Abstract: A seal assembly for a bearing assembly in a gas turbine engine includes a first annular runner disposed around a shaft rotatable about an axis defining an axial direction. The first annular runner is rotatable with the shaft about the axis. A seal element is spaced apart from the first annular runner and cooperating therewith to provide a gap seal. An annular lip axially extends from the gap seal to an open end. The lip is disposed at least partially around the seal runner. A second annular runner is disposed coaxially with and spaced radially apart from the lip. The second annular runner extends axially opposite to the lip so as to provide a tortuous path leading to the open end of the lip. A restrictor extends between the lip and the second annular runner to impede the passage oil through the tortuous path to the open end of the lip.

Abstract: A method of adaptive engine acceleration for accessory loads includes receiving an accessory load indicator corresponding to an accessory load of an engine. The accessory load indicator is compared to an adjustment threshold. An acceleration rate of the engine is increased based on determining that the accessory load indicator is below the adjustment threshold. The acceleration rate of the engine is decreased based on determining that the accessory load indicator is above the adjustment threshold.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a propulsion supported within an aft portion of a fuselage A thrust reverser is mounted in the aft portion of the fuselage proximate the propulsion system for directing thrust in a direction to slow the aircraft. The thrust reverser includes an upper blocker door movable about a first pivot axis to a deployed position and a lower blocker door movable about a second pivot axis not parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to baffle fuel dams and tank boundary fuel dams having a single-piece or two-piece construction. In one example, a baffle fuel dam is a single piece having slotted holes sized and spaced to accommodate for tolerance variations during installation. The baffle fuel dams also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations. The disclosure also relates to tank boundary fuel dams that include a two-piece configuration which incorporates slotted holes to accommodate tolerance variations and that are sized/spaced for different installation locations. The tank boundary fuel dams may also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations.

Abstract: A liquid storage system comprising: a tank for containing a liquid, the tank enclosing a liquid storage space; multiple layers of a fabric material; and attachment means attaching the multiple layers of the fabric material to an internal surface of the tank. The attachment means may comprise a non-permeable envelope attached to the internal surface of the tank. The multiple layers of the fabric material may be enclosed in the envelope such that the multiple layers of a fabric are isolated from a fluid in the tank. The envelope may contain a fluid (e.g. air) in addition to the multiple layers of the fabric material.

Abstract: A prognostic failure detection system may be implemented for an unmanned aerial vehicle(s) (UAV). A prognostic failure detection system may include a process of predicting failure conditions that may affect an UAV physical system or structure before they occur. By predicting failure conditions before they occur, the prognostic system allows maintenance centers to perform corrective actions in a timely and cost-effective manner. The prognostic system is intended to monitor and support the functionality of several physical systems and physical structures associated with an UAV. A physical system includes, but is not limited to, the electrical system, power system including the power supply, motor and propeller assemblies including motor controllers, navigation system, and flight controller system.

Abstract: A method of marking a landing zone on ground for an aircraft in flight. The aircraft projects on the ground a light shape referred to as a “projected light shape” comprising at least one line of light defining a geometrical surface, the aircraft tending to place at least a portion of landing gear of the aircraft on the geometrical surface, the projected light shape being identical regardless of the position of the projector in air space.

Abstract: A socket system for the protection against lightening of an aircraft disposed between a connection terminal of the aircraft and an end connector of a generator set powered by a power supply cable having several electrical conductors includes an extension socket connected between the end connector and the connection terminal and a safety device including in a housing made of electrically insulating material, and clipping means designed to clip an electrical signal. The installation of such a safety device prevents the propagation of an electrical overvoltage beyond the safety device.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to methods and systems for avoiding a collision between an aircraft on the ground and an obstacle using a three-dimensional visual indication of the area or plane of winglets on the wingtips of the aircraft. The method includes receiving a video image from a camera positioned in one of the winglets, the video image representing a field of view through which the winglet of the aircraft will pass along a present heading of the aircraft. Next a processor determines a three-dimensional area or plane within the field of view through which the winglet of the aircraft will pass. An overlay is displayed within the field of view to assist the pilot in avoiding collisions with obstacles within the field of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering unmanned aircraft and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft are disclosed herein. An aircraft recovery system for handling an unmanned aircraft in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a base portion and an elongated aircraft capture member having a first end movably coupled to the base portion and a second, free end opposite the first end. The aircraft capture member includes a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion and positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight. The first and/or second portions are generally flexible. The system further includes an energy capture and dissipation assembly operably coupled to the aircraft capture member and positioned to receive at least a portion of the landing forces from the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly container having a base or container portion with feet extending therefrom. A further base portion is provided and mounted atop the base portion. A spacing is provided between the base and further base portions and this spacing is filled by a spacing container portion or member. The spacing container portion allows for lower profile base and further base portions while accommodating larger diameter new and used brake assemblies. A method of using same is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method of air launching a powered launch vehicle into space or high altitude. More specifically, the invention is a tow aircraft which tows an unpowered glider, with the powered launch vehicle attached thereto, to launch altitude. The powered launch vehicle is released from the unpowered glider and powered on for launch.

Abstract: A satellite comprises at least one first communication module, a repeater module, one or more antennas, at least one propulsion module and an avionics module, the repeater module comprising: a north first panel when the satellite is in an orbital position, an east second panel, a south third panel and a west fourth panel arranged respectively opposite the north first panel and the east second panel, the north panel and the south panel having widths XmcR in the east-west direction, the east panel and the west panel having a width or YmcR in the north-south direction; characterized in that: the value of the ratio XmcR/YmcR for the repeater module lies within the interval [0.84; 1.12], and the repeater module consists of a number of floors, and the value of Xmck varies as a function of the floor k and of its position in the repeater module.

Abstract: A spacecraft system and method includes a platform with a dock and an umbilical payout device. A robot is connected to an umbilical paid out by the umbilical payout device and is repeatedly deployable from the dock. The robot includes one or more imagers, an inertial measurement unit, and a plurality of thrusters. A command module receives image data from the one or more robot imagers and orientation data from the inertial measurement unit. An object recognition module is configured to recognize one or more objects from the received image data. The command module determines the robot's orientation with respect to an object and issues thruster control commands to control movement of the robot based on the robot's orientation. The combination of the space platform and robot on umbilical line can be used for towing another object to different orbital location, inspection including self-inspection of the robot carrying platform and for robotic servicing.

Abstract: Method and circuits for balancing a first waveform used to drive an LED are disclosed herein. The first waveform has a first cycle with a first amplitude and a second cycle with a second amplitude. An embodiment of the method includes adjusting the first amplitude of the first cycle to match the second amplitude of the second cycle, the result being a second waveform. The LED is driven with the second waveform.

Abstract: Systems, processes and devices process telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) data received from a satellite. A data acquisition system receives data packets comprising the TT&C data received from the satellite from one or more cortexes. A data extractor node (DEN) directs the decommutation of the received TT&C data in real time as the TT&C data is received. The decommutated TT&C data from the data acquisition system is stored in a database for subsequent processing. The data extractor node obtains requested TT&C data from the database and processes the obtained portion of the decommutated TT&C data in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filling container including a joint, where a side of the joint is provided with an inlet, another side of the joint is provided with a tube insertion cavity, and an inner end of the tube insertion cavity is connected to the inlet; a hollow tube bundle, including several hollow tubes, where an upper part of the hollow tube bundle is entirely inserted into the tube insertion cavity; a container, mounted at a lower end portion of a hollow tube by using an elastic fastener, where an inner cavity of the container is in communication with an inner passage of the hollow tube; and a holding mechanism, mounted on the joint at the tube insertion cavity, where the holding mechanism enables the tube insertion cavity to contract and hold the hollow tube bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling device (1) for dispensing a fluid into at least one container, where the filling device (1) has a weighing system (2) and a filling-needle system (3). The weighing system (2) has a positioning device (4) which can be adapted to a container diameter and which may have an annular design. The weighing system (2) is arranged on an accommodation platform (7) which can be moved vertically by means of a linear unit. The filling-needle system (3) is arranged on a displacement unit in a position at a distance in the axial direction above the positioning device (4).

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus, its components, and corresponding methods for wrapping a load in packaging material are described herein. The apparatus has a packaging material dispenser having a frame and a plurality of packaging material supplies. The apparatus also has a load press for wrapping an upper surface of the load, where the load press has a central press section and a peripheral press section which can disengage the upper surface to allow wrapping of at least a part thereof. The apparatus also has an enclosure to prevent access during operation, as well as a packaging material seeking assembly which seeks out the packaging material to be wrapped. The apparatus and methods described allow for an automatic wrapping of a load which minimizes operator intervention, and further allow for the automatic resupply of packaging material.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a naked collation package comprising an arrangement of individual packages, individually packaged in a polyolefinic filmic material, that are packed together in said naked collation package in a naked collation film, and there being no seal between the naked collation film and the filmic material of the individual packages. A method for forming the naked collation package and a method for manufacturing the naked collation package are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprising a staging area and a packing area. The staging area may include a plurality of staging bins and a shuttle moveable along the plurality of staging bins. A staging bin of the plurality of staging bins may be configured to selectively retain a component of an order therein. Such staging bin may be configured to selectively release the component to the shuttle. The packing area may include a slide, a scanner, and a wrap seal conveyor. The shuttle may be configured to release the component onto the slide, and the scanner may be operable to scan and verify the component during placement of the component onto the wrap seal conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting a tubular heat-shrinkable sleeve relative to a container. The apparatus includes a sleeve orientation unit that uses a moveable support surface to hold and rotate the sleeve relative to the container. To that end, the apparatus further includes a determining unit for determining an angular position difference between the container and the sleeve relative to an axis perpendicular to the conveyor belt on which the container is transported. The angular position difference is used to control the movement of the support surface.

Abstract: A carton conveyer for a packaging machine has upper and lower flights to which sets of flight lugs are attached. Each set of flight lugs comprises leading flight lugs and trailing flight lugs and the leading flight lugs have recesses that face and oppose recesses on the trailing flight lugs. The recesses are formed to confine an open carton therebetween. Notches are formed in the flight lugs in such a way that movement of the leading and trailing flight lugs toward one another causes an un-erected carton between the lugs to be captured and erected.

Abstract: A sleeve applicator machine is used to remove and open a sleeve from a carrier for application of the sleeve around an elongated object such as a wire. A mandrel is inserted into an opening of an unopened sleeve while the sleeve is still supported by the carrier. Once the mandrel is inserted into the sleeve, the mandrel is lifted to separate the unopened sleeve from the carrier. While still on the mandrel, the sleeve (which is now in a semi-opened state) is positioned between a separable pair of sleeve-opening dies in which the dies are in an opened position. The dies are closed or brought together around the sleeve and mandrel to compress the sleeve to a fully open state. At this point and with the dies holding the sleeve open, the mandrel may be withdrawn from the sleeve and a wire or other elongated object inserted into the opening of the sleeve.

Abstract: A labelling machine (1) for labelling containers moving on a transport system (2), includes a labelling unit (8) having a supplying roll (19) of a pre-printed label web and a cutting drum (20) providing for both cutting a label from the label web and applying it onto a container. The cutting drum (20) is located at the release point of a label to the container to be labeled.

Abstract: A system and a method for applying a heat transfer label to a substrate to minimize dye migration are provided. The system and the method are configured such that a substrate is arranged between a heated plate and the label, such that heat is applied through the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging board comprising a fibrous base and one or more polymer coating layers on one or both sides of the fibrous base. According to the invention the fibrous base contains the combination of an alkyl ketene dimer size, stearic acid anhydride, a wet-strength size and an aluminium compound, which give the board resistance to aggressive liquids as well as thermal treatment, particularly an improved resistance to raw edge penetration in such circumstances. The invention further relates to containers and packages made of the board, for instance disposable drinking cups, dairy product cartons and auto-clave packages, as well as use of the board for such purposes.

Abstract: A substantially paper-based composite container for an off-gassing product includes a paperboard can body having a substantially gas-impervious liner attached to an inner surface thereof, and a pair of substantially paper-based end closures attached to the opposite ends of the can body, each end closure defining a generally cylindrical sealing panel in contact with an inner surface of the can body. Heat-sealable materials are disposed on opposing surfaces of the sealing panel and can body. The sealing panels of the end closures are attached to the can body by heat seals. The heat seal for at least one of the end closures is discontinuous such that at least one vent channel extends through the heat seal so as to establish fluid communication between an interior of the composite container and the environment outside the composite container. The at least one vent channel is operable to vent excess gas pressure from the interior of the container.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pack for holding a food item or items comprising a bag (10) and a channel shaped holder (11) for the bag formed in card and comprising a pair of side walls (12,15) to which the sides of the bag are adhered by adhesive areas (40) and a base (14) hinged at first fold lines (21) to the side walls and having a plurality of spaced second fold lines (22) extending parallel to the first fold lines to allow the base to take up a generally convex or concave shape with the side walls of the holder spaced apart and holding the side walls of the bag apart.

Abstract: A cap arranged to interact with a spout. The cap comprises a top section, a side wall section attached to the top section and a tamper element attached to the side wall section in a tearing interface. The tearing interface may be provided with a weakening line that is arranged to break when the cap is unscrewed such that the tamper element is separated from the side wall section. The cap further comprises at least one resilient cutting element arranged to the side wall. The at least one resilient cutting element is arranged to cut off a membrane of the spout when the cap is unscrewed. The cap is arranged such that the weakening line is arranged to break before the membrane of the spout is cut off when the cap is being unscrewed from the spout.

Abstract: A crate includes a base and an enclosure extending upwardly from the base defining a storage volume. A setback is defined around the enclosure such that a gap exists between corresponding sides of the base and the enclosure. The enclosure utilizes a lightweight, modular construction allowing the crate to be repeatedly assembled and disassembled for use and storage, and to allowing an enclosure storage volume to readily re-dimensioned as needed.

Abstract: An assembly of stacked mattresses and a method for preparing such an assembly are provided. The assembly of stacked mattresses comprises a first pallet, a second pallet, a plurality of mattresses positioned between the first pallet and the second pallet and straps coupling the first pallet to the second pallet, the plurality of mattresses being in a compressed state between the first pallet and the second pallet and the straps restraining expansion of the plurality of mattresses. The second pallet is comprised of a supporting member and a plurality of elongated reinforcing members extending across the supporting member, at least some of the reinforcing members including respective strap guiding members extending longitudinally along the elongated reinforcing member. At least some of the straps engage respective ones of the strap guiding members of the plurality of elongated reinforcing member of the second pallet so that displacement of the straps is constrained by the strap guiding members.

Abstract: A container apparatus having at least one containment member is disclosed that may include a bottom and at least one sidewall, an interior and an open end. The container may also include a flange that extends around a free end of the at least one side wall, and a plurality of wall members (or castellations) connected to/formed with/that extend from the flange. The plurality of wall members may be separated by ventilation apertures, with the plurality of wall members and the ventilation apertures extending around the perimeter of the free end. A sealing material, such as a removable film, may extend over the open end to enclose the containment member.

Abstract: A vessel for storing an object, comprising an electrically insulating container, intended to contain the object and an electrically conductive layer, arranged on a surface of the container. There is a control circuit including an electrically conductive detection element, electrically insulated from the conductive layer and capacitively coupled to the conductive layer. The control circuit is configured to measure the capacitance formed between the conductive layer and an electrically charged object brought close to the conductive layer and to generate a control signal dependent on the measured capacitance.

Abstract: A food and beverage bottle assembly is described. A food collar is adapted to slip onto the neck of a beverage bottle to create and a food and beverage bottle assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for gifts or special occasions such that particular food and beverage combinations, such as wine and chocolate or cheese may be paired and assembled together in a unique assembly.

Abstract: Techniques of transporting bath sponges involve holding a used bath sponge in a case that will carry and compress the used bath sponge. Such a case separates the soiled water and debris that is drained from the used bath sponge. The case is designed to facilitate the drainage of water and debris that have accumulated in the bath sponge after it is used. The action of compression of a bath sponge within this case will also help to maintain the original shape of the bath sponge. This case will keep all water and debris that has collected by the action of compression of the bath sponge contained in the lower sections of the case. In addition, when this case is stored in an upright position, the water and debris will not be able to flow back into the top section where the sponge is being stored.

Abstract: A 2-piece disposable lid assembly for a drinking cup enables unhindered drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The assembly includes a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout, and a flat insert supported by a plurality of baffles within the spout so as to form a horizontal channel through which beverage flows in a circuitous path around the baffles and into the dispensing well. A plurality of vent holes can allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed. Embodiments of the lid can also be used separately as a low-cost, 1-piece lid that reduces splashing. The flat insert is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and installation of the insert in the lid can be automated.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container and method is disclosed. The tamper-evident container includes a base portion and a lid (or cover). In an untampered with state, one edge of the lid is removably connected to one edge of the base portion. Namely, the lid includes a tamper-evident tab, wherein the tamper-evident tab includes a grasping overhanging portion that is flanked by at least one breakable joint and wherein the lid is removably connected to the base portion via the breakable joint of the tamper-evident tab. Further, the tamper-evident container comprises an interlocking interface between the base portion and the lid. A method of using the tamper-evident container is provided.

Abstract: A cover structure of a container is provided. The cover structure has a bottom cover assembled on an opening of the container's body, a top cover openably and pivotally connected with the bottom cover to simultaneously cover the bottom cover and an outlet of a watering seat assembled on the opening of the container's body, and a latch mechanism disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover. The latch mechanism has a first latch seat assembled on the top cover, a second latch seat elastically, horizontally and movably assembled between a first position and a second position of the bottom cover, and a sliding latch bolt vertically and slidably assembled between a third position and a fourth position of the second latch seat.

Abstract: A cap may be adapted to engage a container and may preferably be adapted to facilitate engaging the container with another object or may be adapted to otherwise possibly simplify transport, use, or storage of the container.

Abstract: A container lid assembly includes a cover, a pivoting lid connected with the cover, and a lid gasket connected with the pivoting lid. The cover is configured to fit with an associated container and defines an opening through the cover. The pivoting lid is positioned in the opening in the cover. The pivoting lid is movable between an open position and a closed position.

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

Abstract: A can for containing a liquid having a top end is disclosed. The top end has a dispense area defined by a first score line and a pull tab coupled to the top end by a rivet. The pull tab has a puncturing end for breaking the first score line and pushing into the interior of the can without detaching the dispense area to open a dispense aperture. A vent area is defined by a second score line and positioned on the opposite side of the rivet. The first and second score lines are separated by at least one torsion stripe of the can top material for acting as a hinge by torsion upon lifting the actuating end of the pull tab. As the dispense aperture is opened by pushing the dispense area into the interior of the can, a vent aperture is opened by pulling the vent area outwards.

Abstract: A preservation device, configured to form an air tight seal when disposed on a bottle and/or a vessel, is used to preserve liquids and other items, such as foodstuffs, which spoil when exposed to oxygen for a period of time. The device comprises at least a container which contains an oxygen absorber to remove oxygen remaining in the bottle or vessel after it is sealed by the preservation device. The container or the oxygen absorber has a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane. The preservation device may include an air channel system to control the flow of the liquid to be dispensed from the bottle without requiring the removal of the entire stopper device from the bottle, to enable the liquid to be dispensed while only allowing a minimal amount of oxygen to enter the bottle, thus improving preservation.

Abstract: A joint compound system is provided including a main container of base joint compound; and an additive container isolated from the base joint compound and housing at least one and preferably multiple water soluble additive packages constructed and arranged so that the additive packages are protected from exposure to moisture prior to their ultimate mixing with the base joint compound.

Abstract: A closure device for a container, having a lid element for closing the container opening, a chamber which is arranged on the lid element for storing a medium, and an inner housing. The chamber and the inner housing have corresponding closure means and opening means. A discharge opening paired with the chamber can be released by moving the lid element relative to the inner housing such that a medium can exit the chamber into the container. The chamber and the inner housing each have a corresponding first thread which is formed relative to a winding rotational axis. The first winding which is located on the chamber is arranged so as to point radially outwards when seen from the winding rotational axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for reclosable fasteners with increased stability against horizontal movement and increased stability against horizontal movement of an embedded article within the reclosable fasteners. The reclosable fastener may include, for example, a hook and loop fastener or interlocking mushroom fastener. More specifically, the present disclosure presents reclosable fastener systems that may securely contain and embed an article within the reclosable fastener system.

Abstract: Improved packages and methods for constructing packages are provided that reduce or prevent leakage into or out of the package. In particular, the package includes a base member and a lidding member with a reinforced perimeter portion that blocks channels that may form at the interface between the base member and the lidding member from extending to the edge of the base member, such that, e.g., liquids have no path to the package exterior. The perimeter portion may be a thicker region of a first film of the lidding member (e.g., a polyethylene emulsion), or the perimeter portion may be formed using permanent adhesive. Frangible layers and/or cut lines may be defined in the material of the base member or the lidding member to allow a controlled break to occur when the lidding member is peeled away from the base member to provide access to the package contents.

Abstract: A valve device for a packaging configured to hold a product releasing a gas. The valve device comprises, in an embodiment, a first inner film provided with a first opening and a second outer film covering the first opening. Between the first inner and the second outer film a first chamber is provided. The first opening provides a gas communication between the first chamber and the interior of the packaging. The first and second films define a channel being in fluid communication with the first chamber. Further, the valve device comprises a second chamber, and the channel connects the first and second chamber. The second chamber comprises a second opening being in fluid communication with the exterior of the packaging. At least one of the first and second chambers comprises a liquid and at least one spacer.

Abstract: A container (1) for transportation and/or storage of items is provided with under-slung lifting formations (8, 9) for aiding lifting of the container, rotatable support members (10, 11) upon which the container may be moved, and/or means (17) for securing like containers positioned in side by side relationship to be releasably secured to one another. The invention enables securing together containers in side by side relationship and moving/lifting the containers together between picking or loading locations. Following loading of the containers with at least some material at the distributed picking/loading locations, the containers may be disengaged and separated for onward transportation in separation.