Abstract: An electric powered auxiliary drive operates the elevator of a boat lift via the lift's hand wheel.

Abstract: A floatation device for use by an individual in a body of water, comprising of an upper body covering and two fabric covered inflatable sleeve elements. The upper body covering contains multiple gussets that hide the male or female end of a clasp device. The fabric covered inflatable sleeves contain the opposite end of the clasp device which allow them to be securely fastened to the upper body covering in one or more locations.

Abstract: A safety, rescue, and recovery device that compressively secures to a limb of a user when inflated. The device can be easily adjusted to be negatively buoyant, neutrally buoyant, or positively buoyant before inflation depending on whether the application is safety, rescue, or recovery. The device may also be integrated into an article of clothing for certain applications. An elongated handle is attached to the device to provide a sliding attachment point for a rescue rope that automatically reduces torque applied to the limb of the user. Consequently, a rescue force applied to the rescue rope can act at a variety of angles along an arc relative to the device.

Abstract: A small watercraft end portion transportation device utilizes a hull cradle attached to a hull carrier to protect a watercraft during portage. The hull cradle has form-fitting cradle plates which wrap around the sides of the bow or stern and support the underside hull. Plate cushions can be used to more evenly distribute pressures to the cradle and protect the craft. Tie attachments, tie cables and tie downs can be used to secure the craft in the cradle. The lower hull carrier uses a number of hull carrier supports which together support the cradle above a carrier wheel assembly and provide additional plate protection to the craft and cradle. A modified set of rear hull carrier supports extend downwards from the lower hull carrier and attach to a carrier wheel assembly. The hull carrier supports act as independent suspension systems to absorb shock from the wheels.

Abstract: A system where a shaft runs through a center of a hydro screw helical gear main bearing. The helical gear positioned at approximately the end of the horizontal shaft and connects to the vertical power shaft and mating helical gear. Two main and two truss (shoe type) bearings position the screw/auger. There is on the hydro shaft a pressure seal in the Power Keel. The pitch angle is one turn (RPM) to 7.5 feet of travel with a four feet wide screw built into the blades-flukes off the screw/auger. The bearings are 12,000 RPM capable.

Abstract: A propeller having a means for creating fluid flow in a non-axial direction and redirecting it in an axial direction.

Abstract: A ship comprising a hull having a transom and a bottom, and an azimuthing propulsion unit arranged to the bottom of the ship hull, which azimuthing propulsion unit comprises a propeller. The azimuthing propulsion unit comprises an exposed operation mode in which the propeller sets, behind the transom of the hull and that the azimuthing propulsion unit is rotatable and comprises a protected position mode in which the azimuthing propulsion unit stays below the hull of the ship.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine for a watercraft has a stern bracket for mounting the marine outboard engine to the watercraft, a swivel bracket pivotally connected to the stern bracket about a generally horizontal tilt/trim axis, and a drive unit pivotally connected to the swivel bracket about a steering axis. The steering axis is generally perpendicular to the tilt/trim axis. A hydraulic actuator is operatively connected to the stern bracket and the swivel bracket for pivoting the swivel bracket and the drive unit relative to the stern bracket about the tilt/trim axis. A pump is mounted to the swivel bracket. The pump is pivotable about the tilt/trim axis together with the swivel bracket. The pump is fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an outboard motor body, a first support mounted on a boat body, a second support that rotatably supports the outboard motor body, a linkage that couples the first support and the second support to each other such that the second support is movable in a vertical direction and rotatable with respect to the first support, a first drive that rotates the second support coupled to the first support through the linkage with respect to the first support while moving the second support in the vertical direction with respect to the first support, and a second drive that rotates the outboard motor body with respect to the second support.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a reverse gate that moves to a first position and to a second position. When the reverse gate is in the first position, the reverse gate causes a vessel body to move forward. When the reverse gate is in the second position, the reverse gate causes the vessel body to decelerate or move backward. A velocity mode selector is used to select a normal mode or a velocity mode. The velocity mode has a maximum velocity different from that of the normal mode. When the reverse gate is in the second position and the velocity mode is selected, a controller is configured or programmed to set an upper limit of an engine rotation speed in the velocity mode to be different from that of the engine rotation speed in the normal mode.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a first exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust port, a catalyst storage connected to the first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe connected to the catalyst storage, and a water lock connected to the second exhaust pipe. The catalyst storage and the water lock are located outward in a width direction with respect to the exhaust port of the engine in a plan view of the jet propelled watercraft.

Abstract: A latching apparatus is for a cowl on an outboard marine engine. The cowl has a first cowl portion and a second cowl portion, which are latched together by the latching apparatus in a closed cowl position and unlatched from each other in an open cowl position. The latching apparatus comprises a retainer on the first cowl portion; an actuator device on the second cowl portion, and a wire coupled to the actuator device. The wire is coupled to the retainer in the closed cowl position and the wire is uncoupled from the retainer in the open cowl position. Actuation of the actuator device in a first direction rotates the wire so as to couple the wire to the retainer and actuation of the actuator device in a second direction rotates the wire so as to uncouple the wire from the retainer.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises a body including a deck and a hull, the body being provided with an engine room; an engine disposed in the engine room; a maintenance opening provided in the deck and located above the engine to in such a manner that an outside region of the body is in communication with an interior of the engine room through the maintenance opening; at least one duct mounting hole provided in the deck at a location different from a location of the maintenance opening in such a manner that the outside region is in communication with the interior of the engine room through the duct mounting hole; at least one ventilation duct fitted to the duct mounting hole to guide air from the outside region to the engine room; and an engine hood covering the maintenance opening and an air inlet of the ventilation duct.

Abstract: A corner fitting may include a male fitting having a convex portion and a female fitting having a concave portion configured complementary to the convex portion. In addition, the corner fitting may include a strap having a strap radius portion and a pair of strap planar portions extending from opposite ends of the strap radius portion. The strap planar portions may be parallel to one another when the strap radius portion is clamped between the convex portion and the concave portion and the corner fitting is viewed from a side, and non-parallel to one another when the corner fitting is viewed from an end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The apparatus comprises a composite stringer having a flange configured to contact a composite skin. The flange comprises a first region comprising tapered plies, a second region comprising tapered plies, and a first end. The first end is configured to extend to an edge of the composite skin.

Abstract: A window for a vehicle includes at least one transparent pane suspendable within a frame. The transparent pane comprises a deformable material. The transparent pane defines a first surface position h1 when not subjected to a pressure differential thereacross and a second surface position h2 when subject to the differential pressure thereacross. The first and second surface positions are defined with reference to an outside mold line. The first surface position h1 defines a reverse curvature with respect to the outside mold line. In response to the differential pressure ?P, the second surface position h2 includes bulging of the transparent pane by a predetermined distance ?h. The frame is constructed to be positioned within the vehicle such that the transparent pane presents a surface, when subjected to the pressure differential ?P, that is substantially consistent with the outside mold line of the vehicle.

Abstract: A load-bearing fairing element for a flap adjustment mechanism of an aircraft comprises a shell-shaped fairing housing with an at least partly U-shaped profile with an open side, a closed side, and a direction of main extension, at least one first cover panel that along the direction of main extension covers part of the open side, and a load-bearing bridge element. The bridge element is arranged in the fairing housing and with a base area conforms so as to be flush against an internal surface of the fairing housing and extends towards the open side. The bridge element comprises an essentially planar cover area that covers the base area on the open side in order to produce a closed profile contour that is circumferential on the direction of main extension. The bridge element comprises means for holding a shaft feed-in of a central flap drive and means for holding an adjustment mechanism that is couplable to the shaft feed-in.

Abstract: An engine includes systems for changing the pitch of propeller blades, a system for an upstream propeller including a linear actuator and a transmission mechanism connecting the actuator to the blades to transform the sliding of the actuator into a rotation of the blades, the upstream propeller including a rotatable housing rigidly connected to a rotatable shaft supported in a static housing of the turbine engine by an upstream bearing and by a downstream bearing. The rotatable housing of the upstream propeller includes a support rigidly connected to the rotatable housing and surrounding the static housing. The actuator is annular and fixed outside to the support, the transfer mechanism includes connecting rods and rotatable radial arms traversing the gaseous flow path, and the downstream bearing is radially located between the static housing and the support.

Abstract: A configuration and system for rendering an aircraft spin resistant is disclosed. Resistance of the aircraft to spinning is accomplished by constraining a stall cell to a wing region adjacent to the fuselage and distant from the wing tip. Wing features that facilitate this constraint include but are not limited to one or more cuffs, stall strips, vortex generators, wing twists, wing sweeps and horizontal stabilizers. Alone or in combination, aircraft configuration features embodied by the present invention render the aircraft spin resistant by constraining the stall cell, which allows control surfaces of the aircraft to remain operational to control the aircraft.

Abstract: A method of forming an aerospace component, the method including: forming a first subcomponent by an additive layer manufacturing (ALM) process, the first subcomponent having an inner surface defining an inner space; performing a non-ALM machining process to modify a portion of the inner surface of the first subcomponent; and forming a second subcomponent by an ALM process, the second subcomponent being arranged to close the inner space to complete the component.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator in an aircraft brake may include a ball nut piston, and endcap coupled to the ball nut piston, a retaining ring coupled to the endcap, and a puck secured within the endcap. The puck may be permanently retained within the retaining ring. The retaining ring may be a split ring which is installed around a base of the puck. The puck may be inserted within a single-piece retaining ring, and the retaining ring may be bent over a base of the puck.

Abstract: The invention relates to landing gear of an aircraft, the landing gear having skids and cross-members. The landing gear has at least one damper device arranged on at least one of the cross-members referred to as a “damped” cross-member. The damper device includes two stroke-transfer means hinged to the damped cross-member and to a fuselage of the aircraft. Each stroke-transfer means comprises a crank hinged to the damped cross-member and a link rod hinged to the crank and to the fuselage. A damper is hinged to each crank.

Abstract: A control method and system for controlling a main rotor of a rotorcraft to perform a stage of flight in auto-rotation. The control system has a control member for controlling the collective pitch of the blades of the main rotor. The control member is movable over an amplitude of positions between two extreme physical stops. A calculation unit calculates a collective pitch angle for the blades of the main rotor, referred to as an “auto-rotation collective pitch”. This enables the main rotor to rotate at a speed of rotation that is optimum for the stage of flight in auto-rotation of the rotorcraft. A motor means controls the position of the control member at a predetermined position, referred to as the “auto-rotation position”, in which the control member generates a control setpoint for servo-controlling the current collective pitch of the blades of the main rotor on the “auto-rotation collective pitch”.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling maneuverability of an aircraft includes receiving one or more signals indicative of commanded peak rotary acceleration at a first timeperiod; determining a signal indicative of an actual peak rotary acceleration for the first timeperiod in response to the receiving of the one or more signals for commanded pilot acceleration; and determining signals indicative of actual rotary acceleration for a second timeperiod.

Abstract: A rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform includes a vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a processing unit that receives positional sensor data and provides flight controls based upon the received positional sensor data. The vehicle body also includes a first frame connection interface that is configured to interface with a plurality of different arm types. The first frame connection interface comprises a physical connection and an electronic connection. Additionally, the rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform includes a first arm, of a rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform, that is selectively connectable to the vehicle body through the first frame connection interface. The first arm comprises a first arm connection interface that is selectively connectable to the first frame connection interface. Additionally, the first arm comprises a first motor mounted to the first arm.

Abstract: A method for automatically delivering a physical mail includes receiving, by an unmanned aerial vehicle from an unmanned aerial vehicle management system, a delivery information, the delivery information includes information about a first secure mailbox and information about a second secure mailbox, the first secure mailbox being related to a first target user, delivering the physical mail to the first secure mailbox, and rerouting the unmanned aerial vehicle carrying the physical mail from the first secure mailbox to the second secure mailbox in response to the physical mail being delivered to the first secure mailbox.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat having a seat bottom movable between a stationary position for taxi, take-off and landing and a movable position during flight in which at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of the seat bottom deflects downward in response to a downward load applied thereto.

Abstract: A system, which includes a plurality of heat exchangers and a compressing device, is configured to prepare in parallel a medium bled from a low-pressure location of an engine and flowing through a plurality of heat exchangers into a chamber. The compressing device is in communication with the plurality of heat exchangers and regulates a pressure of the medium flowing through the plurality of heat exchangers. The compressing device is bypassed based on the preparing in parallel the medium for the chamber, which in turn enables the compressing device to windmill. Therefore, the system employs at least one mechanism to prevent components of the compressing device from windmilling.

Abstract: An aircraft turbopropeller includes two coaxial contra-rotating unducted propellers, upstream and downstream respectively, each propeller including an annular row of blades. The blades of the downstream propeller have a reverse sweep in relation to that of the blades of the upstream propeller. The leading edges of the blades of the downstream propeller extend radially outwards from downstream to upstream, at least over a radially outer portion of the blades.

Abstract: An opening portion of a vent member is prevented from being blocked, and thus ventilation is reliably performed. A plurality of opening portions (40A, 40B) are formed in a single vent stringer (20), and thus even in a case where one of the opening portions (40A, 40B) is blocked, ventilation is secured by the other opening portion. At this time, since the opening portions (40A, 40B) are formed in surfaces different from each other in the vent stringer (20), a possibility that both the opening portions (40A, 40B) may be simultaneously blocked is less.

Abstract: A valve for connecting an external tank to an aircraft has a valve body; and a seal assembly arranged, in use, to resiliently engage a seal surface on an aircraft. The seal assembly has a telescopic seal member extending from a proximal end within the valve body to a distal end. The telescopic seal member is constrained within the valve body so as to maintain axial alignment of the telescopic seal member and the valve body. The seal assembly may also have a seal carrier at the distal end of the telescopic seal member. The seal carrier may be pivotable relative to the telescopic seal member for alignment, in use, with the aircraft seal surface.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Method for optimising the design of sealing rings of internal manhole covers which close the manhole openings over the inner surface of the skin of an aircraft structure, the surface that is in contact with the inner surface of the skin being the optimized surface of said sealing rings, the method including dividing the outer contour and the inner contour of the optimised surface into n points; grouping into families Fi the sealing rings of each manhole opening; generating the curves that are best adapted to the set of points taken for the outer contour and for the inner contour of each sealing ring for each one of the families Fi; generating a ruled surface among the curves generated for each one of the families Fi.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing aircraft health data includes a wireless network server disposed onboard an aircraft, and at least one wireless condition monitoring device disposed onboard the aircraft, wirelessly connected to the wireless network server and configured to transmit respective health data to the wireless network server based on a communication scheme that maintains an availability of an aircraft wireless network.

Abstract: A satellite, intended to be placed in a station in orbit about a celestial body, including a first electrical thruster of orientatable thrust direction, a second electrical thruster of orientatable thrust direction, and an electrical thruster of fixed orientation that is fixed with respect to the satellite and of line of thrust passing through the center of gravity of the satellite. The satellite includes two electrical-thruster power units and an electrically interconnecting network connecting a first power unit to the first thruster of orientatable thrust direction and to the thruster of fixed orientation, and connecting a second power unit to the second thruster of orientatable thrust direction and to the thruster of fixed orientation. Each of the power units is configured to power either the associated thruster of orientatable thrust direction or the thruster of fixed orientation.

Abstract: A filling valve for liquids, includes a liquid feed into a valve chamber, a valve seat, a closure element, which interacts with the valve seat and moves between an open position and a closed position, an outlet for the liquid, and a cylindrical discharge element arranged at the outlet with a plurality of passages. The surface of the discharge element facing the closure element forms a part of the valve seat. To avoid clogging of the passages in the discharge element by fibers in the liquid, the passages ending at the surface of the discharge element are extended from the surface toward the closure element by tubes. Each tube can be closed by a cap which surrounds the tube at least in the closed position forming an annular space.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a packaged unit includes a separating device, a shrinking device, and a manipulation unit. The separating device separates out individual products from a product stream and combines them to form a product cluster. The shrinking device secures the product cluster on all sides by applying a shrink film wrapped around the product cluster in a way that forms at least one lateral opening before being shrunk on. The manipulation unit places the shrink film against the product cluster at least in the region of the lateral opening, thereby forming a closed surface in the form of a closure with overlapping fold regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing bales, for agricultural machines provided with a chamber for forming a substantially cylindrical bale. The apparatus includes at least one structure for supporting a reel of banded material, of the type of a net, a polymeric film, and the like, designed to wrap the bale. The apparatus includes means of movement of a device for the transfer and delivery of an end flap of the reel to the forming chamber; such device is provided with an end blade which can move along a work path, from a first limit position, in which the blade is proximate to the reel supported by the structure, for the withdrawal of the end flap, to a second limit position, in which the blade is facing toward the chamber, for the delivery of the flap to the chamber, and vice versa, such limit positions having substantially the same height from the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shrink tunnel for use in a production system for the production of packaging units from packaging materials filled with a product and having shrink film shrunk thereon, the shrink tunnel comprising a tunnel zone, heating means for application of heat to shrink the shrink film onto packaging units moved through the tunnel zone, the tunnel zone being maintained at a tunnel temperature equal to a target operating temperature, wherein the tunnel has an operating mode and a standby mode, wherein heat output during the standby mode is less than heat output during the operating mode, and wherein the standby mode is triggered by at least one of a time control and a signal control.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a packaging machine comprises a plurality of functional units arranged to perform operations in sequence including to form or receive a package, fill the package with liquid or solid content and seal the package. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of signal inputs, each arranged to receive signals from respective functional units indicating status or measured values; a graphical user interface permitting interaction with an operator of the packaging machine; and a processor arranged to process received signals and control operation of the graphical user interface, wherein the processor is arranged to, from the signals, identify an event if any of the functional units is preventing any other functional unit in the sequence to operate, and upon any such identified event, enable the graphical user interface to provide an indication thereupon in a displayed representation of the functional units of the packaging machine.

Abstract: A brake device of a film packing device includes a holding sleeve. The holding sleeve is provided with an elastic piece. An inner wall of the elastic piece is provided with a press portion. An end of an outer wall of the elastic piece is formed with an engaging trough. A brake block is provided in the engaging trough. A film receiving sleeve is fitted on the holding sleeve. When the press portion of the elastic piece is pushed, the brake block is pressed against the inner wall of the film receiving sleeve, enabling the film receiving sleeve to bring a brake function. When the film packing device is used for packing, this brake function provides a predetermined tension for the film.

Abstract: The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In certain embodiments a system for opening packages is provided comprising a conveyer for supporting or conveying a package, wherein the package comprises a surface material and a measurement zone wherein the package is inspected and measured for a cutting operation to thereby determine a process location comprising a location on the package for introduction of a cut to the surface material.

Abstract: An upgraded and reconfigured components in a labelling machine used for labelling containers and cans automatically and in continuous sequence. In this type of machine the containers or other articles roll through the machine over a substantially horizontal track where the containers receive a label with an adhesive applied to the cylindrical side of the container. Next the label is wrapped about the container and secured to the side of the container by a suitable adhesive. These machine upgrades and reconfigurations relate to machines for applying labels to articles of cylindrical form and are designed primarily for placing labels on cans as they are conveyed through the machine over runways.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system for labeling one or more products such as packages transported along a conveyer, and more specifically to applying a label on a respective package by way of a vertically adjustable assembly positioned above the conveyor. The adjustable assembly includes at least a label printer and an applicator for printing and applying the label on a surface of the package on the conveyor.

Abstract: A plastic container that is fabricated from an extrudable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using an extrusion blow molding process includes a neck portion, a bottom portion and a main body portion. The main body portion has a central opening that extends completely through the main body portion and may have generally toroidal area surrounding the central opening. The bottom portion includes a plurality of support feet and a substantially smooth central raised portion that has substantially no discontinuities such as the gate well that is commonly found on PET containers fabricated using the conventional stretch blow molding process. The neck portion may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the container so as to facilitate pouring by a consumer.

Abstract: Blanks and paper products made therefrom are provided. In one aspect, the blank for forming a paper product can include a paperboard substrate and a film. At least a portion of the film can be secured to the paperboard substrate with an adhesive disposed between the paperboard substrate and the film. A peel strength of less than 330 g/2.54 cm at a temperature of 23° C. can be required to separate the film secured to the paperboard substrate with the adhesive.

Abstract: A cup sleeve formed from a blank having a body portion and a coaster portion extending therefrom. The coaster portion being press fit against the body portion in an in-use orientation forming a generally multi-sided sleeve the coaster forming a bottom portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pallet-sized shipping and display tray includes a base portion having an interior space and opposed sides ends. The respective spaced-apart first and second vertical columns each of which is configured to be positioned in the opposed ends of the interior space of the base portion. Each of the respective first and second spaced-apart vertical columns includes two shoulder panels, two coterminous spine panels, and two arm panels all of which are foldably joined to one another. At least one deck is configured to be attached to the respective spaced-apart first and second vertical columns to form a bridge. The at least one deck includes a supporting panel having two side depending flanges and two end depending flanges, the flanges foldably joined to one another so as to adequately support a weight of one or more upper display trays when they are stacked upon one another.

Abstract: Provided is a paper container for foods capable of being fabricated by heat sealing which does not absorb flavors, such as limonene, and capable of storing a long period at ordinary temperature. The laminated material for paper containers is composed of paper substrate layer/adhesive for paper layer/first adhesive for barrier layer/barrier layer/second adhesive for barrier layer/heat-sealable PET resin layer, has an oxygen gas barrier ability of 2.0 ml/m2·D·atm or less, and the heat-sealable PET resin layer is made having a crystal portion of less than 15%, non-crystal portion of 85% or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic products and packaging therefor. More particularly, some implementations of the invention relate to a thermoplastic material that is packaged in a box, such as a corrugated cardboard box. In some cases, the box has a quick opening mechanism extending between two opposite sides of the box. Some examples of such quick opening mechanisms include a perforation, a tear strip, a hook-and-loop fastener, and a chain stitch. While the packaging can in opened in any suitable manner, in some cases, a user grabs a flap on the box, pulls the flap to rip the box down a perforated quick opening mechanism, and uses the weight of the thermoplastic material to knock down the box so that it becomes substantially flat. Other implementations are also described.