Abstract: The present disclosure concerns the detection of ice within a system. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure concerns the detection of ice accretion within a gas turbine engine. The apparatus and method relies on heating a first region (38) of a component (44) and comparing the measured temperature of the first region (38) with a second temperature value, possibly measured at a distinct second region (40) of the component (44).

Abstract: Inadvertent in-flight inflation of an inflatable slide associated with a non-co-located over-wing emergency door of an aircraft fuselage is prevented by a system having a source of compressed gas (e.g., a compress air cylinder) and a 3-way valve having an input port and a pair of output ports each being individually connectable to the input port. The 3-way valve is operable in response to a control signal so as to fluid-connect the source of compressed gas with either a vent line which vents the compress gas overboard or a supply line the inflatable slide. When the control signal fluid connects the gas source to the vent line, the system will be in a safe in-flight mode indicative of inflight operation of the aircraft in which case inadvertent inflation of the slide is prevented.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage; a wing coupled to, and extending from, the fuselage; and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The hybrid-electric propulsion system includes a power source including a combustion engine and an electric generator; a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans integrated into the wing and oriented to generate thrust along the vertical direction, the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along a length of the wing and driven by the power source; and a forward thrust propulsor. The forward thrust propulsor it is selectively or permanently mechanically coupled to the combustion engine.

Abstract: An aircraft including a fuselage having one or more surfaces. At least one engine is mounted in the fuselage. The at least one engine includes an exhaust outlet. A high velocity jet is arranged at the fuselage forward of the exhaust outlet. The high velocity jet is positioned to direct a stream of high velocity gases toward the exhaust outlet redirecting exhaust gases from the one or more surfaces.

Abstract: A clutch that has a synchronizer for matching a rotational velocity of a drive input with a rotational velocity of a driven output prior to engagement of a locking mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel system with a fuel tank containing hydrocarbon fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel flow path in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a gas separation pump disposed on the flow path. The gas separation pump has a pump housing with an inner wall defining a cylindrical internal cavity. The pump housing includes an inlet at a first axial position along the cylindrical cavity outer circumference, an outlet at a second axial position along the cylindrical cavity outer circumference, and a vacuum connection in fluid communication with the cylindrical cavity axis. A first impeller with an outer edge configured to sweep along the inner wall is axially disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A second impeller configured to eject liquid through the fluid outlet is axially disposed between the first impeller and the outlet.

Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.

Abstract: Vehicle navigation methods, systems and computer program products are provided that create a composite video image of a scene from video images of the scene generated by a plurality of video image sensors. The video image from each image sensor includes a respective array of pixels. The composite video image is created by selecting for a composite image pixel at a given position in an array of composite image pixels a pixel at the given position from one of the respective pixel arrays having the highest signal level or highest signal-to-noise ratio. The selecting is repeatedly performed for a plurality of given positions in the array of composite image pixels. The composite video image can be displayed via a display, such as a head-up display utilized in a vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a launch system and method. The launch system and method can include at least a preliminary accelerator tube system (PAT) that can be combined with a main accelerator tube system (MAT). The PAT alone or combined with the MAT can be used for launch of a vehicle for testing and/or for delivery of a payload.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube that comprises at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate disposed about a right parallelepiped aperture, at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate disposed about the right parallelepiped aperture, and one or more structural panels disposed between the at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate and the at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube that comprises a tethered sabot configured to engage a UAV within a launcher volume defined by an inner wall, the tethered sabot dimensioned to provide a pressure seal at the inner wall and tethered to the inner wall, and wherein the tethered sabot is hollow having an open end oriented toward a high pressure volume and a tether attached within a hollow of the sabot and attached to the inner wall retaining the high pressure volume or attach to the inner base wall.

Abstract: Provided is a system including a platform to receive unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) thereon for launching and retrieving the UAVs. The system can include a pair of gantry arms that move to any location along the platform to position a UAV as desired. The platform includes a door that can open to expose a storage area in the system to receive and store UAVs, as well as to re-charge power in the UAVs. The storage area can include a plurality of cells that can be adjusted to receive a UAV of any size for storage therein.

Abstract: An object is to simplify a structure of a holding fixture which holds the shape of an aircraft panel, and to hold the aircraft panel in an appropriate shape. A holding fixture includes: a plurality of gripping units configured to grip edge portions on two opposite sides of a fuselage panel including a skin; and a support body configured to integrally support the plurality of gripping units, the support body being provided corresponding to the fuselage panel to be gripped by the plurality of gripping units, wherein the plurality of gripping units hold the fuselage panel such that the gripping units grip the edge portions of the fuselage panel, and the fuselage panel has a curved shape in cross section taken in a direction perpendicular to a one axis direction, and the holding fixture is configured to be conveyable in a state of holding the fuselage panel.

Abstract: Provided is a drone management device and method. The device includes: a primary inspection module configured to measure a weight of a drone in order to determine the loss of a component and the presence of foreign matter in the landed drone after flight and classify the drone into a failed drone and a normal drone; a cleaning/drying module configured to measure a degree of contamination of the classified normal drone, cleaning the drone according to a degree of the measured drone contamination; a secondary inspection module configured to photograph the front, side, rear surfaces of the drone with a camera, detect an abnormality of a component mounted on the drone with the photographed image, and classify the drone into a failed drone and a normal drone; and a take-off preparation module configured to charge a battery of the normal drone.

Abstract: Cell-based space systems with nested-ring structures that interlock and can change configuration to support a mission are provided. The cells may self-assemble into a larger structure to carry out a mission. Multiple rotatable rings may be included in a cell, with a payload/control section in the center. The rings may provide power and/or data to trams that move about the rails. Trams may interlock with other cells, carry sensors or other devices, etc. Cells may be stowed in a cell stack that is deployable. Such cell-based systems may have various applications in space, on Earth, other celestial bodies, and underwater.

Abstract: Spacecraft servicing systems include a spacecraft servicing device and at least one pod comprising at least one spacecraft servicing component. The spacecraft servicing device is configured to transfer the at least one pod to a target spacecraft in order to service the target spacecraft with the at least one spacecraft servicing component of the at least one pod. Spacecraft servicing pods configured to be supplied to a spacecraft with a spacecraft servicing device include at least one spacecraft servicing component.

Abstract: Spacecraft servicing devices and related methods may include a propellant tank configured to store a propellant and to be placed into fluid communication with a portion of the target spacecraft.

Abstract: Spacecraft servicing devices or pods and related methods may include a body configured to be deployed from a host spacecraft at a location adjacent a target spacecraft and at least one spacecraft servicing component configured to perform at least one servicing operation on the target spacecraft.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a satellite cover panel for covering a satellite, particularly a payload bay of a satellite comprising an energy storage module, at least one energy generating module defining, at least partially, a first outer surface of the satellite cover panel, and a logic board defining, at least partially, a second outer surface of the satellite cover panel, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface face away from each other and from the energy storage module.

Abstract: Cell-based systems may interlock in a reconfigurable configuration to support a mission. Space systems, for example, of a relatively large size may be assembled using an ensemble of individual “cells”, which are individual space vehicles. The cells may be held together via magnets, electromagnets, mechanical interlocks, etc. The topology or shape of the joined cells may be altered by cells hopping, rotating, or “rolling” along the joint ensemble. The cells may be multifunctional, mass producible units. Rotation of cell faces, or of components within cells, may change the functionality of the cell. The cell maybe collapsible for stowage or during launch.

Abstract: Artificially directing a plurality of space-borne natural bodies to a target accretion region, such that gravitational forces amongst the plurality of space-borne natural bodies within the target accretion region produces an agglomerated space-borne body comprised of at least portions of the plurality of space-borne natural bodies. These teachings will accommodate use of a variety of space-borne natural bodies including asteroids, comets, and moons.

Abstract: An air revitalization system may include a humidity control device configured to remove water vapor from air within a pressurized enclosed volume. The system may further include an inlet duct configured to transport the air from the pressurized enclosed volume to the humidity control device. The system may also include an outlet duct configured to transport the air from the humidity control device to the pressurized enclosed volume. The system may include a sublimator configured to cool the air within the pressurized enclosed volume while generating additional water vapor. The system may further include a vacuum vent duct configured to transport the water vapor from the humidity control device and the additional water vapor from the sublimator to an exterior of the pressurized enclosed volume.

Abstract: A temperature control system may include a heat exchanger configured to cool air within a pressurized enclosed crew cabin when the air is circulated across the heat exchanger and coolant is circulated through the heat exchanger. The system may further include a sublimator configured to cool the coolant. The system may also include a primary coolant line configured to transport the coolant from the sublimator through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A pressure control system includes at least one tank storing a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. The system further includes a first branch of a pressure control line configured to transport a first portion of the mixture of oxygen and nitrogen to a pressurized enclosed volume. The system also includes a second branch of the pressure control line configured to transport a second portion of the mixture of oxygen and nitrogen to at least one flight suit removably coupled to the second branch.

Abstract: In a combination weighing apparatus, a control unit executes combination weighing processing with a second value used as a target weighing value after controlling all of the hoppers so as to discharge the article while leaving the article in the conveying unit when the second value is less than a first value in a case where the target weighing value is changed from the first value to the second value.

Abstract: A packaging method includes feeding products, ordered into two rows, into a first ring winding unit of extensible film and winding the products in a first film having a first rotation direction to form a continuous packaging or bundle; feeding the wound products to a second ring winding unit of extensible film in a second film having a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction to form a continuous packaging or bundle with two layers of film; and feeding the continuous packaging or bundle into a cutting unit, which moves in synchrony with, and cuts, the continuous packaging or bundle transversely into finished groups of products. A ring winding machine is provided at each of the two ring winding units, obtaining a continuous winding also when the film becomes exhausted in at least one of the two ring winding machines. A packaging machine is also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device configured to carry out a strap-attachment check cycle. After attaching leading and trailing strap ends of a strap to one another to form a tensioned loop of strap around a load, the strapping device is configured to carry out the strap-attachment cycle to test the strength of the attachment between the leading and trailing strap ends and to provide feedback as to whether the strap attachment is satisfactory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow wrapper which comprises a form and/or film tube, which forms the planar film into a film tube and/or fills the film tube with a packaging item and which comprises means to provide a longitudinal- and/or cross-seal to the film tube.

Abstract: A paper sheet storage equipment includes an inner housing defining an opening, a bag installation unit, a temporary storage unit including a limiting member and a supporting plate which defines a temporary storage region communicated with the opening, and a sealing unit for sealing the paper sheet storage bag. Multiple paper sheets are conveyed one at a time and through the opening into the inner housing to be stacked on the supporting plate. The limiting member is operable to engage the supporting plate such that the supporting plate supports the paper sheets, and is operable to disengage the supporting plate such that the supporting plate is swingable to allow the paper sheets to drop into the paper sheet storage bag.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a paper-sheet storage device, which includes a housing, a paper-sheet bag disposing part, a swingable supporting plate, a sealing mechanism, and a first extendible structure. The paper-sheet bag disposing part is disposed in the housing, and is applicable to be removably installed with a paper-sheet bag. The swingable supporting plate is disposed in the housing and above a bottom portion of the paper-sheet bag storage region, and the swingable supporting plate has a supporting surface, a temporary storage region is defined by a space projected upwardly by the supporting surface when the supporting surface faces upwardly. The temporary storage region is applicable to temporarily stack a plurality of paper-sheets received from an inlet, and when the swingable supporting plate swings downwardly, the paper-sheets fall from the temporary storage region and is received by the paper-sheet bag.

Abstract: Various apparatus embodiments include first, second, third and fourth shafts, and further include a first movable shaft having a first movable axis that is movable between a first axis position and a second axis position, and a second movable shaft having a second movable axis that is movable between a third axis position and fourth axis position. At least one linkage connects the first movable shaft to the second movable shaft. A motor linkage connects the at least one linkage to at least one motor for providing simultaneous movement of the first and second movable shafts.

Abstract: A feeding device for an electrostatic bag, adapted for supplying electrostatic bags to a package mechanism, includes two carrying mechanisms arranged up and down, which respectively support a tray with an electrostatic bag. The feeding position of the feeding device for an electrostatic bag is between the two carrying mechanisms and towards the package mechanism. The two carrying mechanisms are moved up and down to switch positions. The feeding device for an electrostatic bag can supply electrostatic bags to a package mechanism, reload the electrostatic bag without stopping the machine, and ensure the continuous operation of the package mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for vertically supporting and guiding a web of plastic film horizontally in applications such as in machines that form the plastic film into bags and fill the bags with bulk material. A longitudinally extending gap is provided between proximate edges of first and second plates. The plastic film web is traversed through the gap. A punch mechanism forms protrusions in the web. The protrusions slide atop the plates and prevent the web from falling through the gap as the web traverses through the gap. The protrusions can, for example, be tab cutouts with terminal ends sliding atop the plates and loops formed between slits extending to a crest.

Abstract: A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

Abstract: A tax stamping machine includes an input system that transfers incoming cartons of cigarettes into a conveyor. The input station positions the upper surfaces of the cartons at a predefined height, and the conveyor retains the cartons at the predefined height as the cartons pass through the stamp applicating device. The stamp applicating device includes an opening station, a stamping station, and a closing station. The conveyor includes resilient pulleys that hold the cartons at a predefined height as the cartons move through the opening station, the stamping station, and the closing station such that the upper surfaces of the individual packs of cigarettes are always at the same predefined height regardless of the size of the cartons entering the machine.

Abstract: A method of packaging a mattress includes the steps of: placing the mattress into a storage bag; compressing the mattress along a height direction of the mattress; vacuuming the storage bag to shrink the storage bag and the mattress to become platy; rolling up the platy mattress to be in a cylindrical shape by means of an apparatus, wherein the platy mattress is wrapped with a wrapping film while the platy mattress is rolled up, thereby retaining the cylindrical mattress and preventing the cylindrical mattress from expanding; and placing the cylindrical and retained mattress into a packaging box to be packaged. The wrapping film has a certain degree of flexibility, so it will not bring an unrecoverable indentation on the mattress.

Abstract: A method and device for handling a bag chain, wherein the bag chain is folded into layers to form a stack, and wherein the layers each include one or multiple bags of the bag chain. The bag chain is folded by at least one folding member which engages between the bags of the bag chain to fold the bag chain.

Abstract: Method of unwrapping a generally parallelepiped palletised load, which comprises making vertical and/or horizontal linear cuts in a plastics material which surrounds the palletised load, wherein at least one of the linear cuts has a discontinuous cut portion which comprises a plurality of cuts of determined length and constant pitch, the method comprising a subsequent step of tearing said discontinuous cut portion.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement to apply labels on marking objects which are transported on a track. By only two swinging arms, the output printed label is transported away from the label printer, in a first direction of travel, so that the adhesive side of the label is facing the first direction of travel of the label applicator plate, and in an opposite second direction of travel, so that the printed side of the printed label is faces the second direction of travel of the label applicator plate. Continued motion actuation of the label applicator plate by turning the swinging arm carrying the applicator plate and, where appropriate, rotation of the applicator plate provides transportation of the label to and delivery of the label at and application of the label on the marking object with the adhesive side of the label facing the marking object.

Abstract: The present method relates to a manufacturing process of container labels with heat transfer technology, wherein alphanumeric codes are sequentially applied over, between and/or under the layers of specific inks and varnishes which protect said area of eventual friction and wear to which they are subject during transportation, handling and productive tests.

Abstract: Portable display containers with spine and cross supports, methods of making portable display containers with spine and cross supports, and methods of using containers with spine and cross supports. The portable display containers have a plurality of tiers, each tier having a base tray, at least one spine, and two or more cross supports that add strength and rigidity to the display, allowing the portable display containers to be fully loaded with product or items prior to transportation and/or shipment to the display location.

Abstract: A carton (5) is formed by folding and interconnecting a plurality of body pieces (15, 19, 21) to establish at least front and rear panels (25,35) and opposing side panels (59,77) which can be joined to establish the carton with an interior cavity (90) for containing edible products. At least two of the front, rear and opposing side panels are interconnected by one or more bridge tabs (56-58; 100; 110, 115; 120, 121; 130, 131; 150-152; 160-162) so as to constitute a unitary, single one of the separate body pieces, thereby preventing the interconnected panels from skewing during assembly of the carton.

Abstract: A healthcare product package (10) comprises a container (2) for containing a healthcare product and an information unit (1) which is located inside the container. The information unit (1) comprises a carrier (3), for instance a base card, and at least one information article (4, 6, 8) attached to the carrier (3).

Abstract: A ventilation board is manufactured from a corrugated board comprising at least one depressed portion on both sides of the board in such a way that flutes of the corrugated layer between said depressed portions are exposed to form a plurality of passageways for passage of fluid across the board, in other words, from one side to the other side of the board. The depressed portion is formed by forming a cut on the surface of each side of the board in such a way that the cut penetrating from one side of the board passes through the corrugated layer of the corrugated board but does not pass through the other side of the corrugated board, and depressing the cuts in such a way that the flutes between the depressed portion get exposed in order to provide passageways for passage of the fluid across the board.

Abstract: A shipping container convertible to a display configuration, formed from a one-piece blank of sheet material. The container comprises opposing first and second side walls and opposing front and back walls. Top and bottom flaps are foldably joined to respective upper and lower edges of the front, back, and side walls of the container. The front wall comprises outer and inner front panels foldably joined to respective ones of the first and second side walls. A clean cut front separation line extends across the front wall. A side separation line extends diagonally along each of the side walls from opposing ends of the front separation line to an upper back corner of each of the side walls, and a portion of the front wall and side walls above the respective front and side separation lines define a removable cover portion of the shipping container.

Abstract: A shipping carton displays two rows of packaged products stacked upon one another with package indicia facing a front opening. The carton (100) includes a top opening through which the packaged products are loaded in a vertical orientation. The top opening is closable by two opposing flaps (112) that adjoin along a top center line (114), and sealable with an adhesive strip (120) that extends along the top and onto opposing front and back surfaces of the container. The carton also includes a removable panel (160) defined by a line of weakness (162) spanning across the front surface and an adjacent side surface. The removable panel defines two protrusions (170) on opposing sides of the opening on the front surface. A portion of the adhesive strip (120) closing the top opening extends onto one of the protrusions (170).

Abstract: A shipping and display container that can be formed from one or more blanks folded and formed according to a method for creating the container such that it encloses the storage space on all sides. A portion of the blank forming the front wall can be formed from two stacked, joined layers including an interior and an exterior blank layer. An interior separation line can be formed in the interior blank layer that creates locking teeth along the line to support the removable window in the front wall during shipping and storage. A plurality of nicks extend across an exterior separation line to also structurally support and retain the removable window while enabling it to be quickly removed to display the goods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite container which has a bottom film layer and a top film layer at least partially adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the bottom film layer. The top film layer is scored to form at least one resealable flap and at least one pull tab continuous with the resealable flap, wherein the resealable flap is resealably adhered to the bottom film layer and the pull tab is not adhered to the bottom film layer. The bottom film layer comprises at least one cavity opening. A cardboard layer is adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the top film layer, wherein the cardboard layer has at least one cavity opening which is substantially aligned with the scoring of the top film layer resealable flap and the cardboard layer is perforated to form at least one pull tab which is substantially aligned with and adhered, on its underside, to the upper surface of the top film layer pull tab.

Abstract: An anti-tilting device for releasably mounting on a transport pallet, such as a standardized transport pallet, such as a Euro pallet, is disclosed. The pallet-has a support side for placing the transport pallet on the ground and rest side opposite with respect to the support side, on which the transport goods are to be deposited and which is particularly formed by a plurality of parallel horizontal rest panels spaced apart from each other. The device includes a support pillar and a ground support connected with the support pillar, which extends along the transport pallet height downwards to the ground and which comprises a support end facing the ground for retaining on the ground, and a tine section fixedly connected with the support pillar and the ground support for reaching under the transport goods and particularly for engaging between the rest panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an air exhaust valve, including a first valve body, a second valve body and a gasket. The first valve body and the second valve body are engaged with each other. The second valve body includes a first opening, a second opening, a first spacer and a second spacer. The first opening is provided within a bottom portion of the second valve body. The second opening is adjacent to and in communication with the first opening, and is provided within the bottom portion of the second valve body. The first spacer is provided within the first opening to form at least one first channel, and the second spacer is provided within the second opening to form at least one second channel. The first channel and the second channel are staggered with respect to each other.

Abstract: A display device includes a plurality of pixels each having a plurality of light-emitting regions including at least a first light-emitting region of a first color, a second light-emitting region of a second color, and a third light-emitting region of a third color and a light-transmitting region. Visibility of the first color is higher than visibility of the second color. The plurality of light-emitting regions are divided into a first group including the first light-emitting region and a second group including the second light-emitting region. The first light-emitting region is adjacent to the second light-emitting region. The light-transmitting region is located between the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region. The light-transmitting region is not located in a region between light-emitting regions adjacent to each other in the first group and in a region between light-emitting regions adjacent to each other in the second group.