Abstract: Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) inter-vehicle communication for hazard handling. For certain example embodiments, at least one machine may: (i) receive one or more flight attributes from a remote UFV, with the one or more flight attributes indicative of one or more flight capabilities of the remote UFV; or (ii) adjust a flight path of a UFV based at least partially on one or more flight attributes received from a remote UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base vehicle, a takeoff and landing system, a rack system, a refueling system associated with the base vehicle, and a controller. The rack system comprises a group of racks with slots in which the slots receive unmanned aerial vehicles, provide refueling connections that facilitate refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots, and provide data connections that facilitate data transmission with the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots. The refueling system refuels an unmanned aerial vehicle located in a slot using a refueling connection in the refueling connections. The controller communicates with the unmanned aerial vehicle using a data connection and control the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles by the refueling system while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in the slot, enabling exchanging data with the unmanned aerial vehicle and the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicle simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides lightweight fluid-jet thrust pack which provides three rotational axes and reduced restriction of fluid flow to the output nozzles. A first rotational axis is provided by a first rotatable coupling that is concentric with a coupler for a hose supplying pressurized fluid. The top of the first coupling has a splitter which directs incoming fluid into two splayed stub supply pipes. A preformed, reinforced rubber hose connects each stub supply pipe to one of a pair of coaxial rotatable couplings at opposite ends of a tiltable cross arm assembly that is pivotally secured to tower support bracket that is secured to the first rotatable coupling. An outward rotatable portion of each of the coaxial rotatable couplings is equipped with one boot-mounting platform and a downward-projecting jet nozzle that is in communication with the stub receiver pipe of the same rotatable coupling.

Abstract: A container is used to launch a small aircraft, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), from a host aircraft. The container protects the UAV from stresses during the initial ejection from a launcher that is part of the host aircraft. The initial stresses may be due to turbulence in the vicinity of the host aircraft, high airspeed, and/or tumbling that may result from the ejection from the host aircraft moving at a high airspeed. The container may deploy a drag device, such as a drogue chute, to slow the container down and reorient the container, prior to deployment of the UAV from the container. During the time between ejection from the host aircraft and deployment from the container, the UAV may be powered up and acquire data, such as global positioning system (GPS) data, to allow the UAV a “hot start” enabling immediate mission commencement.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided including an air cushion cargo shuttle, an air blower configured to blow air beneath the air cushion cargo shuttle, and a first wireless communication device on the air cushion cargo shuttle. A cargo shuttle may also include a wireless communication device on the cargo shuttle, and a power drive unit on the cargo shuttle.

Abstract: A holder apparatus for holding an object relative to an airplane cabin window frame can include a structure that locates in opposing window shade channels of the frame, and at least one tray pivotably mounted relative to the structure. A system for holding an object relative to an airplane cabin window can include a holder apparatus with a structure that engages a window frame of the window, and at least one tray pivotably mounted relative to the structure. The structure can engage opposing window shade channels of the window frame in response to rotational displacement of the structure relative to the frame. A method for installing an apparatus in a window can include placing the apparatus between channels of the window, rotating and engaging ends of the apparatus with the window frame channels and displacing it to the bottom of the frame.

Abstract: A personal electronic device holder for a seat back that includes a support housing positioned on an upper shroud portion of the seat back and an upper support for supporting the top edge of the electronic device positioned in the support housing. The upper support is mounted for movement between a lowered, stowed position in the support housing and a raised, deployed position extending out of and above the support housing. A lower support is provided for supporting the bottom edge of the electronic device, and is positioned for movement between a stowed position covering the support housing and a deployed, lower position below the support housing. The upper support and lower support have respective engaging surfaces defining between them a user-selected space for engaging and holding the top edge and bottom edge of the electronic device in a use position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a table arrangement 100 for use in an aircraft seat module, the table arrangement comprising a first table element suitable for being movably mounted to a mounting structure of the aircraft seat module, the first table element being provided with a first table surface, a second table element provided with a second table surface substantially parallel to the first table surface, wherein the second table element is mounted to the first table element, such that the second table element is moveable from a first position with respect to the first table element to a second position with respect to the first table element, the second position being transformed from the first position within the plane of the second table element. The present invention also provides an aircraft seat module, an aircraft and a method of deploying a table arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method that comprises a plurality of inflatable tubes is provided. The plurality of inflatable tubes comprises a first tube set and a second tube set. The plurality of inflatable tubes is configured to provide a pressure distribution to an object supported by the plurality of inflatable tubes. The first tube set is configured to be inflated and deflated at a predetermined time interval to shift the pressure distribution.

Abstract: An Environmental Control System includes a sensor, an air purification subsystem, and a controller in communication with the sensor and air purification subsystem. The sensor detects a contaminant in the air and generates a contaminant signal. The controller compares the contaminant signal to a predicted sensory response threshold. When the contaminant signal reaches the predicted sensory response threshold, the controller commands the air purification subsystem to alter a condition in the air.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (30) comprising a rear cowl (38) defining an exhaust aperture (40) and a motive system. The rear cowl (38) comprises at least one panel (42) and the motive system is operable to selectively move the panel (42) between deployed and stowed configurations by rotation of the panel (42) about an axis substantially parallel to the main rotational axis of the engine (30). This alters the area of the exhaust aperture (40).

Abstract: A method of controlling an aircraft gas turbine engine cooling system. The cooling system includes a heat exchanger having a first fluid path through which fan air flows, and a second fluid path through which relatively hot compressor air flows. The cooling system includes a valve configurable between an open position corresponding to a first operating mode, where fan air flows through the first path cooling the compressor air in the second path to a lower temperature, and a closed position corresponding to a second operating mode, where fan air may flow through the first path at a reduced rate, thus the compressor air in the second path could be cooled to a lesser extent. The valve is operated in first mode when the aircraft is in a descent mode, or when turbine entry temperature is above a predetermined amount. Otherwise, the valve is operated in second mode.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel gathering system in fluid communication with a fuel storage container, and a fluid pump assembly in fluid communication with the fuel gathering system. The fluid pump assembly includes a main gear pump stage and a first flow attenuator. A main driven gear is meshed with a main drive gear in a main pump conduit, and a main pump bearing assembly rotatably supports the main drive gear and the main driven gear. The first flow attenuator is disposed around the main pump conduit, and includes a substantially polygonal fluid opening. Edges of the opening are substantially aligned with an undercut bearing portion on at least one of an inlet side and an outlet side of the main pump conduit to define a non-round fluid boundary.

Abstract: A device including a first data generating unit for determining at least one aerodynamic hinge moment of at least one control surface of the aircraft, a second data generating unit for determining a plurality of data and at least one external static pressure and a model of hinge moment coefficient, a computation unit for computing with the aid of these data at least one speed of the aircraft, namely a Mach number and/or a conventional speed, and a data transmission unit for providing this speed to a user system.

Abstract: An independently operable flight data capture and transmission device includes an aerodynamically efficient main body having a mounting bracket for securing the device onto the wings, fuselage or strut of an aircraft during flight. A sensor suite is positioned within the main body to independently capture flight data information pertaining to the flight characteristics, statistics, metrics, performance and environment of the aircraft during flight. A control unit is positioned within the main body to selectively control an operation of the sensor suite, store the flight data information within a memory and communicate with a user device. A mobile application displays the flight data information and communicates operating instructions to the device, and a power generation unit generates power for use by the system components during flight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting surface deformation of aircraft surfaces are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a sensor system to monitor an aircraft surface, the sensor system including a first sensor and a second sensor. A surface monitoring system receives signals from the first sensor and the second sensor and based on the signals received, the surface monitoring system is to: detect a surface deformation on the aircraft surface; analyze one or more environmental conditions or aircraft parameters; and classify a severity of a detected surface deformation based on the one or more environmental conditions or aircraft parameters to determine if the detected surface deformation impacts aircraft performance or safety.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a structural material for structures which is capable of attaining reductions in working time and cost in production steps and of preventing an increase in weight; a fuel tank; a main wing; and an aircraft. A rib (11) as the structural material for structures is characterized by comprising a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic wherein the reinforcement comprises carbon fibers and the matrix comprises a plastic, and the surface of the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic was coated with a low-viscosity surface-protective material (18) having conductivity imparted thereto.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the landing of an aircraft in a flare phase comprising a control stick, a first unit for acquiring current flight parameters of the aircraft, a second unit for acquiring a current deflection angle of the control stick, a computation unit for computing a difference between the current deflection angle of the control stick and a target deflection angle of the control stick, and an acoustic emission unit configured to automatically emit a warning or guidance sound signal in the cockpit of the aircraft, according to the difference between the current deflection angle and the target deflection angle of the control stick.

Abstract: A landing aid method and device for an aircraft including a unit for calculating automatically in a repetitive manner, during a final approach of the aircraft with a view to landing on a landing runway, using at least a ground speed of the aircraft, a height of the aircraft in relation to the ground, and a target vertical speed representing a vertical speed required on contact with the landing runway, a slope angle of a flight path allowing the aircraft to perform a flare, checking at least the target vertical speed on contact with the landing runway, and a unit for displaying automatically, on at least one screen of the flight deck of the aircraft, a first symbol illustrating the current slope angle of the aircraft and a second symbol illustrating the calculated slope angle.

Abstract: A light configured to be coupled to a surface, where the light includes a light source configured to emit light in three dimensions and a lens configured to direct a majority of the light emitted by the light source outwardly from the light source in directions along the surface. The light may be an anti collision light for an aircraft.

Abstract: A coupling module provides an interface between the cabin of a passenger bridge and an aircraft. The coupling module has a projecting roof and a coupling module floor spanned by the projecting roof, with the coupling module being horizontally separable.

Abstract: A method for de-icing liquid on a surface of an airplane includes supplying de-icing liquid to and through a spraying nozzle of a de-icing vehicle through a pipe that connects the nozzle with a tank assembly of the de-icing vehicle, where the liquid is delivered to the spraying nozzle as a mix of an anti-freeze liquid and additives, the anti-freeze liquid is delivered to the pipe from an anti-freeze liquid tank via a first dosage pump, and the additives are delivered from an additives tank via a second dosage pump.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for assessing an affected area of an aircraft is disclosed. A reference marker having a known size is located on the aircraft. The portable electronic device includes a processor in communication with a structural database, where the structural database includes a template that defines a maximum allowable size of damage to the aircraft. The processor executes instructions for determining an actual size of the affected area based on the known size of the reference marker. The processor also executes instructions for comparing the actual size of the affected area with the maximum allowable size of damage to the aircraft. The processor further executes instructions for determining that the actual size of the affected area exceeds the maximum allowable size of damage to the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for cryocooling an optical sensor on a satellite to a temperature below 200K with minimal vibration comprising a miniature conical rotary screw compressor comprising an inner element configured to only rotate around a first stationary axis and an outer element configured to only rotate around a second stationary axis so that both elements revolve with minimal vibration; with at least one of a) a length of at least one of the inner element and the outer element is between 10 mm and 50 mm; b) a diameter of at least one of the inner element and the outer element is between 2 mm and 25 mm; c) a compression ratio of the rotary screw compressor is between 1:2 and 1:20; and d) a shaft speed of the conical rotary screw compressor is between 6001 and 20000 revolutions per minute.

Abstract: An aircraft is capable of passing from the aerial domain to the spatial domain and method for automatically adapting the configuration of same. An additional breathable gas supply is provided to be activated only during a flight phase during which aerobic propulsion is interrupted, and is capable of supplying the control system of the manned cabin environment instead of the system associated with the aerobic propulsion means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for refined attitude control based on output feedback for a flexible spacecraft.

Abstract: A device for forming a quasi-neutral ion-electron beam, including: a chamber; a set of means for forming an ion-electron plasma in the chamber; and means for extracting and accelerating charged particles from the plasma out of the chamber. The particles are capable of forming the beam and the extraction and acceleration means that include a set of at least two grids located at one end of the chamber.

Abstract: A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber includes an inner cylindrical structure, outer wall segments that are attachable to one another to form an outer cylindrical wall, and opposing side walls having support members that are extendable. The gravity chamber has a first diameter when the support members are contracted, and has a larger second diameter when the support members are extended. The gravity chamber connects to the habitation module with rotating attachment members so that the gravity chamber rotates about an axis. The habitation module also includes an inflatable shell that encompasses the gravity chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a fluid. The apparatus including a connector configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source, a flow path providing fluid communication between the fluid source and a plurality of containers coupled to the apparatus, a sealing element disposed within each of the plurality of containers, the sealing element configured to couple the container to the apparatus and automatically seal the container when the container is decoupled from the apparatus, and a retaining member affixed to each of the plurality of containers to position the sealing element in a neck of each of the plurality of 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: A process for wrapping a stack of goods in film, wherein a portion of film is drawn from a film supply, cut, opened by a film opening means and pulled over the stack of goods by a travelling pulling means, wherein, after being drawn off and cut, the portion of film is transported lengthwise by a film transport means to the film opening means, characterized in that the portion of film is transported from the cutting unit as far as the film opening means by being gripped by frictional engagement between at least two conveyor members pressed together and circulating endlessly in a transport direction.

Abstract: A packaging device includes a conveyance mechanism, a guide portion and a control portion. The control portion is configured to cause a first section of a film to be bonded to a base, cause the conveyance mechanism to convey the base toward a downstream side in a conveyance direction, move the guide portion along a movement path, cause the conveyance mechanism to convey the base toward the upstream side, cause a second section of the film to be bonded to the base, and cause the film to be moved in an opposite direction to a feeding direction at any time during a period after the first section is bonded to the base and before the second section is bonded to the base, the feeding direction being a direction in which the film is fed out when the base is conveyed.

Abstract: Control of a wrapping apparatus is facilitated by enabling an operator to input a load containment force requirement and/or a minimum number of layers of packaging material to be applied to a load, with a wrap control system automatically determining wrap force and other parameters required to meet user input requirements and/or parameters to minimize the expertise required of an operator and to provide more consistent and reliable wrapping of loads. In addition, a wrapping apparatus may be controlled to apply at least a minimum number of layers of packaging material to a load throughout a contiguous region thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a carton containing a group of articles and a method of forming a carton. The apparatus comprises an article positioning system for positioning articles into a plurality of groups of articles and moving the groups of articles along a processing path, a blank handling apparatus for conveying a plurality of carton blanks towards the plurality of groups of articles, and a folding mechanism that is downstream of the blank handling apparatus for folding a portion of the ends of each respective carton blank downwardly around the respective group of articles.

Abstract: A column of cups guided by their rims in elongated slots is spaced into desired cup pitch by one or more linear stars from which the cups can be transferred for packaging. The linear stars have lugs engaging and spacing the cups. In another aspect of the invention, cups are manipulated into patterns for final grouping and packaging and by a plurality of cup orienting pickers engaging, inverting and re-orienting the cups. In one final packaged cup group of two or more layers, alternating cups in each layer are inverted and a top lid of a cup in an upper layer is disposed on a top lid of a cup in a bottom layer, while a bottom of a cup in an upper layer is disposed on a bottom of a cup in a lower layer, and in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for feeding single empty capsules to a packaging machines includes a magazine (11) adapted to house a stack (12) of trays (13) including a plurality of empty capsules; a drawing and moving device (14) adapted to draw from the stack (12), and move, a tray (13); a separation device adapted to receive the tray (13) from the drawing and moving device (14) and to obtain single empty capsules; and a transfer system (16) adapted to transfer the empty capsules from the separation device to a transport system of the packaging machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the clocked conveying of packaging containers in a filling machine for flowable products along a conveying line with a first and a second section, a first conveying means and a second conveying means being operated at different clock cycles in the first section of the conveying line and in the second section of the conveying line respectively, and a handling device arranged between the first and the second sections of the conveying line compensating for the different clock times between the first and second conveying means. The clock time for filling flowable products into the packaging containers can thus be sufficiently measured in the second section of the conveying line, without having to accept unnecessary dead time for performing a processing step in the first section of the conveying line. Further disclosed is a device for performing the method.

Abstract: An integrated conveyor line system for placing safety and non-safety caps onto bottles traveling on the same conveyor line. A network of sensors and RFID readers determine the location of bottles and ensure that the right cap is placed on each bottle. The processing system controlling the hardware components instructs the appropriate components to divert bottles to a reject holding queue when the system detects a bottle having the wrong type of cap.

Abstract: A drug supply device includes a hopper that collects solid drugs discharged from tablet cases on the basis of predetermined prescription data, an inspection device that inspects the solid drugs introduced from the hopper, and a packaging device that fills and packages the inspected solid drugs into a packaging sheet. The inspection device includes inspection containers that each hold a single administration dosage of the solid drugs, a movement mechanism that moves the inspection containers, and an imaging device that captures an image of the solid drugs in the inspection containers. As a result of capturing the image of the solid drugs in the inspection container by the imaging device, when a number of the solid drugs is different from the prescription data, the solid drugs are disposed of.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for forming sleeved containers. The system includes a conveyor for transporting a row of containers, a sleeving unit for arranging sleeves around containers and a heat oven for attaching the sleeve around the container by heat shrinking. The conveyed containers are provided with a sleeve and the sleeved container is transported in the oven to allow the sleeve to shrink. According to the invention, part of the sleeve is removed using a removal unit. The part is removed after heat shrinking. Removing the part allows to uncover part of the container otherwise covered by sleeve.

Abstract: A labeling device for a syringe that includes a first labeling subsystem adapted to print a first label having machine readable information and a second labeling subsystem adapted to print a second label having human readable information is disclosed. The first labeling subsystem includes a label applicator adapted to automatically apply the first label to a portion of the syringe. The first labeling subsystem includes a syringe clamp assembly that securely holds the syringe while the label applicator automatically applies a first label to the syringe. The second labeling subsystem includes a removal device adapted to automatically remove a backing material from the second label.

Abstract: A container system includes a first corrugated paper container and a second corrugated paper container. The first corrugated paper container has a slot formed in a first side thereof. The second corrugated paper container is disposed adjacent to the first corrugated paper container. The second corrugated paper container has a retaining tab formed from a side of the second corrugated paper container. The retaining tab extends into the slot of the first container so as to couple the first corrugated paper container to the second corrugated paper container.

Abstract: Dual-compartment food container is provided having an base portion including a base panel having first and second compartments defined therein and a cover portion including a cover panel joined by a common hinge portion. The cover portion is movable relative the base portion about the hinge portion from a substantially 180-degree open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the cover portion is disposed over the first compartment with the second compartment extending beyond the cover portion. Each of the base portion and cover portion include at least one interlocking tab to releasably latch the base portion and cover portion. An engagement feature of the interlocking tabs can also provide a tactile indication to a user that the cover portion is secured in the closed position. A unitary blank for forming the dual-compartment food container from a sheet of blank material is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed retail case includes a base member and an upper member selectively attached to the base member. The base member has a bottom wall and at least two base walls extending from the bottom wall. The base walls have an outer surface and an inner surface. The upper member has a top wall and at least two upper walls extending from the top wall. The upper walls have an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the upper walls attaches to the inner surface of the respective base walls at an attachment portion of the upper walls that is selectively removable from the upper walls to allow the attachment portion to remain attached to the base member when the upper member is removed from the base member. The attachment portion may also associate with flap portions that are connected to form a divider.

Abstract: To manufacture a metal can having a tear-open lid and having a storage space for an object above the tear-open lid, the following procedure is used: first, a top edge of the can which has a smaller diameter than the inside diameter of the can body is formed, wherein a transition region (6) is formed. After the tear-open lid has been attached, this transition region is deep drawn so that the tear-open lid (2) is displaced towards the bottom (5) of the can. This produces the storage space. This procedure allows previously formed tear-open lids to be used, which safely guarantees the imperviousness of the seal of the tear-open lid.

Abstract: A pallet includes a cargo layer and a base layer, and a plurality of support block assemblies separating the cargo and base layers. Each support block assembly includes first and second support blocks. The first support block has a first opening extending therethrough in a horizontal direction, and the second support block has a second opening extending therethrough in the horizontal direction. The second support block is inserted into the first opening of the first support block.

Abstract: A method of loading stacked strainers in a dispenser while minimizing strainer contamination is disclosed. The method includes providing a stack of strainers that is enclosed in a protective material to form a pod, placing the pod within a dispenser, and removing the protective material from the pod of strainers while the strainers are in the dispenser. The strainers dispensed from the thus loaded dispenser avoid being contamination during loading. The protective material may be perforated to facilitate removal from the stack, and include an extended portion to be grasped during removal from the dispenser.

Abstract: A packaging container comprises a first portion formed of a first material or material combination mainly consisting of plastic, a second portion formed of a second material or material combination mainly consisting of a fiber based packaging laminate, and a pouring opening formed in the first portion. The second portion is provided with an arrangement for separating the entire first portion from the second portion.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system includes a fluid and a plurality of pills. A bottle is provided and the fluid is contained within the bottle. The bottle has an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall defines a plurality of compartments with respect to the outer wall. Each of the compartments is fluidly discrete from an interior of the bottle. Each of the pills is removably positioned within an associated one of the compartments and each of the pills may be selectively consumed in conjunction with the fluid.

Abstract: A container for a dental appliance. The container includes a first compartment with at least one first wall, a first enclosing portion, and a separation plate. The first compartment includes a length, a width, and a height to accept a first dental appliance and indicated by a first indicator. The container includes a second compartment defined by at least one second wall, a second enclosing portion, and the separation plate. The second compartment includes a second length, second width and second height to accept a second dental appliance and indicated by a second indicator. The container includes a moveable and closeable door which opens to permit access to at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment. The dental appliance in the first compartment is separate from the dental appliance in the second compartment by the separation plate, and the container comprises ports to allow circulation.