Abstract: A method of limiting vertical axis augmentation in a rotorcraft, the method comprising: measuring a torque with a sensor; deriving a comparison of the torque to a lower torque limit, using a computer processor; and adjusting a vertical axis control command based upon the comparison of the torque to the lower torque limit.

Abstract: Example doors for ducted fan inlet openings are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a door and a duct of a ducted fan unit extending through a body of an aircraft. The duct of the example apparatus defines a passageway between a first opening in a first side of the body and a second opening in a second side of the body opposite the first side. The example apparatus also includes an actuation system to move the door between a first position in which the door is disposed over the first opening and a second position in which the door is disposed over the first side of the body and outside of a diameter of the first opening. In the example apparatus, the door is orientated generally parallel to the first side of the body throughout movement of the door between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product ameliorates mosquito populations. A flying drone is deployed over an area. Sensor readings that identify a presence of water in the area are received, and one or more processors determine a confidence level L that the water in the area is stagnant water. The processor(s) also determine a risk R of mosquito larvae being present in the stagnant water based on the confidence level L. The flying drone is then directed to perform an amelioration action against the mosquito larvae based on the values of L and R.

Abstract: An elongated lighting apparatus includes: a light source (linear light source); and an elongated optical component which transmits light emitted from the light source. The optical component has an elongated entrance surface where the light from the light source enters and an elongated exit surface where the light which has entered the entrance surface exits. The optical component includes light diffusers. Among the light diffusers, at least one of light diffusers disposed near a first end of the optical component diffuses the light from the light source, toward the first end side of the optical component more widely than (i) light diffusers disposed near a second end of the optical component do or (ii) light diffusers disposed near the center of the optical component do. The first and second ends, and the center of the optical component are in the longitudinal direction of the optical component.

Abstract: Provided are stowage bin systems for use on aircrafts and other like vehicles. A stowage bin system may include two disjoint supporting panels and a stowage bin bucket disposed between and pivotally supported by these panels after installation. The supporting panels may be attached to vertical frame members and, in some embodiments, to other frame members, such as adjacent vertical frame members or to horizontal frame members. In some embodiments, a supporting panel may include a gusset extending substantially normal to the main surfaces of the panel. The gusset may provide additional rigidity to the panel and, in some embodiments, include one or more open channels for attaching to a horizontal frame member. The supporting panels transfer all loads generated during operation of the aircraft from the stowage bin bucket and to the fuselage or, more specifically, to vertical and other frame members.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a waste line of an aircraft includes: a source of cleaning solution; a hose in fluid communication with the source of cleaning solution; and a nozzle secured to a distal end of the hose and defining one or more holes for expelling the cleaning solution into a waste line. The nozzle may be provided with a protective cover composed of a plastic material that fits over and engages a distal tip of the nozzle and/or a protective ring composed of a plastic material that fits around and engages a central body of the nozzle. The apparatus may further include a connection assembly defining a first port being configured to be connected to the waste line, a second port being configured to receive the hose and the nozzle, and a third port being configured to be connected to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A compact aircraft cabin crew attendant seat includes a seat back portion, a shell that encloses the seat back portion, a head rest portion mounted to a top portion of the seat back portion, and a seat portion or squab. The seat portion includes a hinge that is slidably attached within a vertical slot in the shell, allowing the seat portion to be folded down in an open position of the crew attendant seat for use. The seat portion hinge moves vertically between an upper position in the compact closed position and a lower position in the open position. A major portion of the crew attendant seat is formed from high strength carbon fiber reinforced composite to reduces weight. A vertical shock absorption system is configured to absorb energy during a crash landing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to passenger aircraft seats. The disclosure focuses on a seat unit arrangement (10) for a cabin and seat units that provide different comfort positions. In some embodiments, a side cushion (14) forms part of a bed surface when the seats are converted to a bed position. In some embodiments, a bed extension (30) is deployed from a stowed position to form a part of the bed surface. In some embodiments, a seat backrest (22) does not form part of the bed surface when the seat unit is in the bed position. In some embodiments, a lounge position is provided when the seat backrest rotates toward a side cushion. In such an embodiment, the passenger may be positioned toward the side cushion such that the passenger may comfortably rest their legs on the side cushion without converting the seat to a bed position.

Abstract: A system that comprises a nozzle arrangement is provided. The nozzle arrangement includes at least one nozzle configured to supply a medium at a nozzle flow rate to a fan of an air cycle machine. The nozzle flow rate provides a pneumatic power assist or a power augmentation to a fan of an air cycle machine. The power augmentation, in accordance with the nozzle flow rate, reduces a need for a flow across a turbine of the air cycle machine.

Abstract: An air data probe comprises an elongated body structure having a proximal end and a distal end, with the elongated body structure including an outer surface and an opposing inner surface that defines an interior channel. A probe tip is located at the distal end of the elongated body structure, with the probe tip including an outer surface and an inner surface that are contiguous with the outer an inner surfaces of the elongated body structure. The probe tip has an opening in communication with the interior channel that allows outside air to pass from the probe tip into the interior channel. An electrical heater cable is coupled to the elongated body structure and the probe tip. The electrical heater cable comprises a compact double layer helix portion coupled to the elongated body structure or the probe tip, or coupled to both the elongated body structure and the probe tip.

Abstract: An integrated pylon structure for a propulsion system is suitable for one end to be connected to an aircraft wing and the other end to be connected to an aircraft engine. The pylon structure includes a pylon box section (110) formed from an upper and a lower bean, a frame (100) and a side wall panel. The pylon structure has a thrust reverser hood connection structure, provided on the side wall and connected with a nacelle thrust reverser hood having a front fixed hood (301) and a rear movable hood (302). A guide rail allows the rear movable hood to slide and open relative to the pylon box section. The engine thrust reverser hood is directly connected to the side wall of the pylon box section and a guide rail on the side wall guides the opening of the thrust reverser hood.

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 tip ribs extend above the wing and define slots. Inboard and outboard bearing cartridges are received in respective slots. The inboard and outboard bearing cartridges respectively include inboard and outboard bearing assemblies. A pylon assembly is rotatably coupled between the inboard and outboard bearing assemblies. 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 the input gear of the spindle gearbox.

Abstract: An acoustic liner may include a core with a plurality of resonator chambers, a perforated top sheet coupled to the core, and a backskin coupled to the core. A thermoacoustic speaker including nanomaterials may be coupled to at least one of the core, the backskin, and the perforated top sheet. A voltage may be applied to the thermoacoustic speaker. The thermoacoustic carbon nanotube speaker may create a dynamic excitation within a resonator chamber in the core. The dynamic excitation may change the liner acoustic impedance to achieve optimum noise attenuation over a wide range of frequencies or engine operating conditions.

Abstract: An aircraft with a turbofan engine including an engine body and a fan, wherein the turbofan engine is supported on an airframe via a pylon, an igniter cable is interposed between an ignition plug of the engine and an ignition control unit that controls power supply to the ignition plug, and at least a part of the igniter cable is passed through an inside of the pylon.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling at least one actuator control system of an aircraft, an associated computer program product and aircraft are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes determining a variation in thrust of the aircraft for controlling a variable relating to the aircraft relative to a set point, calculating a first control command signal to be sent to an engine control system in order to obtain the variation in thrust, and transmitting the first control command signal to the engine control system. The controlled variable can be an acceleration along a direction taken by a speed vector among the air speed vector and the ground speed vector and the set point can be an acceleration set point along the direction.

Abstract: A method of recycling motor power of a movable object is provided to recycle and redistribute power from at least one motor in a decelerating state. The method comprises determining whether an operating state of at least one motor of the movable object is a decelerating state, and recycling power from the at least one motor having a decelerating state. The method also comprises redistributing the recycled power to other power consuming components of the movable object. The method of present invention increases the energy efficiency and a battery life of the movable object. The movable object may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Abstract: An aircraft nacelle comprising a first and a second cowl mounted pivotably about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle and lockable to one another by at least one locking mechanism. The nacelle further comprises a device for providing a visual warning of a locking defect of the cowls. The device comprises a movable bolt associated with the locking mechanism and a movable edge plate mounted on the nacelle in line with said bolt with which it is associated, the movable edge plate being movable under the action of an operator between a protruding position, in which the edge plate is protruding from the nacelle and a locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, and a retracted position, in which the edge plate is immobilized within the nacelle by the bolt and the action of the locking of a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A light system for an aircraft is provided. A light system may include a sensor and a first aircraft light. A controller may be coupled to the sensor and the first aircraft light and may perform operations including receiving data from the sensor, determining a status of the aircraft based on the data, and controlling the first aircraft light based on the status of the aircraft. The first aircraft light may include an external aircraft light and the operations may further include at least one of activating or deactivating the external aircraft light based on the status of the aircraft.

Abstract: Line capture devices for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a line capture device body having a line slot with an open end and a closed end. A retainer is positioned proximate to the line slot and has a rotor with a plurality of rotor arms positioned to extend at least partially across the line slot as the rotor rotates relative to the body. A joint rotatably couples the rotor to the body, and a ratchet device is operably coupled to the rotor to allow the rotor to rotate in a first direction and at least restrict the rotor arm from rotating in a second direction opposite the first. In other embodiments, the retainer can include other arrangements, for example, one or more wire-shaped elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that can be used to stabilize a portion of an extended-reach tool assembly to enable the dimensional mapping, non-destructive inspection and/or simple repair of elongated and serpentine structures used in aerospace and military platforms. In some embodiments, a jointed (i.e., articulated) arm of the extended-reach tool assembly, which is mounted and manipulated at the entrance to a limited-access space (e.g., a cavity), is equipped with actuatable contact pads or bladders to stabilize the distal end of the arm to which a tool-carrying end effector is coupled. The end effector is capable of holding and orienting a probe or sensor (e.g., NDI sensor unit, laser scanner, camera, etc.) or other tool (e.g., drill, sander, vacuum, “grabber”, coating sprayer, etc.).

Abstract: System and methods for servicing and monitoring shock struts are provided. A shock strut servicing assistance system may comprise: a controller in electronic communication with a display; and a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicate with the controller, the tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the controller, cause the controller to perform operations comprising: calculating, by the controller, a dead volume of the shock strut; and determining, by the controller, if a dead volume of the shock strut is negative or not. The operations may further comprise receiving, by the controller, a temperature of a gas and at least one shock strut design parameter, wherein the calculating is performed using the temperature of the gas and the at least one shock strut design parameter.

Abstract: A spacecraft system may include a storage portion (e.g., a first portion and a second portion) and a solar array apparatus that may be configurable in at least a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The solar array apparatus may include at least one solar array to collect incident radiation when the solar array apparatus is in the deployed configuration. In one or more embodiments, the at least one solar array may extend away from the storage portion. In one or more embodiments, the at least one solar array may extend between the first portion and the second portion. The solar array apparatus may also include an extendable boom operable to extend the at least one solar array apparatus from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A pasta dosing machine is described, comprising at least one channel for roughing the pasta, provided with first dosing means, a first basket for collecting the dosed pasta and a device adapted to weigh the pasta collected in said first basket, at least one channel for finishing the pasta, provided with second dosing means, and a further basket for collecting the pasta unloaded from said first basket and from said finishing channel, and a further device adapted to weigh the pasta collected in said further basket.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a feed means for feeding a wire from a wire reel rotatably mounted on a binding machine body, a braking means for braking a rotation of the wire reel, and a control means that starts a braking to the rotation of the wire reel by the braking means after the wire is fed to a predetermined amount by the feed means.

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging of products (28) in bags (26) comprises the steps of “forming a chamber (4) around the bag (26) by closing a lid (5)” and “evacuating the chamber (4)” or is formed such, respectively, in order to carry out these steps. It is the object of the device and the method, respectively, to enable an increase of the cycle performance of a packaging machine. Therefore, simultaneously with sealing the bag (26) by a sealing bar (11), the chamber (4) is vented and the bag (26) is clamped by at least a first clamping bar (10, 12).

Abstract: A method for handling bags (10), in particular wicketed bags, combined into bundles (13) and for feeding the bags (10) to a packaging machine (11), and a corresponding apparatus. In the method and apparatus, the bags (10) are supplied in a plurality of bundles (13) in a magazine (14) arranged upstream of the packaging machine (11); the bundles (13) are arranged on bag carriers (15) in each case such that the bag carriers (15) extend through suspension holes (12) of the bags (10); the bag carriers (15) with the bags (10) located thereon are fed from the magazine (14) to the packaging machine (11); and the bundles (13) are transferred from the bag carriers (15) directly to appropriately arranged receiving pins (28) of a cyclically driven conveying device (29) of the packaging machine (11) and are then filled in the packaging machine (11).

Abstract: A tape closure device for securing the neck of a bag with a tape closure includes an automated control system, a tape feed assembly configured to provide a continuous length of tape and a closure application assembly. The closure application assembly also includes an encoder wheel that outputs to the automated control system a signal representative of the length of tape provided to the closure application assembly from the tape feed assembly during the closure cycle. The tape closure device further includes a motorized cutting member that is connected to the automated control system and configured for selective activation by the automated control system in response to the signal provided by the encoder wheel. The selective activation of the motorized cutting member allows the tape closure device to create a tape closure that based on the length of tape drawn into the closure application assembly.

Abstract: A flexible container, system and method of manufacture can include an in-line system that allows flexible containers of varying sizes to be manufactured in a single relatively high speed and efficient production line and in a single clean room through the use of transport and exchange equipment configured to adeptly handle flexible containers throughout the process.

Abstract: A heat-treatment device for heat treating packaged products that are available in bulk, and to a method of using the device. The device includes: a chamber; a tank for containing a fluid of a density such that the packaged products float when they are poured in bulk into the fluid, the tank presenting an evacuation compartment for evacuating floating products, the evacuation compartment including a hatch that is suitable for being submerged and then opened so as to evacuate a portion of the fluid including the floating products; fluid supply means for filling the tank and for regulating the level of fluid in the tank; submersion means; recovery means; and reception means.

Abstract: A carton decasing system for removing stacks of cartons or carton blanks from cases or containers includes a case infeed conveyor on which the cases with the cartons or carton blanks stacked therein are moved to an inverting assembly. The inverting assembly reorients the cases and places the cases with the cartons stacked therein on a decasing assembly which removes the cases from the stacks of cartons. The stacks of cartons are thereafter conveyed along a magazine conveyor with the stacks of cartons supported by a stack pusher assembly as the cartons are moved to a discharge point at the distal end of the magazine conveyor.

Abstract: A package for an electronic device includes an enclosure to hold the electronic device. The package may include a closure flap coupled to a top of the package to close the enclosure. The closure flap may include a tear strip usable to open the package. A sled may be disposed in the package and may include a substantially planar backplane and a sleeve. The electronic device may be held in a gap between the backplane and the sleeve. A portion of a top edge of the package, under the closure flap, may be recessed such that when the closure flap is opened, a pull tab of the sled is exposed. The package may include a hole formed through at least one surface of the package, from which to hang the package.

Abstract: A first conductive strip connected to a package that interacts with and creates a circuit with a second conductive strip connected to a battery-operated product inside the package is provided. The battery-operated product may be tested while in the package by pressing the first conductive strip against the second conductive strip with an electrical break. The first conductive strip eliminates the electrical break and completes a circuit path with the second conductive strip allowing activation of some or all of the electronic parts of the battery operated product located inside the package. Activation occurs without opening the package allowing it to be returned to shelf for sale in a new condition.

Abstract: A box having a base wall having an outer surface defined by a central region of a folded sheet, and one or more side walls forming a closed perimeter and extending from an inner surface of the base wall. Each side wall has spaced apart inner and outer layers being defined by a folded tab of the folded sheet, the folded tab defining an enclosure. A reinforcement ring is received in the enclosure defined by the folded tabs of the side wall(s). The reinforcement ring has a thickness greater than that of the folded sheet. A method of forming a box is also discussed.

Abstract: A container including a reservoir to store a dispensable material and an elongated neck that extends from the reservoir and that terminates at a distal end. The container also includes a frangible region intermediate the reservoir and the distal end of the elongated neck. The frangible region is fracturable in response to a predetermined force applied to the distal end to create opening in the elongated neck through which the material can be dispensed from the reservoir. The container further includes a guard disposed adjacent the elongated neck to inhibit inadvertent fracture of the frangible region absent the predetermined force.

Abstract: An injection-molded plastic bucket with a base, a substantially circumferential wall expanding conically upward to an upper edge, and a pouring handle, where a lower edge of the wall is provided with a recess for the pouring handle, and a process for manufacturing an injection-molded plastic bucket. The bucket design is such the mold costs and curing time can be reduced and of which the universal utility of the molds can be improved, this task being solved in that the plastic bucket is molded in one piece, where the pouring handle is of substantially the same thickness as the bucket wall, and is integrally formed with the bucket body.

Abstract: A detachable storage container for a drinks container comprising of: a storage container comprising of a plurality of storage compartments; a plurality of lids, each lid attached to a compartment, each lid openable and closable, and a distinguishing mark on each lid; and a slide track on each side of the storage container to attach and detach to and from a drinks container; a drinks container comprising of: a drinks container with a deep wide groove and slide tracks to attach and detach the detachable storage compartments; a drinks container with legs to support the drinks container in a lying position; and a removable cap with a partially flat surface to be used as a drinking cup.

Abstract: A container handling system that has an ergonomic handle which can be releasably coupled to the rim of a container such as a paint can, allowing the user to carry and manipulate the container with one hand. When the container handling system is coupled to the rim of a container, the upper portion of the handle provides a lifting surface for the index finger, thumb and hand of the user providing leverage and reducing hand fatigue.

Abstract: There is provided a drinking or eating vessel comprising an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving liquid or solid food and an outer surface that supports a polymeric coating and a decorative layer, wherein the polymeric coating comprises a polymer formed by curing a coating mixture on the outer surface of the drinking or eating vessel, said coating mixture comprising a matting agent, wherein the polymeric coating has an inner surface in contact with the drinking or eating vessel and an outer surface in contact with the decorative layer, and wherein the decorative layer comprises a dry toner image applied to the outer surface of the polymeric coating. Also provided is a corresponding process for producing the drinking or eating vessel.

Abstract: A container assembly including a container and a metallic closure. The container includes a polymeric body and a polymeric finish. The polymeric finish includes a plurality of threads. A lug lock is associated with each one of the plurality of threads. The metallic closure includes at least three metallic lugs configured to cooperate with the plurality of threads to couple the metallic closure to the polymeric finish.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a versatile square lid includes: a lid body comprising a square configuration; and a plurality of square rings formed in the lid body; wherein the plurality of square rings includes a first square ring that is configured to receive a first square container having a first size and a second square ring that is configured to receive a second square container having a second size. In another embodiment of the invention, a versatile square lid includes: a square lid body comprising a center portion, a bendable lid portion, and an edge portion; wherein the bendable lid portion is between the center portion and the edge portion; and wherein the bendable lid portion is configured to bend in an upward direction and bend in a downward direction.

Abstract: A latch is usable to latch and automatically unlatch a lid of a waste container. The latch includes a release weight that moves responsive to gravity in a housing from a first position to a second position to cause the latch to disengage from a release receptacle when the latch and the waste container are oriented in a dump angle orientation. The latch includes a rotary damper in the housing that controls movement of the release weight in the housing such that an amount of time for the release weight to move responsive to gravity from the first position to the second position is slower than the amount of time the release weight would move responsive to gravity from the first position to the second position in the housing absent the effect of the rotary damper on the release weight.

Abstract: A container includes a sidewall circumscribing a central longitudinal axis and a rim terminating the sidewall. The rim includes a radially outer surface, a radially inner surface, and a sealing lip extending between the radially outer and inner surfaces. The sealing lip has a radially innermost portion, and an axially outermost portion disposed radially outboard with respect to the radially innermost portion. A package includes a foil coupled to the sealing lip.

Abstract: A time programmable container for timing an object, includes a base for containing the object, a lid for sealing the base, and a spacer which is positioned intermediate the lid and the base. The spacer is positionable in a select one of a plurality of positions on the base. The spacer and the base contain time indicia such that each of the plurality of positions that the spacer can be placed upon the base corresponds to a different of time indication. The base includes a device to secure the spacer in the select one position to inhibit the movement or rotation of the spacer with respect to the base. The securing device includes a finger on the base that cooperates with or mates with a corresponding depression of the spacer.

Abstract: A low profile, wrappable spacer and method for maintaining a pair of elongate members in fixed, spaced relation to one another is provided. The wrappable spacer includes a flexible elongate body having oppositely facing inner and outer faces extending along laterally spaced, lengthwise extending edges between opposite ends. The inner face has an adhesive surface. At least one member extends between the edges transversely to the lengthwise extending edges. The member extends outwardly from the adhesive surface, wherein the adhesive surface is configured for adhesion to at least one of the member, the elongate members or the outer face.

Abstract: A method for packaging a pack commodity, including providing a support element for supporting the pack commodity. The method also includes placing a first packaging material sheet onto the support element and disposing the pack commodity on the first packaging material sheet such that a portion of the first packaging material sheet comes to lie between the support element and the pack commodity, wherein the first packaging material sheet protrudes over the pack commodity. Next, a second packaging material sheet is placed onto an upper side of the pack commodity so that the second packaging material sheet protrudes over the pack commodity. The first packaging material sheet is joined, in some regions, to the second packaging material sheet. The first and the second packaging material sheets are adhesively joined in a respective, predetermined first region, along a periphery of the support element, such that they can be separated and re-joined.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel, the gusseted side panels adjoining the front panel and the rear panel along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii) handle seals to form a handle, the handle located at an end of the chamber and including a pocket formed from the handle seals. The pocket contains a grip member.

Abstract: Packaging containers for liquids, such as beverages, comprise at least one sidewall comprising an abuse layer comprising a frangible flap; a zoned release coating on an inner surface of the abuse layer over an area that includes the frangible flap; and an inner layer; wherein upon peeling the frangible flap, a portion of the inner layer is exposed intact. A sanitary surface is provided for receiving a straw. Because there is not a pre-formed opening for the straw, the receipt by the inner layer of a straw conforms exactly to the straw, which fits snugly with the container during use.

Abstract: A bottle split into two parts internally, is disclosed. Each side of the bottle has a different viscous fluid. Turning a rotatable switch on the exterior turns a corkscrew within the bottle, causing a plunger to move transverse to the direction of rotation due to its threaded engagement with the corkscrew. This, in turn, causes the two viscous fluids to exit out of an exit portal side by side simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular elements for building a storage basin, to a network obtained by assembling a plurality of modular elements, to a supporting structure, to a storage basin and to a process for obtaining a storage basin. The modular element according to the invention is provided in the interior with a network element constituted by main half joints (10), secondary half joints (11) and tertiary half joints (10), vertical channels (8,15), oblique channels (9), compartments (18), and is provided with joint elements (16,17). The network comprises horizontal annular channels and main, secondary and tertiary joints connected by vertical and oblique channels. The storage basin comprises a supporting structure at the interior of an insulating structure obtained by assembling the modular elements.

Abstract: A one-piece, foldable corrugated cooler includes a storage portion having a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and four corner panels; two handle panels forming a lid and a handle; and at least one locking panel. The at least one locking panel is adapted to secure the lid in a closed orientation, and the at least one locking panel is integral with at least one corner panel and at least one handle panel.