Abstract: An aircraft (2) comprises at least first and second gas turbine engines (10a, 10b) arranged in a line extending generally normally to an aircraft longitudinal axis (A), each engine (10a, 10b) comprising at least one compressor or turbine rotor disc (32-42) defining a respective rotational plane (D32-D42). The rotational plane (D32-D42) of at least one of the rotors (32-42) of at least one of the engines (10a, 10b) is angled relative to the aircraft longitudinal line (A) such that a burst disc plane of the respective engine (10a, 10b) is nonintersecting with another engine (10a, 10b).

Abstract: An aircraft including a fuselage and an aft engine is provided. The fuselage extends from a forward end of the aircraft towards an aft end of the aircraft. The aft engine is mounted to the fuselage proximate the aft end of the aircraft and includes a fan and a nacelle. The fan is rotatable about a central axis of the aft engine and includes a plurality of fan blades. The nacelle of the aft engine surrounds the plurality of fan blades and defines a bottom portion having a forward end. Additionally, the nacelle defines a curved surface at the forward end of the bottom portion, the curved surface including a reference point where the curved surface defines the smallest radius of curvature. The nacelle further defines a normal reference line extending normal from the reference point. The normal reference line defines an angle with the central axis of the aft engine greater than zero to, e.g., allow for a maximum amount of airflow into the aft engine.

Abstract: A device for regulating the speed of rotation of at least one main rotor of a rotorcraft, which speed is known as the speed NR. Such a rotorcraft comprises at least one manual flight control member for delivering a collective pitch control setpoint C for the blades of the at least one main rotor, the control setpoint C being a function of a current position of the at least one control member; and detector means enabling a current state to be detected from at least two distinct states of the rotorcraft, namely a “ground” state in which the rotorcraft is in contact with the ground, at least in part, and a “flight” state in which the rotorcraft is at least being sustained in the air.

Abstract: A fuel tank dam closes a gap that is formed between a first structural component and a second structural component. The fuel tank dam includes a first portion disposed on a first structural component side, a second portion disposed on a second structural component side, an elastic member that is supported by the first portion at one end while supported by the second portion at the other end and closes a gap that is formed between the first portion and the second portion, and a sealing mechanism that seals between the first member and the elastic member.

Abstract: Electric aircraft, including in-flight rechargeable electric aircraft, and methods of operating electric aircraft, including methods for recharging electric aircraft in-flight, through the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) packs flying independent of and in proximity to the electric aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.

Abstract: Tracker systems are disclosed, the system mountable on a device having one or more rotary component, comprising: an optical tracker having circuitry that causes the optical tracker to transmit one or more optical signal to be deflected by, and received back from, the one or more rotary component of the device, the optical tracker having circuitry transmitting data indicative of a distance; an orientation/motion sensor having circuitry that automatically determines data indicative of the orientation and motion of the optical tracker; and one or more computer processor that utilizes the optical tracker determined distance and the orientation/motion sensor data to determine track error of the one or more rotary component of the device, and transmits data indicative of the track error.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for generating a vertical speed indicator (VSI) are disclosed. The VSI generating system may include a source of first vertical speed (V/S) data, a source of second V/S, an image generator (IG), and a display system. The IG may be configured to acquire first V/S data; acquire second V/S data; and generate image data as a function of the first V/S data and the second V/S data. The first V/S data could include actual V/S, and the second V/S data could include a target V/S other than a manually-selected V/S. The image data could be representative of an image of an aircraft VSI comprised of at least one indication of the actual V/S, and at least one indication of the target V/S other than a manually-selected V/S.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for displaying flight information representative of a deviation from a specified four-dimensional flight path. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a cockpit display for enabling pilots to arrive at a particular location at a particular time and to achieve the necessary changes to aircraft speed to achieve a preferred ground speed. There is described a system and a method that displays flight information relating to a predetermined flight path. The predetermined flight path specifies locations and corresponding scheduled times. A current location of an aircraft along the predetermined flight path is monitored. A current time at which the aircraft is at the current location is determined. A scheduled time for the aircraft to be at the current location is provided. A time deviation between the current time and the scheduled time is calculated. The time deviation is displayed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a power transmission system of an aircraft, the aircraft including at least one main rotor driven in rotation by a rotor mast and an auxiliary unit having an auxiliary rotor. Control means control the auxiliary rotor. A power relationship is determined providing a first reduced power parameter of the auxiliary unit as a function of a position (POS) of the control means. A setpoint limit is set for a second power parameter for the rotor mast. A current position (POSACTU) of the control means is determined and a calculated value (Vcal) is also determined at least by applying the current position (POSACTU) to the power relationship. A limit value that is not to be exceeded by a power plant is determined, with the limit value being equal to the sum at least of the setpoint limit plus the calculated value.

Abstract: A computer apparatus and method to determine aircraft fuel mileage performance. The computer apparatus including a memory and a processor disposed in communication with the memory and configured to issue a plurality of instructions stored in the memory. The instructions issue signals to receive real-time aircraft data during aircraft flight and process the real-time data to determine real-time aircraft mass data. A calculation is performed to determine the real-time fuel mileage performance for the aircraft based upon determined real-time aircraft mass data.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting skew in a slat of an aircraft wing includes an elongated track moveably supported in the wing for longitudinal movement toward and away from a leading edge of the wing. The slat is coupled to a forward end of the track for conjoint movement therewith. An actuator is configured to selectably drive the track and slat between retracted and extended positions relative to the leading edge of the wing. A pinion gear is rotatably mounted in the wing and disposed in rolling engagement with a rack gear disposed on the track, and a sensor is coupled to the pinion gear and configured to sense the longitudinal position of the slat as a function of a rotational position of the pinion gear.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for generating an aircraft energy indicator(s) is disclosed. The energy indicator generating system is comprised of one or more sources of aircraft performance factors data, an image generator (IG), and a presentation system. The IG may be configured to receive the aircraft performance factors data representative of at least aircraft altitude and speed; determine descent path data as a function of at least the aircraft performance data; determine target aircraft energy data as a function of at least the descent path data; determine actual energy data as a function of at least the aircraft performance data; and generate presentation data as a function of the target energy data and the actual energy data, where the presentation data is representative of one or more images of an aircraft energy indicator presentable to a viewer.

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

Abstract: A modular satellite for converting solar energy to microwave energy and transmitting the microwave energy to the earth to be converted into electricity includes solar panels configured to convert solar energy into direct current; a magnetron operatively connected to the solar panels to receive the direct current and configured to convert the direct current into microwave energy; a planar wave guide antenna operatively connected to the magnetron to receive the microwave energy and direct the microwave energy to a station on earth; and a coupling system for coupling with another satellite to form an array in response to at least one of locking, unlocking, and navigational commands. The satellite has a mass equal to or less than four kilograms, and a volume equal to or less than three liters.

Abstract: A deployable structure comprises a first and second flexible tension members respectively defining a first and second contours of a ring. A first plurality of rigid compression members extends between the first and second contours. Only one end of each first plurality compression member is mounted on the first contour. A second plurality of rigid compression members extends between the first and second contours. Only one end of each second plurality compression member is mounted on the second contour. The first and second plurality of compression members are arranged with a repetitive crossing pattern around the ring. A first plurality of flexible tension members link each end of a compression member mounted on one of said contours to an end of another non-mounted compression member and a second plurality of flexible tension members link each end of a non-mounted compression member to an end of another non-mounted compression member.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure teaches a method for reconfiguring a solar array. The method involves providing, for the solar array, at least one string of solar cells. The method further involves deactivating at least a portion of at least one of the strings of solar cells of the solar array when power produced by the solar array reaches a maximum power allowance threshold. In addition, the method involves activating at least a portion of at least one of the strings of the solar cells in the solar array when the power produced by the solar array reaches a minimum power allowance threshold.

Abstract: A solar rejection system includes an enclosure for housing a sensor, and a movable sunshade. The housing has an opening or aperture for admitting light to the sensor, and the sunshade is moved as needed to prevent harmful solar illumination of the sensor. The sunshade may be a flat panel. The sunshade panel is mounted to a hinge that is located on one side of a large diameter bearing that allows the shade to be rotated around the aperture of the sensor to always prevent the sun from illuminating the aperture. The hinge allows the shade to be tilted to either allow the sensor to see further off axis without obscuration or to block the sun when it moves in front of the sensor. Full closure of the sunshade on its hinge allows it to also function as an aperture door, blocking the opening or aperture.

Abstract: A batching system (200) for use in a food packaging system comprises a batching table (202) having a plurality of filling stations (206) positioned around an axis of a predefined delivery position. A weigher (204) is operable to provide food product in predefined batches at the delivery position; and a conveyor (230) is provided for transporting said batches provided from the weigher (204) to at least one of said plurality of filling stations.

Abstract: A method of installing a vaporizer in a remote manufacturing yard is provided. The method can include the steps of obtaining a lower stage and an upper stage of a vaporizer; obtaining a first column section and a second column section; installing the lower stage to a bottom head such that the lower stage is in fluid communication with an inner volume of the bottom head; installing the first column section over and around the lower stage and fitting and welding a bottom of the first column section to the bottom head; installing the upper stage; and installing the second column section and fitting and welding a bottom of the second course to the first course.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for automatic application of lids to containers, said apparatus comprising a rotatable device unit comprising a plurality of circumferentially distributed lid holding members, a lid feeding unit, a glue application unit and a lid application unit. The lid holding members can be directed to each of the units simultaneously by rotating the rotatable device unit. The rotatable device unit further comprises an item application unit configured to fit an individual additional item onto the lid before the lid is attached to the container. The item application unit comprises an item supply unit and at least one movable gripping device configured to grip an individual additional item from the item supply unit and fit the individual additional item onto the lid. The invention also concerns a method for automatic application of lids to containers.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) according to the invention for packing bulk material into a container (2) comprises a provisioning device (3) for the container (2). The container (2) has a filling side with a filling opening arranged therein. The apparatus (1) further comprises a gripping device (4) for gripping of the substantially closed and empty container (2) by the provisioning device (3). The apparatus optionally comprises a conveying device (5) for conveying the container (2) to a packing device (6). The apparatus further optionally comprises a container-opening device (9) for opening the container (2). The gripping device (4) has a detection device (7) for detecting the position of the container on and/or in the provisioning device (3). The apparatus (1) additionally has a positioning device for positioning the container on the basis of said detected position.

Abstract: The system contains at least two elongated feet attached to a wall of the sterilization case. Each of the feet is approximately parallel to the wall of the sterilization case and attached to the wall. At least one leg is integral with each of the elongated feet. At least one retaining element extends from each of the legs.

Abstract: A kit for use in combination with a squeeze bottle includes a bottle cap or plug configured to seat and seal multiple sizes of a bottle opening or spout by threaded attachment to or compression fit in the spout. The cap or plug includes an axial throughbore which receives multiple sizes and configurations of fluid tubes and discharge nozzles which when properly attached to an inserted into a squeeze bottle enables controlled pumping and discharge of fluid such as hydraulic fluid or liquids.

Abstract: A package has a tray slidably mounted in a carton. The carton has a front access port and at least one catch. The tray has a pair of stops positioned to successively engage at least one catch in order to restrict outward movement of the tray. The tray can be positioned with the pair of stops located inwardly of, and locked in place by, at least one catch. The catch on the carton can be manipulated to clear one of the pair of stops and allow it to move outwardly past the catch.

Abstract: A plurality of integrally arranged panels include a first panel and a second panel with a fold line therebetween. A compression reinforcement feature has a planar edge oriented orthogonal to a first planar surface of the first panel and perpendicular to a z-axis that defines a stacking load direction, the planar edge being disposed at a distance away from the fold line of half a thickness of the first panel, the first panel having a void between the fold line and the planar edge. The compression reinforcement feature is formed by at least four cut lines that define at least a portion of a closed perimeter of a cutout. One of the cut lines defines a location of the planar edge of the compression reinforcement feature.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.

Abstract: A long corrugated plastic folding container, having a folding structure in which a first side panel and latch side panel that oppose each other are provided from a floor panel, a first incision having the same height is provided in the first side panels, third incisions are provided thereabove, second incisions are provided therebelow, a second side panel is provided towards the front and rear edges of the floor panel, frames are attached to the upper end parts of the first side panels and second side panels, the first incisions of the first side panels fold inwards, and the second incisions and third incisions fold outwards, where the height dimension of the first side panel is greater than the short edge dimension, and, above the third incision serves as an upper short side panel, below the third incision and above the second incision.

Abstract: A stackable storage tray that can be combined with an identical stackable storage tray to form an enclosed box. The stackable storage tray comprises a flat base, a rear wall, two side walls, and an open front. Each of the two side walls are complementary with the respective side walls of a second identical stackable storage tray, so that when one storage tray is flipped upside down the two trays form an enclosed box—the open front of the stationary tray receives the complementary rear wall of the flipped tray, the rear wall of the stationary tray fits in the complementary open front of the flipped tray, and the sides have side walls and open spaces that are complementary reverse mirror images of each other and fit together to form an enclosed box.

Abstract: A tabbed seal as well as a method of manufacture is provided for sealing containers such as bottles, jars and the like. The tabbed seal is formed with a lower sheet-like structure having a non-foam, heat-distributing layer thereon.

Abstract: A beverage can end for seaming onto a can body may include a peripheral wall, a center panel (26), a tab (attached to the center panel by a rivet (28), a tear panel (60), a main reference line (Rm), a transverse reference line (R1), and a score (30). The end includes an anti-fracture score (40) proximate a vent score (70). The center panel includes a recess (27), in which the main score, an antifracture score, and (optionally) the anti-tension score (50) are located. The score is configured such that lifting the tab from its horizontal rest position to an intermediate position ruptures the main score portion to pivot the tear panel main portion about the hinge (70) and a second lifting operation or twisting operation of the tab ruptures the main score extension (34).

Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided that comprises a novel center panel for collecting and distributing fluids and solids into a pour opening of the end closure. The fluids and solids may be juice and fruit or vegetable pieces. The end closure may further comprise a novel pull tab for assisting in the collection and distribution of the fluids and solids into the pour opening of the end closure. In one embodiment, the center panel comprises a catch basin and a luge for collecting and directing fluids and solids into the pour opening.

Abstract: An airless container includes: an elongated shaft having an open top and an open bottom and having a constant internal cross-section, and having attachment means for securing a fastening collar thereto; a fastening collar; a liquid outlet piece; a piston to sealably and moveably fit within the elongated shaft, the piston having external sides with a peripheral upper blade and a peripheral lower blade, each of said peripheral upper blade peripheral lower blade having a plurality of peripheral ridges running perpendicular to the elongated shaft elongation direction.

Abstract: A package includes a container, a flowable product dispensably disposed within the container, a closure carried by the container, and an indicator within the container and adapted, upon contact with air, irreversibly to change a characteristic of the indicator that is visible from outside of the container to indicate to a user that the package has been used, wherein the closure includes a closure member carrying the indicator and having a wedge opening, and a wedge member carried in the wedge opening.

Abstract: A tank for electrical equipment such as power transformers and shunt reactors has integral stiffeners for reinforcing the tank during overpressure conditions, such as during an arc fault. The stiffeners are formed of a material that is more ductile than the material to which the stiffeners are attached, such as the tank walls and cover. The tank with integral stiffeners allows for expansion of the internal volume of the tank during overpressure conditions, thus, increasing the flexibility of the tank and mitigating the risk of tank rupture.

Abstract: An attachment tag that includes a tag portion having a first surface and a second surface, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second surface of the tag portion and configured to adhere to a product. The attachment tag also includes an elastomer portion having an expandable portion configured to further secure the attachment tag to the product and/or to secure the attachment tag to a second product, and a layer portion that is co-extensive with the expandable portion, and includes a bond zone that is bonded to the tag portion.

Abstract: The container with calorie information display is an electronic display device that is adapted for use with food containers. The container with calorie information display is used to display nutritional information about the food that is stored in the container. The container with calorie information scans the nutritional label of the items being stored in the container and electronically displays the information on a display that is adapted to fit on the container. Alternative embodiments of the disclosure include a memory function to permanently store nutritional information for repeatedly stored items and an optical character recognition function and scale function that allows for the display of the total nutritional contents of the container.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a fluent product by twisting a flexible bag which contains the fluent product. The bag ends are connected to a container composed of a lower hollow cylinder which fits into an upper hollow cylinder. The two parts have a mutual axis which enable twisting the bag by rotating one part with respect to the other. The lower part has elastic fins on its outer cylindrical surface and the upper part has ramp shaped grooves all along its inner cylindrical surface. The fins which fit the grooves implement a rotational ratchet mechanism with capability for vertical displacement which also allows for linear bag contraction during twisting. The ratchet mechanism enables accurate control of outflow and also keeps the bag in the last twisted pose it arrives to. The bag is connected to two container parts by two butterfly nuts which enable easy manual bag replacement.

Abstract: A container (10) to dispense a liquid such as sauce. The container (1.0) has a resilient deformable body (11) that may be compressed to dispense the liquid from the interior (55) of the body (11). Mounted on the body (11) is a cap (37) that is movable along a path (axis 13) between a closed position and an open position. In the open position the upper opening (38) is open to allow the liquid to be dispensed. Preferably the path is linear.

Abstract: A dispensing closure (40) for a container (44) of a fluent substance is disclosed. The closure includes a body (54) having an inlet portion (68) defining an inlet flow passage (74) for receiving the fluent substance from the container (44) and an elongate outlet portion (70) defining an outlet flow passage (78) for discharging the fluent substance. The closure (40) further has a valve (56) located within the body (54), across the inlet flow passage (74) and spaced axially inwardly of outlet flow passage (78) to define a chamber (216). The valve (56) has a flexible, resilient valve head portion (160) that has confronting, openable portions (212) movable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the valve head portion (160) is subjected to a pressure differential acting across the valve head portion (160).

Abstract: A container sealing assembly is provided. The container sealing assembly includes a cap configured to attach to a container body and including a sealing rib and a unitary compliant sealing valve having a continuous shape and movable between a sealed position and an open position. The unitary compliant sealing valve includes (i) a cap sealing section configured to form a sealing interface with the sealing rib when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position and (ii) a compression spring section configured to exert a restoring force on a position adjustment member when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position, the restoring force opposing a compressive force exerted by the cap and the position adjustment member on the compression spring section and urging the position adjustment member in an axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package, and more particularly to a package for sterile fluids, such as contrast media. More particularly the invention relates to a package comprising a container, a stopper (40), a cap (50) and a flip cover (60).

Abstract: A tank and closure cap apparatus is disclosed. The tank has an upper end or top with a manhole like larger diameter opening that can be closed with a lid having a smaller diameter opening equipped with an outlet fitting. A specially configured shroud protectively covers the lid clamp and is secured with a closure cap that seals the outlet fitting.

Abstract: An anti-tamper synthetic elastomeric cap structure, of the type having a dilated external head in abutment with an apex to form a “T-cap”, includes a composite structure having, embedded in the head, an endoskeleton with external appendages that provides a cage having a circumferential projection, with respect to a penetrating body under the head that defines a band having a notching therein and disposed about the neck of a bottle to provide a pre-fracture line and a grasping appendage.

Abstract: A two-piece tamper-evident band assembly for use with a container and closure combination, where the container has a peripheral collar and the closure has a skirt, is shown. The tamper-evident band assembly includes a breakaway band frangibly connected to a staying ring. The staying ring has decreased flexibility where it connects to the container and closure combination, which prevents the assembly from deforming in a manner that will cause the assembly to fail to indicate that the container has been opened. The tamper-evident band assembly also indicates whether the container has been compromised without requiring modification of the container or the closure and can be applied to existing container and closure combinations that lack a tamper-evident system, allowing the assembly to be used with a variety of container and closure combinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container carrier and to packaging systems for containers and using the same. This invention pertains to carrier stock for machine application to substantially identical containers such as beverage cans having annular chimes, cylindrical side walls, and frusto-conical walls between the chimes and the side walls. In particular, the present invention relates to plastic film having apertures to securely retain drinks cans, food cans, bottles and similar containers, a method of applying the film and the resultant combination.

Abstract: A flexible thermoformed stand-up dispensing package for a flowable material is mass produced using dies that provide a container portion, optionally with a dispensing tube, the package having in use a base wall of relatively large area for stably supporting the opened package on a horizontal surface without loss of the flowable contents in either an up-right configuration with a relatively narrower upper region or a low profile package, which optionally includes a dispensing tube.

Abstract: A food tray has a lower tray containing a first food product and an upper tray nested stably at least partly inside the lower tray, with the upper tray containing a second food product. An air permeable interface is provided between the upper tray and lower tray to allow venting of steam from the lower tray during cooking. A cover is provided for the food tray. Each of the lower tray and the upper tray are formed of a material that is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven. Various constructions may be used to create the air permeable interface, such as lugs, ledges and lips. The upper tray may sit above the lower tray. The trays are nested loosely for ease of removal of the upper tray from the lower tray. Various configurations of cover may be used such as a sleeve, carton or lid. The upper tray may contain the higher value food product.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-compartment pouch with a breakable or openable inner compartment used for mixing of two or more ingredients contained within the compartments without opening the pouch to the atmosphere. In one form, a two-compartment pouch includes a top compartment and a bottom compartment and an inner gusset separating the top compartment from the bottom compartment. The inner gusset includes an openable region and a fold line, and means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels of the pouch to cause the openable region to open to allow for the combining of contents of the top compartment with contents of the bottom compartment without opening the pouch. Also provided are methods for making the multi-compartment pouch.

Abstract: A dispenser for discharging a pharmaceutical or cosmetic medium having a discharge head with a discharge opening, a container for storing the medium prior to discharge, an elastically deformable outer container, and a dimensionally flexible inner container arranged in an interior of the outer container. A ventilation channel is provided, through which the interior of the outer container is connected to an environment for pressure compensation by compensating air. The ventilation channel is delimited in at least some regions by a self-adhesive label, or the ventilation channel has a self-adhesive label and has a gas-permeable surface portion. The gas-permeable surface portion is arranged in the ventilation channel or on one of the ends of the ventilation channel, such that the air passing through the ventilation channel also passes through the gas-permeable surface portion.