Abstract: An aircraft includes: a cockpit, the inside of which is pressurized; equipment which is at least partially disposed on the outside of the cockpit (external space) where the pressure is lower than the inside of the cockpit (internal space); a forced air delivery mechanism which discharges air from a peripheral space of the equipment on the outside of the cockpit by an exhaust fan to supply a branch flow divided from a main flow of air-conditioning exhaust, which has air-conditioned the inside of the cockpit, as cooling air to the equipment; and a natural air delivery mechanism which uses a differential pressure between the inside of the cockpit and the outside of the cockpit to supply air inside the cockpit as cooling air to the equipment through a ventilation opening putting in communication the peripheral space and the inside of the cockpit with one another.

Abstract: A battery containment pod including a body formed of a lightweight material. The body has an aerodynamic exterior shape and an interior cavity formed in the lightweight material, the size and shape of the interior cavity designed to accommodate one or more battery packs. A smooth exterior coating covers the exterior shape of the body, and an attachment structure formed in or on the body allows the body to be coupled to a flight vehicle. Other implementations are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system of conjoined gas turbine engines has a first engine with a first propulsor having a first axis and a first engine core having a second axis, and a second engine with a second propulsor having a third axis and a second engine core having a fourth axis. The first axis and third axis are parallel to one another; and the second axis and fourth axis are angled from one another.

Abstract: An aircraft aerial refueling system including at least one pressure controlled fuel pump having a control system adapted to regulate the pump outlet fuel pressure using an outlet fuel pressure signal as control feedback. Also, methods of operating an aircraft aerial refueling system.

Abstract: A system having a drone and a payload frame connected to the drone, wherein the payload frame includes a mechanism for attaching at least one payload module to the payload frame and electrically coupling the at least one payload module to the payload frame. The electrical coupling includes a communication interface for communicating with a controller of the drone, and is configured to communicate a relative location of the at least one payload module in the payload frame, a weight of the at least one payload module and a volume of the at least one payload module. The controller of the drone is configured to calculate a weight distribution within the payload frame, based on the relative location of the at least one payload module, the weight of the at least one payload module and the volume of the at least one payload volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for a protective finish for an airfoil. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves providing a sheath, and applying the sheath to the surface of the airfoil. In one or more embodiments, the sheath wraps around the surface of the airfoil from the leading edge of the airfoil towards the trailing edge of the airfoil. In at least one embodiment, the sheath covers approximately 50 percent to approximately 70 percent of the chord length of the airfoil. In some embodiments, the sheath is manufactured from at least one polymer, such as a polyurethane and/or a floropolymer. In one or more embodiments, the airfoil is a winglet, a raked wing tip, and/or a wing.

Abstract: A display assembly for displaying a parameter of an aircraft, comprising a parameter device and a non-transparent display device. The parameter device for gathering a parameter of the aircraft and/or of an equipment of the aircraft includes a sending unit for sending the parameter. The non-transparent display device is detachable, is configured to display the parameter, and comprises a receiving unit for receiving the parameter. The sending unit transmits the parameter directly to the receiving unit.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to an industrial plant monitoring system configured to monitor equipment an industrial plant. The industrial plant monitoring system includes one or more processors, an autonomous vehicle including at least one sensor, a plant information management system including a navigation module, a communication module, and an analysis module. The navigation module is configured to retrieve a trajectory from a trajectory database. The sensors present on the autonomous vehicle are configured to collect sensor data related to the equipment. The communication module is configured to receive the sensor data from sensors and transmit the sensor data to a plant information management system. The analysis module is configured to receive the sensor data from the communication module, the analysis module being configured to detect an event related to the industrial plant based on the sensor data and historic sensor data.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a stand for launching, landing, testing, refueling and recharging a UAV, and methods for testing, landing and launching the UAV are disclosed. Further, embodiments may include transferring a payload onto or off of the UAV, and loading flight planning and diagnostic maintenance information to the UAV.

Abstract: A rail-captive sled for deploying payloads into outer space from a space launch vehicle. The sled is driven by a piston, powered by residual tank pressure from a tank native to the space launch vehicle. The rails are arranged parallel and adapted to a cross-sectional shape of a payload, such as small satellites or cubesats. The sled is a box frame sled with an adaptation to receive the piston. The rails may be attached to the residual pressure tank, with the piston in the residual pressure tank and aligned to the rails, or the pressure may be drawn from tank plumbing to a cylinder specific to the piston. The rails have a releasable closure to avoid unplanned egress of the payload, and the closure locks in the open position once released. The piston may be constrained by a direct constraint or by the closure via the payload.

Abstract: A dispensing system comprises a main base with a hopper insertion hole. An upper base, fixed above the main base by spacers, comprises a stirrer insertion hole. A lower base, below the main base, has a hopper insertion hole with an aperture larger than a diameter of a hopper, and is coupled to the main base by a guide. A rotatable hopper, disposed in the insertion hole of the main base, comprises a bottom surface with metering holes. A stirrer, inside the hopper and fixed to the upper base, feeds material into the metering holes. A gate, on a bottom surface of the lower base, comprises a bottom surface with a dispensing hole. The gate diameter is greater than the hopper. A gate spring, between the bottom of the main base and an upper surface of the lower base, is mounted parallel to a sliding motion of the lower base. A vibration device agitates the assembly on the main base.

Abstract: A source fluid inlet for an automated filling device. The source fluid inlet may comprise features that limit engagement and/or disengagement of a source fluid tubing set from a port in the source fluid inlet except when the port is disposed in a predetermined load position. In turn, engagement and/or disengagement of the source fluid tubing may be selectively allowed to assist in reduction of interconnection errors of one or more source fluid sources. The source fluid inlet may selectively position a source fluid tubing set in a fill position to facilitate fluid communication with a receptacle to be filled (e.g., a syringe). The source fluid inlet further comprises one or more mechanisms for engagement and/or retention of a cap disposed on a syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging of loose product includes a loading station, a box forming station and an uploading station. The loading station includes moveable chutes in spaced apart relation. Each chute has an open top, an open upstream end, and an open downstream end. The open top is configured to receive loose product while moving along a first feed path. The box forming station is operable to partially erect boxes in spaced apart relation with first and second open sides and align the first open side of each box with the downstream end of a corresponding chute while moving along a second feed path. The unloading station includes a stationary vacuum head in communication with the second open side of each box. The vacuum head provides a continuous vacuum source along the second feed path operable to move loose product from the chute into the boxes.

Abstract: An apparatus for tamping the contents of a container having a bottom surface prone to bending and/or cracking during tamping. The apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: Containers are disclosed herein that include a reservoir, a handle disposed on the reservoir at an angle defined by a grip axis. The handle is configured for a single grip position and having a midpoint that coincides with a midpoint of a user's grip when the handle is gripped by a user. A first center of gravity coincident with a resting axis is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall when the bottom wall is placed on a horizontal surface. A second center of gravity coincident with a carrying axis is substantially perpendicular to the grip axis when the container is carried by the handle.

Abstract: A closure-container system comprising a screw-threaded inner cap that mounts to a screw threaded container, and an overshell that is enabled to rotate and translate relative to the inner cap. As the overshell rotates relative to the inner cap, one or more metallic magnets located in the overshell pull the cap toward one or more metallic elements associated with the container. The overshell and container make direct contact, so there is no unsightly gap. Also, the contact produces a satisfying, reassuring metallic “click” sound, accompanied by a luxurious tactile sensation that, together, dispel the silent ennui normally associated with rotating closures.

Abstract: A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps.

Abstract: A holder for receiving, storing and carrying photographic items such as cameras, printers, film packs or photographic prints. The holder has a front/distal case that is removably connected to a back/proximal case so that the two cases can be used together or separately. A multi-clip having a pair of open sections and a base member removably attaches the front case to the back case. A pair of side members guide the multi-clip into place to be received in a clip receiver. The cases are configured be used with various carrying devices that allow the user to carry the holder or one of the cases thereof. In one embodiment, the front case has a back section with a divider that defines separate areas for a film pack and prints and a front section that pivots to open or close the front case and allow access to the items.

Abstract: A polylactic acid formed body including a polylactic acid base material (1) and a hydrocarbon film (3) vapor-deposited on the surface of the base material by a plasma CVD method. The polylactic acid base material (1) exhibits a sharp X-ray diffraction peak in which a half-width of peak appearing in the 10°-25° wide angle X-ray measurement is not more than 1.22°, and the hydrocarbon film (3) is vapor-deposited on the surface of the polylactic acid base material (1), and includes two layers of a high CH2 layer (3a) having a ratio of CH2 per the total of CH, CH2 and CH3 of not less than 40% and a low CH2 layer (3b) formed on the high CH2 layer (3a) and having a ratio of CH2 per the total of CH, CH2 and CH3 of not more than 35%.

Abstract: A thermoformed packaging container includes a base section having a bottom surface and spaced apart inner and outer wall segments with a base rim therebetween. The outer wall segment has a deformable flange extending laterally and outwardly therefrom. A cover section includes a top surface, a cover rim, and a side wall portion, wherein cover section adapted to cover said base section when in a closed state. The packaging container includes a closure and release mechanism including an aperture formed within said outer wall segment of the base section, a projection extending inwardly from the side wall portion of the cover section operable to engage the aperture. The closure and release mechanism retains the cover section over the base section and securing the packaging container in a closed position. The projection is released from the aperture by depressing the deformable flange, thereby opening the thermoformed packaging container.

Abstract: A sanitary disposable drinking cup is described. The cup is designed to be grabbed from the top when served, but has a portion of its top circumference that is recessed vertically, so as to create both separate gripping and drinking surfaces so as to allow for serving personnel to handle the cup from the top surface without the necessity of contaminating the drinking surface. The cup is designed to nest so as to accommodate multiple cups being easily stored.

Abstract: A container, in particular a plastic container with a base region, a main body which adjoins this base region and is suitable to receive a volume of liquid, and with a mouth region, wherein the container can be compressed along its longitudinal direction for the removal of liquid located in the container is provided. On the base region a base cup is disposed which forms a base surface for the container and which when the container is compressed can also serve as a die element and/or die counter-element for compressing the container.

Abstract: A resealable closure for a metal beverage container including a closure cap which engages with a dispensing mouth which provides an initial gas tight seal, tamper resistant and tamper evident means, good purchase and mechanical advantage to tighten and loosen as well as remove and apply the closure mechanism, a gas tight reseal capability, and a protected, hygienic dispensing mouth. The several embodiments of the invention employ designs, materials, and manufacturing methods which are inexpensive and consistent with current manufacturing practices. The functionality, size, cost, simplicity, reliability and robustness of the proposed designs are all advantageous.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a valve for containing a substance in a squeeze bottle, a multi-layer material for providing a valve for such a closure assembly, a method for providing such a multi-layer material and a method for providing such a closure assembly. The closure assembly includes a closure cap with a cap part and a body part, a valve arranged in the body part of the closure cap, and an induction element. The induction element is arranged in the closure cap body part for induction sealing a loop shaped peripheral section of the valve to a loop shaped attachment surface of the closure cap body part.

Abstract: A container closure comprises an annular region forming a counterface against which a gas permeable, liquid impermeable sealing element may be applied so as to urge the sealing element into sealing engagement with the rim of a container opening. The annular region comprises a gas pathway from an interior space opposite the container opening to the exterior of the annular region. The gas pathway may be of closed cross-section extending through the annular region. Alternatively the gas pathway may be of open-sided cross-section and provided in the counterface. Yet alternatively the annular region may comprise a washer, with the gas pathway provided at least partly in the washer and/or at least partly in the remainder of the annular region. A gas permeable, liquid impermeable sealing foil for bonding to a container rim is also disclosed.

Abstract: A package including a carton and a plurality of articles. The carton can include a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of articles can be arranged in a plurality of rows of articles in the interior of the carton, the plurality of rows of articles can include at least a first row and a second row, and the first row can include at least one more article than the second row forming a void between a first article at an end of the first row and a second article at an end of the second row. A handle can include the first article at the end of the first row and a handle feature extending in the carton. The handle feature can be at least partially aligned with the void and can be proximate the first article.

Abstract: A package is disclosed including a blister and a folded paperboard card, and having features that provide for the package to be displayed in a self-standing configuration.

Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having an easy open feature is provided. The easy open feature is generally defined by a weakened portion in the bag. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing.

Abstract: An aerosol actuator has a main body member, a nozzle member defining an outlet opening, and a selector member. The outlet opening defines a fluid flow direction. The selector member is moved to obtain different fluid spray patterns. The selector member is distal to the nozzle member and the fluid flow direction.

Abstract: Plastic pressure container including a main body portion, a finish portion, and a closure assembly. The main body portion defines an interior space. The finish portion is unitary with the main body portion and defines a mouth in communication with the interior space. The finish portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper rim proximate the mouth. The inner surface has an inner undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The closure assembly is mounted to the finish portion in engagement with both the inner undercut and the outer undercut.

Abstract: Aerosolizing delivery apparatuses can include cartridges configured to be detachably connected to a delivery device. The cartridges can include: a housing defining a reservoir and a cartridge outlet, the cartridge outlet configured to permit fluid communication between the reservoir and an exterior of the cartridge. A surface of the housing can be configured to define a bypass port between the housing and a surface of the delivery device when the cartridge is assembled with the delivery device.

Abstract: Provided is a perforated plastic bag wherein the volume of said bag is 100 liters or more; wherein the average perforation diameter is 500 micrometers or less; wherein said plastic bag comprises a lower zone and a top zone, wherein the perforation density of said lower zone is greater than the perforation density of said top zone. Also provided is a method of using such a plastic bag.

Abstract: An aerial distribution system and method for deploying items is disclosed. The system includes a bulk shipping container comprised of a single piece of corrugated plastic, cut and folded into a closable box, a plurality of deployment boxes within the bulk shipping container, each deployment box containing at least one item, a plurality of tethers, each tether coupling a deployment box to the bulk shipping container, and a freefall retarding device coupled to the bulk shipping container.

Abstract: An assembly for thermal insulation of an MR magnet system during such a transport has a container for accommodating an MR magnet, the container being equipped with thermal insulation, and the container has an opening for accommodating a cooling unit. The assembly further has a protective cap, such that the opening is sealed in a reversible manner by the protective cap, and the protective cap is likewise equipped with thermal insulation.

Abstract: An ejector for a refuse vehicle including a structural frame, a first shoe, and a second shoe. The structural frame includes a first side plate offset from a second side plate, and the distance between the first side plate and the second side plate defines a side plate spacing. The first shoe is coupled to the first side plate and includes a first surface configured to interface with a first ejector track. The second shoe is coupled to the second side plate and includes a second surface configured to interface with the second ejector track. A lateral spacing between the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to the side plate spacing such that loading imparted on the structural frame is transmitted directly into the first ejector track and the second ejector track.

Abstract: In a transport vehicle system, when a first transport vehicle passes through a predetermined point, a controller determines whether picking up an article at a high-priority transfer point would slow down or stop other transport vehicles, which pick up articles at transfer points on a downstream side, according to states of the other transport vehicles. If the other transport vehicles would be slowed down or stopped, a command is issued to the first transport vehicle to pick up the article at the transfer point on the downstream side. If the other transport vehicles will not be slowed down or stopped, a command is issued to the first transport vehicle to pick up the article at the high-priority transfer point.

Abstract: A conveyance system includes storage racks that are provided near or adjacent to semiconductor manufacturing devices and store therein objects to be conveyed, a stacker crane that carries the objects into and out of the storage racks, vehicles that convey the objects, an ID tag reader that is provided to the stacker crane and reads ID tags of the objects; and a controller that is configured or programmed to, when identification information acquired by the ID tag reader R coincides with identification information contained in a conveyance command of an object, control the stacker crane to convey the object to a destination specified in the conveyance command. At least one section of each storage rack allows a gripper of each vehicle to take in and out the objects.

Abstract: A method of handling articles in a logistics center uses an unloading zone for unloading the articles arriving at the center and an article stowage zone where the articles are stored in ordered manner, nesting racks coupled to shuttle robot carts, and also trays placed on lift trolleys coupled to the shuttle robot carts, and at least one vertical tray rack for storing the trays loaded with the articles in superposed manner in the stowage zone. If an article is loaded on a nesting rack in the unloading zone, the shuttle robot cart stores the article with the nesting rack in a lower portion of the tray rack.

Abstract: A method for the automated dispensing of medication portions is disclosed. Medication packs are automatically retrieved by a control unit from an automated storage facility, and medication portions are automatically removed from the packs and dispensed into a dispensing pack. A determination is made as to whether any medication portions are remaining within the retrieved medication packs, and those medication packs having remaining medication portions are returned to the automated storage facility by the control unit.

Abstract: A roller assembly comprises a housing having an outer surface attached thereto, and a braking arrangement positioned at least partially within the housing. The braking arrangement is configured to increase resistance to rotation of the housing proportionally to a load applied against the outer surface.

Abstract: A magnetic lifting device for bodies (Z) comprises an input transport device (10) for transporting lying bodies (4), a transport device (12) for transporting lifted bodies (9) hanging at the transport device (12) and arranged above the input transport device (10) and a control device (13). A first magnet arrangement (1) which is activated and deactivated by the control device (13) is arranged below the input transport device (10) in such a way that a body (4) lying on the input transport device (10) is magnetically held in a releasable way on the input transport device (10). A second magnet arrangement (2) is arranged above an area of the input transport device (10), in which the bodies are transported, and is formed in such a way that a body lying on the input transport device (10) is lifted by the magnetic field of the second magnet arrangement (10) when the magnetic field of the first magnet arrangement (1) is deactivated.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an input unit for a reverse vending machine. The input unit includes a conveying unit with at least one conveying belt configured to receive and transport an empty container, and a guide structure configured to carry and guide the conveying unit relative to a housing of the reverse vending machine.

Abstract: A concave conveyor belt idler system for use on the return run of a conveyor belt system, the idler being configured to maintain alignment of the belt and inherently adjust any misalignment thereof occurring during operation of the system. The concave conveyor belt idler system includes an elongated support member extending transversely of a conveyor belt return run and supporting a plurality of idler roller modules positioned such that the roller modules along the anterior side of the support member define a cave shape for supporting the conveyor belt, with the outer lateral edges at a lower elevation than the central portion of the conveyor belt. In a conveyor belt system the concave conveyor belt idler of the disclosed technology is positioned between two planate idler systems, on the return run, so that the center roller of the concave idler is in or near the plane of the belt as it traverses the planate idler systems, with the remaining rollers of the concave idler positioned below this plane.

Abstract: An automated vial feed system for an automated prescription filling system. The system has a plurality of sensors located above a vial distribution table for controlling the pace of vial delivery to the table. The sensors determine the load of vials on the table and a control system uses the information as feedback to the vial delivery system.

Abstract: A method and a device for stringing together objects in transport systems, preferably in coating systems, for adjusting the distance between two objects, preferably substrates or substrate holders, being arranged one behind the other, wherein the front object moves at a process speed vp in the transport system and the rear object is at an undefined distance from the front object. The method comprises the following steps: (a) accelerating the rear substrate to an initial speed vx>vp; (b) detecting an increase in the driving torque when the rear substrate moves against the front substrate; (c) delaying the rear substrate by a predetermined value in order to establish a predetermined distance ap from the front substrate; and (d) adjusting the speed of the rear substrate to the process speed vp.

Abstract: A singulating system within a conveyor system for the purpose of singulating and orienting jumbled, randomly oriented packages into packages that are conveyed in a single file line wherein each package is oriented such that the long axis of each package is oriented along the direction of flow of the conveyor system that consists of a plurality of conveyor sets that together rotate, reorient, space, and align packages, as well as a method of singulating packages.

Abstract: The low profile transfer conveyor bridges gaps between terminal ends of contiguous multi segment conveyors and provides a driven belt bridge with a length that approximately bridges the space between the flat surfaces of conveyor belt segments of the multi segment conveyors and has a low profile which minimizes any unsupported distance across which articles must cross between conveyor belt segments by providing a small continuous section of driven conveyor belt traversing a flat surface bounded on two sides by small radius edges so the transfer conveyor edges extend almost to the flat surface of the belt segments on opposite sides of the gap that it bridges. At its ends, the belt of the transfer conveyor is driven by one or more drive pulleys.

Abstract: A method for targeted detection and segregation of individual piece goods being conveyed in a conveying direction on an extensive conveying element. A position-determining device detects positional information of the piece good to be segregated. The piece good to be segregated is displaced transversely to the conveying device by a push element, which is moved transversely to the conveying direction into the conveying region of the piece goods. Before pushing of the piece good, the push element is now moved into a forward position that lies above the conveying element in the conveying region. The piece good is subsequently pushed by the push element over the conveying element by way of accelerating the push element out of the forward position in a push direction. The forward position is set by a control device depending on positional information concerning the piece good to be segregated on the conveying element.

Abstract: A powder feed assembly comprises a powder hopper, a motor, an auger housing, an auger, a porous gas-permeable powder filter, a carrier gas inlet, an auger sleeve, and a powder hose. The auger housing receives a powder from the opening in the hopper floor into a powder chamber defined in the auger housing. The auger is selectively rotatable to propel the powder from the powder chamber past the distal end of the auger and into the auger sleeve. The carrier gas inlet introduces carrier gas into an inner chamber of the auger housing. The wall of the auger sleeve allows at least some of the carrier gas to flow or permeate into the internal bore of the auger sleeve to pick up and carry the propelled powder out of the auger housing. The powder hose directs the carrier gas and carried powder from the auger housing to a powder dispenser.