also provided with cutting and folding lines demarcating a second central sector (3) forming the upper surface of the lid (2), and a pair of side sectors (4) corresponding to the larger sides of the lid (2), said second central sector (3) having a transverse perforated line (7) and two side perforated lines (8) to allow opening the entire lid (2) or part thereof.

Abstract: An adhesive tape system, for opening cardboard packaging, having an adhesive tape A furnished on at least one side with an adhesive coating and having a film carrier, the film being a polyolefin film oriented monoaxially in the longitudinal direction of the strip, and the film comprising a mixture of an olefinic polymer and a polar nonolefinic polymer. The adhesive tape system also has an adhesive tape B furnished on at least one side with an adhesive coating and having a film carrier, wherein the adhesive tapes A and B are disposed one above the other.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealing opening dispensing lid made of injected plastic material for foodstuff packages of solid, dry, powdered or grain products is made up of a movable body hinged to a frame by means of a hinge, the frame is secured to the package by perimeter ridges and ultrasonic welding or by an edge which goes through the wall of the package and joins an inner counter frame, the movable body is made up of two lateral walls with retaining elements which act on tabs placed at the top of the frame, a front wall with a hinged gripping flange, an upper bridge and a lower bridge, the lid is provided with racks spaced from the lateral walls which cooperate with a second pair of tabs, and the bridge may contain a set of parallel ribs preventing the products from going through the movement zones.