Abstract: An aircraft air conditioning system comprises a process air line configured to supply compressed process air provided by a process air source to an air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and a trim air line branching off from the process air line upstream of the air conditioning unit and being configured such that trim air flows through the trim air line, the trim air having been branched off from the compressed process air flowing through the process air line. A compressor is arranged in the trim air line and is configured to compress the trim air flowing through the trim air line. A turbine of the aircraft air conditioning system is configured to drive the compressor. A cabin exhaust air line is configured to supply cabin exhaust air discharged from an aircraft cabin to the turbine for driving the turbine.

Abstract: An aircraft ejection system is provided. The aircraft ejection system may comprise a seat, a bridle coupled to the seat, suspension lines coupled to the bridle, and a drogue canopy coupled to the suspension lines. A first side of the drogue canopy may have a lower drag than a second side of the drogue canopy. The first side may comprise a mesh portion and/or an opening to reduce drag. The first side may further include a low-resistance structure with a circular or rectangular geometry. The bridle and the suspension lines may be configured to direct the first side in a predetermined direction, such as downward.

Abstract: An evacuation system is provided. The system may comprise a girt coupled to a door sill and an evacuation slide. The evacuation slide may comprise a head end coupled to the girt, an extension, a hinge portion coupled between the head end and the extension, and a lane diverter coupled to the evacuation slide. A method is also provided. The method may include opening a door to expose a door sill, inflating the evacuation slide with the evacuation slide coupled to the door sill, bending a hinge portion of the slide in response to a door sill height being less than or equal to a predetermined height, and redirecting a slide lane to a side exit.

Abstract: An aircraft including a pylon attached to a gas turbine engine and a mounting system attaching the engine to the pylon. The mounting system including a first and a second frame each of three elongate members arranged in a triangle, each frame respectively arranged such that a core of the engine is positioned extending through an area defined between the three elongate members of each frame. Each frame forming at least part of a load bearing connection between the pylon and the engine. Each frame consisting of two portions, each portion corresponding to each side of the engine as attached to the pylon. The triangle formed by each frame being symmetrical about a plane separating the two portions. The engine is attached to the mounting system such that both frames are positioned axially forward of a radially extending projection of a first turbine stage in the core.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft includes an engine supported by the airframe and a fixed gearbox operably coupled to the engine. Inboard and outboard pedestals are supported by the airframe and positioned above the wing. A pylon assembly is rotatably coupled between the inboard and outboard pedestals. The pylon assembly includes a spindle gearbox having an input gear, a mast operably coupled to the input gear and a proprotor assembly operable to rotate with the mast. The spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively operate the tiltrotor aircraft between helicopter and airplane modes. A common shaft, rotatable about the conversion axis, is configured to transfer torque from an output gear of the fixed gearbox to an input gear of the spindle gearbox. Each of the inboard and outboard pedestals includes a spherical bearing providing a self-aligning coupling with the pylon assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides an aircraft fuel system comprising a fuel storage facility for storing fuel and ullage, a separate ullage storage facility for storing ullage, and a transfer arrangement for transferring ullage between the fuel storage facility and the ullage storage facility, wherein the transfer arrangement is capable of controlling the transfer of ullage based on a pressure input to the transfer arrangement. The invention also provides an aircraft with such a fuel system and a method of operating an aircraft.

Abstract: The invention is a watercraft to aircraft refueling system (“WARS”). A WARS is a refueling system based from a watercraft, such as a surface ship or submarine. A WARS would typically include an elevation apparatus to lift a refueling hose above the water. The elevation apparatus can compose a lifting or swiveling mechanism. In some embodiments both a lifting and swiveling mechanism is used. The WARS lifts the refueling hose above the water, allowing an aircraft to engage with the WARS. The refueling hose may also include a telescoping mechanism or a rotor apparatus or a pressurized water nozzle system to elevate the refueling hose and assist in engaging a WARS with an aircraft.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system for converting and distributing electrical power to local loads within a vehicle is disclosed. The electrical power distribution system includes at least one generator providing high voltage AC (HVAC) power, a primary power panel for receiving the HVAC power from the generator, and a plurality of distribution conversion units located throughout the vehicle. The plurality of distribution conversion units convert the HVAC power from the primary power panel into medium voltage AC (MVAC) power and low voltage DC (LVDC) power for consumption by the local loads within the vehicle. The electrical power distribution system also includes a plurality of HVAC distribution feeder lines. Each HVAC distribution feeder line connects the primary power panel to one of the plurality of distribution conversion units.

Abstract: An example terminal stud of a ram air fan connection assembly has a threaded portion extending from a head that is held within a slot of a base. The head has a sidewall that interfaces directly with the base. The sidewall has a length and a height. A ratio of the length to the height is from 2.18 to 2.35.

Abstract: A method for providing electronic checklist data onboard an aircraft is provided. The method detects, by an aircraft onboard system, a current phase of flight for the aircraft; obtains electronic checklist data by at least one processor onboard the aircraft; identifies, by the at least one processor, critical items associated with the current phase of flight, wherein the electronic checklist data comprises the critical items; and presents the critical items via aircraft display.

Abstract: Specified is a lightning protection layer for an aircraft. The lightning protection layer has a first stratum and a second stratum. The second stratum is coupled to the first stratum along a connecting surface. The first stratum has a metal foil and the second stratum has carbon allotropes. It is thus made possible that damage to a structure of the aircraft by lightning strike is reduced.

Abstract: An aircraft system component carrier system includes at least one aircraft system component carrier module, at least one aircraft system component that is fastened via an aircraft system component holder to the aircraft system component carrier module, and an aircraft structural element of a fuselage upper shell, to which element the aircraft system component carrier module is fastened via a structural holder in such a way that the aircraft system component carrier module, the aircraft system component and the aircraft structural element form an assembly group that is capable of being handled independently.

Abstract: A method for adjusting play in a high-lift system of an aircraft with several flaps, moved by a drive unit with the aid of driving stations connected to a driveshaft, includes disengaging the mechanical connections between the driveshaft and the driving stations in the first position, displacing the individual drive levers by mechanically driving a gear input of the associated rotary actuator such that the individual drive levers come into mechanical contact with a stop in a second position, spaced apart from the first position, and are pretensioned by a certain torque, rotationally fixing the gear inputs of the rotary actuators, adapting the length of connecting links between the respective drive levers and a support arm carrying the associated flap such that a position of the associated flap corresponding to the position of the stop is reached, and reconnecting the driving stations to the driveshaft pretensioned to have no play.

Abstract: A method for using a device for coupling with a space satellite before the satellite is launched for the purpose of de-orbiting the satellite and/or returning it to Earth. The device includes: controller for controlling the device; propulsion system operatively connected with the controller; receiver for receiving control signals operatively connected with the controller; powering system for electrically powering the device; coupler for mechanically coupling the device with the satellite before the satellite is launched. The propulsion system is enabled by the controller on receipt of control signals for deorbiting the satellite and transferring it to a given orbit.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for attitude determination using infrared Earth horizon sensors (EHSs) with Gaussian response characteristics. Attitude information is acquired by detecting Earth's infrared electromagnetic radiation and, subsequently, determining the region obscured by Earth in the sensors' fields of view to compute a nadir vector estimation in the spacecraft's body frame. The method can be applied when two sensors, each with known and distinct pointing directions, detect the horizon, which is defined as having their fields of view partially obscured by Earth. The method can be implemented compactly to provide high-accuracy attitude within small spacecraft, such as CubeSat-based satellites.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interconnecting dual manifested spacecraft for launch by a launch vehicle are disclosed. Different motive forces are utilized to couple a first spacecraft to a second spacecraft and to restrict demating of the second spacecraft from the first spacecraft. Some systems and methods utilize pneumatic pressure to permit mating of a first spacecraft to a second spacecraft and utilize spring force to restrict demating of the second spacecraft from the first spacecraft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling flow of a flowable material. The flowable material passes from a product supply through one or more valves which are coupled to a controller. The controller is also coupled to one or more sensors operable to generate a signal indicating whether flowable product is present or not present at a specific level within a container. The controller is programmed to operate the valves based on signals received from the sensors. The sensors may be associated with the feed container and used to control metering of flowable product out of the feed container, or they may be associated with a container and used to control filling of the container with flowable product.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for use in shrink sleeve labeler machines includes a replaceable insert having a cutting slot that is spaced apart from both upper and lower elements of the mandrel assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a three-panel lidding device used to seal a food container. Such devices are particularly useful for covering and sealing a plastic food container, eliminating (or diminishing) the need for an outer carton and the clear film membrane that traditionally covers a food container. The lidding device may contain all brand identifiers, product messaging, ingredient list, instructions (e.g., opening and cooking) printed directly on the device. The device may also allow for venting of the food container during cooking and may then be removed for serving. The device may further provide a foot panel that allows the food product container/lidding device to sit upright, enhancing store front and freezer display options.

Abstract: A box-packing system having a first conveyor, a first robot that applies suction, holds, and transports a package, and a control device. The package includes soft packaging material, and is conveyed by the first conveyor. The control device operates the first robot to move the package to a box-packing preparation area. The first robot has a suction part applying suction the package from above, an arm that moves the suction part in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, and a servomotor. The servomotor drives the arm so that the suction part can apply suction to the package at a predetermined vertical location. An acquisition part of the control device acquires thickness information of the package. The determination part determines the predetermined height location based the thickness information. The command generation part drives the servomotor in response to the predetermined height location determined by the determination part.

Abstract: A vending machine provides a housing for enclosing a container unit, a printing unit, a bagging unit, and a retrieval bin. The units are connected to each other by a number of passages that allow stored products to be transported between the units. Customers interact with the vending machine via a terminal, which actuates other components based on customer inputs. The container unit serves as a primary storage, holding the product until a customer makes a purchase. The requested product is then funneled into a primary passage, either towards the bagging unit or forked to the printing unit if necessary. The bagging unit has a door that allows the product to drop into a bag. The bag itself is retrieved from a storage area and positioned below the door by a bag manipulating mechanism. It is then sealed and dropped into the retrieval bin to allow a customer access.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a bag made of a polymeric material by applying heat activated layers on different portions of the bag, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material; after creasing the bag along a fold line, applying heat at a temperature below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material to activate the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer to adhesive states after the bag has been filled with contents; and folding the bag to form an adhesive-to adhesive seal by contact between the heat activated first adhesive layer and the heat activated second adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formation, filling, and sealing unit dose packages for consumer products are described herein. A filling system with a filling control system is also disclosed. Although the filling system is described in conjunction with a method for forming, filling, and sealing unit dose packages, the filling system and filling control system can be used in other dispensing processes.

Abstract: A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted it forceably moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is removably affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce its coefficient of friction to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring is polygonal and includes a fully releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then reaffixed by a mating tongue and slot joint at one end a latch at the other end before it is raised.

Abstract: A loading device to supply successively with cardboard sheets a station for handling the sheets by folding to form from them boxes for packaging, the handling station having a storage area to receive the successive sheets, optionally grouped in bundles, the device itself having a manipulator that includes: a gripping tool to pick up the sheets; an actuator to move the tool between an inventory of sheets and the receiving storage area of the station; a detection unit for detecting the status of filling of the storage area; and a control unit that directs the action of the device and that receives detection information from the detection unit to do this, the control unit being independent of the control of the handling station and programmable to adapt the operation of the loading device to the type of sheets handled. A corresponding process is also described.

Abstract: Packaging systems include a rotating table and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spool mount assemblies mounted to the rotating table at respective clipper stations. The spool mount assemblies can include a laterally extending centrifugal force retention shaft that faces an outer perimeter of the table.

Abstract: A rechargeable sealer with storage function includes a casing, an electric heating module, a circuit board, a supporting base, a press bar, a spring-back mechanism, and a sliding plate. The casing is provided with an accommodating chamber, in which are provided with a fore contact element and a rear contact element. A rechargeable battery is positioned in and between the fore contact element and the rear contact element. The circuit board, provided with an external slot, is disposed in the accommodating chamber, featured in charging the rechargeable battery. The press bar is provided with a sliding slot, and is pivotally connected with the pivoting shaft of the supporting base, served as a pressing structure corresponding to the casing.

Abstract: A sealing machine having a movable carriage assembly which utilizes a counterbalance and two servo motors is disclosed. The counterbalance allows high throughput operation without excessive mechanical vibration. The use of two servo motors allows independent control of the horizontal movement of the movable carriage assembly and the vertical movement of the jaws. The use of two servo motors also allows adaptation to articles or packages of various dimensions. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is used to detect the position of the package to be sealed, and the movement of the movable carriage assembly and the jaw is altered based on the detected position.

Abstract: A device for facilitating folding of a container comprising a first flattening element and a second flattening element arranged to flatten a first end portion and a second end portion of a sealed end of the container, respectively. By flattening the first and second end portions, these are made thinner, which, in turn, facilitates folding of the first end portion and the second end portion towards a middle portion of the sealed end, placed between the first end portion and the second end portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for automatically printing and applying one or more label to at least one item to enable shipping of the at least one item by a carrier are provided. In some aspects, a movable label applicator device includes a printer for printing the one or more label onto a supply of labeling material, wherein the one or more printed label contains unique information associated with the at least one item. In some aspects, the device further includes an applicator for applying the one or more printed label to a surface of the at least one item, wherein the applicator is configured to apply multiple labels to the surface of the at least one item such that the multiple labels are removably stacked on top of one another.

Abstract: A labeling unit for applying labels to containers includes a label removing device, a vacuum drum, and a gluing device. The vacuum drum receives labels at a first transfer position and delivers them to a second transfer position. The gluing device is arranged within an angular region of rotary motion of the vacuum drum between the first and second transfer positions. The vacuum drum moves labels past the gluing device. The label removal device removes either labels or label residues that remain on the vacuum drum in the angular region.

Abstract: A point-of-sale paperboard package having spaced-apart support rails that support packaged article(s), and a top closure affixed to the support rails by packaged article(s). The top closure may include retaining flaps secured to the support rails by packaged article(s) extending through the support rails and the retaining flaps. The top closure may include a hanging tab allowing the package to be suspended from a hanging hook at a point of sale. The support rails and top closure may be defined by consecutive panels folded into a rectangular shape. The top closure may be folded into the space between the support rails to prevent the support rails from unfolding. The retaining flaps may extend from the top closure into the hollow interior of the support rails. The support rails and retaining flaps may define article receiving openings to facilitate insertion of packaged articles. The package may include a bottom closure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a folding carton designed to accept a retractable panel. The retractable panel may contain written information that should stay with or otherwise connected to the packaging, rather than on a folded leaflet inserted inside the carton that may be displaced. The panel may be pulled from its fully inserted/retracted position (within the carton) out to an extended position, where the panel displays the information. Even in the extended position, however, the panel stays secured with the carton.

Abstract: A carton for storing a product can include a plurality of panels, including a plurality of major panels and at least one display panel that at least partially define a product storage space. The carton can further include a cutout or window in one or more of the major panels, and a presentation area on a surface of the display panel. After the carton is sealed, the presentation area is visible through the cutout. The display panel may be positioned between the product storage space and the cutout.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers is disclosed. The carton includes a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton includes a plurality of end flaps. Each end flap of the plurality of end flaps is respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels for at least partially closing an end of the carton. The carton further includes a plurality of lines of weakening positioned in at least one portion of the carton. The at least one portion of the carton being selected from the group consisting of at least one panel of the plurality of panels and at least one end flap of the plurality of end flaps. The plurality of lines of weakening forms at least one texture in the exterior of the carton.

Abstract: A package assembly suitable for use in storing and shipping a plurality of product containers includes a shipping configuration and a display configuration. In the shipping configuration the package assembly is constructed from a single blank of packaging material and formed into a case into which a plurality of product containers are inserted. In the display configuration a top portion of the case is removed from a bottom portion of the case along one or more tear lines on the blank.

Abstract: A bracket for securing a plurality of support members for a shipping crate assembly is also disclosed. The bracket forms a corner of the shipping crate assembly. The bracket includes first and second non-identical plates. The first and second non-identical plates are joined along a connection line. The first and second non-identical plates extend perpendicularly from each other. A foot is secured to the first and second non-identical plates, the foot being secured along the connection line.

Abstract: A pallet, including a plurality of spaced apart stringers defining a pallet width and a plurality of slats extending lengthwise across the stringers corresponding to the pallet width. The slats have upper surfaces that are coplanar, and at least two of the slats have a length that is less than the pallet width and define undersized slats having upper surfaces that are coplanar with the upper surfaces of the slats to define a planar upper load support surface of the pallet. A slat splice connector bridges between adjacent ones of the undersized slats so that the undersized slats are spliced together to provide a spliced slat have a length corresponding to the pallet width. The slat splice connector has an elevated surface between and supported by a pair of spaced apart legs. The undersized slats of the spliced slat are supported by and attached to the legs of the slat splice connector, and the elevated surface of the slat splice connector is coplanar with the upper surfaces of the spliced slat.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to product packaging, and more particularly to a product packaging having an external sample of the product contained within the packaging and a method of making the product packaging. The present invention is directed to exemplary embodiments of a product packaging having an external sample of the product contained within the packaging. The product packaging is configured to provide a representation of the product contained within the packaging in the product's final and/or applied form. The product packaging may include a product sample swatch that is configured to affixation to a product container containing the product represented by the sample swatch in its non-final form. The present invention is also directed to exemplary embodiments of a method for affixing a product sample swatch to a product container containing the product represented by the sample swatch in its non-final form.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing liquids, with at least one stacking feature, a dispenser to dispense liquid contained in the container, a handle for carrying the container, an angle (?) which is the angle between a line (DD?) perpendicular to a reference lifting plane (Lp) cutting through the handle and a line parallel to a vertical of the container in a filling orientation, and a tilt angle (B) which is the angle between the line (DD?) and a line going through a location of a center of gravity of the filled container in the direction of a weight force of the container. When the container is in a filling orientation the tilt angle (B) and the angle (?) coincide, while when the container is lifted perpendicular to the lifting plane (Lp), the tilt angle (B) is substantially zero.

Abstract: A woven plastic bag is made by longitudinally feeding flat-lying fabric web having a layer of woven-together plastic strips on a first face, opposite longitudinal edge regions spaced transversely from each other and each extending over about 10% of a transverse width of the fabric web, and a middle section between the longitudinal edge regions. A pattern is applied the first face of the fabric web in a pattern that repeats along the production direction only locally with a coating in the form of a film or in the form of a liquid plastic of a width or shape that varies transversely, and the fabric web is shaped into a fabric tube. In order to form individual woven plastic bags, the fabric tube is cut transversely into pieces of the fabric tube suitable for subsequent filling and sealing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are disinfecting caps that can be used to cover and disinfect both a male medical connector and needleless injection site when not in use or when disconnected from each other. The caps contain a disinfecting agent.

Abstract: A lid is provided that includes an access opening in a top wall thereof selectively coverable by a pivotable cover. The lid attaches to a foodstuff container and provides access to an interior of the container. The lid achieves this without requiring removal of the lid while also providing an impeded foodstuff dispense path having greater control. The cover pivots between open and closed positions, and in one form, can be secured in one or both positions. This can be achieved by releasably securing the cover to the top wall to hold the cover in the closed position and/or capturing a tab of the cover within a depression in an edge portion of the lid to hold the cover in the open position. The cover can further be integrally attached to the lid so that the cover is generally coplanar with the top wall when in the closed position.

Abstract: A combination container and latch is provided. The container comprises a body, a lid hingedly attached to the body and a pivoting latch that minimizes the possibility of the latch becoming entangled in the lid or damaged. The latch is moveable between a locked position in which the latch is distended and extends vertically upward within a body recess and a lid recess to engage a locking post, and an open position in which the latch is relaxed and extends horizontally within the body recess. The container and latch are designed so that the latch never extends beyond the container footprint.

Abstract: An interbox connector used in intermodal transportation systems is provided. The interbox connector is adapted to secure a top container to a bottom container in which the top container and bottom container each have corner castings. A plate is configured to be positioned between a corner casting of the bottom container and a corner casting of the top container prior to the top container being stacked on the bottom container. A first latch extends upwardly from the plate in which the first latch is configured to be disposed in the corner casting of the top container. A second latch extends downwardly from the plate in which the second latch is configured to be disposed in the corner castings of the bottom container. Placement of the top container on top of the bottom container causes the second latch and the first latch to automatically rotate and secure the top container to the bottom container.

Abstract: A package includes a closure and a container. The closure is adapted to mate with a brim of the container to close a top opening arranged to open into an interior product-storage region formed in the container.

Abstract: A can includes an at least partially electrically conductive body having a seal region delimited by a predetermined breaking edge on a front wall. An opening element bears against the front wall and is connected to the front wall at least at one point in an initial position. When the opening element is pivoted into an opening position, the seal region tears away at the predetermined breaking edge and forms an opening for emptying the contents of the can. The opening element has a metallic basic body which has a loop with an electrical interruption at one end region. An antenna and a transponder chip which is connected to the antenna are provided. The antenna bears at least partially against and is electrically insulated from the basic body. The antenna is free of interruptions, at least partially along the loop which is electrically interrupted by the interruption.

Abstract: A fastener with a head element that is coupled to a strip element is disclosed. The strip element is configured to fasten to the head element via an attachment structure of the head element. An identification device is molded into the fastener. The identification device has an identifier integrated circuit (IC) within an IC package and an antenna, having a portion internal to the IC package and a portion extending out of the IC package, coupled to the identifier IC.

Abstract: A packaging assembly comprising a base or pedestal portion (36) and a top portion (10) including a plurality of foldable panels (12, 14, 16) and flaps (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) and one or more rigid cap portions (30a, 30b).

Abstract: A packaged rodenticidal bait comprises a soft bait composition enrobed in a perforated thermoplastic film, wherein the soft bait composition comprises a blend of at least one edible fat, at least one particulate food component and at least one rodenticidally-active substance. Preferably, the thermoplastic film comprises one or more polyolefins. The perforated film used in the manufacture of the packaged bait according to the invention does not absorb fat, unlike conventionally-used paper sachets. The packaged bait composition of the invention is palatable to rodents such that rodents may take a lethal dose of a rodenticide from the bait in a single sitting.