Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery system, for delivering articles between UAV zones has a computing system having a non-transient memory with executable instructions, the executable instructions including a flight management system to receive at a portal a delivery request to deliver an article from one zone to another. The Instructions are operable: to assign a UAV to the delivery request; if a UAV is not at a first zone, to dispatch a UAV to the first zone; to provide a flight path to the UAV,I at least part of the flight path being predetermined; to communicate the UAV flight path to the UAV; and to monitor the flight of the UAV from the first zone to the second zone and the delivery of the article. A method of planning a route for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous device reconfiguration are described herein. A system may include aerially-mobile devices each configured to perform a respective end-use function and carry out a portion of a reconfiguration operation, which involves arranging the one or more aerially-mobile devices according to a device configuration. A given device configuration may specify spatial locations within an environment corresponding to the aerially-mobile devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for an unmanned flying aircraft, such as a drone. Sensor data of at least one imaging sensor and of at least one ranging sensor are received with a sensor interface and are supplied to a signal processing unit that is set up to compare the sensor data with reference data in order to detect at least one predefined object and/or to distinguish it from other objects and to determine the parameters of the detected or distinguished object. The parameters of the predefined objects are then output with an output interface.

Abstract: A system for moving loads comprising a cargo hold floor with a plurality of guide rails, and a plurality of transport vehicles removably received in the guide rails and being movable along the guide rails and which each comprise a carrier face movable perpendicularly to a surface of the cargo hold floor, between a first and a second operating position. The carrier face is arranged, in its first operating position, such that the transport vehicle received in a guide rail is positionable under a load which is deposited, at least partly, on the surface of the cargo hold floor. In its second operating position, the carrier face is arranged such that it lifts the load off the surface of the cargo hold floor and carries it. In the region of the carrier face, there are provided a plurality of rollers adapted to permit movement of the load parallel to the surface of the cargo hold floor.

Abstract: Overhead stowage bins for aircraft comprise a lower panel and one or more rollers. The lower panel is configured to support luggage and has a forward lip region. The one or more rollers are operatively coupled to the lower panel within the forward lip region and are positioned to facilitate insertion of luggage into the overhead stowage bin. Aircraft include a fuselage and a plurality of overhead stowage bins installed within the passenger compartment of the fuselage. Methods of stowing luggage in an overhead stowage bin comprise lifting a carry-on luggage unit, engaging the carry-on luggage unit with one or more rollers positioned at a forward lip region of the overhead stowage bin, and pushing the carry-on luggage unit into an internal volume of the overhead stowage bin.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seating system comprises an array of floor panels (4) fixed within an aircraft cabin deck section (1), the floor panels (4) providing an array of discrete fixing means for removable attachment of a plurality of passenger seating units. The seating units may be of mutually different configurations each having a common footprint, such that the different configurations are interchangeable without having to re-arrange other seating units. The common footprint may be provided by a common size and shape of floor panel (4) or the floor panels (4) may provide a regular array of discrete fixing means such that the configurations may be positioned regardless of the position of the floor panels (4).

Abstract: Ramp mounts may facilitate the movement of a passenger seat pan relative to a passenger seat frame during movement of the seat pan between an upright position and a recline position relative to the passenger seat frame. During cycling of the seat pan from the recline position to the upright position, ramp mounts may break. Embodiments of the ramp mount disclosed herein may increase the ramp mount durability so as to reduce the instances of ramp mounts breaking during cycling of the seat pan between the recline and upright positions. Additionally, some embodiments may provide for a ramp mount that has fewer components. Such embodiments may simplify coupling of the ramp mount to a seat pan and may reduce passenger seat system assembly time. Moreover, in some embodiments, the reduced number of components may further reduce manufacturing time and/or costs—thereby providing a relatively low cost ramp mount.

Abstract: An aircraft air conditioning system includes an ambient air line connected to an air conditioning system mixer to supply ambient air, and a cabin exhaust air line connectable to an aircraft cabin for being flown through with cabin exhaust air. An ambient air compressor in the ambient air line compresses ambient air in the ambient air line. A refrigerating apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant compressor in the circuit. The refrigerant circuit is thermally coupled to the ambient air line to transfer heat from ambient air line air to refrigerant circulating in the circuit before the ambient air is supplied to the mixer. A turbine is coupled to the air compressor. A control device controls the air conditioning system wherein in a first operating state the turbine receives air from the ambient air line, and in a second operating state receives cabin exhaust air.

Abstract: A mixed coating material includes: a cold curing resin that undergoes reaction curing at normal room temperature; and a particulate fluororesin. The constituent ratio of the particulate fluororesin in a coating film that is a cured state of the mixed coating material is 43 wt % or more and 82 wt % or less. A wing includes a non-water-repellent coating film that forms an outermost layer in a water droplet impact region in a leading edge portion of the wing; and a water-repellent coating film that is formed of the mixed coating material and that forms an outermost layer in a water-repellent region adjacent to the water droplet impact region P. An anti-icing system includes the wing and a heating unit that heats the water droplet impact region.

Abstract: Aircraft and aircraft windshield heating systems are provided. An aircraft windshield heating system includes a windshield, first and second heating elements, and a power bus controller. The windshield has a main portion and a reduced portion, the first and second heating elements are thermally coupled with the main portion and the reduced portion, respectively. The power bus controller is operatively coupled with the first heating element and the second heating element and is configured for coupling to a primary power supply and a backup power supply. The power bus controller is configured to determine when the primary power supply is available, to direct power from the primary power supply to the first heating element when the primary power supply is available, and to direct power from the backup power supply to the second heating element when the primary power supply is not available.

Abstract: A parachute deployment apparatus for use with an aircraft, including a deployment body with an internal cavity, the deployment body configured to house a parachute to be deployed through an upper opening of the internal cavity, a firing mechanism configured to release a pressurized gas into the internal cavity of the deployment body, wherein the apparatus includes a cap that engages with the upper opening to close it prior to deployment and is configured to be projected from the upper opening upon release of the pressurized gas into the internal cavity of the deployment body, and wherein the cap is connected to the parachute.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation device may include a tube defining a chamber. A releasable bulkhead may be coupled to an inner surface of the tube and defining a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion within the chamber. The releasable bulkhead may comprise a first mating portion and a second mating portion. The first mating portion and the second mating portion may be configured to releasably engage to restrict a fluid flow between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion.

Abstract: An inflatable flotation device includes an inflatable body configured to be stored in a deflated state and to be inflated in response to an event. The inflatable flotation device also includes a switch attached to the inflatable body and configured to switch from an off state to an on state in response to the inflatable body being inflated at least one of to or beyond a predetermined inflation level. The inflatable flotation device also includes a speaker attached to the inflatable body, electrically coupled to the switch, and configured to generate an audio signal indicating that the inflatable body is ready for use in response to the switch being switched from the off state to the on state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aircraft comprising a fuselage (1), a propulsion unit (7) at the rear tip of the fuselage and at least two engines (3, 5) each driving an engine shaft (32, 52), the propulsion unit including at least one propeller (71, 73) driven mechanically by the engine shafts (32, 52), characterized in that the propulsion unit (7) includes two propellers (71, 73), each of the propellers being driven by a propeller shaft (72, 74), the two propeller shafts being driven by the engine shafts (32, 52) via a first differential epicyclic gear train (40). Specifically, the input of the first differential gear train (40) is connected to the output of a second differential epicyclic gear train (60), the second differential gear train (60) including two inputs (61c2, 62c2), each of said two inputs being connected mechanically to one of said engine shafts (32, 52).

Abstract: An electric propulsion system includes at least one generator. The electric propulsion system also includes at least one drive engine coupled to the at least one generator. The electric propulsion system further includes at least one electrical device. The electric propulsion system also includes at least one battery integrated isolated power converter (BIIC), where the at least one generator and at least one of the at least one BIIC and the at least one electrical device are coupled, and where the at least one BIIC and the at least one electrical device are coupled.

Abstract: An aircraft engine pylon includes two side panels and an upper stringer and a lower stringer assembled to form a strut assembly extending in a longitudinal direction (AX) corresponding to the direction in which the aircraft is moving and an internal reinforcement structure including a plurality of reinforcements. The pylon also includes a reinforcement zone on each side panel and a front housing to receive a main front center reinforcement and a rear housing to receive a main rear center reinforcement.

Abstract: There are described herein methods and systems for providing an engine computer with a power request having been determined by an aircraft computer. The power request is sent over a communication bus and once it reaches the engine computer, the latency due to the different update rates of the engine computer and the aircraft computer are compensated for.

Abstract: In an example, an indication system includes a plurality of light sources communicatively coupled with a control system. The indication system can be used with a refueling system, including a hose for supplying fuel to a receiver aircraft. Each light source is configured to simultaneously emit visible light and infrared light, and is operable at a dim setting and a bright setting. The control system receives refueling data from the refueling system. The refueling data includes position data indicating a position of the receiver aircraft relative to the refueling system. The control system is configured to, when the refueling data indicates that the position of the receiver aircraft is in a refueling range, activate at least one refueling light source of the plurality of refueling light sources at the bright setting and activate a remainder of the refueling light sources at the dim setting.

Abstract: A retention member monitoring system for a slat-flap control lever assembly including a control lever movable over a range of discrete angular positions. Also included is a retention member engageable with the control lever to retain the control lever in each of the discrete angular positions. Further included is at least one electric device in communication with the retention member to determine the structural integrity of the retention member.

Abstract: A system operative to protect aircraft and possibly other objects against bird strikes by mounting or disposing a protective components including protective lighting and protective reflective coating on the aircraft, wherein the protective coating is structured to enhance the visibility of the aircraft to birds. The protective lighting and or reflective coating is at least partially disposable in a predetermined location on the aircraft which is commonly observed. A controller is operative with said lighting assembly and configured to perform multi-mode capabilities operative to regulate illumination modes of the lighting assembly. The operative illumination modes are variable and at least partially dependent on a geographical location of the aircraft during flight.

Abstract: A metallic foil for lightning strike protection in a composite aerospace structure having a length, a width, and a thickness of not more than 30 microns. There are a plurality of pores of a predefined geometric shape extending through the thickness of the metallic foil and being distributed across a surface area defined by the length and the width of the metallic foil. The plurality of pores in the aggregate define an open area of not more than 40% of the surface area and the metallic foil has a weight of not more than 115 g/m2. The metallic foil has a weight to conductivity ratio of not more than 0.40 gram-ohms per square.

Abstract: A system for handling an aircraft on a nautical vessel includes a plurality of winches each associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of electromotors and a plurality of cables associated with the plurality of winches. Each of the plurality of cables is configured to attach to an aircraft positioned on a deck of the nautical vessel. A control system is configured to receive a target aircraft hauling speed and direction and operate the winches to achieve the target speed in the selected direction while maintaining load on the aircraft to below a maximum limit and also maintaining the cables in tension.

Abstract: A system and method for autonomous drone-based package reception and surveillance of the present invention. In accordance with the inventive method, an at least partially enclosed chute is provided with dimensions sufficient to receive packages. A platform is mounted within the chute to receiving the packages. A mechanism is provided to move the platform from a first position within the chute to receive the packages to a second position within the chute to deliver the packages. In the best mode, the platform is a second drone. Multiple drones, equipped with wireless transceivers, cameras, lasers, lights, detectors and even weapons are networked to provide perimeter security. The chute includes a door secured with a wireless latch activated by a system controller. One or more identification symbols, such as QR codes, bar codes, symbols etc. are provided on the door to be read by the airborne delivery vehicle. Nodes are included for charging the airborne delivery vehicle and the site-based drones as well.

Abstract: Techniques for using a sound spectrum to generate models, which identify unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configurations, are described herein. The models may be based on components associated with a UAV, and instructions for manufacture of a UAV may be provided. For example, a sound spectrum may be obtained by a computer system which is used to generate one or more models. The one or more models are based in part on components of a UAV and identify UAV configurations that will generate an expected sound within the identified sound spectrum. The UAV configurations identified by the models are used to instruct manufacture of a UAV.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assistance device for remote diagnostics during verification of the state of an aircraft engine, carried out in situ by at least one operator with an endoscope used to capture images of the engine and to take measurements intended to be transmitted to at least one remote terminal used by at least one remote expert, with the aim of performing a collaborative analysis of the images and the measurements. The device according to the invention further comprises a portable housing controlled by the operator and equipped with a software module intended for generating an operational context as a function of location data provided by a GPS, weather data from the endoscopy location, and data on the communications network.

Abstract: A thrust vector control system is provided. The thrust vector control system may comprise an anti-stall hydraulic pump configured to deliver hydraulic fluid to at least one actuator, wherein each actuator may be configured to move an exhaust nozzle of a space vehicle. The anti-stall hydraulic pump may provide thermal conditioning to the thrust vector actuation control system during ground operation and/or periods of low output operation.

Abstract: A gimbal system includes a stationary base with a first motor being coupled thereto. A rotation plate is coupled to the first motor for rotation in a plane opposing the stationary base when the first motor is operated. A tilt plate is hingedly coupled to the rotation plate along a tilt axis. An articulating arm is coupled to the tilt plate. A second motor is fixedly mounted to the rotation plate for rotation therewith. The second motor is coupled to the articulating arm such that the articulating arm causes the tilt plate to rotate through a tilt angle about the tilt axis and relative to the rotation plate when the second motor is operated.

Abstract: An ADCS module may be configured to use coordinate data from 2D photodiodes in one or more sun sensors to determine a sun vector. The ADCS module may then use the sun vector in reference to its own body faced (BF) coordinate system to calculate a change in the orientation of the space vehicle. The change in orientation mechanism may be accomplished by reaction wheels, ion thrusters, or other orientation altering mechanisms. A miniature, intelligent star tracker may be included that improves satellite attitude determination and pointing accuracy. An improved reaction wheel assembly may be included that is more robust and suitable for inclusion in small space vehicles.

Abstract: A satellite system operates at altitudes between 100 and 350 km relying on vehicles including a self-sustaining ion engine to counteract atmospheric drag to maintain near-constant orbit dynamics. The system operates at altitudes that are substantially lower than traditional satellites, reducing size, weight and cost of the vehicles and their constituent subsystems such as optical imagers, radars, and radio links. The system can include a large number of lower cost, mass, and altitude vehicles, enabling revisit times substantially shorter than previous satellite systems. The vehicles spend their orbit at low altitude, high atmospheric density conditions that have heretofore been virtually impossible to consider for stable orbits. Short revisit times at low altitudes enable near-real time imaging at high resolution and low cost. At such altitudes, the system has no impact on space junk issues of traditional LEO orbits, and is self-cleaning in that space junk or disabled craft will de-orbit.

Abstract: A spacecraft system includes a plurality of spacecraft in a stack. The stack has one or more layers, each layer includes at least two spacecraft, and each spacecraft is releasably coupled to one or more adjacent spacecraft in the stack. The spacecraft system also includes a controller configured to, for each layer, (i) cause the layer to release from the stack, and (ii) after the layer releases from the stack, cause the at least two spacecraft in the layer to release from each other.

Abstract: A burn wire release mechanism for a spacecraft or other system having two masses initially held together by a pretensioned loop, with a spring configured to push the masses apart. The burn wire release system includes at least one burn wire held in contact with the pretensioned loop material. When an electrical current flows through the burn wire, the wire heats up and severs the pretensioned loop, and the masses are pushed apart by the spring.

Abstract: A system for loading items into a container-defining sheet. The system includes a support for receiving the container-defining sheet, the support having a top surface provided with a number of apertures equal to the number of cavities embossed in the container-defining sheet. A support illumination board is positioned on a back portion of the support. The illumination board includes a plurality of evenly-spaced-apart support light indicators, each support light indicator being positioned substantially centrally with respect to a corresponding aperture of the support and adapted to back-illuminate one of the containers of the container-defining sheet upon placement of the container-defining sheet into the support. An illumination board controller controls operation of the support light indicators to indicate into which container of the container-defining sheet each item is to be loaded. An enclosure includes drawers holding items to be put into the container-defining sheet.

Abstract: A valve comprises a shell, a flexible valve member sealingly mounted within the shell, and a valve body mounted atop the flexible valve member within the shell. The flexible member is moveable between closed and open positions to allow the flow of fluid therethrough. The valve is engageable with a filling device having flow ports and a surrounding closure. The closure and/or the shaft is movable between (i) a first position wherein the closure closes the port(s), and (ii) a second position opening the port(s). Alternatively, the valve may comprise a portion of a female connector and the filling device may comprise a portion of a male connector to form an aseptic fluid connector for the aseptic transfer of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A system for filling a blow-fill-seal (BFS) container is provided. The system includes a first fluid circuit constructed to selectively deliver a purge fluid to an open BFS container. A second fluid circuit selectively delivers a product to the open BFS container. A third fluid circuit, having a vent line in fluid communication with the open BFS container and to the ambient, directs a bulk fluid comprising at least the purge fluid from the container when the purge fluid is introduced into the BFS container. The second circuit selectively delivers product when the first fluid circuit selectively does not deliver the purge fluid, and the second circuit selectively does not deliver product when the first circuit selectively delivers the purge fluid.

Abstract: Bimodal polyethylene compositions for use in hot-fill closures and processes.

Abstract: A system and method of using a combination strapping machine including a wire tying system and a plastic tying system is provided. Embodiments of the strapping machine include a common frame coupled to a wire strapping system, a single wire track, a plastic strapping system, and a single plastic track. Some embodiments of the combination strapping machine include a strapping machine frame having a common track perimeter. Further, the strapping machine includes a plastic tying system configured to apply a plastic strap to a baled material, and a wire tying system configured to apply a wire strap to the baled material. Some embodiments of the strapping machine include a common track for the wire tying system and plastic tying system. Other embodiments of the combination strapping machine are controlled by a common control system that coordinates both plastic and wire strapping according to a predetermined order of strap application.

Abstract: A self-actuating tension head for a strapping machine for feeding a steel strapping material around a load, tensioning the strapping material and sealing the strapping material to itself has a tension wheel biasing element. The tension head includes a body defining a strap path therethrough, a drive wheel, a tension wheel and a pinch wheel. The strap path extends between the tension wheel and the pinch wheel. The drive wheel is a fixed distance from the tension wheel. The drive and tension wheels are operably engaged with one another. A pivoting link operably connects the drive and tension wheels. The link pivots about the drive wheel axis of rotation. A cam is operably mounted to the tension wheel, and engages a cam follower to pivot the link to move the tension wheel into and out of engagement with the pinch wheel. The tension wheel biasing element cooperates with the cam to maintain the cam in a position relative to the cam follower.

Abstract: A device for transferring leaflets from an upper level to a lower level, where packing apparatus work stations insert the leaflets into boxes together with product, includes at least two belts loop-wound to have two opposed branches defining a substantially vertical straight section and a deflector at the upper level to turn leaflets from an incoming horizontal orientation drawn to draw the leaflets to assume a vertical orientation between the opposed belt branches of the straight vertical section. A drum rotatable about a rotation axis bears two gripping arms for extracting the leaflets in seriatim from the straight section and transferring the leaflets to respective grippers borne by a conveyor to transfer the leaflets to the packing apparatus work stations.

Abstract: A capsule is provided containing a dosing agent and a system and process is provided for making capsules containing a dosing agent. The capsule includes a body defining an interior space and an opening, the capsule having ingredients and a dosing agent disposed in the interior space and a cover to seal the opening. The process and system includes depositing ingredients and the dosing agent in the interior space of the capsule and then covering the opening.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging arrangement comprises a drawer configured to cooperate with a kitchen cabinet, and a vacuum packaging device. The vacuum packaging device is functionally integrated in a ready-to-operate configuration within the drawer and provides, within the drawer, an operational interface to receive a minor first section of a vacuum bag, and to vacuum the vacuum bag upon activation of the vacuum packaging device. The vacuum packaging device is implemented such that a major second section of the vacuum bag comprising a closed end of the vacuum bag is arranged outside of the vacuum packaging device.

Abstract: An appliance for vacuum packaging and sealing a container, including: a vacuum motor assembly generating suction, a vacuum trough fluidly connected to the vacuum motor assembly, first and second heat sealing elements, and a microprocessor configured to control the vacuum motor assembly and the first and second heating elements in programmable sequences. One programmable sequence may include energizing the vacuum motor assembly to provide suction to the vacuum trough, energizing the first heat sealing element at a first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time when a first predetermined vacuum level is reached in the vacuum trough, de-energizing the vacuum motor assembly after a third predetermined time has elapsed after the first heat sealing element has been de-energized, delaying a dwell time, and energizing the second heat sealing element at the expiration of the dwell time at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time.

Abstract: A and device method for handling containers, in particular cardboard boxes, for groups of objects, in particular packages, in which the objects are inserted one after another into the container and are deposited there in an ordered formation, and in which the containers are held ready in each case by a handling device, in particular a cardboard box robot, for the insertion of the objects, and in each case several containers are held ready at the same time by the handling device so that they can be filled with objects.

Abstract: A transportation method for the intermittent, forward moving transportation of flexible containers suspended in a packaging line, including the use of movable arms on a same plane, between which a container is secured in opposite areas, one of which is a tractor arm and the other a push arm. Between two consecutive stops, the method includes steps of simultaneously moving the tractor arm and push arm forwards at different velocities, in order to deform the container and move the contents to compensate for the forces of inertia. Also disclosed is a device for putting the method into practice, including a number of guides that determine a closed route, upon which at least a first and second adjacent carrying element slide, which may be operated independently or together, in order to be moved along the length of the guides and work together to jointly secure and transport a corresponding container.

Abstract: A valve device includes a control device adapted to control a valve without being supplied with electricity. The control device includes at least one rotatable control cam having an outer periphery with a concave and convex shape, and a driving device adapted to rotate the control cam only in a first rotational direction, out of the first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction, by being supplied with a pressurized medium. The valve is placed such that a switch portion comes in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the control cam, in order that the valve is opened and closed by the control cam being rotated.

Abstract: A sealing bar assembly for a packaging machine includes a mounting frame, first and second sealing bar carriages carried by the mounting frame, at least one of the first and second sealing bars being movable with respect to the mounting frame, first and second sealing bars mounted, respectively, to the first and second sealing bar carriages and movable therewith, the first and second bars including, respectively, first and second opposed sealing surfaces, at least a first electromagnet assembly arranged adjacent to the first sealing bar, and a controller configured to selectively energize the first electromagnet assembly to move the first and second opposed sealing surfaces into and out of engagement across a web of packaging material passing therebetween.

Abstract: A process for collation shrink wrapping an object that may include a number of individual containers, preferably a number of substantially identical containers. The process may include the steps of (i) obtaining a binding tape that is a film uniaxially oriented in the machine direction (MD) and wrapping the tape around the object, (ii) sealing the ends of the now wrapped binding tape (i.e., to form a loop), (iii) obtaining a collation shrink film that may include a multimodal linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), the film being a stretched film that is uniaxially oriented in the machine direction (MD) in a draw ratio of at least 1:3, (iv) wrapping the collation shrink film around the object of step (ii), (v) heating the wrapped object of step (iv) such that the tape shrinks in its machine direction and the collation shrink film shrinks in its machine direction.

Abstract: Robotic pick-and-place automation is used to transfer oral solid pharmaceuticals from moveable trays or canisters. Sensors are used to verify that the pharmaceuticals have been properly placed in the desired pharmaceutical locations precisely according to the patient prescription data. A pharmacist places pharmaceutical products within dispensing trays or canisters to present the pharmaceutical products for picking and placing via the robotic pick-and-place machinery. Once the canister or tray is located adjacent the pick-and-place device, a sensor or imaging unit associated with the pick-and-place device verifies that the pharmaceutical product the size, shape, and/or color of an expected pharmaceutical product that is to be placed within the packaging material in accordance with patient prescription data stored by a computer associated with the system.

Abstract: An applying unit for applying lids to necks of containers may be provided. The applying unit may include a conveying device configured to advance the containers along a path in an advancement direction; a group of applying heads, each applying head configured to screw a lid onto a corresponding neck; and a movement device configured to move the group of applying heads along the advancement direction, so that each applying head may be coupled to a corresponding neck along a portion of the path. The movement device may be configured to act on a common support element configured to support the applying heads of the group, so as to synchronously move the applying heads along the advancement direction.

Abstract: A package insert for cushioning an object during transport includes a plurality of support pins disposed in parallel with respect to each other, and a perforated sheet having a plurality of perforation holes disposed therein. Each of the plurality of supporting pins is disposed within a corresponding perforation hole of the plurality of perforation holes. Each of the plurality of perforation holes has a diameter or width that is equal to or smaller than a diameter or width of its corresponding supporting pin such that the corresponding supporting pin is kept in place by friction when inserted into the corresponding perforation hole.

Abstract: A paper sheets pre-processing apparatus of an embodiment includes a large band remover, a small bundle coupler, a small band remover and an accumulator. The large band remover conveys a bundle in which a plurality of paper sheets are bound by small bands and a predetermined number of small bundles are bound by a large band, and removes the large band from the bundle. The small bundle coupler conveys the predetermined number of small bundles included in the bundle from which the large band is removed by the large band remover, and couples the predetermined number of small bundles to each other. The small band remover separates a single small bundle from the small bundles coupled by the small bundle coupler and removes the small band from the small bundle. The accumulator accumulates the paper sheets from which the small band is removed by the small band remover.