Abstract: A fly-by-wire system for a rotorcraft includes a computing device having control laws. The control laws are operable to engage a level-and-climb command in response to a switch of a pilot control assembly being selected. The level-and-climb command establishes a roll-neutral (“wings level”) attitude with the rotorcraft increasing altitude. The switch may be disposed on a collective control of the pilot control assembly (e.g., a button on a grip of the collective control). Selection of the switch may correspond to a button depress. The level-and-climb command may include a roll command and a collective pitch command. One or more control laws may be further operable to increase or decrease forward airspeed in response to pilot engagement of the level-and-climb command. The level-and-climb command may correspond to a go-around maneuver, an abort maneuver, or an extreme-attitude-recovery maneuver to be performed by the rotorcraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strut for the landing gear, preferably the nose landing gear, of an aircraft, which strut comprises a structure branched in a Y shape, wherein the Y-shaped structure is produced as a multi-piece structure and comprises at least two bars, wherein a first bar forms the first branch of the structure and a second bar forms the second branch of the structure and wherein both bars are composed partially or completely of a fiber composite material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a distributed propulsion system for a craft that comprises a frame, a plurality of hydraulic or electric motors disposed within or attached to the frame in a distributed configuration; a propeller operably connected to each of the hydraulic or electric motors, a source of hydraulic or electric power disposed within or attached to the frame and coupled to each of the disposed within or attached to the frame, wherein the source of hydraulic or electric power provides sufficient energy density for the craft to attain and maintain operations of the craft, a controller coupled to each of the hydraulic or electric motors, and one or more processors communicably coupled to each controller that control an operation and speed of the plurality of hydraulic or electric motors.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft and method of operating a tail drive system thereof, wherein the tail drive system includes a gearbox that contains a first transmissive device and a second transmissive device in parallel, each transmissive device having an input operatively connected to a first shaft that is powered by the main rotor drive system. The first and second transmissive devices each have an output operatively connected to a second shaft that drives the secondary rotary device.

Abstract: A hybrid VTOL/high speed aircraft may comprise systems and functions for in flight configuration changes from high lift helicopter or VTOL mode to fixed or swing-wing high speed aircraft mode to accommodate a variety of functions or missions.

Abstract: A rotatable thruster aircraft includes a fixed wing; rotatable thruster assemblies, each including first and second thrusters that provide rotation via differential thrust; and vertical lift thrusters, optionally connected via an elongated member; and an aircraft control unit, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output component, and a power manager that controls specific power applied to the thrusters.

Abstract: A machine operates in conjunction with an aircraft, such as a helicopter, for harvesting or removing trees. The device can be powered by the aircraft, by electrical or hydraulic connection with the aircraft, or it may have an independent, self-contained power source. The device includes jaws for grasping a tree, and a saw for cutting the tree. The weight of the device is borne by a strong and flexible cord suspended from the aircraft. Various motors enable the position of the device to be remotely controlled, so as to grasp and remove tree trunks. The invention is especially useful for removing trees from areas which are difficult to reach by land.

Abstract: An overhead bin comprises a substantially rigid first shelf, bin sides, a substantially rigid second shelf above the first shelf, and a number of doors. The bin sides are connected to and extending upward from sides of the first shelf. The bin sides are connected to and extending upward from sides of the second shelf. The number of doors is configured to provide access to the first shelf and the second shelf from a first direction.

Abstract: An aircraft lounge assembly that includes an enclosure having a rear wall, first and second side walls and a forward wall that cooperate to define a seating area. The lounge assembly also includes first and second seats positioned in the seating area, and a first dividing wall positioned between the first and second seats. The first dividing wall divides the seating area into a first seat section and a second seat section. The front wall includes a shared entrance space defined therein. A first seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the first seat section and a second seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the second seat section.

Abstract: A passenger seat 100 for an aircraft, including a seat bottom frame 210, a backrest frame 220 and a headrest frame 230 that constitute a reclining assembly, which are supported by a spreader 170 and pipes 130 and 132 fastened to a floor by seat track fittings 110, the pipes 130 and 132 passing through left and right legs 120. A direct-acting-type damper 300 is attached to the backrest frame 230, and an extension member 400 is attached to the headrest frame 230, whereby a structural design is provided in which the reclining assembly, the direct-acting-type damper and the extension member can be easily replaced.

Abstract: A life vest stowage pouch including a rigid throat having an opening therethrough, a fabric pouch attached to a back of the rigid throat and having an opening held open by the rigid throat, and a rigid door attached to a front of the rigid throat comprising a latch adapted to engage with a catch on the rigid throat to hold the rigid door closed, wherein the interior volume of the fabric pouch is sized to accommodate therein an inflatable life vest in a deflated state.

Abstract: A linear guide mechanism for a passenger seat includes a movable carriage and a guide rail. The linear guide mechanism further includes a guide unit for positioning the movable carriage on the guide rail. The guide unit includes at least one guide element and a fastening element. Moreover, the guide unit is substantially fixed to the movable carriage by the fastening element. The guide unit and the movable carriage are displaceably mounted on the guide rail.

Abstract: An environmental control system for providing conditioned air to a volume of an aircraft includes a ram air circuit including a ram air shell with at least one heat exchanger positioned therein. A dehumidification system is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and at least one compressing device is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and the dehumidification system. A plurality of mediums is receivable within the environmental control system. A first medium of the plurality of mediums is provided from the volume of the aircraft via at least one valve.

Abstract: An environmental control system of an aircraft includes a ram air circuit including a ram air shell having at least one heat exchanger positioned therein. A dehumidification system is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and at least one compressing device is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and the dehumidification system. The at least one compressing device includes a turbine and a compressor operably coupled via a shaft. A fan is operably coupled to the ram air circuit. At least one compressing device is arranged non-linearly with the ram air circuit such that an axis of rotation of the fan is offset from the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: An environmental control system of an aircraft includes a ram air circuit having a ram air shell with at least one heat exchanger positioned therein. A dehumidification system is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and a plurality of compressing devices is arranged in fluid communication with the ram air circuit and the dehumidification system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrated power and thermal management in a turbine-powered aircraft are provided. The systems may include rotationally-independent first and second auxiliary power unit shafts, a power turbine, a first compressor, a second compressor, a cooling turbine, and an electrical motor-generator. The power turbine may be rotatably disposed on the first auxiliary power unit shaft. The first compressor may be rotatably disposed on the first auxiliary power unit shaft. The second compressor may be rotatably disposed on the second auxiliary power unit shaft. The cooling turbine may be rotatably disposed on the second auxiliary power unit shaft. The electrical motor-generator may disposed on the first auxiliary power unit shaft to alternatively supply a motive force input to the first auxiliary power unit shaft and an electrical power output to the aircraft.

Abstract: Embodiments for a system and method for anti-icing and de-icing an aircraft are provided. The system includes an electrically conductive coating, an electrical circuit having one or more electrical leads, a control unit, a plurality of temperature sensors connected to the control unit, and a plurality of ice detector sensors connected to the plurality of temperature sensors and the control unit. A process for anti-icing and de-icing an aircraft is also provided that includes applying electrically conductive coating under the skin of an airplane surface and attaching electrical wiring or metal strips to the skin of the airplane surface, and directing electricity to the electrical wiring or metal strips.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. The assembly includes a tubular inner housing, a tubular outer housing and a bifurcation. The bifurcation includes a leading edge structure structurally connected to the inner housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing foreign object debris protection an air intake of an aircraft engine. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of cross-members. The cross-members are positioned in the frame to define a plurality of screen openings. At least one of the cross-members has an aerodynamically efficient cross section.

Abstract: The heat exchanger system can have a first conduit extending from at least one first conduit inlet through a heat exchanger to at least two first conduit outlets; a second conduit extending from at least one second inlet through the heat exchanger to at least one second outlet, the first and second conduits disposed adjacent to one another in heat exchange engagement within the heat exchanger; and a bypass conduit extending from the first conduit between the at least one first inlet and the heat exchanger to the first conduit between the heat exchanger and at least one of said at least two first outlets.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a semi-rigid arm having a tubular shape and an arm cavity, and proximal and distal ends, which can be brought into various positions, a lighting head which is attached to the distal end of the arm and supported by the arm, a support body with a receptacle cavity which accommodates the proximal end of the arm to support the arm, and an inner support sleeve which is disposed at the proximal end of the arm at least partially in the arm cavity.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lamp assembly includes a base including an electrical connector adapted to electrically engage a socket. A thermally conductive enclosure is coupled to the base, and a printed circuit board is disposed within the thermally conductive enclosure. The printed circuit board is operably electrically connected with the base and the electrical connector and thermally coupled to the enclosure. An LED is disposed on an exterior surface of the housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The thermally conductive enclosure is adapted to mechanically and thermally engage the socket to sink heat generated by the printed circuit board and the light source from the lamp assembly into the socket and an associated reflector.

Abstract: A rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle and pneumatic launcher system includes a rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle and a pneumatic launcher. The rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle includes a pressure tube, a launch detector, and a center controller. The pressure tube has an open end and a closed end. The launch detector is coupled to the center controller and detects the launch of the rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle. The pneumatic launcher includes a launch gas reservoir, a launch tube, and a release valve. The release valve is located between the launch gas reservoir and the launch tube. The gas reservoir holds launch gas. The launch tube is inserted into the pressure tube through the open end.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a satellite attitude control apparatus, comprising a spherical inertial body (1), which is arranged to be rotated in space in a desired rotational mode, one or more rotational feedback sensors. The apparatus further comprises a set of supports (3) and/or actuators (2), whereas one or more actuator is used to create rotational momentum to the spherical inertial body through friction. A set of three or more actuators and supports is used in order to keep the inertial body in place. Three or more supporting elements (supports and actuators) are used in combination with magnetic attraction or four or more supporting elements are used in case magnetic attraction is not in use. Supports can be passive or semi-active in order to reduce friction.

Abstract: Providing clean water to a population is essential to maintain human life. Short and long-term issues may prevent a population from obtaining potable water. Transporting bulk water or prepackaged water (e.g., jugs, bottles, etc.) is an expensive and resource-intensive proposition. The population may be forced to utilize unsafe containers, further exacerbating the already adverse conditions. By providing empty, biodegradable bottles to a location which are then filled on-site from a potable or treated non-potable water source provides greater flexibility, resource savings, and safety. Additionally, the biodegradable bottles reduce the opportunity for the adverse effects experienced by non-degradable bottles which are often abandoned.

Abstract: A system for automating packaging of varying shipment sets comprises a control unit for receiving from a database stored information on the size and number of items forming a shipment set according to a dispatch order, an information acquiring device for acquiring current information on the items being actually arranged for said shipment set, said information acquiring device being communicatively coupled with said control unit and said control unit being configured to calculate, either based on the information from said database or from the information acquiring device, the dimensions of a custom sized cardboard box for packaging the shipment set, a box forming station for forming said custom sized cardboard box having a bottom wall, four side walls and an open top, a packaging station for packaging the items forming the shipment set into said custom sized cardboard box, and a lid placing station for closing said custom sized cardboard box with an appropriate lid, wherein said control unit is configured for

Abstract: An apparatus-for packaging a product in a respective preformed or ready-formed wrapper, preferably made of a suitable film, such as plastic film, and being in particular in the form of a bag, the ready-formed wrapper having a respective open end, allowing the product to be inserted into the wrapper and the product being in particular in the form of a paper product for personal or domestic use, preferably being in the form of a group of articles, especially being in the form of packets, in particular packets of face wipes, hand towels or handkerchiefs, or rolls, preferably of toilet paper or kitchen paper, or the like; the apparatus comprises means for feeding the preformed wrappers, means for feeding the product and means for inserting the product into the ready-formed wrapper through the open end and comprises means for clamping the preformed wrapper when the product is inserted into the preformed wrapper.

Abstract: A tool for installing a cable tie has an axial length with no hand grip or trigger projecting laterally from the length of the tool and the tool is activated electronically by a push button to pull the tail of the cable tie and then cut the tail from the cable tie adjacent the head of the cable tie.

Abstract: A unit for mixing and dispensing an aerosol precursor composition, and containers to be dispensed therefrom. The unit includes a plurality of bulk material filling stations, the plurality of bulk material filling stations have at least one first filling station with aerosol former and at least one second filling station with a flavor material for creating the aerosol precursor. The unit also includes a bulk consumable pack staging a plurality of containers configured to receive the aerosol precursor, and a robot configured to retrieve a container from the bulk consumable pack and move the container through at least two dimensions to stop at least two of the plurality of bulk material filling stations.

Abstract: A device for transporting and filling bags, preferably open bags, comprising a filling device, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, having multiple filling openings distributed over the circumference of the filling device, and comprising a feeder, using which an empty bag can be fed to a filling opening, wherein the feeder comprises at least one holding unit for a bag, which is movable normally to the axis of rotation of the filling device, wherein the holding unit has two separate holders, wherein the holders are each movable forward and backward along the same open trajectory, wherein the first holder is mounted so it is movable on the filling device, while the second holder is mounted so it is movable on a spatially-fixed guide.

Abstract: A taping machine includes: a conveyor to convey the battery cell to a taping part and a finish processing part in this order; a tape supply part configured such that the insulation tape is wound therearound and is moved while being unwound in a direction corresponding to a moving direction of the conveyor; a taping part for attaching the insulation tape to the battery cell, the taping part being configured to cut the insulation tape positioned thereon into a length of 80% to 100% of the length of a to-be-insulated portion and temporality attach the cut insulation tape to the to-be-insulated portion; and a finish processing part for attaching the tape to the battery cell, the finish processing portion pressing the insulation tape in a state in which the battery is received from the taping part so that the insulation tape is attached to the entire to-be-insulated portion.

Abstract: A method for detecting sealing stickers on a packaging box includes placing a first packaging box onto a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt system at an inspection zone, the first packaging box having a first sealing sticker thereon that at least partially seals the first packaging box closed; and activating a first optical sensor to detect whether the first sealing sticker is located on a first side of the first packaging box while the packaging box is in the inspection zone.

Abstract: An arrangement adapted to package a liquid consumable product in a package. The arrangement can include an infeed to provide prepared packaging material having a first side and a second side adapted to be in contact with the consumable product, a digital printing system coupled to the infeed and adapted to print at least one color onto at least a portion of the first side of the prepared packaging material, and a packaging machine coupled to an outfeed of the digital printing system and adapted to provide a package from said prepared packaging material. The package is filled with the consumable product, and the printed first side of the prepared packaging material does not get in contact with the second side during transport of the printed prepared packaging material from the digital printing system to the packaging machine.

Abstract: A vessel is configured to hold a product in an interior region formed in the vessel. In illustrative embodiments, the vessel includes a floor and a sidewall coupled to the floor to extend away from the floor. Together the floor and sidewall cooperate to define the interior region.

Abstract: A blow molded plastic container is provided. The container has a body section having a substantially non-circular cross-sectional shape, the body section having an enclosed bottom portion that forms a bottom end of the container and substantially flat side portions extending upwardly from the bottom end; a finish defining an opening; and a dome extending from the body section to the finish. The dome includes at least one stiffening structure formed by an inwardly indented, vertically extending groove.

Abstract: A container for pourable foodstuffs has a base, a side wall connected to the base and surrounding a storage chamber. An elastic cuff is connected with a first end to the side wall and has a second end with an opening. The cuff width decreases from first to second end along a longitudinal container axis. The elastic cuff can be pushed into and pulled out of the storage chamber. A sealing element shaped as a stopper can be inserted into the opening for closing the container and has a shank portion matched in shape and size to the opening such that sealing abutment of a shank portion surface against surfaces of the elastic cuff adjoining the cuff opening is established in a contact region of the shank portion when the stopper is inserted. The shank portion has an end with a thickened portion thicker than the contact region.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a germ-free metallic container apparatus including an elliptical surface rim with a protruding horizontal edge and vertical boundary defining a first perimeter. The stainless-steel apparatus includes a first uniformly thick sidewall section and closed base portion at the second end which further defines a second perimeter. The base portion includes a second uniformly thick diameter which lowers the center of gravity and provides stability to the container in the upright position. The inside and outside surface is polished preventing the accumulation of bacteria and contaminants regularly found along the uneven edges within traditional beverage containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing containers from paper or paper-like material. The container has a lateral surface made of a wound sheet-like segment, of which segment edges arranged on longitudinal sides overlap and form a region of overlap, and a pan-like termination element. The lateral surface and the termination element are connected to one another in an essentially liquid-tight manner by skirt, and at least one pressing ram is provided for pressing and sealing the skirt, the pressing ram subjecting the skirt to essentially radially directed pressure. The pressing ram has a radially projecting protrusion in a portion provided for the purpose of acting on a boundary portion of the region of overlap of the lateral surface of the skirt.

Abstract: A blank for making a one-piece container. The blank includes a central first section, a pair of second sections connected to the first section along a respective first longitudinal score line, and a pair of third sections, each third section connected to a second section along a respective second longitudinal score line. The second sections define side walls and end walls of the container, and the third sections define bottom flaps of the container. The first section includes a pair of top lateral flaps located on either side of a longitudinal slit that divides the blank in half. A pair of top end flaps span across opposing longitudinal ends of the top lateral flaps. Each top end flap comprises a triangular section defining a bow-tie lock connecting two halves of the blank on either side of the longitudinal slit.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a packing box in which at least part of an opening through which to insert and take out an object to be packed is closed by inside lids that are opposed to each other in a plane, wherein: the inside lids have a cut portion including a cut that is shaped so as to be suitable for the external shape of a portion of the object and folded portions formed by folding the respective inside lids, and, when the inside lids are closed, the cut is fitted with the portion of the object housed in the packing box to fix the object in a state that walls, opposed to each other, of the respective folded portions are in contact with each other.

Abstract: A container includes a first blank and a second blank. The first blank includes a first plurality of panels and a first plurality of flaps integrally formed from a first sheet of material. The first plurality of panels includes a first side panel, a second side panel opposing the first side panel, a back panel, and a front panel. The first plurality of flaps define a bottom of the container and a first portion of a top of the container. The front panel includes a window portion. The second blank includes two or more panels and two or more top flaps integrally formed from a second sheet of material. The two or more panels include a cover front panel and a first side panel. The two or more top panels define a second portion of the top of the container. The cover front panel is attached to the window panel.

Abstract: A box for both selling batteries and recycling them after use includes a top flap and a bottom flap with windows spanning the box from between them. The windows are evenly spaced across the box and sized to show individual batteries inside the box while preventing the batteries from exiting the box through the windows. A divider is also located in the box. The divider is configured to cradle one of the batteries and obscure one of the windows. The box preserves the batteries in a row, such that when one of the batteries is removed from the first bottom flap, the divider and the remaining batteries slide down away from the top flap and toward the first bottom flap. When the last battery is removed, used, and placed back in the box, all of the batteries can be recycled using the box as a holder.

Abstract: A foldable device for a merchandise storage container includes a promotional panel that has a printable surface disposed on the same side of the blank used to create the device as the other printing surfaces of the device. When the blank is printed, material can be added to the promotional panel at the same time and with the same equipment as the other surfaces of the lid. A reinforcing panel can be attached to the promotional panel to reinforce a lateral wall of the device.

Abstract: A carton, formed from a blank, has an integrated pouch cup for meal preparation and consumption. The blank comprises a main panel, a first side panel adjoining the main panel along a first fold line, and a second side panel adjoining the main panel along a second fold line. A bottom panel adjoins the main panel along a third fold line. The bottom panel has first and second bottom sections having a crease in between. The bottom panel further comprising an attachment tab section which extends from the second bottom section. The bottom panel has a width which is less than the width of the main panel so as to form open edge portions at a bottom edge of the main panel on both sides of the bottom panel, the open edge portions extending to the first and second fold lines.

Abstract: A package for enclosing at least one item is disclosed. The package includes a first portion having a first surface including at least one protrusion, a second portion having a second surface including at least one indentation, and a hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion. The hinge is configured to allow the package to transition from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position the first portion and the second portion define an enclosed space for enclosing an item. The at least one protrusion and the at least one indentation may provide cushioning and shock absorption for the package and/or may allow the package to nest with another package stacked above or below the package.

Abstract: A pallet may include a base layer, an intermediate layer, two or more support blocks, and a top layer. The support blocks may be removably attached to the base layer and the intermediate layer such that the support blocks are positioned between the base layer and the intermediate layer. The base layer may include two or more base members, the intermediate layer may include two or more intermediate members and the top layer may include two top outside members, which all may be described as structural members. The structural members may include two or more ribs, may include fiber dispersed in a thermoplastic material, and may include a continuous fiber bundle within each rib.

Abstract: A beverage bottle may include a handle that engages a neck of the bottle. The handle may include a band region that encircles a portion of the neck of the bottle. The handle may be easily assembled onto the bottle, and be aesthetically pleasing. In an embodiment, a grip portion may be aligned angularly higher than the band region when the bottle is resting in a vertical position. The handle may have a grip portion sized to enable an adult to comfortably hold the grip portion with at least one finger.

Abstract: A detachable combined ornament and clip device including an ornamental article, an aperture, and a clip mechanism. The ornamental article includes a body including an aperture located on the top portion of the body. The aperture includes a storage unit for holding an attachment. The clip is integrally formed with the body of the ornamental article for attaching the combined ornament and clip device onto a rim of a container.

Abstract: The invention, a compact container for mounting to a golf cart, has a box like body with an open top end and a pocket in the back wall that cooperates with a bracket mounted to a golf cart for selectively supporting the container. The invention includes a cover having a flat top wall and a pair of opposing side flaps that extend over the side walls of the body to form a pivotal connection for movement about a first axis of rotation between a closed and an opened position of the container. A U-shaped handle extends over opposing side walls of the body to form a pivotal connection along a second axis of rotation for movement between a raised position and a stowed position of the handle. The first axis is disposed approximately halfway between the second axis and the back wall of the container wherein the top wall of the cover, in the opened position, is flush with, and substantially overlaps, the back wall of the body.

Abstract: A shipping container is coated, at least in part, with a protective polymer coating. Commercial shipping containers may be handled roughly, so damage is common especially with plastic containers. The protective coating improves the durability, scuff and chip resistance to make the container more safe for long life and use.