Patents Issued in April 26, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180111675
    Abstract: A control system for a flight vehicle includes first and second pivot pins each having a hollow cylindrical shape with an opening therein, first and second deployable wings configured to pivot about the first and second pivot pins between a stowed position and a deployed position with the first and second deployable wings each having first and second wing tip shafts extending between the first and second pivot pins and first and second ailerons at a tip of the deployable wings, first and second lever pins within the opening in the pivot pins with the first and second lever pins each having a first end that extends out from a top of the pivot pin and a second end connected to the wing tip shaft and with the first and second lever pins configured to rotate the wing tip shafts to control the ailerons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Martin Edwy Buttolph, David F. Moran
  • Publication number: 20180111676
    Abstract: A cooled compressor system is provided including: a compressor that in operation compresses air; an electric motor that in operation drives the compressor, the electric motor having a back iron, a motor stator radially inward from the back iron, and a motor rotor radially inward from the motor stator; an airflow system fluidly connected to the compressor, the airflow system in operation directs air through the back iron and in between the motor stator and motor rotor; an airflow inlet that in operation allows an inflow of air to the airflow system; and an airflow outlet that in operation allows an outflow of air from the airflow system; wherein the air travels from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet through the compressor and the airflow system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Debabrata Pal
  • Publication number: 20180111677
    Abstract: A rotor blade for a rotary aircraft is disclosed. The rotor blade includes a body and an airflow duct extending within the body of the rotor blade. An airflow outlet of the airflow duct is located at a tip of the blade. The airflow outlet has a cross-sectional area that is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of the airflow duct. The rotor blade is used to mitigate brownout during flight. Air exits the rotor blade at the airflow outlet in order to disrupt a blade vortex created by rotation of the rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Mark W. Scott, Daniel Caleb Sargent
  • Publication number: 20180111678
    Abstract: A landing-gear assembly (1) for an aircraft, the landing-gear assembly comprising: an axle shaft (2); a leg (3) presenting a first portion (3a) carrying said axle shaft (2) and a second portion (3b) connected to a carrier structure of the aircraft; a main damper (5); and a first secondary damper (6a) distinct from the main damper (5). The first secondary damper (6a) is carried by the axle shaft (2) and comprises: an inertial mass (M); and connection means (7a) between the inertial mass (M) and the axle shaft (2) damping movements of the inertial mass (M) along a first axis (X1) of movement of the inertial mass (M) relative to the axle shaft (2), said first axis of movement (X1) extending in a plane (P) perpendicular to said steering axis (Z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Florent DAUPHIN, Florent FORTIER, Sébastien DUBOIS
  • Publication number: 20180111679
    Abstract: An oscillating pump system includes a pump operable to circulate a fluid. The pump has a first port stage including an inlet port and an outlet port and a second port stage including a first oscillating port and a second oscillating port. An oscillator disk is disposed between the first port stage and the second port stage. The oscillator disk is rotatable relative to the inlet port, the outlet port, the first oscillating port and the second oscillating port. During rotation, the oscillator disk alternatingly routes the fluid to the inlet port from the first and second oscillating ports and alternatingly routes the fluid from the outlet port to the first and second oscillating ports, thereby generating oscillating fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Heverly, II
  • Publication number: 20180111680
    Abstract: A rotorcraft capable of a hover mode and a forward cruise mode including a fuselage, a first electric propulsion system, a second electric propulsion system, and an electric power control unit to control power to the first and second electric propulsion systems in the hover and forward cruise modes. The first electric propulsion system is a tip jet cold flow system that imparts rotation on a pair of rotor blades disposed above a top surface of the fuselage, and a first electric motor configured to drive the tip jet cold flow system. The second electric propulsion system includes a propeller disposed in the rear of the fuselage and a second electric motor configured to drive the propeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Fenny, Daniel B. Robertson, Kirk L. Groninga, Troy C. Schank
  • Publication number: 20180111681
    Abstract: A damped rotor system includes a rotor blade defining a longitudinal axis opposed leading and trailing edges and having a blade spar. The rotor blade has flexibility in an edgewise direction defined between the leading and trailing edges. A structural damping assembly has an eddy current damper including a damper body that is mounted to the blade spar. The damper body houses a magnetic member movable relative to the damper body. The damper body is of an electrically conductive non-ferromagnetic material such that movement of the magnetic member relative to the damper body induces magnetic eddy currents in the damper body for damping vibrations of the rotor blade in the edgewise direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph J. Andrews, William A. Welsh
  • Publication number: 20180111682
    Abstract: A non-motorized flying unit for observation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a body part which is mounted on a launcher, launched in a direction toward a preset target when the launcher operates, and falls, by its own weight, toward the ground from a position of a top dead point (TDP); a propeller unit which is coupled to the body part, and automatically generates rotational force by means of drag force applied to the body part when the body part falls so as to decrease a falling velocity of the body part; and an image capturing unit which is installed on the body part, and obtains image information in respect to the ground when the body part falls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Seung Bum KIM
  • Publication number: 20180111683
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery system, for delivering articles between UAV zones has a computing system having a non-transient memory with executable instructions, the executable instructions including a flight management system to receive at a portal a delivery request to deliver an article from one zone to another. The Instructions are operable: to assign a UAV to the delivery request; if a UAV is not at a first zone, to dispatch a UAV to the first zone; to provide a flight path to the UAV,I at least part of the flight path being predetermined; to communicate the UAV flight path to the UAV; and to monitor the flight of the UAV from the first zone to the second zone and the delivery of the article. A method of planning a route for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Di Benedetto, Gregory Colacitti
  • Publication number: 20180111684
    Abstract: A UAV and a flying control method thereof that can detect a user grip of the UAV are provided. The UAV and a flying control method thereof can detect a user grip at a first position and can detect release of the user grip at a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Boram NAMGOONG, Soopyoung PARK, Jihyun PARK, Gwanghui LEE, Moonseok CHOI
  • Publication number: 20180111685
    Abstract: A multi-rotor UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) includes a fuselage, four aircraft wings and a landing stand, wherein the landing stand comprises four landing support legs, every landing support leg is installed below an outermost end of a corresponding aircraft wing to form a landing support structure of the UAV, every landing support leg comprises a main pole and a base soft rubber, wherein the base soft rubber enwraps a base of the main pole for buffering. The multi-rotor UAV of the present invention is stable while taking off or landing, and is light in weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Yu Tian, Wenyan Jiang
  • Publication number: 20180111686
    Abstract: The ejection protection black box is a device that is wired to the computers and engines of an aircraft. The ejection protection black box is able to detect any malfunction that may cause an airplane to crash. In the event of a malfunction, the black box will automatically eject from a chute located on the aircraft safely before impact. The ejection protection black box is further equipped to detect missiles or bombs that may be headed towards an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Kathy Nixon
  • Publication number: 20180111687
    Abstract: A load beam for an aerial vehicle comprises an elongate beam having a bottom. There is a plurality of load attachment points disposed along the bottom of the elongate beam. Each of the load attachment points is configured to selectively couple to a load such that the load is coupled to a first one of the load attachment points, or the load is coupled to a second one of the load attachment points and a third one of the load attachment points, whereby the load is connected to the load beam so as to be airlifted by the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Derek Thomas, Jeff Yarnold
  • Publication number: 20180111688
    Abstract: Disclosed here is a cargo drive unit for a cargo hold of an aircraft. The cargo drive unit includes at least one driven power transmission element, which is configured to transmit drive forces to a load arranged in the cargo hold, in order to move the load inside the cargo hold. The cargo drive unit also includes a sensor unit configured to acquire at least one movement parameter of the load. The cargo drive unit also includes a control unit configured to control the power transmission element according to the acquired movement parameter. Also disclosed here is a cargo hold that includes such a cargo drive unit, and a related method for operating such a cargo hold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Dennis FISCHER, Oliver NUESSEN
  • Publication number: 20180111689
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting functional devices within a cargo hold of an aircraft. The mounting device includes at least one surface unit and a plurality of functional devices which can be mounted on the surface unit in such a way that the surface unit can be inserted together with functional devices mounted thereon into the aircraft cargo hold in the manner of a template in such a way that all the functional devices come to lie in defined mounting locations in the cargo hold and can be mounted on supporting structures of the aircraft or the cargo hold without adjustment in relation to the surface unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas HUBER, Richard HOLZNER
  • Publication number: 20180111690
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a portable electronic device holder (400, 500, 600, 700, 900, 1100, 1400) for a passenger seat (202), including a longitudinal clamping structure (420, 520) having a generally L-shaped cross-section. The clamping structure includes a supporting flap (422, 522) forming an L-base of the generally L-shaped clamping structure and configured to N support a portable electronic device, and a clamping flap (424, 524) forming an L-leg of the generally L-shaped clamping structure and configured to clamp the portable electronic device against a surface (650) abutting the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device holder further includes a mounting element (410, 510) for slidably or titlably mounting the clamping structure to the passenger seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Guo Ying ZHENG, Ivan TAN, Yong Qi CHONG
  • Publication number: 20180111691
    Abstract: A locking device for a deployable tray table disposed on a rearward surface of a passenger seatback is disclosed. The locking device may be incorporated into a hinge or knuckle of the tray table such that the tray table may be retained in a stowed configuration without a latch mechanism disposed along a top edge of the stowed tray table. In some embodiments, a support arm of the tray table may terminate with a plurality of narrow fingers, each having an elongated slot configured to receive an axel pin disposed within the knuckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Lee Van Liere, Frank Matthew Scott
  • Publication number: 20180111692
    Abstract: A legrest for a stowable seat may comprise a legrest chassis comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being located opposite the second end, a footrest opening disposed in the second end, and an extendable footrest configured to at least one of extend from and retract into the footrest opening. The legrest may be configured to be coupled to the stowable seat at the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad R. Pacheco, Kyler Marutzky
  • Publication number: 20180111693
    Abstract: An environmental control system includes a turbo-compressor assembly and a ram air system. The turbo-compressor assembly includes a first turbine, a first compressor, and a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger has a first heat exchanger first side in fluid communication a first turbine outlet, a first heat exchanger second side, a first heat exchanger inlet in fluid communication a first compressor outlet, and a first heat exchanger outlet. The ram air system has a first ram air inlet, a second ram air inlet being in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger second side, and a second heat exchanger being in fluid communication with at least one of the first ram air inlet and the second ram air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Brian R. Shea
  • Publication number: 20180111694
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated devices relate to a system for measuring a maximum size of super-cooled water droplets in a cloud atmosphere. The system includes a housing having a convex exterior surface on a forward end and having stabilizers projecting from an aft end. The system includes a gimballed mounting mechanism configured to attach the housing to an aircraft while permitting the housing to freely pitch and yaw with respect to the aircraft. When an airstream engages the stabilizers, the housing aligns with a direction of the engaging airstream. The system includes a sequence of indices on a corresponding sequence of ice-accretion regions of the convex exterior surface, each of the sequence of indices visible in the absence of ice accretion. The forward-most ice-free one of the sequence of indices is indicative of a maximum size of super-cooled water droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent R. LoPresto
  • Publication number: 20180111695
    Abstract: An aircraft includes an airframe parachute system. The parachute system includes an activation system, an extraction system, a harness system, and a parachute assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Cirrus Design Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett John Homan, David A. Rathbun, Kevin P. Welsh, Jeremy Travis Engel, Anthony Dale Kasher
  • Publication number: 20180111696
    Abstract: A purge system includes an airflow source to provide an airflow, and a fuel tank, including: a tank volume including a tank ullage, at least one inlet, wherein the at least one inlet is in fluid communication with the tank ullage and the airflow source to provide the airflow as an inbound airflow to the tank ullage, and at least one outlet, wherein the at least one outlet is in fluid communication with the tank ullage and an overboard location outside the aircraft to direct the inbound airflow as an outbound airflow from the tank ullage to the overboard location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen E. Tongue, Jonathan Rheaume, Haralambos Cordatos
  • Publication number: 20180111697
    Abstract: A flap skew detection system is configured to detect flap skew of one or more flaps moveably secured to one or more wings of an aircraft. The flap skew detection system includes a flap support assembly that couples a flap to a wing. The flap support assembly includes a fixed portion that is configured to secure to the wing, a moveable portion that is moveably coupled to the fixed portion and configured to securely support the flap, and a link moveably coupled to the fixed portion and the moveable portion. The link includes a cylinder defining an internal chamber including a hydraulic fluid chamber, a piston having a piston head within the internal chamber, and hydraulic fluid retained within the hydraulic fluid chamber. A pressure detector is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic fluid chamber. The pressure detector is configured to detect a fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid pressure within the hydraulic fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Kelly Thomas Jones
  • Publication number: 20180111698
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Gregg W. Podnar, Richard John Loftis, Gregory E. Mattocks, James J. Salmon, Keith Harrell
  • Publication number: 20180111699
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tagless baggage tracking system and method that allows for the identification of baggage that has lost identification tags during transit. The system and method provide for digitally associating baggage to a particular passenger via digital images and a searchable database digital records that include digital images and passenger information. This method and system can be used in a tagless baggage tracking system. Also provided is a method and system provides a searchable database of baggage images thereby providing for the identification of the owner of tagless baggage and/or for the locating of misdirected or lost baggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Karam Osama Karam IMSEEH
  • Publication number: 20180111700
    Abstract: A dual-sloping carousel is disclosed. According to the present invention, the carousel comprises forward-sloping and reverse-sloping sections, so as to reduce the risk of falling baggage, thereby preventing the baggage from being damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Dong Soo KIM, Pil Geun YUN, Hyun Suek KIM, Myung Hee LEE
  • Publication number: 20180111701
    Abstract: An end effector provides one up assembly drilling through mated components, including a panel, by preloading the components to assure interface integrity, thus avoiding subsequent separation for cleaning and deburring. The end effector includes a drill and clamp dispenser for temporarily inserting and removing expansible single-sided clamps at various pre-drilled locations in the panel. In one method, pilot holes are first pre-drilled into mated components, for example an aircraft wing panel and a wing rib or spar; an initial pilot hole location is identified, and an expansible clamp is inserted into a pilot hole adjacent a desired initial fastener hole location. The clamp is torqued, causing its expansion for preloading the wing panel and rib and/or spar components under a predetermined load. The fastener hole is then drilled, the end effector untorques and removes the clamp and identifies a second (and/or next) pilot hole location, and the process is replicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Fei Cai, Tanni Sisco, Matthew Ryan Dunaj, Brian Joseph Cobb
  • Publication number: 20180111702
    Abstract: An orbital debris interception vehicle includes a satellite bus and a debris interception module releasably coupled to the satellite bus. The debris interception module includes a debris impact pad, such as a pancake-shaped Whipple shield. A plurality of such vehicles can be deployed into an equatorial orbit and maneuvered to intercept orbital debris as it passes through the equatorial plane. In particular, the satellite bus can release the debris interception module before an intercept and reconnect to it after the intercept.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Marshall H. Kaplan
  • Publication number: 20180111703
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: William Brad Hensley, Philip Keller, William H. Francis, Bruce L. Davis, Kellie A. Craven, Thomas J. Rose, Mark S. Lake
  • Publication number: 20180111704
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Edward Helmer, John Douglas Lymer
  • Publication number: 20180111705
    Abstract: Embodiments of Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA) systems are provided, which include multi-faceted bracket structures to which RWAs are mounted. In one embodiment, the RWA system includes a bracket structure, which is assembled from multiple (e.g., two to four) interchangeable panels. Each bracket panel may define or include a mount bracket to which an RWA is mounted. In certain embodiments, the bracket panels may include integral bearing cartridge features, which contain the spin bearings of the RWAs. The interchangeable panels may have interconnect features, which align and which possibly interlock to position the panels in a precise angular relationship when the multi-faceted bracket structure is assembled. In other embodiments wherein the bracket structure is assembled from two interchangeable panels or produced as a single piece, the multi-faceted bracket structure may have a peaked form factor supportive of two RWAs, which are mounted to the bracket structure in a back-to-back relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Terence Marshall, Thom Kreider, Paul Buchele
  • Publication number: 20180111706
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for attitude determination using infrared Earth horizon sensors (EHSs) with Gaussian response characteristics. Attitude information is acquired by detecting Earth's infrared electromagnetic radiation and, subsequently, determining the region obscured by Earth in the sensors' fields of view to compute a nadir vector estimation in the spacecraft's body frame. The method can be applied when two sensors, each with known and distinct pointing directions, detect the horizon, which is defined as having their fields of view partially obscured by Earth. The method can be implemented compactly to provide high-accuracy attitude within small spacecraft, such as CubeSat-based satellites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Tam Nguyen Thuc Nguyen, Kerri L. Cahoy, Meghan K. Quadrino
  • Publication number: 20180111707
    Abstract: Disclosed is a space vehicle, such as a satellite, the vehicle including: at least one equipment-carrying module for carrying equipment of the vehicle; at least three posts extending at least partially in the same longitudinal direction and on the periphery of the equipment-carrying module, each post being provided with at least one releasable locking device; and a reinforcing structure which rigidly connects each post transversely to at least two other posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Dominique PONCET, Christophe PRUD HON, Serge GUYOT
  • Publication number: 20180111708
    Abstract: A system for preserving and capping tubes includes a compressed air reservoir for storing compressed air, a preservative reservoir containing a supply of a preservative, a nozzle in fluid communication with the compressed air reservoir and the preservative reservoir for injecting the preservative into the interior of a tube, and a capping device configured to insert a cap onto the end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: RONALD FRANCIS KONOPACKI, ALLAN GUNN FERRY
  • Publication number: 20180111709
    Abstract: An apparatus associated with a wrapping machine includes at least one unwinding unit for the wrapping machine for wrapping a load with a film, and shuttles that are movable along a path and suitable for receiving and supporting an unwinding unit to be replaced and to be dismantled from the wrapping machine, or a new unwinding unit to be mounted on the wrapping machine. The shuttles operate along a substantially horizontal operating direction to dismantle and receive from the wrapping machine an unwinding unit to be replaced or to transfer and mount on the wrapping machine a new unwinding unit. The apparatus includes a supporting unit fixed to the wrapping machine and arranged to be coupled to, and supported by, the unwinding unit, the unwinding unit including a first coupling device, and the supporting unit including a second coupling device, the first coupling device and the second coupling device being mutually coupled or uncoupled along the operating direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Mauro Cere', Mirko Casalboni
  • Publication number: 20180111710
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging device for packaging products in batches, during which the products travel along a conveying direction in order to be packaged. The batches include at least two products, arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The device includes a feeder for receiving products travelling in single file through an upstream pick-up area and conveying same to a set-down area for later packaging. The feeder includes: in the pick-up area, a transfer unit for transferring products arriving in single file to the unit; and at least one position-controlled movable collector for receiving and then moving at least one product in a controlled manner from the transfer unit to the set-down area. The device also includes a conveyor in the set-down area, on which the at least one collector deposits the at least one product that it collected from the pick-up area. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory CHOPLIN, Jean-Francois GROUAS, Philippe DEROUAULT
  • Publication number: 20180111711
    Abstract: A production line configuration apparatus reducing complication of a process performed via a touch panel is provided. A bag making and packaging machine includes an adjustment part, a liquid crystal display, and a control part. The adjustment part performs an operation related to making a bag. The liquid crystal display is a touch-sensitive manipulation part accepting input via a touch manipulation by a user. The control part changes a set value in the adjustment part on the basis of a method for the touch manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Motoki TAKAYAMA, Makoto ICHIKAWA, Norio KAWANISHI
  • Publication number: 20180111712
    Abstract: A structure including a formed body (1) formed in a predetermined shape and an externally added region formed on the surface of the formed body (1), wherein the externally added region has externally added protuberances (3) of a mixture of a wax component and a liquid (5) formed on the surface of the formed body (1) and, further, has a mountain/valley surface formed by the distribution of the externally added protuberances (3); and on the externally added region, the surfaces (valley portions) of the formed body 1 are covered with the liquid (5) at portions among the externally added protuberances (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicants: TOYO SEIKAN CO., LTD., TOYO SEIKAN GROUP HOLDINGS, LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke NYUU, Yoshiaki OKADA, Tomoyuki MIYAZAKI, Yosuke AKUTSU, Shinya IWAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180111713
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an improved dispensing system for liquid dispensing in the form of drops, comprising: a cap; a dosage unit having a skirt showing a protrusion or edge at its lower end; and a container having a shoulder surface located at the inner part of the shoulder, wherein the shoulder surface holds the dosage unit through interfering with said protrusion or edge of the insert thus avoiding that the dosage unit can be removed from the container. While opening the improved dispensing system according to the present invention, a ring attached to the cap body breaks in sections, preventing said ring to be relocated in the cap and, thus, avoiding that the dosage unit can be reused for filling a different substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Andrés Fernando González Sierra
  • Publication number: 20180111714
    Abstract: A carton includes an outer shell (102) defining an interior space with upper and lower tiers. A divider (120) is disposed at least in part in the outer shell dividing between the upper and lower tiers. A tear strip (118) defined in the outer shell operatively connecting an upper portion of the outer shell to a lower portion thereof. The upper portion defines a six-sided structure, a bottom side of which includes the divider. The upper portion is configured to be removed from the lower portion by lifting the upper portion after the tear strip is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20180111715
    Abstract: A stay-tab beverage can with protective guard is provided. An example protective guard made integral with beverage cans keeps insects and foreign objects out of the beverage can. Rotating versions of the protective guard can use the existing rivet of a stay-tab to accommodate the protective guard as an add-on to the manufacturing process. Other versions of the protective guard hinge or slide to protect the can's opening. Example designs of the protective guard are attached to the can in various ways, and rotate, flip, or slide to engage the opening of the beverage can. Some example designs of the guard can hold a drinking straw in place, with other versions cap or seal the beverage. A webbed version of the guard provides a grill or grate, while solid flap versions open for fluid flow and close when the flow stops. The protective guards may be made in various commercially desirable shapes and colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: DONALD G. WEBSTER
  • Publication number: 20180111716
    Abstract: A double-surface contact tray loading base comprises a loading surface (4) and a hook (1) arranged on an outer end of the loading surface (4), the hook (1) comprises a hook lug (1-2) and a support plate (6), the hook lug (1-2) is arranged on an upper side of the outer end of the loading surface (4), and the support plate (6) is arranged on a lower side of the outer end of the loading surface (4), thus forming the double-surface contact tray loading base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: JINGANG HAN, PING ZHENG, SHIWEI YANG, YI WANG, AIMIN WANG, DONG LI, JIANCHAO LI, LIAO PENG, PU WANG
  • Publication number: 20180111717
    Abstract: A pallet structure includes at least one bottom plate and at least one air bag. The at least one bottom plate is disposed on a bottom side of the cabinet for supporting the cabinet. The at least one air bag is detachably installed on a bottom side of the at least one bottom plate. The at least one air bag is inflated to prop the at least one bottom plate against the cabinet upwardly until at least one supporting component of the cabinet leaves away from a supporting surface, so as to effectively absorb a shock load during transportation of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Jheng-Ying Jiang
  • Publication number: 20180111718
    Abstract: A tank assembly includes a tank having a plurality of tank walls surrounding an interior cavity. The interior cavity is configured to store a fluid. The fluid is configured to expand upon a change in temperature. A fill channel and a vent channel are each in fluid communication with the interior cavity. At least one compressible member is positioned within the interior cavity and configured to provide an expansion space for the fluid. The compressible member eliminates the need to be concerned with a loss of air space when filling the tank with low flow rates and when filling on grades. The compressible member may be composed of a closed cell foam material. Alternatively, the compressible member may include a pouch having a hollow space surrounded by an outer skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Rossiter
  • Publication number: 20180111719
    Abstract: An efficient container apparatus equipped with at least one removable separator is described. The at least one separator is disposed within a cavity of the container, and is configured to separate frozen contents housed within the container in order to prevent the sticking of the food contents together into a singular mass during freezing and/or refreezing. The at least one separator is preferably a cross-sectional separator, configured to temporarily divide the cavity of the container. The use of the present invention is designed for the preparation, and consumption thereof, a smoothie or similar frozen mixed product. After blending of the frozen food contents, the contents may be returned to the container to facilitate consumption of the smoothie from the container via a straw or spoon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Luis Gilberto Escobar Nunez
  • Publication number: 20180111720
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a base (2) and a door (20), said device having a closed door position in which a circuit (8) of the device comprises a bag comprising two flexible films and connectors of the conveying network, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on a front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); and a hinge system hinging said door (20) relative to said base (2), and disposed only on one side of said door (20) so as to form lateral clearances between said door (20) and said base (2) over the rest of a perimeter of said door (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Sebastien Cirou, Rene Reinbigler, Virginie Buisson, Jean-Louis Weissenbach
  • Publication number: 20180111721
    Abstract: A bag includes multiple bags nested within it. The bags may be sealed together along the open edge to eliminate slippage before use. When bags are ready for use, the seal may be broken to allow removal of each bag separately. The common practice of taking out the trash requires the undesirable task of replacing a full trash bag with an empty trash bag. The frequency of this task can be reduced by placing multiple trash bags at once, in the trash can structure. When a bag is removed, the remaining layers stay in the structure awaiting use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventor: Dorian Alexander Robinson
  • Publication number: 20180111722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a barrel lid, such as a wood wine barrel lid, that inhibits and withstands warping and/or deformation. In one embodiment, the anti-warping wine barrel head comprises a plurality of adjacent slats, a plurality of staves where at least one stave disposed between each pair of adjacent slats, a plurality of grooves disposed on a top and/or bottom surface of the barrel head where each groove is oriented at an angle with respect to the plurality of slats, and a plurality of rods disposed in the plurality of top and/or bottom surface grooves where at least one rod is disposed in each of the plurality of top and/or bottom surface grooves. In some embodiments, staves are double flanged or rectangular, and rods have a half-round cross-section or triangular cross-section. In other embodiments, a gasket may span the periphery of the barrel lid, for example, along a lip thereof. In some embodiments, a locking ring is utilized to secure wine barrel lid to the container or drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew DEUTSCH, Donald P. KISH
  • Publication number: 20180111723
    Abstract: A one-piece dispensing closure for dispensing essential oils includes an integrally formed closure body, tubular dispensing spout, a hinged cap and a latch for maintaining the cap in an open position. The cap is connected to the closure body by a living hinge to allow the user to selectively open and close the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Silgan Dispensing Systems Slatersville LLC
    Inventors: Clifford W. Skillin, Patrick J. Brannon, Sergey Romanov
  • Publication number: 20180111724
    Abstract: In the container, when the cap is capped on the container opening portion, an inner wall surface of a cylindrical sub-fitting wall portion of the cap and an outer wall surface of a large diameter opening portion of the container opening portion closely contact each other, and an outer wall surface of a cylindrical main fitting wall portion of the cap and an inner wall surface of a small diameter opening portion of the container opening portion closely contact each other. In this way, pressing force that is applied to the outer wall surface of the cylindrical main fitting wall portion of the cap from the inner wall surface of the small diameter opening portion of the container opening portion is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Takaaki SAKIMURA, Masashi SASAKI, Masashi MIZUOCHI, Hajime SASAKI, Satoshi ICHIKAWA