Abstract: A floating, offshore vessel having surface-piercing columns (e.g., a semi-submersible or a tension leg platform) has means for storage of liquid hydrocarbon liquids inside one or more columns. Hydrocarbon liquids may be stored in only two of the four columns typically found on a semi-submersible, thereby providing a safe-zone where the living quarters are located. A column houses at least one hydrocarbon storage (cargo) tank and at least one variable ballast tank, where the weight capacity of the hydrocarbon cargo tank(s) is approximately equal to the weight capacity of the variable ballast tank(s). The hydrocarbon cargo tank(s) and the variable ballast tank(s) are positioned in such an orientation that the horizontal center of gravity of the cargo tank(s) is (nearly) identical to the horizontal center of gravity of the variable ballast tank(s). Both the hydrocarbon cargo tank and the variable ballast tank may be directly accessible from top-of-column.

Abstract: A system to prevent water from entering a snorkel breather tube includes a tube, wherein the tube is attached to a snorkel body and a pressure device, wherein the pressure device is attached to the tube at a tube tip. The pressure device comprises an air passage channel extending through an internal portion of the pressure device and an output hole, the output hole enabling entry of air into the air passage channel while preventing water from entering when the equipment of the system is submerged.

Abstract: A water window apparatus including a main water window element, and a plurality of retaining flanges, along with interlocking teeth that fixedly communicate with one another to fixedly retain the main water window there between. The main water window is hollow, as well as monolithic and hermetically sealed to maintain its integral buoyancy, and further has a top that includes a magnifying element that imparts magnification when viewed therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mounting an outboard motor to a transom of a boat include a transom mounting plate having a marking disposed a centerline of the transom plate and an indentation centered at the centerline for receiving clamping members of an outboard motor.

Abstract: A method of operating a power system in a marine vessel, which power system is operable with at least two operational modes, includes providing a restriction information map by assigning geographical areas with one or more predetermined operational restrictions set for the power system, comparing the location information of the vessel and the restriction information map, and in case the restriction information map includes one or more restrictions assigned to the current location, initiating an intensified supervision operation of the power system, during which data logging operation is initiated and maintained which comprises recording at predetermined interval at least current location information of the vessel, and a specification of used operational mode of the power system at the location and saving the recorded items in a memory media.

Abstract: A marine transmission includes a synchronizer on a counter rotating shaft to shift into a high speed gear. The synchronizer includes friction surfaces on both sides of the gear body for the high speed gear. The high speed gear mesh is helical and generates axial force that enhances the torque carrying capacity of synchronizing friction surfaces, thereby enabling the shifting into the high speed gear without torque interrupt.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a plurality of devices, a central controller, and a display device. The central controller is programmed to execute centralized control of the devices. The display device includes a touch panel function. The display device is configured to communicate with the central controller, and to display information regarding watercraft in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) format.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage includes at least one space arranged in the aircraft fuselage and at least one wall. The wall resists burnthrough for a period of at least four minutes from outside the aircraft fuselage towards the space, wherein the region of the aircraft fuselage underneath the space does not include burnthrough-resistant insulation. The space may be a cargo compartment of the aircraft or a passenger cabin, while the wall may be designed as a cargo compartment floor, passenger cabin floor or wing/fuselage fairing (belly fairing). The design of the aircraft fuselage results in burnthrough resistance that meets the requirements of FAR §25.856 (b) without any additional burnthrough-resistant insulation in the aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: An incombustible, non-telegraphing substrate for facing with a decorative aviation veneer is provided. The incombustible, non-telegraphing substrate comprises a backing layer comprising a polymer resin-impregnated paper and a fire-retardant chemical included in the backing layer and rendering the backing layer incombustible. An aviation panel and a method for installing the incombustible, non-telegraphing substrate in the aviation panel assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a sound-deadening body to a fuselage of an aircraft and a method for attaching a sound-deadening body to a fuselage of an aircraft using the mounting assembly is disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the mounting assembly includes, but is not limited to, a retaining member that is configured to engage the sound-deadening body. The mounting assembly further includes an isolating member that is engaged with the retaining member. The isolating member is configured for connection to the fuselage and is further configured to diminish transmission of vibration from the fuselage to and through the retaining member, and therefore to reduce the transmission of sound into the cabin.

Abstract: A composite laminate, method of forming same, and use for same are disclosed. One example of a composite laminate has multiple layers or plies (305A-305E) composed of generally parallel reinforcing fibers (315A-315E) embedded in a matrix (305M). The reinforcing fibers have orientations in the ranges of 3 to 8 degrees, ?3 to ?8 degrees, 10 to 40 degrees, ?10 to ?40 degrees, and approximately 90 degrees, the orientations being with respect to a predetermined axis (320), such as an axis of tension (T). A method of manufacturing a composite laminate includes laying a resin and fibers having these orientations and then curing the resulting laminate. One example of a use is for the skin on the fuselage or wing of an aircraft.

Abstract: A system for operating a droop panel on an air vehicle, the droop panel positioned between a fixed structure and a trailing edge flap on the wing. The system includes a pin joint linkage assembly coupled between and to the fixed structure, the droop panel, and the trailing edge flap. The assembly has a first link attached to the fixed structure; and a second link coupled to the first link, and pivotably connected to a third pin joint, connected to a fourth pin joint, and an angled portion pivotably connected to a second pin joint. The assembly has a third link coupled to the second link, and coupled to the fourth pin joint and to a fifth pin joint attached to the trailing edge flap. The assembly is configured to operate the droop panel by concurrently moving the droop panel and the trailing edge flap in a single coordinated motion.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed that are configured to passively rotate a propeller blade from a first pitch angle to a second pitch angle. An example apparatus involves: (a) a rotor hub, (b) at least one dual-pitch support coupled to the rotor hub, wherein the dual-pitch support has a first surface, a second surface and a cavity defined there between, and (c) at least one propeller blade rotatably coupled to the rotor hub such that a blade root is disposed within the dual-pitch support's cavity, where the blade root's front face is positioned against the dual-pitch support's first surface in a first position and the blade root's back face is positioned against the dual-pitch support's second surface in a second position, and the propeller blade is oriented at a first pitch angle in the first position and is oriented at a second pitch angle in the second position.

Abstract: A method of controlling an elevator of an aircraft may include identifying a current stabilizer angle of incidence of a stabilizer of the aircraft. The stabilizer may include an elevator pivotably coupled to the stabilizer. The method may further include comparing the current stabilizer angle of incidence with a threshold stabilizer angle of incidence, and selecting an elevator position limit that is more restrictive if the current stabilizer angle of incidence is greater than or equal to the threshold stabilizer angle of incidence. The method may additionally include moving the elevator to a commanded elevator position that is no greater than the elevator position limit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dynamically controlling airflow behind a carrier aircraft to redirect air flow during an in-flight recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The apparatus comprises a frame attached to an end portion of an arm member extending from the carrier aircraft. The apparatus comprises a plurality of vanes disposed within the frame. Each vane is controllable between an opened position and a closed position to dynamically modify the airflow behind the carrier aircraft during the in-flight recovery of the UAV. Alternatively, or in addition to, the apparatus comprises a plurality of compressed air jets disposed on the frame, wherein each jet is controllable to provide active airflow to dynamically modify the airflow behind the carrier aircraft during the in-flight recovery of the UAV.

Abstract: A system for controlling a pressure field around an aircraft in flight is disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of pressure sensors that are arranged on the aircraft to measure the pressure field. The system further includes, but is not limited to, a controller that is communicatively coupled with the plurality of pressure sensors. The controller is configured to receive information that is indicative of the pressure field from the plurality of pressure sensors. The controller is also configured to determine when the pressure field deviates from a desired pressure field based on the information. The controller is also configured to transmit an instruction to a movable component onboard the aircraft that will cause the movable component to move in a manner that reduces the deviation.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a landing method thereof are provided. The landing method includes the following steps. Firstly, a depth image of a scene is obtained. Next, a landing position is determined in accordance with the depth image. Next, a height information of the landing position is obtained. Next, a plurality of relative distances of the landing gears relative to the landing position are adjusted in accordance with the height information to make the relative distances substantially the same. Then, the UAV lands on the landing position.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly includes a bi-stable, split line tube biased to assume a tubular condition to serve in place of a lock link or side stay and an actuator configured to radially enlarge the tube at a region for folding.

Abstract: Improved active vibration control (AVC) devices, systems, and related methods are provided herein. An AVC device includes a controller adapted to receive real-time aircraft information and adjust at least one control parameter as a function of the real-time aircraft information is provided. An AVC device is adapted to detect changes in real-time aircraft information, as the aircraft moves from a steady state to transient performance, low and high air speeds, or vice versa. An AVC system (e.g., AVCS) includes one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and a controller adapted to receive real-time aircraft information and adjust at least one control parameter. In some aspects, a method of controlling vibration within an aircraft includes receiving vibration information from at least one sensor, receiving real-time aircraft information from an avionics system, adjusting at least one control parameter used in a control algorithm, and generating a force command.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a rotary-wing aircraft, the rotor having a central hub assembly with a flexure-type, twist-shank yoke with multiple arms, each arm being adapted for a rotor blade to be mounted thereto. The arms provide for pitch changes of blades attached to the yoke through twisting of portions of the arms about a corresponding pitch axis. An inboard pitch bearing associated with each arm is attached to the hub assembly and allows for rotation of the attached blade about the pitch axis, the inboard pitch bearing also allowing for out-of-plane motion of the arm relative to the hub assembly about a flapping axis. An outboard pitch bearing associated with each arm is attached to the associated arm a selected distance from the inboard pitch bearing and allows for rotation of the attached blade about the pitch axis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and three bearings. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The first bearing is disposed about the first axis adjacent to the first yoke, the second bearing is disposed about the second axis adjacent to the first yoke or the second yoke, and the third bearing disposed about the third axis adjacent to the second yoke. The first and third bearings torsionally constrain movement the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.

Abstract: A propeller alignment device is described. The propeller alignment device can include a second retainer attached to a propeller and a motor. The propeller alignment device can also include a first retainer that does not rotate, but that is aligned with the second retainer. The first retainer can include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. The second retainer can also include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. As the second retainer rotates relative to the first retainer, the magnets may alternatingly align with each other. In the absence of a current applied to the motor, the magnets may magnetically bias the second retainer into a predetermined orientation relative to the first retainer. The predetermined orientation can be predetermined to correspond to an alignment of the propeller that is desirable (e.g., that minimizes aerodynamic drag on the propeller).

Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft having a rotor/wing assembly and a nozzle comprises vectoring the nozzle into a position for creating vertical thrust, and using the rotor/wing assembly and the nozzle together to create vertical thrust during a rotary mode of operation.

Abstract: A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base.

Abstract: A system and method for repowering an unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. The system and method may comprise use of a utility transmission system configured to function as power system/source for UAV/aircraft and UAV/aircraft configured to interface with the power source/system. Systems and methods provide access and for administrating, managing, and monitoring access and interfacing by UAV/aircraft with the power system/source. UAV/aircraft system can be configured and operated/managed to interface with and use the power system/source (e.g. network of power lines from a utility transmission system) to enhance range and utility (e.g. for repowering and/or as a flyway or route). The system comprises an interface between the aircraft and the power source for power transfer; a monitoring system to monitor the aircraft; and an administrative/management system to manage interaction/transaction with the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided that is convertible in flight between a rotary wing configuration and a fixed wing configuration. In its fixed wing configuration the aircraft resembles a Blended Wing Body (BWB) having a swept wing angle ?. Conversions from the fixed wing configuration to the rotary wing configuration, and vice versa, are accomplished by flipping an outboard portion of one wing through 180° to reorient the leading edge of the outboard portion by an angle of 2? to establish a reverse sweep. In its rotary configuration, the entire aircraft is rotated.

Abstract: A power drive unit (PDU) for moving cargo relative to a cargo bay of an aircraft includes a cam shaft. The PDU also includes a lift cam coupled to the cam shaft and configured to cause the PDU to be in at least one of a raised position or a lowered position based on rotation of the cam shaft. The PDU also includes a permanent magnet motor configured to generate a cogging torque sufficient to resist rotation of the cam shaft such that the PDU remains in the raised position in response to power being removed from the permanent magnet motor.

Abstract: Method of device for installation of avionics cabinets, electrical master boxes and IFE bays includes relocating at least some of the systems cabinets toward the front of the aircraft by making use of the space available in the area around the landing gear compartment. To do so, systems cabinets are used which incorporate a structural function. The use of such system cabinet designs thus allows a reduction in the aerodynamic drag and mass of the aircraft, thereby positively impacting fuel consumption and performance of the aircraft.

Abstract: An overhead luggage compartment for aircraft can be constructed as a fixed luggage compartment with a stationary housing and a pivotable flap, or as a lowerable luggage compartment with a lowerable tray, a stationary part having side walls and a movable part which is pivotable between a closed and an open position and has a closure element for retaining the movable part in the closed position. Those parts define a luggage-receiving space. Two fastening devices for fastening to a supporting structure of the aircraft on the side walls of the stationary part are disposed on the stationary part. At least one further fastening device is disposed in the region of the lower side of the rear side of the stationary part. The fastening devices are the same for the fixed luggage compartment and for the lowerable luggage compartment.

Abstract: A stowage carousel for handling cargo aboard an aircraft is provided including a revolving conveyor having an inner ring facing a passenger cabin of the aircraft and an outer ring facing a fuselage of the aircraft. Stowage compartments are associated with the revolving conveyor. The stowage compartments are configured to receive the cargo. The stowage compartments are rotatable within the aircraft with the revolving conveyor. The revolving conveyor is situated within the aircraft partially in the passenger cabin and partially in at least one of an upper crown and a lower lobe of the aircraft.

Abstract: An air supply controller is configured to supply cooling air to an air cycle machine. The controller includes a chamber having a first inlet configured to receive air from a first source, a second inlet configured to receive air from a second source, and an outlet configured to pass air from first inlet and/or the second inlet to an air cycle machine. A control member is disposed within the chamber and configured to move from a first position to a second position. When the control member is in the first position it obstructs an airflow from the second inlet to the outlet and permits an airflow from the first inlet to the outlet. When the control member is in the second position it obstructs the airflow from the first inlet to the outlet and permits the airflow from the second inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A method for providing recirculation air to an environmental control system is provided. The method includes supplying via an inlet a flow of bleed air to the environmental control system at a first energy, providing the bleed air from the environmental control system at a second energy into a chamber, and providing the recirculation air to the environmental control system by recirculating the bleed air at a third energy from the chamber to an air cycle machine.

Abstract: A de-icing arrangement and method for de-icing a structural element. The arrangement includes at least one electromagnetic actuator, a capacitive storage bank, a control unit arranged to provide an excitation pulse to the at least one electromagnetic actuator, and a charging circuit arranged to charge the capacitive storage bank. The at least one electromagnetic actuator is arranged to expand in at least one direction when fed with the excitation pulse. The at least one electromagnetic actuator is placed in relation to the structural element so as to apply a mechanical force caused by the expansion on the structural element. The capacitive storage bank includes a plurality of selectable capacitors of different size. The control unit is arranged to select at least one capacitor for charging having a size such that current discharge of the capacitive storage bank into the at least one electromagnetic actuator generates a desired distribution between heat and mechanical power.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan drive turbine for selectively driving a fan rotor. A drive shaft between the fan drive turbine and the fan rotor includes a clutch, and an electric motor. The electric motor is positioned such that it is not downstream of a flow path relative to the fan drive turbine. A method of operating a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides an alignment and safety device for the cowls of the nacelle of an aircraft engine formed by first and second parts to be arranged opposite of each other at the lower edges of the cowls that include first and second alignment arms configured with a portion arranged to enter inside the inner space of the nacelle covered by the opposite cowl. One of the parts includes a blocking member configured to be interposed between the cowls after being unlatched to facilitate their opening operation and also when they return to the closed position from an open position if they are misaligned to facilitate its alignment and subsequent latching applying a force F on the blocking member.

Abstract: An aircraft including a frame, a first turbofan engine coupled to the frame, and a second turbofan engine coupled to the frame is disclosed. The first turbofan engine includes a first turbine, a first fan coupled to the first turbine to be driven by rotation of the first turbine, and a first transmission coupled between the first turbine and the first fan to transmit rotation from the first turbine to the first fan. The second turbofan engine includes a second turbine, a second fan coupled to the second turbine to be driven by rotation of the second turbine, and a second transmission coupled between the second turbine and the second fan to transmit rotation from the second turbine to the second fan.

Abstract: A method of protecting fuel hardware for a gas turbine engine in an aircraft is disclosed. The method may include determining a current altitude of the aircraft, and controlling a temperature of fuel for the gas turbine engine based at least in part on the current altitude. A thermal management system for a gas turbine engine in an aircraft is also disclosed. The thermal management system may include a sensor configured to detect a current altitude of the aircraft, and a controller in operative communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to manage a fuel temperature for the gas turbine engine based at least in part on the current altitude detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A ram air turbine (RAT) mounting system includes a frame with a forward end having a first side, a second side disposed opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side disposed opposite the third side. The frame also includes an aft end. A first mounting element is connected to the forward end of the frame proximate the first side and the third side. A second mounting element is connected to the forward end of the frame proximate the first side and the fourth side. A first rod is connected to the forward end of the frame proximate the second side and the third side. A second rod is connected to the aft end of the frame.

Abstract: A console assembly for use on a flight deck of an aircraft includes, but is not limited to, a console having a recess. The recess has an opening. The console assembly further includes a mounting assembly mounted within the recess. The console assembly further includes a support surface mounted to the mounting assembly. The console assembly further includes a closeout panel that is mounted to the support surface. The support surface fits within the recess. The mounting assembly facilitates movement of the support surface between a retracted and a deployed position. The support surface is disposed within the recess while in the retracted position and outside of the recess while in the deployed position. The closeout panel is disposed at a location on the support surface that causes the closeout panel to close the opening of the recess when the support surface is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for selectively enabling a control system using a biometric and a physiological sensor to determine the status of an operator. An input component is operatively coupled to the sensor to permit an operator to initialize the sensor. A central processor unit is operatively coupled to the operator sensor and the central processor unit has a transceiver operatively coupled therewith for processing and evaluating the biometric and physiological information; A transceiver coupled with a remote ground control; an override operatively coupled to the ground control. Alternatively, the present invention comprises a security control center, which controls the operation of at least one biometric sensor and at least on physiological sensor; the security control center also capable of detecting said normal and said abnormal sensory reading and the central processing unit in response to said sensory reading.

Abstract: An interactive system for unlocking a locked airplane cockpit door having at least one ground station and at least one system for transmitting data between the ground station and airplane, including a ground station signal for actuating a door unlock mechanism. The airplane has: a passenger cabin located door unlock request unit to generate a door unlock request signal; a unit to transmit the request signal; at least one image capture unit in the passenger cabin or a cockpit and a unit to transmit images; a unit for receiving a door unlock signal; and an on-board computer, configured to receive the door unlock signal from the receiving unit and activate the door unlock mechanism. The ground station is connected to at least one receiving station for door unlock request and image signals transmitted from airplanes and is provided with or connected to a transmitting unit for door unlock signals.

Abstract: Aerial thermal images of a ground surface may be captured using a thermal image sensor. The images may be contrasted, georeferenced, orthorectified, and/or stitched together to form a complete thermal image. The complete thermal image may include a plurality of pixels with display values corresponding to temperatures of the ground. Local temperature sensors may measure the temperature at locations on the ground. Based on display values for pixels corresponding to the locations on the ground and the temperature measurements, a curve mapping display values to temperature measurements may be calculated. Temperatures may be calculated for pixels for which the temperature was not previously known. Users may select a temperature range of interest, and pixels with temperature values within the temperature range of interest may be distinctively marked. The pixels may be marked with different colors based on where their temperature value falls within the temperature range of interest.

Abstract: A “black box” space vehicle solution may allow a payload developer to define the mission space and provide mission hardware within a predetermined volume and with predetermined connectivity. Components such as the power module, radios and boards, attitude determination and control system (ADCS), command and data handling (C&DH), etc. may all be provided as part of a “stock” (i.e., core) space vehicle. The payload provided by the payload developer may be plugged into the space vehicle payload section, tested, and launched without custom development of core space vehicle components by the payload developer. A docking station may facilitate convenient development and testing of the space vehicle while reducing handling thereof.

Abstract: A spacecraft including a main body structure and at least a first deployable element is reconfigured from a launch configuration to an on-orbit configuration. In the launch configuration, the first deployable element is mechanically attached with the spacecraft main body structure by way of a first arrangement. In the on-orbit configuration, the first deployable element is mechanically attached with the spacecraft main body structure by way of a second arrangement. Reconfiguring the spacecraft includes detaching the first deployable element from the first arrangement, moving the first deployable element with respect to the spacecraft main body structure; and attaching the first deployable element to the second arrangement.

Abstract: A thrust nozzle system is provided for a satellite designed to be stabilized in autorotation over a geostationary orbit, the satellite comprising three reference axes X, Y and Z, the Y axis representing the North/South axis and the Z axis corresponding to an Earth pointing direction. The thrust nozzle system comprises a first set of thrust nozzles configured for maintaining the satellite in station, the first set comprising an even number of thrust nozzles using electrical propulsion, with a pre-adjusted orientation, the even number being equal to at least 4, the thrust nozzles being oriented along three spatial components, and having, taken in pairs, different signs of X and Y components.

Abstract: Radiator panels include two spaced-apart face-sheets including an inside face-sheet and an outside face-sheet that are constructed of a fiber reinforced composite material, a honeycomb core positioned between the two spaced-apart face-sheets, and one or more heat pipes extending through the honeycomb core. Spacecraft include a body and two radiator panels operatively coupled to the body opposite each other.

Abstract: A stand-off panel thermal protection system includes a sandwich panel comprising: a first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and a second ceramic matrix composite facesheet. A ceramic matrix composite core is positioned between the first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and the second ceramic matrix composite facesheet. The ceramic matrix composite core has a perimeter. The first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and the second ceramic matrix composite facesheet extend past the perimeter to form a gap between the first ceramic matrix composite facesheet and the second ceramic matrix composite facesheet surrounding the ceramic matrix composite core. A plurality of orifices are formed through the sandwich panel. The thermal protection system further comprises a soft goods seal positioned in the gap; a plurality of insulation components; a plurality of stand-off brackets; and a plurality of fasteners positionable through the plurality of orifices to couple the sandwich panel to the plurality of brackets.

Abstract: A self-contained stud adhesive bonding apparatus enables an externally threaded stud to be adhesively attached to a separate surface in an adverse environment for an adhesive, such as the vacuum of space.

Abstract: A refillable bottle for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a container formed in a body. The bottle comprises a dispensing device and a valve for filling the container arranged to allow a product source to be brought into communication with the container to fill the container. The valve comprises a conduit for communication between the source and the container, and having a seat equipped with a flap valve movable relative to the seat between a sealed closed position and an open position of the conduit when the bottle is in an upside-down position. The valve has an upper cylindrical coupling in which the flap valve is movably mounted by forming, inside the cylindrical coupling, a downstream portion of the conduit which discharges into the container by means of a passage. The upper cylindrical coupling is cylindrical in revolution and has a notch arranged so that the passage is asymmetrical.

Abstract: A large container loading system and method for a packaging machine includes an infeed conveyor and a transfer flight. An array of pivotable cradle lugs is carried by the transfer flight in synchronized movement with cartons on an adjacent carton flight. Containers are moved into the cradle lugs in an upright orientation and the cradle lugs and containers are reoriented to a substantially horizontal or sideways orientation before being pushed into their cartons by an inserter assembly. A transfer block or a support conveyor may be positioned between each of the cradle lugs and an aligned open container to support a container as it moves between a cradle lug and a carton.