Abstract: A steering control system for a watercraft includes a pivoting steering tiller manually operated and operatively connected to a direction changing member acting on or into the water, such as a rudder blade or an outboard motor; and a system locking the steering tiller in the steering position, which can be activated for keeping the tiller in a predetermined pivoting position and deactivated for allowing the tiller to be moved in a pivoting position to carry out a change in direction. According to the invention the locking system is switchable by way of switching actuators that are controlled by a control member provided on the arm.

Abstract: A system for dynamic positioning of a vessel includes a number of generators that generate electrical power. The system also includes a power distribution system having a first bus that obtains a first portion of the electrical power from a first portion of the plurality of generators and a second bus that obtains a second portion of the electrical power from a second portion of the plurality of generators. The system further includes a thruster that generates thrust using the first portion of the electrical power and the second portion of the electrical power.

Abstract: A composite stiffener is provided with an integral conductive element extending longitudinally through an entire length of the composite stiffener to form a portion of an electrical ground/return system in a composite structure. The integral conductive element provides both structural strength and conductivity, and may be formed from graphite nanotube filaments, carbon nanofibers or nanoparticles, or a metallic filler material. The integral conductive element is disposed in a terminal portion of the composite stiffener and may include a terminal tab for connecting to the ground/return system.

Abstract: A method of making a panel assembly that includes forming a thermoplastic panel, placing a thermoset portion into a pocket in a mold, placing an attachment member into the pocket in the mold, positioning the thermoplastic panel in the mold, cooling the thermoplastic panel while heating the thermoset portion to flow at least a portion of the thermoset portion into openings defined in the thermoplastic panel, and cooling the panel assembly so that the thermoset portion hardens, thereby securing the attachment member to the thermoplastic panel.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system for an aircraft that includes leading surfaces is provided. The thermal insulation system includes a carrier and a container. The carrier has an interior surface that includes a first plurality of magnets that generate a first magnetic field, and an exterior surface that is thermally coupled to the leading surfaces of the aircraft. The container is surrounded by the interior surface of the carrier, has an exterior surface including a second plurality of magnets that generate a second magnetic field oriented opposite the first magnetic field, and has an interior that includes electronics. The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field generate a gap between the carrier and the container to reduce a heat transfer from the leading surfaces to the electronics during operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: A blade root extends in a longitudinal direction between a proximal end and a distal end. The rolling bearing allows oscillation of the root about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction relative to a housing. The rolling bearing includes a single outer ring, a first inner ring providing a distal seat, a second inner ring fitted onto the seat and held in axial abutment against the first inner ring. The inner surface of the first inner ring includes a shoulder for assembly to a blade root. The outer surface of the single outer ring includes a shoulder for assembly to a housing.

Abstract: a Systems and methods for uplock systems are provided. An uplock system may comprise a body, a hook having an opening defining at least a first surface and a second surface, the hook being rotationally engaged with the body, a first biasing member configured to bias the hook in a first rotational direction relative to the body, and a cam in operable communication with the hook and the body such that the hook has at least a first stable position and a second stable position relative to the body when biased in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A method of engaging a drive system with a rotating wheel of an aircraft landing gear is disclosed. A motor is operated to rotate a pinion which is moved from a neutral position to a contact position in which it contacts a rotating driven gear at an initial contact time, the rotating driven gear being mounted to a rotating wheel of an aircraft landing gear; then after the initial contact time moving the pinion further to a meshing position where the pinion meshes with the driven gear. A centre-to-centre distance between the pinion and the driven gear reduces as the pinion moves to the contact position and to the meshing position. The driven gear has Ngear teeth or rollers, the pinion has Npinion teeth or rollers which mesh with the teeth or rollers of the driven gear when the pinion is at the meshing position.

Abstract: A transformable aerial vehicle includes a fuselage and a body frame. The fuselage includes a transmission mechanism including a leadscrew, at least two nuts threadedly connected to the leadscrew and connected to each other, and a nut adapter sleeved on one of the at least two nuts. The body frame includes a main support arm connected to the nut adapter, a crossbar connected to the main support arm, and a rotary power mechanism mounted on the crossbar.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) that will facilitate extended flight duration. The UAV may have any number of lifting motors. For example, the UAV may include four lifting motors (also known as a quad-copter), eight lifting motors (also known as an octo-copter), etc. Likewise, to improve the efficiency of horizontal flight, the UAV also includes a pivot assembly that may rotate about an axis from a lifting position to a thrusting position. The pivot assembly may include two or more offset motors that generate a differential force that will cause the pivot assembly to rotate between the lifting position and the thrusting position without the need for any additional motors or gears.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes a fuselage from which a tilt-wing respectively extends, first prop-rotors, which are formed to define first rotor disks and which are respectively disposed on first portions of each side of the tilt-wing, second prop-rotors, which are formed to define second rotor disks and which are respectively disposed on second portions of each side of the tilt-wing such that the corresponding pairs of first and second rotor disks overlap, and a drive shaft system. The drive shaft system is configured to synchronize respective operations of the first and second prop-rotors.

Abstract: This invention proposes a method which enables one to combine several autonomous areal vehicles into a larger areal vehicle. In particular, the proposed method enables arranging areal vehicles in a joint formation whereby a number of winged sections is joined horizontally and the flapping of the wings between the sections is coordinated in such a manner as to increase the lift-to-drag ratio. Changing the angle between the sections during the flight is done to increase the maneuverability of the vehicle.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the disclosed technology, apparatuses and methods are provided for an unmanned flying craft that senses different aspects of its surroundings and adjusts flying patterns in response thereto. The apparatus may employ a plurality of sensors for detecting and receiving information and/or signals from locations surrounding the apparatus. The disclosed technology may employ sensors directed to receiving and translating hand gesture signals performed by a user. Moreover, other sensors may constantly monitor elevation and automatically control altitude based on elevation. Still further, proximity sensors may sense nearby obstacles to be avoided by the flying craft.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a system capable of a self-propagating data link includes an unmanned vehicle having a data link transceiver and at least one deployable data link transceiver. The unmanned vehicle having a deployment means for deploying the at least one deployable data link transceiver.

Abstract: A remotely controlled or autonomously controlled UAV is disclosed. The UAV has both wings and a deployable parachute to enable both fixed wing flight and paraglider flight. The UAV can fly at a higher speed to a mission area as a fixed wing craft, and loiter over the area as a powered paraglider. In some embodiments, the wings are jettisoned over the mission area and the UAV configured as a powered paraglider completes its mission. In other embodiments the UAV flies to the mission area as a fixed wing craft, deploys the parachute to loiter as a powered paraglider and then jettisons the parachute to fly under a fixed wing back to a base. The former embodiment cannot fly back to a base, they may be used to carry and deploy bombs or grenades, while the latter may be used for surveillance, deliver supplies or the like.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed relating to maintaining an outer mold line of a vehicle after a payload is deployed from the vehicle, and providing a low-force non-frangible method of deploying a payload from a vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to transport of products in a region. A delivery system is mounted to an overhead surface of a region, and at least one in communication with the delivery system is subject to movement along sections of the delivery system. The delivery system has a primary section extending through a length of the region, and a secondary section extending relatively perpendicular to the primary section. More specifically, the at least one container is subject to movement along at least first and second axes to transport a product for delivery to a destination. The first axis is parallel with the primary and secondary sections. The second axis is orthogonal to the first axis and the delivery system.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin assembly is depicted and described having a cabin wall, which surrounds a cabin interior space and has a wall surface facing the cabin interior space, and having a light source, which is provided in order to emit light onto the wall surface. The problem of providing an aircraft cabin assembly which, irrespective of the light outside of the aircraft cabin assembly, as effectively as possible gives a passenger in the cabin interior space the impression that the cabin interior space is larger than it actually is, is solved in that the wall surface has a holographic image of an object and in that the light source is designed to emit the kind of light onto the wall surface that allows the holographic image to be seen as a three-dimensional image of the object which is the subject of the holographic image.

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.

Abstract: A galley cooling system for an aircraft includes a trolley compartment s which includes a cooling unit. A first cooling fluid manifold connects to a cooling fluid outlet or a cooling fluid inlet and has a first cooling fluid manifold wall defining a portion of a lateral boundary of a receiving space of the trolley compartment. A first cooling fluid opening is in the first cooling fluid manifold wall connecting the first cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment. A second cooling fluid manifold connected to the cooling fluid inlet or outlet of the cooling unit has a second cooling fluid manifold wall defining a portion of an upper boundary of the receiving space of the trolley compartment, a second cooling fluid opening in the second cooling fluid manifold wall to connect the second cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment.

Abstract: A passenger seat arrangement for a transport vehicle has at least one first passenger seat or row of seats having a first backrest, at least one second passenger seat having a second backrest which, by its rear side, faces the rear side of the first backrest, and a seat supporting frame. The seat supporting frame comprises a first backrest reinforcing strut which is arranged along the first backrest at a first inclination angle with respect to the horizontal, and a second backrest reinforcing strut which is arranged along the second backrest at a second inclination angle, supplementary to the first inclination angle, with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: Described are aircraft passenger seat assemblies with a passenger seat, a component with an outer surface attached the passenger seat. An inductive wireless power unit with a coil assembly is included with the aircraft passenger seat assembly, and the coil assembly is positioned within the component. A portion of the outer surface of the component covers the coil assembly. Wires connecting the coil assembly to a power supply are hidden from view within the aircraft passenger seat assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight seat (100) that includes a seat base (102), a seat bottom (103) attached to an upper portion of the seat base, a seat back (101) attached to a rear portion of the seat bottom, and a seat belt assembly (150) secured to the seat bottom. The seat belt assembly may include a strap (104) attached to an underside of the seat bottom and extending from a first end adjacent to first side of the seat bottom to a second end adjacent to a second side of the seat bottom and a seat belt disposed adjacent to an upper side of the seat bottom, wherein a first end of the seat belt is attached to the first end of the strap and a second end of the seat belt is attached to the second end of the strap.

Abstract: A thrust recovery outflow valve includes a valve frame for mounting on an aircraft exterior skin and a bi-fold valve door that is mounted within the valve frame. The bi-fold valve door includes an aft door section, a forward door section, and a ram air flap. The aft door section is rotatable between an aft door closed position and an aft door full-open position and has a ram air opening formed therein. The forward door section is rotatable between a forward door closed position and a forward door full-open position. The ram air flap is rotationally mounted on the aft door section and is rotatable between a flap closed position, which prevents air flow through the ram air opening, and a flap open position, which allows air flow through the ram air opening.

Abstract: An air data probe comprises an elongated body structure having a proximal end and a distal end, with the elongated body structure including an outer surface and an opposing inner surface that defines an interior channel. A probe tip is located at the distal end of the elongated body structure, with the probe tip including an outer surface and an inner surface that are contiguous with the outer an inner surfaces of the elongated body structure. The probe tip has an opening in communication with the interior channel that allows outside air to pass from the probe tip into the interior channel. An electrical heater cable is coupled to the elongated body structure and the probe tip. The electrical heater cable comprises a compact double layer helix portion coupled to the elongated body structure or the probe tip, or coupled to both the elongated body structure and the probe tip.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft is provided having an aft engine configured to be mounted to the aircraft at an aft end of the aircraft. The aft engine includes a fan rotatable about a central axis of the aft engine having a plurality of fan blades attached to a fan shaft. The aft engine also includes a nacelle encircling the plurality of fan blades and a structural support system for mounting the aft engine to the aircraft. The structural support system extends from the fuselage of the aircraft, through the fan shaft, and to the nacelle when the aft engine is mounted to the aircraft. The aft engine may increase a net thrust of the aircraft when mounted to the aircraft.

Abstract: A smart electronic location flare is formed of an assembly of power source, self-contained activation switch, computer processor, and satellite communication device. The unit components are all housed inside a double-skinned, thermally insulated, sealed container. The unit is constructed such that it may be located throughout an aircraft's structure, condition activated, withstand impact with water at its own terminal velocity, remain floating and regularly transmit geo-location data concerning its location.

Abstract: A wearable electronic display system detects aircraft flight related conditions, compares the detected flight related conditions with rules or procedures, retrieves flight condition information relating to phase of flight, and displays small amounts of contextually relevant flight condition information on a display screen.

Abstract: A splined muff is provided for use with a ram air turbine (RAT). The splined muff includes a body formed of plastic material that acts as an insulator during a lightning strike. The body is formed to define an aperture and includes an interior facing spline for engagement with a complementary exterior facing spline; and an exterior facing spline for engagement with a complementary interior facing spline.

Abstract: A method for predicting temperatures tolerable by a component, a piece of equipment or a vehicle structure. This method includes the steps of determining, for each piece of equipment, component or structure of the vehicle, such as an airplane, a temperature spectrum depending on a plurality of extrinsic parameters measured during a full operating cycle of the airplane, by taking into account, for each piece of equipment, component or structure, possible combinations of the extrinsic parameters and setting aside unlikely combinations of the extrinsic parameters, determining, for each piece of equipment, component or structure, the probability of occurrence of the spectrum during the full airplane operating cycle, and defining a database including the temperature spectra so as to predict the lifetimes of the piece of equipment, component or structure and redefine weather and operational standards indicating extreme temperatures and their probability of occurrence obtained with the measured extrinsic parameters.

Abstract: Method suitable for production of oxygen and methane from carbon dioxide and oxide minerals transported aboard human-occupied spacecraft or found on Mars or other celestial bodies with use of dodecatungstophosphoric acid, which is regenerated with the use of acids such as phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid, which is then mixed with sodium tungstenate. Embodiment using a hydrogenated large complex polymer formed of polycarbonate and PO4W12O36.

Abstract: A twist capsule rotary joint system for passing a fluid through a pressure hull without a dynamic seal. A rotating cylindrical drum positioned outboard of the pressure hull is adapted to be driven in a reciprocating manner through an angle and backward through the same angle. At least one outboard pressure line or hose has a first end attached to a fixed connector that extends through the pressure hull near and radially outward of the rotating cylindrical drum. A second end of the outboard pressure line or hose is attached to a connector that extends through the top outboard surface of the drum. As the drum rotates, the pressure line wraps around the drum, or unwraps from the drum. In an exemplary embodiment, two pressure lines carry two-phase coolant through the pressure hull of a spacecraft in support of a rotating radiator that is adapted to rotate to present a minimum surface area toward the sun.

Abstract: System, hardware, and methods for agitating a package pre-form containing a charge of product elements thus to provide for product settling in the package pre-form before forming the final transverse seal. The product is caused to settle in the package pre-form by apply a plurality of rapid jerk-type acceleration forces to the packaging material, thus to cause rapid longitudinal and/or lateral acceleration in the packaging material.

Abstract: A method for operating a packaging device and a packaging device are provided. Guide units which are fastened to transporter of a transport unit are moved along a plurality of supply and dispensing units. The transporter is driven by a drive axle coupled to a motor and returned via a deflection axle, the motor being coupled to a control unit. The transporter and/or the deflection axle have a plurality of markings spaced at predefined intervals, and at least one travel difference or time difference between two markings is determined. The determined difference is compared to a setpoint value and the drive axle is stopped when a deviation between the setpoint value and the determined difference exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A system for loading an accumulated article group into a case is provided. The system includes an article accumulation station, a grouped article loading station, and a pusher assembly. The accumulation station includes an article receiver assembly in furtherance of delimiting an accumulated article group, and a grouped article guide structure within which the accumulated article group is positionable by operation of the article receiver assembly. The grouped article loading station includes a gate assembly, having first and second operable configurations, and an actuatable gate through which the accumulated article group passes during loading of the group into a case presented for receipt of same.

Abstract: Method for forming a packaging (2) from a container (1) that has a body (5), a neck (8), and a bottom (6), the container (1) having a deformable zone (15) with an extended configuration in which the zone (15) projects toward the outside of the container (1), with a retracted configuration in which the zone (15) projects toward the inside of the container (1), with this method including the following operations: filling the container (1) with a hot product; closing in an airtight manner the thus filled container (1); measuring the temperature of the stoppered container (1); comparing the measured temperature to a preset threshold value; if the measured temperature is less than or equal to the threshold value, moving the deformable zone (15) back toward its retracted position.

Abstract: Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards dual cavity apparatus and related methods involving hermetically sealing the cavities by evacuating and atmosphere therein, filling the cavity with a gas, and sealing the gas in the cavities. This evacuation and fill approach is carried out through openings that provide access to the cavities. During evacuation of at least one of the cavities through one of the openings, one or more spacers prevent the cavity from collapsing in response to the vacuum force.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming sealed pouches comprising: a rotatable base forming drum having an outer surface with a plurality of base tooling cavities in the outer surface; a base stock supply mechanism for feeding a base stock film of material along a base stock path, a portion of the base stock path extending along the outer surface of the base forming drum; a system for displacing the base stock film into the base tooling cavities to form a pocket of base stock film material within each base tooling cavity; a material feed mechanism for feeding at least one material into each pocket of the base stock film; a rotatable lid forming drum having an outer surface with a plurality of lid tooling cavities in the outer surface; a lid stock supply mechanism for feeding a lid stock film of material along a lid stock path, a portion of the lid stock path extending along the outer surface of the lid forming drum; a system for displacing the lid stock film into the lid tooling cavities to form a lid recess of lid stock fi

Abstract: An apparatus for forming sealed pouches includes a rotatable base forming drum having a plurality of base tooling recesses in its outer surface, a base stock supply mechanism feeds a base stock web of material along a base stock path extending in part along the outer surface of the base forming drum, and a material feed mechanism feeds at least one material into the base tooling recesses. A lid stock supply mechanism feeds a lid stock web of material along a lid stock path that intersects with the base stock path downstream of the material feed mechanism, a hardenable material feed mechanism feeds a hardenable material along the base stock path or the lid stock path, and mechanism brings the base stock web and the lid stock web into contact under pressure. In one form a cooling system provides cooling to assist in cooling the hardenable material.

Abstract: A system, method and kit permitting more accurate determination of film usage in a pallet wrap machine involves rotary encoders that engage with the actual film, rather than a pre-stretch or stretch roller. At least one rotary encoder engages with unstretched film before a pre-stretch roller takes up the film and at least one rotary encoder engages with stretched film after the film leaves the stretch roller. Slippage of the film on the rollers, which is a common occurrence, is not a factor that affects the data generated by the rotary encoders.

Abstract: Described is a device (1) for applying self-adhesive labels (101) on moving containers (2), comprising means (28) for feeding a web (103) along a movement path, the labels (101) being arranged on the web (103) to bring one label (101) at a time to a detaching unit (12). The detaching unit (12) is operatively associated with the labels (101) for detaching them from the web (103) in such a way as to apply them to a container (2). The device (1) also comprises a unit for controlling the feed means (28) designed for moving the web (103) along an outward direction (19) to bring a respective label (101) to the detaching unit (12). In addition, after a label (101) has been detached, the control unit is designed to move the web (103) in a return direction (20), opposite to the outward direction, by a predetermined distance in such a way as to increase the movement space between the detaching unit (12) and the next label (101).

Abstract: A structural body having an underlying surface of a resin and holding a liquid layer on the underlying surface, wherein fine particles are dispersed in the resin forming the underlying surface to suppress the permeation of the liquid layer. The structural body effectively suppresses the extinction of the liquid layer with the passage of time.

Abstract: A vessel is configured to hold a product in an interior region formed in the vessel. In illustrative embodiments, the vessel includes a floor and a sidewall coupled to the floor to extend away from the floor. Together the floor and sidewall cooperate to define the interior region.

Abstract: An improved growler has a lower container portion and upper container portion which can be unscrewed from each other. Once separated, the lower container portion and upper container portion are more easily and effectively cleaned, especially when compared to existing growlers. The improved growler benefits further from the addition at least one fluid transfer port. One fluid transfer port, placed on a lateral surface of the lower container portion, is a self-sealing valve (e.g. stem valve) that allows for the improved growler to be more easily filled from a keg tap or similar device. A second fluid transfer port can be positioned into a neck of the upper container portion, which allows for air to flow into the improved growler in order to facilitate smoother pouring of liquids. A fluid transfer port is also capable of converting the improved growler into a smoking apparatus by coupling with a stem bowl.

Abstract: A plastic preform is provided that includes a closed bottom portion; a lower portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion; and a neck portion extending upwardly from the lower portion. The neck portion includes a support flange having an upper and lower surface, threads, a tamper-evident formation, and a dispensing opening at the top of the neck portion. In an embodiment, the weight of the neck portion is 3.0 grams or less; and the vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening to the lower surface of the support flange, including the threads and the tamper-evident formation, is 0.580 inches or less. A container and method for making a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reusable stackable shipping box are provided herein. The reusable stackable shipping box may be reused and cleaned without causing harm to the integrity of the box. In addition, the box is slightly tapered in shape such that the box may be stacked upon and within other boxes for ease in shipping and organization.

Abstract: Embodiments of foldable containers, such as foldable produce containers, and related sheets and methods. In some embodiments, a container may comprise a first side panel comprising a first locking tab and a rollover flap. The rollover flap is configured to be folded with respect to the first side panel to expose the first locking tab. The first side panel further comprises a clearance aperture, wherein the first locking tab is positioned within the clearance aperture such that the clearance aperture provides spacing between the first locking tab and the rollover flap. The container may further comprise a first top panel comprising a slot for receiving the first locking tab. The first top panel may further comprise a first locking flap configured to extend adjacent to an exterior surface of the container to secure the first top panel in a closed position to at least partially enclose the container.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton has a display feature comprising a display opening in at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel, and a display panel foldably connected to the top panel. The display panel is located in the interior and spaced-apart from the opening. The display panel is at least partially visible through the display opening.

Abstract: A tab is provided to facilitate opening of a can end. The tab has a nose portion located at a first end of the tab and a lift portion located at a second end of the tab opposite the nose portion. A rivet receiving portion is located proximate to the nose portion, and includes a rivet hole. A flange extends rearwardly from the lift portion of the tab to define a gap. The gap provides increased space between the underside of the flange and the exterior of the container end, thereby facilitating opening of the container end.

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