Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of aircrafts and provides a photographic assembly applied to an aircraft, where the aircraft includes a vehicle body. The photographic assembly includes: a vibration absorption member, a frame provided at the periphery of the vehicle body and connected to the vehicle body through a vibration absorption member, a gimbal connected to the frame and a camera connected to the gimbal. The frame of the photographic assembly in embodiments of the present invention can be mounted on unmanned aerial vehicle bodies of different specifications and the frame is sleeved over the vehicle body, so that the structure of the vehicle body can be designed compactly. The embodiments of the present invention further provide an unmanned aerial vehicle having the photographic assembly.

Abstract: A system for locating the center line of a bolt which extends through an aircraft part, including a robot which carries a nut or collar placement device and a stereo camera. A control system operates the camera to produce two images of the fastener at a specified angle. A processor then transforms the image information to control information for the robot to align the nut or collar placement device with the centerline of the fastener and then to place the nut or collar on the end of the fastener.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to monitor health information of a turbine engine are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a parameter calculator to determine a baseline value of a set of health parameters for a turbine engine of a vehicle based on a first set of sensor measurements to estimate an initial health of turbine engine components, and determine an operational value of the set of health parameters based on a second set of sensor measurements to estimate an operational health of the turbine engine components.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the device, which is provided with a male element secured to one of the parts and a female element secured to the other of said parts, comprises a plurality of resilient fastening strips forming a flared receptacle for said male element inside said female element. This receptacle is slidably movable so as to capture, pull and hold said male element inside said female element.

Abstract: A hinge (1) attaches between two elements (4) in a deployable structure. The hinge (1) includes support members (2) for attaching to or forming part of the elements (4). The hinge (1) also includes two gears (8) in mesh with each other, each gear (8) attached to a support member (2), with the gears (8) rotating about parallel axes. The hinge also includes a tape spring (16) attached to and extending between the support members (2). The tape spring (16), when extended longitudinally, lies substantially in a plane parallel to the axes of the gears. The tape spring (16) is arranged to actuate the hinge from a folded configuration towards an extended configuration. The hinge (1) also includes a retaining member (18) attached to the gears (8) and/or the support members (2). The retaining member (18) is arranged to restrict the separation of the gears (8) in a direction extending between the axes of the gears.

Abstract: Example methods and systems of deploying a constellation of spacecraft are described. An example method includes releasing a cluster of spacecraft from a launch vehicle at a first orbit, separating spacecraft in the cluster of spacecraft from each other to minimize overlap of visibility periods from a ground station, and raising each of the spacecraft as separated simultaneously in a synchronized ascent to a respective final orbit. An example system includes a cluster of spacecraft in orbit at a first orbit, and a ground station in communication with spacecraft of the cluster of spacecraft when the spacecraft of the cluster are visible to the ground station. The ground station commands each spacecraft to separate from each other and to raise in altitude as separated simultaneously in a synchronized ascent to a respective final orbit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mitigating or reducing the risk of an electrostatic discharge due to static charge differentials between a first spacecraft and a second spacecraft as the first spacecraft approaches the second spacecraft may be accomplished using a passive electrostatic discharge mitigation device. In some embodiments, mitigation of static potential between the first spacecraft and the second spacecraft may be actively accomplished by an electric propulsion system provided on the first spacecraft. In some embodiments, mitigation may be provided by both actively and passively mitigating static potential between the first spacecraft and the second spacecraft.

Abstract: Capture assemblies and compliant extension assemblies may be utilized for insertion into a nozzle of a liquid engine of a spacecraft. The capture assembly may include an apparatus such as a probe for insertion into the nozzle and an assembly at least partially enclosed in a forward portion of the probe. The assembly may include a plurality of actuated fingers for deploying outwardly from the probe when the probe is inserted into the nozzle. The compliant extension assembly may be at least partially enclosed in a housing connected to the capture assembly for axial movement of the probe. The compliant extension assembly may facilitate axial movement of the probe between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the probe is extended forwardly, relative to the housing.

Abstract: This description relates to an extensible space-based infrastructure platform having modules that can be launched in a stowed configuration, placed in orbit, and then deployed to extend the modules away from each other for an integrated infrastructure platform configuration. This infrastructure platform provides power, timing, communications, data management, attitude control, and other vital and non-vital services to docked payloads. Multiple payloads can be launched into orbit, maneuvered into position, and docked with the space-based services platform. Each docked payload utilizes the infrastructure of the space-based services platform and its interconnected network of docked payloads. Multiple space-based platforms can be docked together to provide a larger space-based infrastructure platform with a broader array of services available to all docked payloads and users.

Abstract: In a method of making disposable, flexible containers for fluent products, methods of opening the flexible containers are disclosed, including methods of opening multi-layer structures to enable filling of fluent product(s). The methods may include opening a partially complete container blank made of three or more layers by separating a portion of one layer from a portion of another layer by bending portions of all of the layers outward toward a first direction; and then bending portions of at some of the layers outward toward a second direction that is within 20 degrees of opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A packaged therapeutic edible containing a derivative of cannabis. The packaging of the therapeutic edible is adapted to minimize the potential for accidental consumption of the edible by a non-patient. Ideally, on the edible, an indicia or inscription of the therapeutic component with its dosage is imprinted onto the edible itself. Additionally, an overlay containing information on the therapeutic component is placed to encase the edible, then the entire assembly is wrapped with yet another label.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a packaging apparatus configured to allow fruit articles to be packed into a tubular container with a uniform orientation. This apparatus includes a plurality of support blades extending transversely from an end of each blade supported by a blade conveyor assembly. These blades are configured to allow the deployment of the tubular container about the blade and any fruit articles supported thereon.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an open matrix network carrying a pharmaceutically active ingredient, wherein the open matrix network comprises levan.

Abstract: An inflating stick and a processing machine are provided. The inflating stick includes a body, a link rod, a cutter, and one or more inflating tubes. A front end of the body includes a guiding segment with a cone structure. A rear end of the body includes a packing segment. The body includes a gas inlet formed on the packing segment, an internal chamber allowing gas to flow into through the gas inlet, and gas outlets formed on an outer wall of the body allowing gas to flow out. The packing segment includes a first locking structure and a second locking structure. The first locking structure and the second locking structure communicate with the gas inlet. The second locking structure is detachably fastened to the first locking structure. The link rod and the cutter are disposed in rear of the body. The inflating tube is connected to the gas inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a packaging machine, which comprises a control unit having a process parameter generator designed to determine specific process parameters for a production process of the packaging machine. The control unit of the packaging machine also comprises a recipe generator for an adjustment process of the packaging machine preceding the production process or can be connected to a recipe generator of the apparatus, which generator is designed as a separate unit. The respective recipe generator comprises a set of rules for determining recipe variables for the adjustment process of the packaging machine and is designed to generate the recipe variables with reference to a plurality of data and to form therefrom a recipe data set for the adjustment process of the packaging machine. A method for using the apparatus is also included.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a production or manufacturing apparatus that performs processing for sequentially producing an item to be produced through units arranged in a line, includes: a physical quantity acquirer that acquires a physical quantity representing a state of processing in a unit subjected to monitoring for each cycle, the cycle being defined as unit processing time of processing performed by each unit; an abnormality determiner that determines occurrence of an abnormality in the unit, based on the physical quantity or a feature value extracted from the physical quantity; and a control instructor that specifies, when it is determined that an abnormality occurs in the unit, a cycle during which a downstream unit performs processing on an item to be produced that is affected by the abnormality, and perform control so that abnormality handling processing is performed as processing in the specified cycle by the downstream unit.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a packaging machine that includes a conveyance mechanism for conveying an item to be packaged includes: an acquirer configured to acquire a detection result from a sensor for detecting an item to be packaged; a determiner configured to obtain elapsed time from a predetermined time point until when the item to be packaged is detected by the sensor, based on the detection result acquired by the acquirer, and determine a shift direction in which the item to be packaged is shifted from a predetermined position, based on the elapsed time; and a controller configured to control, for the item to be packaged for which detection is performed by the sensor, implementation of any one of downstream units that are downstream of a unit in which the detection is performed by the sensor, based on the shift direction that is determined by the determiner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for emptying moist powder from a container (2), said device comprising a breaking ring (3) that is provided with one or more outward-extending breaking ribs (4), a cross-shaped stabilizing structure (4), and a breaking spike (6). The invention further relates to a method for emptying moist powder from a container using said device (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing stapling connections created by an elastic stapling apparatus with a plurality of individual reinforcing elements. The apparatus constructs and deploys the plurality of individual reinforcing elements simultaneously with the elastic stapling apparatus generating a plurality of plastic fasteners. The apparatus manufactures the plurality of individual reinforcing elements from a pair of oppositely disposed rolls of reinforcing stock material. The individual reinforcing elements provide additional structural integrity to articles that are deformable in construction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic labeling apparatus and method, as well as an assembly jig and method, the automatic labeling apparatus includes an attachment platform provided with an attachment surface, an attachment unit provided with a label receiving surface, and a separation unit, wherein the separation unit is configured to separate a label from a label base paper to the label receiving surface with a glue surface of the label away from the label receiving surface, the label receiving surface being configured to make the glue surface of the label higher than the attachment surface when the label is on the label receiving surface.

Abstract: A label material attachable to a product, and a method of applying the label material to the product is described herein. Printed indicia, such as brand identifiers or other labeling information, are applied to the substantially transparent label material using a thermal or other suitable printer. The label material is then bonded to the product using a low heat and pressure technique to activate the adhesive. Once applied to the product, a portion of the label material bonded to the product substantially blends into the product leaving only the printed indicia readily visible to a consumer.

Abstract: A plastic preform is provided that includes a hollow body portion including a closed bottom portion, a lower portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion, and a neck portion extending upwardly from the lower portion. The neck portion includes a support flange having an upper and lower surface, a tamper-evident formation, threads, and a dispensing opening positioned at a top of the neck portion. In an embodiment, the weight of the neck portion is 2.3 grams or less; and/or the vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening to the lower surface of the support flange, including the threads and the tamper-evident formation, is 0.500 inches or less. Containers and methods for molding preforms and making containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a lower supporting base portion; a sidewall portion extending upwardly from the base portion; and a neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall portion. The neck portion includes a tamper-evident formation, threads, and a dispensing opening at the top of the neck portion. In embodiments, a closure may be provided to form an assembly. In an embodiment, the weight of the neck portion is 2.3 grams or less; a vertical distance from the lower surface of the tamper-evident formation to a top of the dispensing opening is 0.30 or less; and/or the container may be filled with a beverage. In embodiments, the volume of the container may be at least 500 ml. A preform and method for making a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic container is provided that includes a hollow body portion including a lower supporting base portion; a sidewall portion extending upwardly from the base portion; and a neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall portion. The neck portion includes a support flange having an upper and lower surface, threads, and a dispensing opening at the top of the neck portion. In embodiments, a closure may be provided to form an assembly. In embodiments, the container may be comprised of PET, the weight of the neck portion from the lower surface of the support flange to a top of the dispensing opening may be 2.3 grams or less, and/or the vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening to the lower surface of the support flange may be 0.450 inches or less. A preform and method for making a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic container is provided that includes a hollow body portion including a lower supporting base portion; a sidewall portion extending upwardly from the base portion; and a neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall portion. The neck portion includes a support flange having an upper and lower surface, a tamper-evident formation, and a dispensing opening at the top of the neck portion. In embodiments, a closure may be provided to form an assembly. In embodiments, the container is comprised of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a volume of the container is at least 500 ml, and/or the weight of the neck portion is 2.3 grams or less. A preform and method for making a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a container comprising a base, a bell, a sidewall between the base and the bell, a neck and a finish which define an opening to an interior of the container, and a shoulder between the sidewall and the bell. Strap ribs extend from a central portion of the base and terminate at the sidewall. The strap ribs cooperate with vertically aligned recessed columns of the sidewall to resist bending, leaning, crumbling, or stretching along the sidewall and the base. An inwardly offset portion of the sidewall is disposed between each pair of adjacent recessed columns. The inwardly offset portions of the sidewall are configured to resist outward bowing of the sidewall due to internal pressure of contents within the container.

Abstract: A disposable container for commercializing individual frozen food portions is described. It is made of a plastic material and has a plurality of individual pockets defining each a volume configured for containing a portion of frozen food. Each pocket has a bottom wall and a lateral wall extending from the bottom wall and a top opening, the bottom wall having a thickness inferior to the thickness of the lateral wall. The portion of frozen food is extracted from its respective individual pocket by pushing in on the bottom wall of the pocket. A method for packaging, commercializing and using individual frozen food portions is also disclosed. The container and method are particularly useful for preparing a smoothie from frozen puree of vegetables and fruits. The container is particularly adapted for being shipped directly to the consumer. An insert and method for transforming a jar into a shaker are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiregular polyhedron box and method of assembly provides a rectangular cross-section, ten faces, twenty-four edges, and sixteen vertices. The box is plastic corrugated and has two rectangular sidewalls, two square sidewalls, and four corner sidewalls. The sidewalls join at their lateral edges to form an enclosed region defined by a generally rectangular shape and four chamfered edges. Four rectangular panels hingedly join two opposing upper edges of rectangular sidewalls. Each rectangular panel has two L-shaped slots. Four irregular panels hingedly join two opposing upper and lower edges of the square sidewalls. Each irregular panel comprises an irregular top edge having a convex curve, and top angled corners. Each irregular panel also comprises irregular lateral edges having a lateral notch and bottom angled corners. The top angled corners of the irregular top edge and lateral notch detachably interlock with the L-shape slots of the rectangular panel to close the box.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles, a blank for forming the carton and a method of packaging articles. The carton may have at least one display window for presentation of an article therein. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side wall. The carton comprises an end closure structure for partially closing an end of the carton. The end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap hingedly connected to the top wall. At least one side end closure flap is hinged to a corner panel by a first fold line. The corner panel is hinged to one of the first and second side walls by a second fold line.

Abstract: A multi-sided container has more than four sides and foldable panels integrally arranged with respect to each other. A first panel and a second panel form a contiguity with a first fold line disposed therebetween. The first panel and a third panel form a contiguity with a second fold line disposed therebetween. The third panel is not parallel with and not orthogonal to the first panel. A first strength reinforcement feature includes a first slot having a first planar edge oriented orthogonal to the first panel and orthogonal to a z-axis, and a second planar edge oriented orthogonal to the second panel and parallel to the z-axis. The third panel includes a cut edge proximate the first fold line having a third planar edge oriented orthogonal to the third panel and orthogonal to the z-axis. The third planar edge is disposed in a same plane as the first planar edge.

Abstract: A storage device includes a base, and a number of side panels selectively coupled to the base. Each of the side panels include a protrusion. The base includes a number of voids defined therein. The protrusions, once inserted into the voids, restrict movement of the side panels relative to the base in at least two coordinate directions.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the capacity of a beverage cup is provided. The device includes an insertion unit having at least a volume smaller than an interior volume of a cup and a shape in which a lower end portion of the insertion unit comes in contact with a bottom portion of the cup when inserted into the cup. The insertion unit includes a first magnet sealed in a bottom portion of the insertion unit. The device also includes an outer fixed unit to be placed under the cup. The outer fixed unit includes a second magnet sealed in the upper portion of the outer fixed unit for interacting with the first magnet of the insertion unit and securing the insertion unit to the cup by a magnetic force between the magnets.

Abstract: Provided is a bottle with a handle including a bottle in which a mouth portion, a body portion, and a bottom portion are continuously provided in this order along a direction of a bottle axis, and a handle disposed in a rear part of the bottle, wherein a first circumferential groove extending in a circumferential direction along the bottle axis is formed in a lower body portion of the body portion located between the handle and the bottom portion along the direction of the bottle axis, and the first circumferential groove is disposed over the entire region in the circumferential direction in a portion of the bottle along the circumferential direction in which the handle is located.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) of containment and transport of objects comprising a main hollow body (2) provided with outer side walls (2a) and a pair of gripping and support elements (3) coupled to said outer side walls (2a). Each gripping and support element (3) is configured to rotate on the outer side walls (2a) independently from the other gripping and support element (3), thus switching from a first vertical position in which each gripping and support element (3) is fixed to the main hollow body (2) to a second vertical position rotated of 180° from the first vertical position, in which each gripping and support element (3) is laying down on the ground.

Abstract: The container bottle of the present invention offers improved pouring capability for dispensing motor oil and similar fluids from the container into an automotive engine or other equipment by controlling liquid outflow sufficiently for the average end user to avoid unintended content spillage and thereby avoid the need for the use of a funnel for pouring assistance. The design of the present invention includes an integral barrier and flow channel while remaining economically in line with present day containers.

Abstract: A pouring device for pouring material from a container and method of using same are disclosed. The pouring device is movable between open and closed configurations. An embodiment provides a pouring device that includes a main body which comprises a main body portion, an attachment portion, and at least two hinges which connect to at least two movable walls extending angularly from the main body to form a conduit when the pouring device is in the open configuration. Another embodiment provides a pouring device that has a central portion rigidly connecting two walls. The attachment portion is placed within the container below an upper plane of a rim of the container. Embodiments foster a pouring solution that can be easily and quickly mounted within a container and that allows a user to close the container while the pouring device is mounted entirely within the container.

Abstract: A closure may have a top wall and a side wall depending from the top wall. A plug seal device may depend from said top wall within the side wall. The plug seal device may have an upper section, a lower section, and a sealing section proximate the boundary between the upper section and the lower section. The sealing section is operable such that when the plug seal device is inserted in an opening to an inner cavity in a container, the sealing section engages with an inner container surface to provide a seal between an inner cavity of the container and the external environment.

Abstract: A fluid transfer hub has a first vessel closure, a second vessel closure, a gasket arranged between the first vessel closure and the second vessel closure, and a clamp at least partially surrounding the first vessel closure, the second vessel closure, and the gasket. The first vessel closure has a first body, one or more apertures extending axially through the first body, one or more first inserts extending axially through the one or more apertures, and a cast seal disposed within the first body and surrounding each first insert. The second vessel closure has a second body, one or more apertures extending axially through the second body, one or more second inserts extending axially through the one or more apertures, and a cast seal disposed within the second body and surrounding each second insert.

Abstract: A pourer attachment that is selectively engageable with a bottle is provided for pouring and mixing a base liquid (e.g., liquor) and a secondary liquid (e.g., hydration concentration). The pourer includes a neck section and a base section. The base section includes a reservoir for containing the secondary liquid and is in fluid communication with a secondary liquid channel of the neck section through which the secondary liquid may be poured when a lid associated with the pourer is open. An aperture in the lid allows the base liquid to be poured when the lid is in a closed position. As such, when the lid is in its open position, both the secondary liquid and base liquid may be poured and mixed, and when the lid is in its closed position, only the base liquid may be poured.

Abstract: Shaker will provide users a quicker and more efficient way to take their supplements before, during, and after their workouts. This delivery system will offer them the option to carry all three main supplements at once.

Abstract: A secured container for securely storing a user's food items includes a shell that defines an internal space. The shell has a top that is open. A lid is hingedly coupled to the shell. The lid is lockably couplable to the shell to secure items, such as food, that are positioned in the internal space. A plurality of slits that is positioned through the lid is configured to vent the internal space. A pair of panels is coupled to the front of the shell to define a pair of slots. The panels are substantially transparent. The slots are configured to insert labels, such as a label that has a name of a user and a label that dates the items.

Abstract: Methods of covering an animal feed product involve depositing in an open end of a container an animal feed. Placing a cover on an exposed surface of the feed at the open end of the container, where the cover includes a flowable coating arranged on one side of a flexible film and a rigid or semi-rigid layer bound to an opposite side of the film. The exposed surface of the feed comprises irregular surface structures due to feed components positioned at the exposed surface. A central portion of the flexible film of the placed cover conforms to the irregular surface structures at the exposed surface of the feed upon the flowable coating reaching a temperature of at least about 125° F.

Abstract: The invention produces a packaging assembly and system therefor in which a naturally occurring organic tube (such as bamboo or a stem of Johnson grass) is used. The naturally occurring hollow organic tube is cut into a chosen length, and, after the product (such as cigars, marijuana, homeopathic medicine and spices) is put into the hollow tube, the ends are sealed using stoppers such as wax, rubber, glass, cork or plastic.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for cartridges. A cartridge in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a cartridge body, a filter, a beverage material, and a cover.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for cartridges. A cartridge in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a cartridge body, a filter, a beverage material, and a cover.

Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article. The carton includes a plurality of panels at least partially forming an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels includes a top panel. The carton includes an article protection flap foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The article protection flap is moveable between a first position that is substantially parallel to the top panel and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the top panel. The at least one access feature in the top panel is for positioning the article protection flap from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a device into which a valuable substance can be stored and displayed. The substance is protected by an insert, which is, in turn, put into a pouch, which opens to allow for its easy insertion and removal from the pouch cavity. The pouch can be closed for protection with a sliding locker. The closed pouch can then be displayed through a package. All components are die-cut and folded for easy assembly.

Abstract: An outsert for affixing to a product package includes a base layer, a top layer, and a printed document. The base layer includes a perforated region arranged to be aligned with a tear tape on an outer wrapping of the package. The top layer is arranged on the base layer and has one or more edge regions adhered to the base layer. The printed document is enclosed in an inner volume established between the base layer and top layer. A laminate layer can be disposed in the inner volume between the top layer and the printed document to increase the rigidity of the outsert.

Abstract: A container including at least one sidewall. The sidewall includes first and second vacuum panels, and a plurality of first and second ribs. The first and second vacuum panels are recessed beneath an outer surface of the sidewall. The second vacuum panel is spaced apart from, and vertically aligned with, the first vacuum panel. The plurality of first ribs protrude outward from the first vacuum panel. The plurality of second ribs protrude outward from the second vacuum panel.

Abstract: Damage indicating packaging is disclosed. A damage indicating material may be applied between inner and outer wrapper layers. When the damage indicating material is exposed to oxygen, excessive heat and/or excessive pressure, the material changes in appearance to thereby alert the user that the package may be compromised. The damage indicating material may include an anti-counterfeiting taggant material. Active and intelligent tamper-evident packaging is thus provided.