Patents Issued in October 19, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170297712
    Abstract: A system for bistatic radar target detection employs an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a radar antenna for bistatic reception of reflected radar pulses. The UAV operates with a flight profile in contested airspace. A tactical fighter aircraft having a radar transmitter for transmitting radar pulses operates with a flight profile in uncontested airspace. A communications data link operably interconnects the UAV and the tactical fighter aircraft, the communications data link transmitting data produced by the bistatic reception of reflected radar pulses in the UAV radar antenna to the fighter aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Inyoung Daniel Kim, Thomas M. Rose, Dale Waldo
  • Publication number: 20170297713
    Abstract: A vehicle body includes a primary vehicle structure and interior vehicle fittings as well as a coupling device for fastening the interior vehicle fittings to the primary vehicle structure. The coupling device is configured to generate a magnetic field, so as to fasten the interior vehicle fittings to the primary vehicle structure without contact. Methods for assembling a vehicle body as well as an edifice are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Hegenbart, Detlev Konigorski, Peter Linde
  • Publication number: 20170297714
    Abstract: An aircraft ceiling liner element comprises a load-bearing carrier platform, configured to form a part of an aircraft ceiling liner, and a mounting mounted on the carrier platform, connectable to a primary structure of the aircraft. An electrical connection mounted on the carrier platform is connectable to an electrical supply network of the aircraft. Furthermore, the aircraft ceiling liner element comprises a mechanical interface mounted on the carrier platform, configured to attach various interchangeable modular units detachably and in a load-transferring manner to the carrier platform, and an electrical interface mounted on the carrier platform, which interface is configured to create an electrical connection between the modular unit and the carrier platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Uwe Schneider
  • Publication number: 20170297715
    Abstract: A toilet system that includes a waste receptacle including an outlet configured to channel waste therethrough. The system also includes a conveyor assembly including a housing that includes an inlet and at least one outlet. The inlet is coupled in flow communication with the outlet of the waste receptacle. The conveyor assembly also includes a transport mechanism positioned within the housing, and the transport mechanism is operable to actively transport the waste from the inlet towards the at least one outlet of said housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: William Anthony Harkness
  • Publication number: 20170297716
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a cooling compartment and an evaporative chiller configured to cool the cooling compartment. The evaporative chiller includes a compressor, an evaporator having airflow to the cooling compartment, and a condenser. The condenser has an exhaust airflow to cool the condenser. The evaporative chiller has a condensate removal system removing condensate produced by the evaporator using the exhaust airflow of the condenser to discharge the condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Moran, David Andrew Lutz
  • Publication number: 20170297717
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a cabin wall defining a cabin and a convertible monument in the cabin adjacent the cabin wall. The convertible monument has a plurality of monument walls defining sides, a front and a rear of the monument surrounding a chamber defined by the monument walls. The convertible monument has a closet component positioned in the chamber for supporting non-perishable items in the chamber. The chamber has a convertible area convertible between a cooling compartment and an uncooled compartment. A chiller is positioned in the chamber proximate the convertible area. The chiller is configured to supply cool air to the cooling compartment when operated for cooling perishable items stowed in the cooling compartment. The convertible area is used as an uncooled compartment for stowing non-perishable items when the chiller is inactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Moran, David Andrew Lutz
  • Publication number: 20170297718
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for disposal of liquid and food into a sink basin. The disclosed system cooperates with and delivers the received waste material to the main waste system on-board the vehicle. This is typically an aircraft waste tank. The system does not require a manual flush, but includes a sensor system that activates drainage of the holding line when the liquid and/or other waste material reaches a certain level therein. The disclosed system combines the functionalities of a common galley sink and a galley waste disposal unit, but occupies only the space envelope of an existing galley sink. The use of an existing galley sink means that no additional space on the countertop is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Razmik B. Boodaghians, Christina Ortolan, Joerg Stachowski, Timothy Morse
  • Publication number: 20170297719
    Abstract: Described are seating arrangements having at least one set of columns that include an aisle column of seating units positioned adjacent a wall column of seating units. The aisle column is positioned adjacent an aisle, and the wall column is positioned adjacent an exterior wall. Each seating unit has a bed position having a head end and a foot end, wherein at least a height-limited portion of the foot end is less than a delineating height that separates a lower portion of the aisle from a upper portion of the aisle. The seating units in the adjacent columns are longitudinally aligned and positioned adjacent one another, as well as being angled with respect to each other. The height-limited portion of the foot ends in the aisle column is positioned adjacent the aisle, and the height-limited portion of the foot ends in the wall column is positioned within a concave portion of the exterior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Zodiac Seat Shells U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Felix J. Lorsignol, Matthew Cleary
  • Publication number: 20170297720
    Abstract: An override bypass assembly comprises a cable and a pulley wheel operably connected to the cable. The cable in operation rotates the pulley wheel when tension is applied to the cable. The override bypass assembly also comprises a telescoping cylinder assembly operably connected to the pulley wheel. The pulley wheel in operation moves the telescoping cylinder assembly to an unlocked position. The override bypass assembly further comprises a biasing mechanism operably connected to at least one of the pulley wheel and the telescoping cylinder assembly. The biasing mechanism in operation moves the telescoping cylinder to a locked position when tension applied to the cable is relieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Davis, Patrick Emmett Hyde, Scott H. Tedtman
  • Publication number: 20170297721
    Abstract: A rotational brake assembly comprises: a swivel disc having an outer diameter and a plurality of locking holes proximate the outer diameter; a cam having an angled slot; a lifting pin located within the angled slot of the cam; and a rotational brake pin operably connected to the lifting pin. The cam in operation moves to at least one of a locked position and an unlocked position based on an input. The lifting pin in operation moves along the angled slot when the cam moves. The rotational brake pin in operation moves due to motion of the cam. The rotational brake pin in operation moves from an engaged position with the swivel disc to a disengaged position, when the cam moves from the locked to the unlocked position. The rotational brake pin in operation moves to the engaged position, when the cam moves to the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Davis, Patrick Emmett Hyde, Scott H. Tedtman
  • Publication number: 20170297722
    Abstract: Armrest for aircraft seat, associated seat and process are provided. The armrest includes a stationary part (12) intended to be connected to the seat, a moving part (14) movable relative to the stationary part (12), between a high position in which the moving part (14) is intended to protrude above a seat bottom of the seat and a low position, and a maneuvering mechanism (18) able to guide the movement of the moving part (14) between the high position and the low position. The maneuvering mechanism (18) includes at least a first connecting rod (26) and a second connecting rod (27), each independently connecting the stationary part (12) to the moving part (14), the first connecting rod (26) and the second connecting rod (27) being arranged parallel to one another during the movement of the moving part (14) between the high position and the low position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Michel MIHAI, Gaëtan LAMOTHE
  • Publication number: 20170297723
    Abstract: A seat rail cover includes a retaining section, configured to be introduced at least partially into a part of the seat rail, and a cover section, configured to cover the seat rail when the retaining section is introduced into the seat rail. At least the cover section of the seat rail cover is formed in one piece by 3D printing. Geometry, surface texture, color composition and/or color pattern of at least a visible part of the cover section in the installed state of the seat rail cover are matched to a surface and/or a floor covering of a floor element next to a seat rail to which the seat rail cover is connectable. Furthermore, a floor element with a seat rail and a seat rail cover as well as an aircraft with such a floor element. A method for manufacturing a seat rail cover by 3D printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Markus Fritz, Felix Lohan, David Wottke
  • Publication number: 20170297724
    Abstract: Described herein are features for a riser release flaring system for parafoils and other descent flight vehicles for controlled descent and landing of the flight vehicle. The descent flight vehicle may have a payload suspended by a canopy. The descent flight vehicle may be released from a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system, from another system, or may not be associated with any other flight system. The riser release auto flare system is used with the descent system, such as the parafoil, for controlled and safe landing of the payload. Riser lines are released at a controlled rate and for a fixed distance to automatically cause the payload to pull control lines to flare the parafoil and slow a descent and/or forward speed of the vehicle. The riser lines may be released in response to the descent system satisfying a landing criterion, such as altitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Jared Leidich, Daniel W. McFatter, Kyler Quinn Felton
  • Publication number: 20170297725
    Abstract: A system for selecting an ejection mode on an aircraft may include an egress actuator, a ballistic signal system operatively connected to the egress actuator, and a processor operatively connected to the ballistic signal system and the egress actuator. The processor may be configured to receive, from an aircraft controller, a flight characteristic, and select, based on the flight characteristic, an ejection mode from two ejection modes. The processor may be further configured to receive a pilot egress command from the ballistic signal system, and transmit, to the egress actuator, a signal to actuate the ejection mode from the two ejection modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Campbell, Luis G. Interiano, James Tulloch, John Hampton
  • Publication number: 20170297726
    Abstract: An aspirator system for inflating an inflatable evacuation device includes an aspirator body having a plurality of flapper doors configured to open to allow intake of atmospheric gas. The aspirator system also includes an aspirator barrel connecting the aspirator body to the inflatable evacuation device, having connected inflation chambers wrapping around a circumference of the aspirator barrel and arranged along a length of the aspirator barrel, and being configured to provide an aspirator barrel chamber for guiding the atmospheric gas to the inflatable evacuation device when the aspirator barrel is inflated. The aspirator system also includes a showerhead nozzle connected to the connected inflation chambers, configured to direct high-pressure gas to inflate the aspirator barrel and compel intake of atmospheric gas through the plurality of flapper doors, to inflate the inflatable evacuation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Jaro S. Volny, Drew Hartman
  • Publication number: 20170297727
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft is provided having a propulsion engine configured to be mounted to the aircraft. The propulsion engine includes an electric machine defining an electric machine tip speed during operation. The propulsion system additionally includes a fan rotatable about a central axis of the electric propulsion engine with the electric machine. The fan defines a fan pressure ratio, RFP, and includes a plurality of fan blades, each fan blade defining a fan blade tip speed. The electric propulsion engine defines a ratio of the fan blade tip speed to electric machine tip speed that is within twenty percent of the equation, 1.68×RFP?0.518, such that the propulsion engine may operate at a desired efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Niergarth, Randy M. Vondrell, Brandon Wayne Miller, Patrick Michael Marrinan
  • Publication number: 20170297728
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft is provided having a propulsion engine configured to be mounted to the aircraft. The propulsion engine includes an electric machine defining an electric machine tip speed during operation. The propulsion system additionally includes a fan rotatable about a central axis of the electric propulsion engine with the electric machine. The fan defines a fan pressure ratio, RFP, and includes a plurality of fan blades, each fan blade defining a fan blade tip speed. The electric propulsion engine defines a ratio of the fan blade tip speed to electric machine tip speed that is within twenty percent of the equation, 1.01×RFP?0.311, such that the propulsion engine may operate at a desired efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Niergarth, Randy M. Vondrell, Brandon Wayne Miller, Patrick Michael Marrinan
  • Publication number: 20170297729
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a panel configured for use on an aircraft nacelle, comprising: a first skin, a second skin, a first core portion coupled to the first skin and the second skin, a second core portion coupled to the first skin and the second skin, and an insert coupled to the first skin, the second skin, the first core portion, and the second core portion, the insert forming a corner fitting between the first core portion and the second core portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Christian Soria
  • Publication number: 20170297730
    Abstract: Systems for thrust reverser link arm connections are described herein. A linkage system for a nacelle may comprise a thrust reverser link arm and a fitting. The fitting may comprise a base plate configured to be fastened to a proximal surface of an inner fixed structure (IFS), a first wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, a second wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, and a pin extending orthogonally from the first wall and extending orthogonally from the second wall. A first end of the thrust reverser link arm may comprise a removable member, the removable member having an inner surface comprising a semi-circle, the inner surface configured to seat against the pin. The removable member may be removed from the linkage system from a radially outward side of the IFS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott
  • Publication number: 20170297731
    Abstract: A system for controlling the thrust of the engines of an aircraft comprises a processing unit configured to receive an aircraft speed setting, to determine a control setting for at least one engine of the aircraft as a function of the speed setting and to transmit a setting to a controller of the at least one engine of the aircraft as a function of the control setting. The processing unit is further configured to receive a current turbulence level measurement information item and to add an additional speed setting, as a function of the turbulence level, to the speed setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Fabien Guingnard, Priteche Venilal
  • Publication number: 20170297732
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to power leveling mechanisms comprising a high frequency controller. The power leveling mechanism receives a power demand signal indicating a power requirement of a vehicle and determines a high frequency component of the power demand signal. The power leveling mechanism also provides a signal to a primary propulsion system and provides, via the high frequency controller, a high bandwidth signal based on the high frequency component to an auxiliary propulsion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Peter James Waltner, Joseph Lawrence Simonetti, Nicholas D. Lappos, Jonathan Hartman
  • Publication number: 20170297733
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an unmanned helicopter, and belongs to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles. The unmanned helicopter includes an air inlet system, an exhaust system, a cooling system and a dynamic balance system. The air inlet system is fixed on a second side; the exhaust system is fixed on a third side; and the cooling system is fixed on a first side, and the dynamic balance system is fixed on a tail. The airflow at the outside of the unmanned helicopter flows into the air inlet system smoothly, quickly and efficiently under the action of its own flow velocity relative to the unmanned helicopter, therefore the technical problem in the prior art that the air entering the fuselage with a unit volume is burnt insufficiently, which generates adverse effects on the normal flight of the unmanned helicopter, is solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Guocheng ZHAO, Wei LUO, Pengcheng QI
  • Publication number: 20170297734
    Abstract: A fuel manifold adapted to communicate with at least one fuel tank of an aircraft is presented. The manifold defines an enclosure adapted to be filled with fuel and to have an internal pressure P1 higher than the internal pressure P2 of the fuel tank. The enclosure includes at least one ceiling and at least one side wall provided with overflow holes adapted to communicate with the fuel tank. The manifold includes a mechanism for discharging an air pocket, trapped between the ceiling and the level of the overflow holes, to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Julien Vialle, Christophe Claris
  • Publication number: 20170297735
    Abstract: A refueling device for use in in-flight refueling operation between a tanker aircraft and a receiver aircraft includes a selectively steerable body and a controller. The selectively steerable body configured for being towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling, and includes a boom member having a boom axis and configured to enable fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to a receiver aircraft along the boom axis during the in-flight refueling operation. The controller is configured for selectively steering the body to an engagement enabling position spaced with respect to the receiver aircraft and for aligning the boom axis in an engagement enabling orientation at the spaced position, and for subsequently moving the boom member along the boom axis towards the receiver aircraft for enabling fuel communication therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Ohad Rix
  • Publication number: 20170297736
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for close formation flight are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for establishing situational awareness during formation flight includes exchanging transponder signals between at least two aircraft, establishing two-way communication links between the at least two aircraft, exchanging telemetry data between the at least two aircraft, and assigning the roles of a leader and a follower to the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: SERGEY V. FROLOV, MICHAEL CYRUS, ALLAN J. BRUCE, JOHN P. MOUSSOURIS
  • Publication number: 20170297737
    Abstract: In aspects herein, if GPS signals used as inputs into a GPS landing system become unreliable, an aircraft instead uses signals derived from radar data to operate the GPS landing system. Generally, GPS signals are unreliable if they cannot be received or if the signals are corrupted. Instead of using GPS signals, the landing system uses radar derived location data as inputs. In one example, the radar derived location data is generated using a radar system located at the intended landing site—e.g., an airport or aircraft carrier. The landing site transmits this data to the aircraft which processes the data using its GPS landing system that outputs control signals for landing the aircraft. Thus, even when GPS signals are unreliable, the aircraft can use the GPS landing system to land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Larry Dean ARNOLD
  • Publication number: 20170297738
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler, Caleb Andrew Woodruff, Daniel Pepin Reiss
  • Publication number: 20170297739
    Abstract: Materials and structures for absorbing energy. The materials and structures are well suited for arresting aircraft and other vehicles, although their purposes need not be so limited. Also detailed are packaging and other solutions for maintaining system integrity, especially (but not exclusively) when foam glass or other aggregate is employed and stabilizing the location of the aggregate is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Silvia C. Valentini, Shawn Patrick Doherty, Youhong Li
  • Publication number: 20170297740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ramp of a catapult and to a catapult. The catapult comprises a carriage (4) for fastening an aircraft (5). The carriage (4) is supported on a ramp (1). The ramp is formed of one or more ramp elements (1a-1m). The ramp element comprises four frame plates, namely two parallel side plates (20a, 20b), a top plate (21) and a bottom plate (22). The frame plates are separate pieces which are connected at fastening points (25) to each other by means of mechanical fastening elements (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Robonic Ltd Oy
    Inventor: Pentti Lipponen
  • Publication number: 20170297741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a launching cylinder of a catapult and to a catapult. The launching cylinder comprises a frame inside which are a pneumatic pressure space for launching purpose and a hydraulic pressure space for returning purpose. The pressure spaces are separated from each other by means of a piston assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Robonic Ltd Oy
    Inventors: Heikki Ilmari Verho, Pentti Lipponen
  • Publication number: 20170297742
    Abstract: A mobile ground power unit includes a housing in which an engine and an electric generator are disposed. The housing features a canopy having an outer wall facing outside. The outer wall has a single piece covering an upper side of the engine and extending downwards along at least two different vertical sides of the ground power unit. The canopy has an inner wall facing inside. The inner wall features a horizontal area covering the upper side of the engine and is extending from the horizontal area downwards along the at least two different vertical sides. The inner wall and the outer wall define a hollow space between each other. The canopy has an integrated ducting system with an inlet opening within the outer wall of the canopy, whereby the hollow space constitutes an air channel for exchanging fluid between the inside and the outside of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Leslie TINDALL
  • Publication number: 20170297743
    Abstract: A mobile ground power unit has a housing in which an engine and an electric generator are disposed. The housing features at least one rotor molded or rotor cast component the housing features at least one rotor molded or rotor cast component that serves as an outer shell or part of the outer shell of the housing, whereby the housing features as the at least one rotor molded or rotor cast component one of a canopy covering at least the upper side of the engine and/or the generator a cable tray arranged sideways in relation to the engine and/or the electric generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Leslie TINDALL
  • Publication number: 20170297744
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a nacelle of an aircraft engine is provided by the present disclosure. In one form, the apparatus includes a frame, a supporting structure extending from the frame, and a structure for attaching a nacelle, which is rotatably mounted on the supporting structure and can be rotated about a substantially horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: SAFRAN NACELLES
    Inventors: Thierry DRIEU, Patrice CHANTAL, Anthony DAMOUR, Stéphane LABAZEE
  • Publication number: 20170297745
    Abstract: In order to provide a simplified inspection of an aircraft for the pilot, an aircraft inspection system is provided which includes at least one movable inspection unit, a position detection arrangement, and at least one data transfer interface. The at least one moveable inspection unit is moveable relative to an aircraft to be inspected. The at least one movable inspection unit includes at least one sensor for detecting a characteristic value, for verifying a characteristic and/or for determining a defect of an aircraft. The movable inspection unit is configured to generate monitoring data. When a defect or a characteristic value is detected, the position detection arrangement detects position data of the movable inspection unit in relation to the aircraft to be inspected, and assigns the position data to the monitoring data. The data transfer interface provides the position data with the assigned monitoring data as inspection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Engel, Daniel Bauer, Tilman Orth, Christian Weimer
  • Publication number: 20170297746
    Abstract: An orbit transfer method for a spacecraft using a continuous or quasi-continuous thrust propulsion, the method comprises: the acquisition, at least once in each half-revolution of the spacecraft, of measurements of its position and of its velocity; the computation of a thrust control function as a function of the measurements; and the driving of the thrust in accordance with the control law; wherein the control law is obtained from a Control-Lyapunov function using orbital parameters, preferably equinoctial, of the spacecraft, averaged over at least one half-revolution. An embedded driving system for a spacecraft for implementing such a method and a spacecraft equipped with the driving system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Joël AMALRIC
  • Publication number: 20170297747
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion system are disclosed. An apparatus includes a space vehicle including means for performing propulsion operations without using a chemical propulsion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: James J. Peterka, III, Glenn N. Caplin, Richard W. Aston
  • Publication number: 20170297748
    Abstract: Attitude of a vehicle may be controlled using movable mass. The movable mass may move inside a vehicle or its outline, outside of the vehicle or its outline, inside-to-outside and/or outside-to-inside of the vehicle or its outline, or any combination thereof. The movable mass may be a solid, liquid, and/or gas. When the center-of-mass of the vehicle is moved relative to the line-of-action of applied forces such as thrust, drag, or lift, a torque can be generated for attitude control or for other purposes as a matter of design choice. In the case of external movable masses that extend from the vehicle or its outline, when operating in endoatmospheric flight, or general travel through a fluid, aerodynamic forces from the atmosphere or general fluid forces may further be leveraged to control the attitude of the vehicle (e.g., aerodynamic flaps).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Zondervan, Jerome K. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20170297749
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of deploying an extensible boom from a housing. Sheets supporting respective arrays of photovoltaic devices are deployed substantially simultaneously so that a first sheet is deployed in a first direction from the housing and a second sheet is deployed in an opposite direction from the housing. Angular momentum imparted by deploying the first sheet is canceled by angular momentum imparted by deploying the second sheet. The housing can be part of a space satellite, such that the first and second sheets are deployed without causing the satellite to move out of its orbit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth Loyd Steele, Theodore Garry Stern
  • Publication number: 20170297750
    Abstract: A self-adjusting passive radiative cooling panel for spacecraft including a dielectric (e.g., HfO2) layer sandwiched between a mirror layer and spaced-apart thin-film phase-change (e.g., thermochromic) material islands disposed in a grating pattern having a lattice constant in the 2 to 10 ?m range, depending on expected spacecraft operating temperatures. At low temperatures the phase-change material islands enter dielectric state phases that prevent generation of guided modes in the dielectric layer resulting in zero or low mid-IR emission. At high temperatures the phase-change material islands enter a metal state phase that couples mid-IR (thermal) radiation to guided mode resonances resulting in high mid-IR emission. The thermal emission can be tuned by the lattice constant of the grating pattern to peak at a target mid-IR wavelength (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Victor Liu, Bernard D. Casse, George Daniel, Farzaneh Afshinmanesh
  • Publication number: 20170297751
    Abstract: A method for transferring a viscous material from a container into a dispensing syringe having first and second ends, the second end being a discharge port smaller than the inner diameter of the main body portion, includes inserting into the syringe a plug configured to permit gas flow in only one direction to divide a chamber within the syringe into a first sub-chamber in communication with the discharge port and a second sub-chamber in communication with the first open end of the syringe. Then, a rod is inserted into the syringe from the first open end of the syringe to engage the plug, and the viscous material is extruded from the container and through the discharge port into the first sub-chamber of the syringe. While the first sub-chamber is being filled with the viscous material, the plug and the rod are moving away from the discharge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Osamu MIZOGUCHI, Hitoshi TSUJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20170297752
    Abstract: A fill packaging machine includes a vertical sealing means for folding a packaging film at its central part and continuously forming a vertical sealed portion at its side edge part to shape into a cylinder, and a lateral sealing means for forming lateral sealed portions in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the packaging film. An easy separable sealed portion is continuously formed in the side edge part of the packaging film by the first vertical sealed portion forming section, and a vertical sealed portion having a partial non-sealed portion of a bottle mouth type is formed on the easy separable sealed portion by the second vertical sealed portion forming section. The first vertical sealed portion forming section is a pair of heat sealing rolls or heat sealing plates, a surface of at least one of which is made from an elastic material softer than a metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: TAISEI LAMICK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidenori KOGURE, Toshiaki SHIDA
  • Publication number: 20170297753
    Abstract: An electrical vacuum-pumping device includes a primary structure body, an upper lid, an electrical vacuum pump, a power source, and a suction nozzle. The primary structure body includes an upper body board and a lower body board which are fastened with each other, and in which an accommodating space is provided. The lower body board is provided with a suction hole for communicating with ambient atmosphere. The electrical vacuum pump is provided with a vacuum-pumping mouth, and is arranged in the accommodating space, and is electrically connected with the electrical vacuum pump. The suction nozzle is fixedly arranged underneath to the lower body board. When in a state of use, the suction nozzle can engage directly with an impermeable cup or a joint at one's option; or engage an object to be vacuum-pumped and then attach the same to the object to be vacuum-pumped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Richard CHANG
  • Publication number: 20170297754
    Abstract: An ultrasonic module for use in package sealing systems that includes a moveable front jaw; an elognated sonotrode disposed within the front jaw, wherein the sonotrode includes an elongated sealing face, and wherein the width of the sealing face is at least 12 inches (30.48 cm); a moveable rear jaw; and an anvil mounted on the rear jaw opposite the sonotrode, wherein the anvil mechanically cooperates with the sonotrode to seal a package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Mitch MATHENY, Alexander B. CHANNELL, Sean T. FLOWERS
  • Publication number: 20170297755
    Abstract: A sonotrode that includes a sealing face; a front quarter wavelength region adjacent to the sealing face, wherein the front quarter wavelength region has been modified to increase the gain of the sonotrode; and a rear quarter wavelength region adjacent to the front quarter wavelength region, wherein the rear quarter wavelength region has been modified to create a non-uniform amplitude profile across the length of the sealing face of the sonotrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Mitch MATHENY
  • Publication number: 20170297756
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a conveyor having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction and a pair of edges spaced apart from one another in the cross-machine direction; a roller mounted to an arm and engaged with a continuous drive, wherein the arm is pivotably mounted to a frame, wherein the roller has a first position and a second position, wherein the roller in the first position is located at a predetermined location above the conveyor and laterally within the pair of edges, wherein the roller in the second position is remote from the predetermined location, and wherein the roller and the continuous drive are separated from one another by an obstruction; a driver operatively engaged with the arm to move the roller from the first position to the second position; and a vacuum port proximal to the roller when the roller is in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Ulrik HOORNAERT
  • Publication number: 20170297757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a product marking in connection with a narrow roll. The narrow rolls are provided with a product marking in a first information adding step, the product marking comprising at least general information. In a second information adding step, the product marking in at least some of the narrow rolls is provided with customer information. After the second information adding step all the narrow rolls have a product marking comprising the customer information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Ari Hakala, Ari Veikkola, Juha Jappi, Juho Kantanen, Jukka Piitulainen
  • Publication number: 20170297758
    Abstract: Holding device for holding beverage bottles and other containers during labeling of beverage bottles and other containers with a label, or during printing of beverage bottles and other containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Holger STENNER
  • Publication number: 20170297759
    Abstract: A container includes a finish, a shoulder portion, a body, and a base portion. The finish defines an opening. The shoulder portion extends from the finish. The body extends from the shoulder portion and defines a chamber. The base portion extends at an end of the body opposite to the shoulder portion and is moveable from an as-blown position to an expanded position and from the expanded position to a retracted position. The base portion includes a standing ring, a pivot area, and a central area. The pivot area is disposed between the standing ring and the central area. The pivot area is configured to flex and move the central area along the longitudinal axis when the base portion moves from the as-blown position to the expanded position, and from the expanded position to a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Peter A. BATES, Ronald MCFARLANE
  • Publication number: 20170297760
    Abstract: A magnetising device in a web processing machine for magnetising a magnetisable area of a web of packaging material is disclosed. The magnetising device comprises a first magnetic component having a north pole and a south pole, and a second magnetic component having a north pole and a south pole. Poles of a first and same polarity are arranged adjacent in an opposed relationship and poles of a second and the same polarity are arranged remote from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Tommy NILSSON
  • Publication number: 20170297761
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved product holding and dispensing package and an improved method for manufacturing, holding, and storing products, especially comestible products. In an embodiment, a package for comestible products may be provided. The package includes a package blank having walls that define a package interior. The package also includes a sheet disposed inside the package interior. The sheet wraps around a stack of comestible products and maintains the products in a stacked formation. The sheet also retains the comestible products against lateral movement within the sheet. In an embodiment, the plurality of comestible products are releasably attached to the sheet to prevent the comestible products from sliding out of the sheet. In an embodiment, the sheet may be attached to the package interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Yoichiro Ishikawa, James W. Wolff, Heather L. Fluegel