Abstract: An actuator system for controlling a flight surface of an aircraft includes a first actuator having a first actuator input and a first linear translation element that moves based on rotational motion received at the first actuator input and a first sensor coupled to the first linear translation element that generates a first output based on a displacement of the first linear translation element. The system also includes a second actuator having a second actuator input and a second linear translation element that moves based on rotational motion received at the second actuator input and a second sensor coupled to the second linear translation element that generates a second output based on a displacement of the second linear translation element. The system also includes a control unit that receives the first and second outputs and determines if an error condition exists for the system based on first and second output.

Abstract: A position sensor system for a landing gear assembly includes a cylinder operatively coupled to an aircraft. Also included is a piston configured to translate within the cylinder. Further included is a pattern disposed on an outer surface of the piston. Yet further included is a scanner operatively coupled to the cylinder and positioned to optically detect the pattern during translation of the piston. Also included is a microprocessor in operative communication with the scanner and configured to receive data from the scanner for conversion to a quantity of movement of the piston relative to the cylinder.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying method for helping an UAV flying to a location of an owner of the UAV or flying to a predetermined place includes the following steps of: triggering the UAV into a hijacked mode; ascertaining if the UAV is capable of flying or not; the UAV flying to the location of the owner or to the predetermined place if the UAV is capable of flying; and, the UAV sending a distress signal to the owner if the UAV is not capable of flying. Therefore, the UAV is capable of flying back or sending information after entering the hijacked mode, so as to avoid or lower the loss caused by losing the UAV or the UAV being captured by the captor.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to optimise the monitoring and security of at least one enclosure, allowing a constant and complete view of the enclosure, and a modulated assessment of the state of security of same. For this purpose, the invention proposes to transmit images of the enclosure wirelessly to a mobile medium for helping the flight crew assess the situation and the measures to take in case of a sensitive security situation.

Abstract: A drone includes a light emitter that emits light and circuitry which, in operation, obtains flight state information regarding a flight state of the drone, determines, on the basis of the flight state information, a direction in which the light emitter is to emit light, and controls the light emitter such that the light emitter emits light in the determined direction.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement for an aircraft includes a navigational lighting group disposed along at least a leading edge of a wing of the aircraft and a light bar for non-navigational purposes extending along at least a portion of the leading edge of the wing, adjacent to the navigational lighting group, the light bar being disposed outboard of the navigational lighting group, the light bar being configured to emit non-navigational light along a length thereof.

Abstract: An exterior aircraft light includes a mounting board, having an upper side, a lower side and a plurality of side faces; at least one LED, arranged on the upper side of the mounting board; and a mounting board enclosure and lens structure, wherein the mounting board enclosure and lens structure comprises a lens arranged over the at least one LED for shaping an output light intensity distribution of the exterior aircraft light and a covering layer arranged on the upper side, the lower side and the plurality of side faces of the mounting board, wherein the mounting board enclosure and lens structure is an integral silicone structure.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.

Abstract: A system for starting a gas turbine engine of an aircraft is provided. The system includes a pneumatic starter motor, a discrete starter valve switchable between an on-state and an off-state, and a controller operable to perform a starting sequence for the gas turbine engine. The starting sequence includes alternating on and off commands to an electromechanical device coupled to the discrete starter valve to achieve a partially open position of the discrete starter valve to control a flow from a starter air supply to the pneumatic starter motor to drive rotation of a starting spool of the gas turbine engine below an engine idle speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing aircraft failure are provided. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving a first set of data from an aircraft in flight indicative of a failure event associated with the aircraft. The first set of data can be indicative of at least one or more conditions associated with the aircraft. The method can include performing one or more computer-based simulations to generate one or more simulated failure events, based at least in part on the conditions. The method can include identifying one or more simulated causes associated with the simulated failure events. The method can include determining one or more potential causes of at least a portion of the failure event, based at least in part on the simulated causes. The method can include communicating a second set of data indicative of at least the potential causes, to the aircraft while it is in flight.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualization of aggregated maintenance data for a plurality of assets, such as aircraft, are provided. More particularly, systems and methods can be used to access one or more portions of data from a plurality of aircraft-related data streams including at least one maintenance data stream for a plurality of aircraft. One or more operational events and one or more maintenance events can be identified from the plurality of aircraft-related data streams. A chart of the one or more operational events and one or more maintenance events tracked over a period of time for each aircraft can be provided for display.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sampling de-icing fluid from an airplane de-icer having a spraying nozzle for spraying the de-icing fluid onto a surface of an airplane, the de-icing fluid preferably being produced by the airplane de-icer by mixing a number of ingredients. The method comprises the steps of: i) obtaining a limited sample of the de-icing fluid by diverting at least a part of the de-icing fluid flowing towards the spraying nozzle for a period of time during the spraying of the de-icing fluid onto the surface of the airplane, and ii) collecting sample of the de-icing fluid in a sample container. A system for sampling de-icing fluid is also provided as well as an airplane de-icer comprising the system.

Abstract: An aircraft high-lift device comprising a kinematic chain connected to flaps, the kinematic chain comprising a plurality of shafts connected by coupling systems. This high-lift device comprises at least one differentiated coupling system different from the non-differentiated coupling systems, the differentiated coupling system being configured to be coupled to an adapter and comprising at least one poka-yoke feature. Another subject of the disclosure is an aircraft which comprises at least one high-lift device.

Abstract: An aircraft weight and balance data management system includes a central server storing weight and balance data thereon which communicates over a communications network with computer devices belonging to both pilot and maintenance persons respectively. The system i) receives up to date data from maintenance persons, ii) calculates weight and balance specifications for aircraft according to data from maintenance persons, iii) communicates the specifications to a pilot, and iv) calculates variations to the specifications for a loaded aircraft for all fuel burn scenarios. The system communicates up to date weight and balance information relating to large numbers of aircraft configurations to a central location such that all maintenance personnel and pilots have access to the same up to date information.

Abstract: A reusable staging system comprising: a processor-based device configured to monitor one or more rocket stages of a launch vehicle having a payload, wherein the processor-based device has at least one interface communicating with the one or more rocket stages of the launch vehicle; and a memory device for storing data and executing software routines, and wherein the reusable staging system is disposed within the payload of the launch vehicle, and wherein the reusable staging system is configured to actively monitor flight-related data to detect one or more detach requirements; and further configured to release the one or more rocket stages when the one or more detach requirements is met.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying a group of panels. An apparatus comprises a group of panels in a folded configuration against a side of a spacecraft, a group of flexible members connected to the group of panels, and an interface system associated with the group of panels and the group of flexible members. The interface system is configured to move the group of panels from the folded configuration to a deployed configuration when the group of flexible members is extended from the spacecraft.

Abstract: A fuel cell-based power system comprises a fuel cell configured for continuously receiving a first reactant and a second reactant to produce chemical reactions that generate electrical power, water, and heat, a coolant subsystem configured for circulating a primary coolant in association with the fuel cell, thereby absorbing the generated heat, a tank configured for storing a reactant, and a reactant distribution subsystem configured for conveying the reactant from the tank to an independent system, the fuel cell as the first reactant, and the coolant subsystem as a secondary coolant to remove the absorbed heat from the primary coolant and/or a water accumulator. The secondary coolant may be conveyed to a gas thruster as a gas after the absorbed heat has been removed from the secondary coolant. The reactant may be boil off of a cryogenic liquid or vapor or gas transformed from a cryogenic liquid via a heater.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining orbital parameters for spacecraft are provided. A computing device can receive a first plurality of orbital parameters defining a first orbit by a first spacecraft of a particular object. The first orbit can have a corresponding first ground track over the particular object. The computing device can receive a following time for a second spacecraft. The computing device can determine a second plurality of orbital parameters for a second orbit by the second spacecraft of the particular object based on the first plurality of orbital parameters and the following time. The second orbit can have a corresponding second ground track over the particular object that follows the first ground track. The computing device can generate an output that includes the second plurality of orbital parameters.

Abstract: A machine and a method are for the automatic preparation of substances for intravenous application. The machine includes a container receiving zone which defines a matrix of individual positions for initial and final containers, and a number of actuators for transferring substances from initial container to final container. Each of the actuators is positioned beneath the zone for receiving initial and final containers, each of the actuators is able to move relatively, independently of the rest of the actuators, and each of the actuators is suitable for receiving and operating injectors with different volumes and degrees of precision in order to remove substances from initial containers and insert them into final containers.

Abstract: Methods of filling a tank reservoir of an electronic cigarette or cartridge for an electronic cigarette with a vaporizable material so that air is not entrapped within the cartridge. In particular, described herein are methods of filing a tank volume of a cartridge for an electronic cigarette from a bottom or side surface opposite a wick so that the wick remains at least partially dry and can vent air during filling until the tank volume is full.

Abstract: A method is provided of making form fill and seal (FFS) bag formed at least in part from an open mesh material that includes filaments that intersect one another. At least some of the filaments are composite filaments having a carrier portion of a relatively high melting point and a bonding portion of a relatively low melting point, the bonding portion of each composite filament being thermally bonded to other filaments at points of intersection. The material may be a non-woven fabric that contains at least two layers of weft filaments that may be bordered on one or both sides by a layer of warp filaments. When compared to other open mesh materials, the open mesh material disclosed herein has a superior combination of some or all of high strength, light weight, high dimensional stability, and openness.

Abstract: Methods of making non-durable self-supporting flexible containers.

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: The invention relates to a drive unit for a strapping device for strapping an item to be packed with a plastic tape which is laid around it, having a motorized tensioning device and a motorized welding device for the plastic tape, wherein the tensioning and the welding device can be driven by the same electric motor which can be brought alternatively into an operative connection with said devices with freewheels being connected in between. The problem has occurred in drive units of this type that they are relatively complicated to assemble and have problematic operational reliability under certain boundary conditions. In order to bypass said problems, it is proposed to provide the electric motor with at least one shell extension which protrudes beyond it at one axial end, with the result that the drive elements which have up to now been mounted separately in the housing of a strapping device can be supported directly on the electric motor which then acts as a drive unit.

Abstract: Two series of work products move along parallel paths into open bags mounted on wickets and carry the bags to shipping containers. When the bags on the wickets are depleted, the wickets are automatically removed and replaced by wickets loaded with a new supply of bags.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing packages of infusion products, such as a bag filled with a dosed quantity of a product, a tag and a length of thread attached at opposite ends to the bag and to the tag respectively, includes a forming group of the filled bag, a feeding group of the formed bag and of the tag, a cutting and feeding group of the length of thread, and a sewing head of the length of thread to the bag and to the tag.

Abstract: A method, comprising steps: (a) placing a plurality of produce in an airtight chamber having a quantity of air and a first pressure, wherein the plurality of produce comprises water; (b) removing the quantity of air via a first vacuum pump to reduce the first pressure in the airtight chamber providing a vacuum cooling effect, wherein the water evaporates until the plurality of produce reaches a predetermined temperature; (c) packaging each individual produce of the plurality of produce in a container, wherein the container has a second pressure; (d) reducing the second pressure via a second vacuum pump; and (e) injecting a nitrogen gas inside the container until the container reaches a third pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the oxygen content in a storage/transportation device. The system includes a flexible bag type enclosure, a source if inert gas, and a source of vacuum. The enclosure has sealable input and output ports. The system has a vent to the atmosphere. In use, the interior enclosure environment is suctioned down, and re-pressurized with an inert gas. Sever suction/infusion cycles may be necessary, with possible recirculation taking place between or during cycles.

Abstract: A sonotrode and anvil are adapted for ultrasonic welding of work pieces, to produce a narrower weld region that exhibits greater durability, permitting use of less material per package. The horn-to-anvil contact is through a plurality of energy directors arranged into a three-dimensional grid pattern to be capable of distributed vibration-transmissive contact. The energy directors include a series of plateau surfaces regularly spaced apart in a first direction, and in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, to form the grid pattern. The energy directors of the horn are configured to interlock with the energy directors of the anvil. The rectangular-shaped plateaus are spaced apart by angled side-surfaces that form valleys. A stepped transition to a corresponding region of reduced height for the energy directors of the sonotrode and anvil may form a cosmetic seal region with a lesser integrity, in addition to the main barrier seal.

Abstract: A packaging method for packaging elastomer parts (1), such as stoppers for pharmaceutical containers, the method comprising the following steps: packaging parts (1) in a primary bag (10) made of material that is substantially impermeable to gas; and introducing in said primary bag (10), a nitrogen-based atmosphere, with at least 80% nitrogen; said primary bag (10) being packaged in a secondary bag (20), with a vacuum being applied between said primary bag (10) and said secondary bag (20)

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method and apparatus for a resealable package having an internal zipper seal. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a vertical form, fill, and seal machine that includes a former, a vertical sealer, and a zipper separation blade located between the former and the vertical sealer. The zipper separation blade further comprises a connector and a blade body that defines a zipper gap between an exterior surface of the former and the blade body.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials is described. In one example, the system includes two or more apparatuses adapted to be secured in adjacent spaced relation to one another on a planar surface so as to support a roll of wrapping material above the planar surface so as to freely rotate between a pair of apparatuses. Each apparatus includes a clamp assembly adapted to be actuated by a user to removably attach its corresponding apparatus to a ledge of the planar surface so that the supported roll is parallel to and above the planar surface.

Abstract: A label including an RFID tag according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be selectively attached and detached in such a manner that one region of the label is attached and fastened onto a product box in a strong adhesive manner and a label region including an RFID tag is attached onto the product box in a weak adhesive manner, and thus a user is enabled to check information that is described on one region of the product box and is covered with the RFID tag. In this case, when the amount of information to be described on the product box is excessively large and thus all the information cannot be described, a space for the description of information can be enlarged by describing the remaining information in one region of the first base film of the label.

Abstract: A method and a device for applying a shrink film sleeve to a container is provided. The method includes perforating the shrink film sleeve at predefined intervals, expanding the perforated shrink film sleeve by means of an expansion device, such as an expansion mandrel, conveying the expanded shrink film sleeve along the expansion device by a conveyor roller pair, tearing off the shrink film sleeve at the perforation by means of a downstream dispensing roller pair whose conveying speed is at least temporarily higher than the conveying speed of the conveyor roller pair, and shooting the torn-off shrink film sleeve onto the container.

Abstract: A multicompartment ventilated box is shaped by folding and attaching one or more blanks of a material. One or more attachment portions enable forming at least one compartment. The box may comprise an upper and a lower compartment and perforations that permit air flow between the compartments and to the exterior of the box. The compartments may be separated by a tray portion which transitions between an elevated and a collapsed position.

Abstract: A blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container includes a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a top panel coupled together in series. At least one cutout and at least one bridge portion are defined along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel. The at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to maintain the top panel in a plane spaced above a top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load, and to allow the top panel to move downwardly such that at least a portion of the top panel is substantially co-planar with the top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load.

Abstract: A carton for carrying a plurality of articles includes a plurality of panels for at least partially forming an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, and the plurality of panels include a material having a grain direction. At least one handle is formed in the top panel and defines a major axis that is substantially parallel to the grain direction.

Abstract: A carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels for at least partially forming an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel. A handle is in at least the top panel. The handle includes a handle feature in the top panel and a flexible handle panel adjacent the handle feature.

Abstract: A package is provided, comprising a packaging material having a bulk layer and being formed into a three-dimensional container by folding the packaging material along predefined crease lines thus forming a fracture along the crease lines. The package comprises a plurality of corners, wherein at least one of the corners is arranged at an area of the packaging material in which two or more crease lines intersect.

Abstract: A tamper resistant box includes: a front panel; a side panel attached to the front panel at a first fold line; a back panel attached to the side panel at a second fold line; a side top flap attached to the side panel at a third fold line; and a front top flap attached to the front panel at a fourth fold line. In some examples, the side top flap can define a tapered slot extending towards the third fold line from an edge of the side top flap at a location distal from the third fold line, and a widest portion of the tapered slot can define a tapered slot width. In further examples, the front top flap can define a top slot having a top slot width that is less than the tapered slot width.

Abstract: A combination that can be used as a pallet alone or modified to be used as a container. The combination includes a pallet and a container. The pallet rests on a horizontal surface and can be used as a pallet when used alone. The container has a bottom and selectively extends upwardly from the pallet. The pallet forms the bottom of the container when the pallet is modified to be used as the container. Further included are a method for constructing the pallet and a method for constructing the container.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes first and second cylindrical portions which are detachably interconnected end-to-end. The first portion is arranged to store consumables, such as bags, for collecting pet faeces and includes a tubular side-wall 110 having an aperture formed therein through which the consumables can be dispensed. The second portion is arranged to store a fluid such as a hand sanitizer and has an outlet at one end through which the fluid can be dispensed. The dispensing device provides a convenient manner for storing consumables and associated fluids together, so that, for example, a user can sanitize their hands after picking up pet faeces using a dispensed bag.

Abstract: An invention to protect the surface of dining table food containers that are commonly used among patrons of eating establishments, dining halls and cafeterias from the collecting and retransmitting of non-sanitized hand-borne or air-borne germs and pathogens introduced through contact with commonly used dining table food containers. The invention involves the new use of specially formed paper as an external container for various dining table food containers. The specially formed paper is configured in a tubular shape to encase dining table food containers of various dimension and thereby protect the enclosed surface of a properly sanitized dining table food container from germ accumulation. The specially formed paper tube is further treated with commercially available chemical agents, applied to its outer surface, in order to inhibit the collection, accumulation and retransmission of non-sanitized hand-borne or air-borne germs introduced through repeated non-sanitized hand or atmospheric contact.

Abstract: A protective bottle enclosure for enclosing and sealing a bottle with an open mouth carried within the enclosure. The enclosure includes a container having an upper portion and a base removably coupled to the upper portion, and an external cap applicable to the container in a seated position of the cap. In the seated position of the cap, the cap seals the open mouth of the bottle carried in the enclosure and forms an impermeable inner seal between the cap and the bottle. A stopper carried by the cap forms the impermeable inner seal between the cap and the bottle, and in the seated position of the cap, the cap is fully seated against the upper portion of the container and forms an impermeable outer seal between the cap and the container.

Abstract: A food storage container including a bottom side having bottom surface features with differential heights, sides with at least one pair of opposing vertical channels; at least one divider panel sized for selective placement in the opposing vertical channels, and a lid. The divider panel has an upper edge that sealingly engages the lid and a lower edge that sealingly engages the bottom surface of the bottom side. Food placed on the bottom surface can breathe without passing odors to food in a neighboring compartment.

Abstract: A container comprises a plant based structural layer having an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, and a pre-formed polymeric liner layer secured to the plant based structural layer and lining at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface.

Abstract: A storage bag includes first and second side surfaces that form an interior of the bag with an opening to the interior. A first closure profile connected to the first side surface and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag has a top edge and includes an interlocking member that extends between the first and second sides. A second closure profile connected to the second side surface and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag has a top edge and includes an interlocking member. A lip extends between the interlocking member and the top edges of the first and second closure profiles. The lip is a single, continuous web having certain dimensions from the interlocking member to the top edges of the first and second closure profiles.

Abstract: Provided are a packaging bag in which the breakage of a handle or irritation to a user's hand due to a load of the packaging bag when the user moves while gripping the handle in a state in which heavy contents such as grain or the like fills the packaging bag can be minimized by forming a sealed handle at the packaging bag, and a method of manufacturing the same. The packaging bag includes a packaging sheet constituted by a first sheet, and second sheets extending from both sides of the first sheet to be folded in a rear-surface direction of the first sheet so that both ends overlap to be sealed; an upper sealing section sealed so that inner surfaces of the reinforcement film and the packaging sheet adhere to seal an upper section; and a handle section positioned at the upper sealing section and punched to be gripped.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a resealable package, a film for forming the resealable package, and a corresponding method. The resealable package includes a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, an upper transverse seal located at an upper end of the resealable package and a lower transverse seal located a lower end of the resealable package. The resealable package also includes a hermetic back seal extending along the back panel from the top transverse seal to the bottom transverse seal, and a zipper seal located within the interior region that spans the width of the resealable package.

Abstract: A bag 1 with a reclosable tape includes a reclosable tape 20 having a male fastener part 21 and a female fastener part 22 attached to one inner surface of a bag body 10, a cut tape 23 provided between mounting base parts 212 and 222 of those fastener parts, and an easily unsealable structure 50 formed on the mounting base part 212 adjacent to the cut tape 23 in an unsealing start part 30 of a side seal part 60 of the bag body. The easily unsealable structure 50 may be formed by: forming a hole portion 50a or a portion formed by a weak line on the mounting base part 212, arranging a thickness of the mounting base part 212 in the unsealing start part 30 so as to be thinner than other portions, or forming a non-adhesive part between the mounting base part 212 and the cut tape 23.