Abstract: A novel passive control technique for laminar flow over air transportation vehicles and space reentry vehicles flying at high supersonic and hypersonic speeds is disclosed. The control of laminar flow can be achieved by applying an array of surface roughness elements in the region before the laminar-turbulent transition. For example, an array of two-dimensional rings, stripes, or closely packed three-dimensional isolated roughness elements may be used to stabilize the instability waves and delay transition. The roughness elements may have a height between 40% and 60% of the local boundary-layer thickness. The exact location, height, and spacing of surface roughness elements may be determined by a numerical simulation strategy based on the most unstable second mode, e.g. using known eN transition prediction method, experimental measurement, or any other suitable technique.

Abstract: A cooperative actuator system for active flow control, a vehicle comprising such cooperative actuator system, and a method for operating an actuator system for active flow control. The cooperative actuator system includes actuators, a control unit, and a data unit. The actuators are distributed along the surface in at least a first group and a second group downstream of the first group. The control unit is configured to control the actuators of the first group so that they form a first flow structure along the surface. The data unit is configured to provide data of the first flow structure. The control unit is further configured to control the actuators of the second group based on the data of the first flow structure, so that the actuators of the second group cooperatively interact with the first flow structure to form a second flow structure along the surface.

Abstract: The device is capable of transporting people and goods from one location to another: it includes a circular shaped body, a uniquely designed propeller mounted on the top of the body with propeller blades that produce a low pressure region above the device, the difference between the air pressure on the bottom and the top of the device's body provides the uplift force for holding the device in the air, capable of vertical takeoff and landing; on the surrounding wall, sideways and in back, service propellers are mounted in horizontal direction to help navigate the device; land and sea landing version of the device is disclosed as well; its bottom is extended in order to keep the doors above the water level during floating.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices provide a vehicle, such as an aircraft, with rotors configured to function as a tri-copter for vertical takeoff and landing (“VTOL”) and a fixed-wing vehicle for forward flight. One rotor may be mounted at a front of the vehicle fuselage on a hinged structure controlled by an actuator to tilt from horizontal to vertical positions. Two additional rotors may be mounted on the horizontal surface of the vehicle tail structure with rotor axes oriented vertically to the fuselage. For forward flight of the vehicle, the front rotor may be rotated down such that the front rotor axis may be oriented horizontally along the fuselage and the front rotor may act as a propeller. For vertical flight, the front rotor may be rotated up such that the front rotor axis may be oriented vertically to the fuselage, while the tail rotors may be activated.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting electronic components of an unmanned helicopter. A solid base plate has a circumferential outer edge. A connecting module is fixedly attached to the circumferential outer edge. The connecting module is configured to reversibly connect a flexible cover to the base plate.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a package transport container for a UAV includes a manifest device having a computer processor, a receptacle including a base that secures contents of the receptacle, a locking mechanism that couples the manifest device to the receptacle during transport, and a connector coupling the manifest device to the UAV. The processor transmits material properties of the contents of the receptacle to the UAV, receives routing information for a package to be transported, monitors coordinates of the package transport container during transport, and upon determining the coordinates match coordinates of a delivery location specified in the routing information: sends a release request signal to the UAV to release the receptacle; receives a release command from the UAV; and disengages the locking mechanism to release the manifest device from the base. The routing information is determined at least in part based on the material properties of the contents.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can deliver a package to a delivery destination. Packages delivered by a UAV may be lowered towards the ground while the UAV continues to fly rather than the UAV landing on the ground and releasing the package. Packages may sway during lowering as a result of wind or movement of the UAV. By modulating a rate of descent of a package, a package sway may mitigated. The lowering mechanism includes wrapping a tether in various directions around the package such that the package rotates in a first and second direction as the package descends. Additionally, a rip-strip lowering mechanism that separates under tension to lower the package and a rappel mechanism that slides the package down a tether may be used. Accordingly, the tether can control a descent of the package assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a swivel stop comprising a rotating member, a first boss coupled to the rotating member and a second boss coupled to the rotating member, and a second plate having a first interference surface and a second interference surface. An interference between the first boss and the first interference surface and the second boss and the second interference surface tends to limit the rotation of the rotating member with respect to the second plate. The swivel stop may further comprise a rail wherein the second plate is configured to translate along the rail.

Abstract: An environmental control system is provided. The environmental control system may receive pressurized air from a single supply line. A pressure regulating turbomachine may be located within the supply line. A motor-generator may be coupled to the pressure regulating turbomachine. In response to a pressure in the supply line being less than a desired pressure in the environmental control system, the motor-generator may supply energy to the pressure regulating turbomachine, causing the pressure regulating turbomachine to function as a compressor. In response to a pressure in the supply line being greater than a desired pressure in the environmental control system, the pressure regulating turbomachine may function as a turbine and supply energy to the motor-generator.

Abstract: A method for controlling an aircraft air conditioning system includes the steps of detecting an operating state of an air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and controlling the temperature of a process air mass flow supplied to the air conditioning unit in dependence on the operating state of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: An icing conditions detection system is configured to detect icing conditions with respect to an aircraft. The icing conditions detection system includes an icing conditions detector secured to a surface of the aircraft and that is configured to detect liquid water within an air stream through which the aircraft flies. A free stream of atmospheric air passes over the icing conditions detector during flight. An icing conditions determination control unit is communicatively coupled to the icing conditions detector, and is configured to detect a first icing condition and a second icing condition based on at least one icing conditions signal received from the icing conditions detector. The first icing condition differs from the second icing condition.

Abstract: A trap system is presented for deployment of a reserve parachute. The trap system includes a trap line with a first end coupled to a main parachute and a trap attached to a surface of the container. The trap includes an outer perimeter to removably hold the trap line and an interior to removably hold the reserve bridle. A kit is also presented for converting a parachute container into an improved parachute container to deploy a reserve parachute. The kit includes an attachment to be secured to a surface of the parachute container. The attachment includes a trap line with a first end configured to be coupled to the first end of the RSL lanyard, and a trap secured to a region of the attachment, with an outer perimeter to removably hold a second end of the trap line and an interior to removably hold the reserve bridle.

Abstract: Movement of a disrupter cannon is arrested by a parachute. The parachute is coupled (e.g., tethered) to the disrupter cannon. Prior to firing the cannon, the parachute is held in a retainer. Movement of the disrupter cannon in response to firing pulls the parachute from the retainer. The parachute deploys and arrests the movement of the disrupter cannon. The retainer protects the parachute prior to firing the disrupter cannon. The retainer may hold the parachute during transport.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section and a turbine section together defining a core air flowpath. Additionally, a rotary component is rotatable with at least a portion of the compressor section and at least a portion of the turbine section. An electric machine is mounted coaxially with the rotary component and positioned at least partially inward of the core air flowpath along a radial direction of the gas turbine engine. An electric communication bus is electrically connected to the electric machine and extends through the core air flowpath to, e.g., electrically connect the electric machine to one or more systems of the gas turbine engine or a propulsion system including the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A device for suspending a casing of a turbine engine to the structure of an aircraft is provided. The device includes a suspension ring including a plurality of attachment surfaces positioned so as to protrude on the circumference of the suspension ring and having attachment holes for attachment to the structure; a circumferential flange including a plurality of holes for attaching the suspension ring to the casing; and one or several hanging surfaces for hanging at least one piece of equipment, positioned so as to protrude on the circumference of the suspension ring, and having holes for hanging the piece of equipment to the ring.

Abstract: A helicopter engine air intake including an anti-icing grid that provides a large bypass flow in event of icing. The air intake includes air intake lips and an anti-icing grid mounted on outer ends of the air intake lips, being interposed in the air flow penetrating into the air intake, at least one air intake lip being formed by a thin metal sheet.

Abstract: An exhaust arrangement is for an aircraft having sensing equipment and a front prop engine. An extension mounts on the underside along an edge of the fuselage to direct exhaust from the engine's exhaust pipes to a point to or past the sensing equipment typically exposed at the mid-section of the aircraft. An extension inlet mounts adjacent the pipe and defines a funnel or conical orifice not directly affixed to the pipe. One or more conductors for the extension then extend from the inlet to convey the exhaust to an outlet of the extension. Preferably, multiple conductors can be used with an expansion joint provided between them. The outlet preferably diverts exhaust away from the tail end of the aircraft. To mount the extension to the aircraft, several arrangements of supports including rods, lugs, angles, and the like hold the extension in vertical, lateral, and axial directions to the aircraft.

Abstract: Thrust recovery outflow valves for aircraft are disclosed. An example thrust recovery outflow valve includes a flow control member having a first aerodynamic surface and a second aerodynamic surface to define at least a portion of a fluid flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet of the thrust recovery outflow valve. A first portion of the first aerodynamic surface and a first portion of the second aerodynamic surface provides a converging profile between the inlet and a throat of the fluid flow passageway. A second portion of the first aerodynamic surface and a second portion of the second aerodynamic surface provides a diverging profile between the throat and the outlet of the fluid flow passageway. The fluid flow passageway is positioned at a small angle relative to an outer surface of an aircraft to enable fluid exiting the fluid flow passageway to provide a thrust recovery vector oriented substantially parallel to the outer surface of the aircraft and opposite a direction of drag.

Abstract: A tank wall connector system for use with a composite tank, the connector comprises a connector having a body extending from an interior of the tank to an exterior of the tank when installed through a hole in the composite tank. The connector has a first electrical conductivity property. An interface is positioned between the connector and a wall of the composite tank when installed to the tank thereby preventing physical contact between the connector and the tank wall in the interior of the tank, the interface having a second electrical conductivity property, different from the first electrical conductivity property.

Abstract: A structural element includes a first component and a second component; a bonded joint, by which the first component and the second component are interconnected; and an indication bolt, which is fixed to the first component and the second component. The indication bolt is designed to indicate when the first component and the second component have moved relative one another.

Abstract: A flight management system which is capable of monitoring changes in airplane characteristics such as fuel flow and drag. When a predetermined event is triggered, the flight management system (FMS) creates or updates a set of “dynamic” tables in a database which enable FMS performance algorithms to utilize the latest fuel flow and drag data. Using the updated aerodynamic and propulsion performance data in the dynamic tables, the flight management system is able to compute more accurate flight profile and trip prediction parameters such as estimated time of arrival and predicted fuel consumption quantity.

Abstract: Aircraft tracking and emergency location avionics architectures that integrate existing fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installations, their associated aircraft avionics systems and existing flight deck interfaces with an Autonomous Distress Tracker (ADT) transceiver unit in a coupled configuration. Some of the architectures allow the ADT unit and its advanced distress detecting and reporting capabilities to monitor the activation control path for the ELT and the associated ELT activation outputs. Other architectures place the ADT unit and its advanced distress detection capabilities and ground-controlled capabilities in the activation control path for the ELT. Additional architectures entail the connection of an ADT unit to an ELT remote panel on the flight deck of an aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting inclement weather in the vicinity of an aircraft engine are described. Vibration levels of the engine are monitored. Upon detection of an increase in the vibration levels beyond a threshold, an alert mode is triggered. At least one predetermined performance parameter is monitored while in the alert mode, and inclement weather is detected when the at least one predetermined performance parameter meets at least one inclement weather condition.

Abstract: An underground hangar for storing helicopters includes an underground room (1), made by a structure of reinforced concrete (2) inside which a plurality of columns (11) are situated near the walls and anchored to the floor of reinforced concrete. The columns (11) support a platform (10) which moves between the ground level and the underground level. The helicopter can land on the platform (10) and be automatically brought to the underground level, after which the underground room is automatically closed by the doors (8) and the pilot can go out through an adjacent underground room (1a) provided with its access trap door (4).

Abstract: A system and method of operating a checked bag reconciliation area of an airport. The method includes transporting a luggage item from an entrance mechanism to one of a plurality of inspection stations. Once the luggage item is at the inspection station, the method proceeds by conducting an inspection of the luggage item by the agent at the inspection station. The step of transporting the luggage item includes transporting the luggage item to the inspection station with the luggage item disposed on an automatic material handling device, and the step of conducting an inspection of the luggage item by the agent includes conducting the inspection of the luggage item while the luggage item is disposed on the automatic material handling device.

Abstract: An asymmetric mast is disclosed that can be used for solar arrays. The asymmetric mast can have an asymmetry out of the plane of the solar blanket. The mast may include two or more booms that comprise slit tube longerons. In some embodiments, a single mast can be used with one or two solar blankets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating gyro scale factor during normal spacecraft operations, using small attitude motions that are compliant with mission pointing accuracy and stability requirements and a signal processing method that specifically detects the intentionally induced motions. This process increases operational availability by avoiding the need to take the spacecraft offline for large calibration maneuvers.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a hybrid magneto-active membrane, which can be used as part of a Magneto-active Propellant Management Device (MAPMD), to actively control free surface effects of liquid materials, such as fuels, and to reduce fuel slosh. The disclosed MAPMD merges aspects of a diaphragm membrane with a magneto-active inlay to control the membrane during in-flight conditions.

Abstract: High density (density ?0.950 g/cm3) polyethylene compositions for use in hot fill closures and processes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to solving the problem of wrapping a bundle with cardboard without using glue to hold the cardboard flaps in place before wrapping the bundle with a heat shrink film. The problem is solved by using a mechanical fly bars to restrain the flaps of an insert while moving a bundle on a conveyor. The insert can be any material that provides structural protection to the bundle during stacking.

Abstract: A packaging system for the selection, grouping and loading of varying size and/or configuration product packs into cartons as provided. The packaging system includes a selection area having a primary selector for forming an initial product pack configuration, and a secondary selector adapted to select and direct an additional grouping of products into a nested arrangement against the initial product pack so as to form a nested product pack. The nested product packs thereafter can be engaged by loader arms of a pair of opposed loading assemblies, which move the nested product packs into a series of cartons moving through the packaging machine. Thereafter, the ends of the cartons can be closed and sealed to complete the packaging of the product packs therein.

Abstract: There are provided: a paper folding unit folding and sending a content sheet to a transfer path; an inserter unit sending an insert sheet to the transfer path; an acquiring unit acquiring information on a top/bottom direction and a surface/obverse direction of the content sheet and insert sheet; a merging unit in which the content sheet folded by the paper folding unit is overlapped with the insert sheet; and an enclosing unit enclosing the merged content sheet and insert sheet into an envelope sheet, in which, when the content sheet and insert sheet merge and are overlapped, the content sheet is folded so that the top/bottom direction and the surface/obverse direction of an image of the content sheet match those of an image of the insert sheet, based on the information acquired by the acquiring unit.

Abstract: A packaging device includes a supporting base, a zipper opener arrangement and a hole pressing arrangement. The zipper opener arrangement includes a driving unit supported on the supporting base, a first bag opening assembly including a plurality of outer operating members operatively and downwardly extended from the driving unit for selectively clamping the first bag panel, and a second bag opening assembly including a plurality of inner operating members operatively and downwardly extended from the driving unit for selectively clamping the second bag panel. The hole pressing arrangement includes a pressing unit supported by the supporting base, a first securing member supported by the pressing unit, and a second securing member supported by the pressing unit at a position which is spaced apart from the first securing member to form a pressing gap between the first securing member and the second securing member.

Abstract: An ice cream sandwich cartoner. The cartoner is configured to continue operation while clearing a jam.

Abstract: A method of forming a box is discussed. A sheet of foldable material has a central region and tabs extending from the central region around its perimeter. Each tab includes a first fold line at the central region, and second and third spaced apart fold lines parallel to the first fold line. A reinforcement ring has a perimeter corresponding to the perimeter of the central region and a thickness greater than a thickness of the sheet. The reinforcement ring is disposed on the central region. Each tab is folded along the first fold line to extend transversely to the central region against the reinforcement ring, along the second fold line to extend inwardly over the reinforcement ring, and along the third fold line to extend transversely to the central region against the reinforcement ring. The tabs folded around the reinforcement ring define side wall(s) of the box.

Abstract: Tear-open pouches having a first panel and a second panel sealed to one another at a non-peelable or peelable perimeter seal defining a compartment having a first compartment area of the first panel and a second compartment area of the second panel with a score disposed on the first panel extending from a first position in the perimeter seal along a first direction that extends across the first panel and into the first compartment area. An optional second score can be disposed on the first or second panel and extend from a second position in the perimeter seal along a second direction that extends across the first or second panel and into the first or second compartment area and the second position can be adjacent to the first position, and the first and second directions can be divergent to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper sack for bulk material such as cement, gypsum, granulate, animal feed or similar, having a base, preferably a cross bottom or block bottom, and having an upper part which is disposed opposite the base and in which a valve hose is optionally arranged for filling the paper sack, wherein the paper sack has a coated paper layer, having a gas-tight coating facing the sack interior, wherein the coating forms the surface of the inner wall of the paper sack contacting the filling material, and wherein the coated paper layer has an overlap which is sealingly adhesively bonded toward the sack interior, and wherein the layer of the coated paper layer facing the sack interior has perforations in the region of the overlap which are covered by the layer of the coated paper layer facing the sack exterior.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic closure, stackable with similar closures in a known manner to prevent warping during cooling and to increase box storage capacity, is formed with a lead-in taper at the bottom of the closure skirt, maintaining and enhancing the stacking function while greatly reducing and nearly eliminating problems of cross-threading when the closure is screwed onto a container by machinery during a capping operation.

Abstract: The dose dispense closure for a squeezable container. The closure has a body cap 20 with inlet orifices 37 and a transit orifice 34 which allows composition into the body cap. A piston 80 is provided within the body cap 20. When the container is squeezed, the piston 80 is forced down, thereby expelling liquid from a control cap 40 until the piston 80 lands on the end of a duct 60 in the control cap 40 to prevent further dispensing. When the squeezing force is removed, the piston 80 returns to its start position. The piston 80 is biased towards the end wall 33 of the body cap 20 by a compression element 87. The body cap 20 is attached directly to the container such that rotation of the body cap allows adjustment of the dosage without having to remove the body cap.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fitment. In an embodiment, a fitment is provided and includes a top portion, a base, and a channel extending through the top portion and the base for passage of a flowable material. The fitment includes a flexible valve extending across the channel. The flexible valve includes a slit which opens to permit flow therethrough. The flexible valve includes an ethylene/?-olefin multi-block copolymer.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.

Abstract: A canning system for a jar is described. The system includes a plunger configured to translate through a neck of the jar. A seal is in communication with the plunger and configured to flex its shape so as to conform to the size of the jar as it passes through the neck. The seal extending beyond the periphery of the plunger. A rod is configured to engage the plunger and selectively locate the position of the plunger within the jar. An optional cap may be used to assist in locating the plunger in the jar prior to sealing the jar with a lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap for closing the neck finish of a container—preferably a bottle—suitable for containing water or other liquids for human consumption (generically drinking water hereafter). For improving the possibilities of decoration/of marking the cap, this latter comprises: a top wall (2); an annular skirt (3) extending downward from the top wall (2) and having a bottom edge (4); reversible opening/closing means (5) of the cap (1) on the neck finish of the container, said means (5) being preferably screw thread means (5) located inside the cap (1), and more preferably on the inner face of the skirt (3); at least one decoration element (7); wherein: i. the top wall (2) is dug out with at least one dimple (5), preferably one dimple (5), more preferably a circular dimple (5); ii. at least one insert (6), preferably one (over)-molded insert (6), more preferably a disc (6), is designed to fill at least partially the dimple (5); iii.

Abstract: A scored package is described. The first panel of the package comprises a multilayer film with an exterior layer having a nonlinear first score Sine and an interior layer having a linear second score line. The first score line and the second score fine are positioned non-parallel in a plane of the package such that the first score line intersects the second score line to form an opening in the package at the second score line when the exterior layer and the interior layer are separated. Separation of the exterior layer and the interior layer also forms an adhesive-free pour spout in the separated exterior layer. Various embodiments of various package configurations, score line configurations, multilayer film structures and methods of manufacturing are also described.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk material container apparatus, kit and method of assembly employ a forming member having a plurality of interconnected sidewalls, a locking mechanism that fixedly orients the sidewalls continuously about an internal bulk material receiving cavity, and a tubular open-ended woven fabric sleeve that supportively overlies the sidewalls. A connector system rapidly engageable during container assembly, fixedly secures the support sleeve of an unloaded container against subsequent upward movement along the sidewalls. Strategically located friction reducing surfaces of the forming member facilitates sliding assembly of the sleeve over the forming member sidewalls.

Abstract: An item of a type includes one or more selected tag identifiers that are added to the item of the type. The one or more selected tag identifiers have an optical signature based at least in part on a spectral measurement of the one or more selected tag identifiers. A first item spectral measurement of a first item is detected. A first item optical signature is determined based at least in part on the detected first item spectral measurement. The first item is verified as the item of the type in the event that the first item optical signature corresponds to the optical signature of the one or more selected tag identifiers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides multi-component food products having a wet food component and a dry food component. The multi-component food product is shelf-stable and does not include any artificial preservatives. Methods for providing a shelf-stable multi-component food product having a wet food component and a dry food component without artificial preservatives to a consumer are also provided, as are methods for marketing such a shelf-stable multi-component food product.

Abstract: A paper-made container, in which it is unlikely to feel the heat at the time of holding the container with a hand and generation of poor appearance due to excessive expansion is prevented, without increasing the thickness of an expanded insulating layer and not resulting in a corresponding deterioration of transporting efficiency, and a method for preparing the paper-made container are provided. The paper-made container of the present invention comprises a container main body consisting of a barrel portion and a bottom plate portion, and an expanded insulating layer consisting of an expanded portion and an expansion-inhibited portion, provided on the side of the outer surface of the barrel portion, in which the expanded insulating layer is formed by heating a thermoplastic resin layer having an expansion inhibiting ink-coated portion, and the ratio of the thickness of the expansion-inhibited portion to the thickness of the expanded portion is 25% or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test-strip storage vial, comprising a vial body, a storing chamber for storing test strips, a push button, and a top-lifted unit; wherein the push button is located at one end of the storing chamber; wherein a top-lifted unit is located at another end of the storing chamber; wherein the push button slides horizontal to remove test strips the storing chamber; wherein the top-lifted unit supports the test strips and lifts the test strips in a vertical direction; wherein the vial body further comprising an upper cover and lower vial body, wherein the lower vial body is detachably connected to the upper cover; wherein the push button is glidingly connected with the upper cover, wherein the top-lifted unit is located in the lower vial body; wherein a push button spring provides horizontal tensile force is disposed between the upper cover and the push button.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser array includes ticket bins having a respective housing for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets, wherein each ticket in the supply has a calibration mark defined on a longitudinal side edge thereof. An electronic drive mechanism dispenses the lottery tickets through a slot defined in the back side of each bin housing. A calibration field is located relative to the slot such that the lottery tickets pass alongside the calibration field in a travel path of the tickets through the slot. An optical scanner is disposed internal to the housing at a location to read the marks in calibration field.