Abstract: A device for making available navigation parameter values of a vehicle is provided. The device includes components distributed in the following categories: several sensors collecting measurement data relating to at least one navigation parameter of the vehicle; several computers processing the measurement data collected by the sensors and calculating said navigation parameters; several networks linking the sensors to the computers and linking the computers to systems using said parameters. The networks transmit all the collected measurement data to the computers, which calculate a value for each navigation parameter as well as an estimated value of the associated fault, using a single common fusion algorithm.

Abstract: An aircraft-based mobile device connectivity system generally includes a housing, an avionic systems interface integrated into the housing, a wireless interface integrated into the housing, and a data security module. The avionic system interface is configured to be communicatively coupled to an avionics system external to the housing. The wireless interface is configured to provide wireless communication with one or more mobile devices. The data security module is configured to receive commands from the mobile devices, securely process the commands, receive avionics data from the avionics system via the avionic systems interface and the avionics module, and securely transmit the avionics data to the mobile devices.

Abstract: A cable cutter (10) for an aircraft (27) comprises an electrically-conducting body (12) configured to be mounted on an aircraft (27) and to cut a cable and an electrically-conducting auxiliary member (38) attached to, and electrically isolated from, the body (12). The body (12) and auxiliary member (38) are configured to together form an antenna. A method of manufacturing an antenna for an aircraft comprises the steps of providing a cable cutter (10) for an aircraft, the cable cutter comprising an electrically-conducting body (12) configured to be mounted on an aircraft (27) and to cut a cable; providing an electrically conducting auxiliary member (38) and attaching it to the body (12) so as to be electrically isolated from the body (12); and providing an antenna connector (42) and connecting the terminals thereof to the body (12) and auxiliary member (38) respectively.

Abstract: A retractable rotor blade assembly includes a rotor hub assembly having a rotor hub wall, a pitch disc mounted to the rotor hub wall for undergoing rotation about a longitudinal axis, and retractable rotor blades configured to be extended and retracted relative to the rotor hub assembly. Each of the rotor blades has an interlink assembly, a blade base, and a damper for dampening movement of the interlink assembly during extension and retraction of the rotor blade. The interlink assembly includes a plurality of interconnected link base subassemblies each configured to be translated along a span of the rotor blade such that each subsequent link base subassembly becomes stacked one atop the other while remaining connected to a next link base subassembly. The blade base is interconnected between the pitch disc of the rotor hub assembly and one of the interconnected link base subassemblies.

Abstract: The vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle includes a pair of selectively rotatable ducted fans and a selectively rotatable thrust vectoring nozzle providing vertical takeoff and landing for an unmanned aerial vehicle or a similar type of aircraft. A pair of fixed forward-swept wings are mounted on a rear portion of a fuselage, and a pair of canards are mounted on a top end of a forward portion of the fuselage. The pair of ducted fans are respectively mounted on free ends of the pair of canards, and are selectively rotatable about an axis parallel to a pitch axis of the fuselage. An engine is mounted in the rear portion of the fuselage, and a thrust vectoring nozzle is mounted on the rear portion of the fuselage for directing thrust exhaust from the engine. The thrust vectoring nozzle is selectively rotatable about an axis parallel to the pitch axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which includes two longitudinal deflecting surfaces or two pluralities of longitudinal deflecting surfaces, which are symmetrical on either side of the plane formed by the roll and yaw axes of the device and substantially in line with the roll axis and parallel to same, an air flow generator including at least one axial fan suctioning ambient air by means of at least one propeller faired in a flow path and, downstream of said propeller, an air distributor-diffuser, consisting of two adjacent semi-distributors each defining a curved duct directing the air to an outlet opening and toward the longitudinal deflecting surface or plurality of longitudinal deflecting surfaces.

Abstract: The claimed versions belong to tilt rotors nonexpendable aircrafts. In general, the convertiplane has a fuselage, a wing and engine groups. In one embodiment each engine group is designed in the form of at least one engine positioned with the possibility to turn, provided that the engines in groups are designed in view of the condition of thrust change relative to each other and/or groups and engine groups are positioned at the tip of corresponding wing at front fuselage and tail fuselage. In a second embodiment the wing is designed combined in the form of forward-swept wing and aft-swept wing, each engine group is designed in the form of at least one engine positioned with the possibility to turn, provided that the engines in groups are designed in view of the condition of thrust change relative to each other and/or groups and groups are positioned at the tip of corresponding wing.

Abstract: A modular mounting structure is described which allows for the easy installation and removal of various payloads from a vehicle structure. An embedded electrical bus feature further supports the installation of the various payloads into the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using a set of wing mounted thrust producing elements and a set of tail mounted rotors for takeoff and landing. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to vertical takeoff with the rotors in a rotated, take-off attitude then transitions to a horizontal flight path, with the rotors rotated to a typical horizontal configuration. The aerial vehicle uses different configurations of its wing mounted rotors and propellers to reduce drag in all flight modes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine nacelle includes a first annular portion that is stationary and adapted for partially surrounding an engine core. The first annular portion includes a fore pylon connecting portion. A rail is coupled to the fore pylon connecting portion and extending in the aft direction from the first annular portion. A second annular portion, aft of the first annular portion and coupled to the rail, is movable along an engine core centerline between a closed position and at least one open position. The second annular portion is configured to engage with the first annular portion when the second annular portion is in the closed position, thereby providing access to the engine core. A guide pin extends forward from the second annular portion. A locking mechanism is disposed within the first annular portion for engaging the guide pin when the second annular portion is in the closed position.

Abstract: An aircraft LED light unit is disclosed that includes a flat electric circuit device having a first main surface, a second main surface and at least one side surface extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, power supply circuitry, disposed in the electric circuit device, at least one heat transport element, disposed in the electric circuit device, and at least one LED. The at least one LED is arranged on the at least one side surface of the electric circuit device, is electrically coupled to the power supply circuitry, and is in heat exchange relationship with the at least one heat transport element.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes a sensor adapted to detect at least one vehicle in the vicinity of a predetermined area and generate target data relating to the at least one vehicle. An awareness engine receives the target data and evaluates the target data for a threat of a collision. An alerting system is adapted to alert the at least one vehicle in the event of a threat of a collision, the alerting system being activated by the awareness engine.

Abstract: There is described herein a propeller balancing system and method that determines a stable cruise condition of an aircraft during flight, and considers vibration data for propeller balancing collected while the aircraft is in the stable cruise condition. Parameters used to determine stable cruise condition may be unique for each flight and/or aircraft, and balancing solutions may be determined based on these unique parameters.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and composition are described for a payload delivery system capable of moving a radioactive high level waste payload from the Earth to being captured by the Sun. The payload delivery system comprises a rocket system capable of being carried and launched from an aircraft. The rocket system has at least one stage that utilizes one and only one propellant being a single liquid propellant and a final stage that utilizes pneumatic cannon driven by the final stage combustion or ullage gases to propel the radioactive high level waste payload toward the Sun.

Abstract: A deployment algorithm that populate a group of companion satellites around a center satellite, and a control algorithm for maintaining the companion satellites in close formation around the center satellite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for disturbance compensation based on a sliding mode disturbance observer for a spacecraft with a large flexible appendage, comprising steps of: a) building a spacecraft attitude control system; b) constructing an external system, the external system being incorporated with an uncertain portion of a damping matrix of a flexible appendage of the spacecraft; the external system being incorporated with an uncertain portion of a rigidity matrix of the flexible appendage of the spacecraft and describing a sum of flexible vibration and environmental disturbance; c) configuring a sliding mode disturbance observer for estimating the value of the sum of flexible vibration and environmental disturbance; d) compounding a nominal controller with the sliding mode disturbance observer in step c) to obtain a compound controller; the compound controller compensating for the sum of flexible vibration and environmental disturbance.

Abstract: The invention relates to the protection of spacecraft from debris and to de-orbiting devices of the atmospheric drag type, and to debris sweeping apparatus for the removal of debris from the space environment. The debris shielding apparatus for a spacecraft has a shield unit including a shielding surface for impeding incident debris. The shield unit is attached to the spacecraft body and has a drive mechanism for positioning the shield unit in relation to the spacecraft body. The drive mechanism is capable of moving the shield unit between a stowed first position and a deployed second position. In the deployed second position the plane of the shielding surface is at an angle to the spacecraft body.

Abstract: A toilet used in outer space comprises a housing, a gathering system and a collecting system installed in the housing, wherein the gathering system is an electric feeding mechanism with a conveying channel, a spiral shaft, an inlet member fitted to the conveying channel, and an outlet member formed on the conveying channel, the spiral shaft is placed in the conveying channel to move axially relative to the conveying channel, and includes a cleaner located below the conveying channel and inserting through the conveying channel having a sleeve member fitted to an output gear thereof, and the sleeve member actuates the spiral shaft to rotate via a pillar and includes a tab disposed on an inner wall thereof to correspond to the spiral groove, between the pillar and the conveying channel is defined a compression spring; the gathering system being connected to the outlet member.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a device for filling a container with a material including a conduit comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, and a tamper integrally coupled to the conduit, wherein the tamper is configured to move laterally in a straight path horizontally, wherein a tamping face is configured to tamp in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A closer for containers, in particular bottles, with a closing head acting in a clean room and with an electric motor comprising at least one rotor and at least one stator, with the closing head connected with the rotor, and an element for clean room separation is formed between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A hand held tool for the tensioning and severing of cable ties, including reciprocating means for tensioning the cable tie tail, locking means to prevent further tensioning upon the attainment of a preselected tension level in the tie tail, and severing means to sever the tie tail from the cable tie head.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching a communication to a package including a simple, inexpensive solution enabling a person giving a gift to easily and aesthetically display a greeting card on a gift bag without it getting lost in the contents of the gift bag and also including, in another embodiment, attaching a communication to a gift, such as, but not limited to, a bottle of wine or a teddy bear; this solution provides sufficient surface area for a user to write a private message, and including the ability to secure other items, such as, but not limited to, gift cards or money.

Abstract: A conveying system for conveying rolled absorbent products. The system can include a first conveyor and a second conveyor for moving rolled absorbent products. The rolled absorbent products can be either partially wrapped or naked. The first and second conveyors can each have aligned centerlines parallel to a direction of movement. A first transfer device can be coupled to the first conveyor for diverting at least a portion of the partially wrapped rolled absorbent products in a direction substantially orthogonal to the centerline of the first conveyor to another conveyor for moving the diverted rolled absorbent products to a subsequent unit operation. The un-diverted portion of the conveyed rolled absorbent products can be conveyed to the second conveyor. In operation rolled absorbent products can be conveyed in a generally straight path from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, or in a path that diverts away from the first conveyor to the subsequent unit operation.

Abstract: A bag securing device is described that fits over the corner of a corner of a produce shipping container once a shipping bag contained therein has been opened and splayed over the edges of the container. By fitting the devices to each of the four corners of the container, a shipping bag is securely held therein substantially eliminating the risk of the bag being pulled from the container when the contents, such as lettuce, are dumped there from for further processing.

Abstract: A labelling machine comprising a supply spool support (12) adapted to receive a supply spool (28), a takeup spool support (14) adapted to form a takeup spool (32) of web (30) from which at least some labels (74) have been removed, a motor (40) arranged to turn the takeup spool, and a controller to control operation of the motor. A web path (16) is defined between the supply spool and the take-up spool, and the controller is arranged to control the motor to turn the take-up spool so as to cause controlled predetermined linear movement of a web along the web path and onto the take-up spool, furthermore comprising a sensor (50) operable to sense linear displacement of the web and/or displacement of the web in a direction other than the direction of the web, a printer (34) movable between a first position and a second position, and a separator surface (24) comprising a first portion inclined relative to the web path.

Abstract: A foamed and stretched plastic bottle having, in the body portion thereof, a foamed region in which foamed cells are distributed, wherein, in at least a portion of the foamed region, the lengths of the foamed cells in the axial direction of the bottle are so distributed as to gradually decrease as the positions of the foamed cells shift from the outer surface side of the body portion toward the central portion thereof and then gradually increase as their positions shift from the central portion thereof toward the inner surface side thereof. The foamed and stretched plastic bottle of the invention exhibits excellent light-shielding property.

Abstract: A container defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis. The container includes a finish and a sidewall portion extending from the finish. A plurality of ribs are defined by the sidewall. A base portion extends from the sidewall portion and encloses the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity. The base portion has a contact surface for supporting the container. A plurality of straps extend radially along the base portion away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction, each one of the straps defines a strap surface that is closer to the finish than the contact surface. The plurality of ribs and the base portion are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic charge-up when top load is applied to the container after the container is filled.

Abstract: A fluid container and method of manufacture. The fluid container may be a drinking vessel, and may include an opening in a bottom surface thereof and a coupling device around the opening. The coupling device may include a first component in contact with the bottom surface of the fluid container around the opening and a second component in contact with the first component in a fluid-tight closed configuration. The second component may include a magnetic material. The coupling device may be biased in the fluid-tight closed configuration via magnetic attraction of the first and second components.

Abstract: The storage box is fanned from a sheet provided with a plurality of folding lines defining a parallelepiped provided with six faces. One of the faces is a hinged lid, and it is characterized in that the opposed face to the hinged lid comprises a first sector provided with an oblique folding line that defines a first joining zone. A second sector also provided with an oblique folding line that is joined to the first sector in the first joining zone; and a third sector is provided with an oblique folding line that defines a second joining zone; and a fourth sector that is joined to the third sector in the second joining zone.

Abstract: A package for containing items having a flip-open package closure is provided. In some embodiments, the package includes a rigid package body and a flexible closure flap. The flexible closure flap is coupled to a hangtab portion of the package body such that the flexible closure flap moves from a closed position to an open position with respect to the package body based on a position of the hangtab portion. An upper edge of a front side of the package body engages the lower portion of the closure flap when the package is closed, while the lower edge of the closure flap is released from the upper edge upon pivoting backward of the hangtab portion. Such pivoting of the hangtab portion, and corresponding manipulation of the closure flap, may occur without directly contacting the closure flap.

Abstract: A bulk bin has a perimeter wall and first and second floor panels hingedly joined to the perimeter wall. Each floor panel is selectively foldable from a stowed position to a deployed position. In some embodiments, the first floor panel has a first tab and a first hole and the second floor panel has a second tab and a second hole. The first tab is configured for being selectively received in the second hole for interlocking engagement with the second floor panel, and the second tab is configured for being selectively received in the first hole for interlocking engagement with the first floor panel to secure the first and second floor panels in the deployed position. In certain embodiments, the perimeter wall includes multiple wall portions foldably joined together. At least two of the wall portions are joined at a fold joint of at least three spaced apart vertical creases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container end closure that generally comprises a pour opening and a secondary vent opening which improves venting during emptying of contents from the container. In particular, the present invention relates to an end closure for a container having scores defining a secondary vent opening which may optionally be opened. The secondary vent opening has a significantly larger area then vents of prior art designs and thereby improves pour rate and smoothness of pour. After the pour opening is opened using a pull tab interconnected to the end closure, a consumer may selectively open the secondary vent opening by pulling back on the tab.

Abstract: Jack units are employed to attach skates to an object to be moved. Each jack unit has a tongue that slidably engages a coupling slot affixed to the object, and can be operated to raise or lower the tongue; when raised, the object is supported on the skates and can be rolled to a new location. A crane can attach to lift eyes on the jack units to allow the system to be lifted with the skates attached to the object, avoiding the risk of positioning the skates while the object is suspended. Rotation-limiting structures can be employed to block rotation of the trailing skates to facilitate steering when rolling the object supported by the system. The coupling slots can be provided in coupling elements which can attach directly to the object or which can be employed to form a freestanding frame to which the object is secured.

Abstract: A component carrying tray includes a bottom plate on which a component is stacked, and a projection. The projection has a main body and a regulator. The main body is hollow and has a tapering shape. The regulator is formed in the main body and extends in a direction perpendicular to the carrying surface and contacts a side surface of the component to regulate the component carried on the carrying surface. The bottom plate has a through hole so that when the component carrying tray is stacked on an additional component carrying tray, a projection of the additional component carrying tray comes into the hollow part of the main body. An opening is formed in the projection and configured to avoid, when the component carrying tray is stacked on an additional component carrying tray, interference between the projection and a regulator of the additional component carrying tray.

Abstract: A collapsible receptacle, such as a beverage cup, that is reconfigurable between expanded and collapsed configurations with an inner sleeve with first and second opposed major walls divided by opposed fold lines, an outer sleeve with first and second opposed major walls divided by opposed fold lines, and a liner retained by the inner and outer sleeves. The receptacle is retained in an expanded configuration when the opposed fold lines of the inner and outer sleeves are not aligned, and the receptacle can be collapsed when the opposed fold lines are aligned. A lid can be removably retained by a retaining ring. The opposed fold lines of the inner and outer sleeves can be disposed in groups, such as groups of two fold lines, so that the sleeves have opposed minor walls. The major walls can taper in thickness from their mid-portions to the opposed fold lines.

Abstract: A container is in an integral form, and has a body, two handles, a handle combination structure, a folding combination structure, and two lids. The handles are connected with the body, and connecting portions between the handles and body are bendable. The handle combination structure is formed on the handles to selectively combine the handles. The folding combination structure is formed on the handles and the connecting plates to selectively combine the handles and the body. The lids are connected with the body, are respectively located in spaces which are respectively formed in the body and the handles, and connecting portions between the body and the lids are bendable.

Abstract: A plastic food storage bag having a spout at a top corner of the bag for facilitating pouring out the contents of the bag. The bag can be sealed with the spout in a closed position, just inside the press-seal or zipper-seal of the bag. The spout is rotatable from the closed position into an open position in which it extends out of the bag, for guiding the contents of the bag while being poured out the bag. The spout may be formed of a wedge-shaped plastic piece folded symmetrically along a central fold line, with front and back outside surfaces respectively secured to front and back major surfaces of the bag.

Abstract: A device for indicating the filling level of a container, including: a first mobile element located inside of the container and capable of moving along a wall of the container when the filling level of the container varies; an enclosure containing a liquid or a gel, located outside of the container on the side of said wall opposite to the first element; and a second mobile element located inside of the enclosure and plunged into said liquid or gel, the second element being magnetically coupled to the first element and being capable of moving in the enclosure along said wall by following the displacements of the first element.

Abstract: Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers with easily variable sizing. Line ups of flexible containers have similar sizes, shapes, and constructions, but hold differing amounts of fluent product at unexpected fill heights.

Abstract: A zipper tape with a cut tape that makes it possible to reduce the number and area of parts bonded to a bag body, reduce the defectives rate, and unseal a bag in a reliable manner at a predetermined position; and a packaging bag provided with the zipper tape with a cut tape.

Abstract: A dispenser for viscous foods like condiments, batter and syrups employs a flexible plastic bag made of a flexible plastic material. The dispenser includes a cylinder having an annulus and defining an open interior. The cylinder receives the flexible plastic bag within the open interior. The cylinder includes a threaded nozzle that extends away from the open interior. A dispensing cap threadingly engages the threaded nozzle and includes a hollow tube and at least one knife edge which extends past the annulus into the open interior.

Abstract: A fitment assembly is operable to dispense confectionary from a container and to operably support a decorating nozzle through which the dispensed confectionary is discharged. The fitment assembly includes a fitment body and a coupler. The coupler includes a coupler ring presenting a ring opening, with the fitment body extending into the ring opening. The coupler further includes a coupler cap covering the fitment opening and removably attached to the coupler ring along a line of weakness. The coupler cap is separable from the coupler ring along the line of weakness to expose the fitment opening.

Abstract: A metal closure having multiple thread engaging lugs configured to decrease the pressure exerted by the closure lugs on the neck of a container is provided. In various embodiments, the metal closure comprises a top wall, a skirt extending downward from a peripheral edge of the top wall, a lower edge included on the skirt, and a plurality of lugs formed at the lower edge of the skirt. Pressure may be decreased by the closure having more lugs and/or larger lugs than other metal closures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal bottle seal that is disposed on the curl of the metal bottle. The bottle seal may be held in place by crimping of the curl. In addition, adhesive may be used to hold the bottle seal on the curl. Adhesives can be used that fill discontinuities that may exist in the curl as a result of substantial drawing and ironing of the metal. Further, the metal bottle seal can be made of a material or laminated with a material that is soft enough to fill the discontinuities. The seal can be preformed as a continuous annulus for easy application to the top of the metal bottle. The metal bottle seal can also be used in conjunction with a cap seal to ensure an adequate and reliable seal.

Abstract: The closure device for bottle comprises an inner sleeve with locking means on the bottle, a cover with tear-off element, coupled to the inner sleeve, wherein said cover is connected with the tear-off element by a weakened section. The inner sleeve is a hollow cylindrical element with open butt ends, outer projections are formed on the lower part of the sleeve and the tear-off element is formed with inner projections for coupling with the outer projections of the sleeve. The inner sleeve comprises an annular element arranged on its inner surface which can provide additional visual tamper-evident through the outer side surface of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An airtight container for storing comestibles and other articles is disclosed that includes a bottom container portion having a bottom seal section, a top container portion having a top seal section, the top seal section engaged with the bottom seal section to form a container seal at a circular interface, an opening in the top portion, the opening recessed from an outer surface of the top portion and a lid door movably secured to the top portion in which the lid door is configured to selectively engage the opening to form an access seal and in which the top container portion is configured to promote laminar flow across the top portion outer surface.

Abstract: On a sealing plug (10) for sealing an opening (12) in a component (14), in particular in a vehicle body part, comprising a base body (16) which can cover the opening (12), a plurality of projecting latch elements (34) which can latch onto the rear wall of the component (14) are provided on the rear face of the base body (16). Further, a plurality of centring elements (40, 48) arranged separately from the latch elements (34) are provided on the rear face of the base body (16) and can lie resiliently flexibly against the edge (54) of the opening (12).

Abstract: A reclosable elastomeric fastener and method for sealing storage and serving containers using same. The fastener consists of two complementary elastomeric profiles, having male and female interlocking elements, which extend around the periphery of the lid and container components of a storage receptacle. The reclosable fastener forms a water-resistant seal when the male and female elements of the complementary profiles are mutually occluded.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible container including a body, a base including an emptying spout and a cover including a filling spout, includes: cutting, from a sheet of flexible material, four main panels of the body and the base and four cover panels, each main panel having a square or rectangular shape having four sides, the bottom side being extended by an approximately trapezoidal extension, whose end towards the bottom is extended by a tab, the extension and tab forming the base and emptying spout, each cover panel having a substantially trapezoidal shape with a base towards the bottom and whose end towards the top is extended by a tongue forming the filling spout; forming a fold in each main panel along the top side; fixing the fold to form at least one loop per main panel; assembling and securing together the four main panels and four cover panels.