Abstract: Described is an imaging component for use by an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) for object detection. As described, the imaging component includes one or more cameras that are configured to obtain images of a scene using visible light that are converted into a depth map (e.g., stereo image) and one or more other cameras that are configured to form images, or thermograms, of the scene using infrared radiation (“IR”). The depth information and thermal information are combined to form a representation of the scene based on both depth and thermal information.

Abstract: A vehicle arresting system includes a base layer comprising a crushable aggregate and a cover layer comprising a cementitious material having an oven-dry density of 100 lb/ft3 or less. The system also may include an arrestor bed and a plurality of anchors. Each anchor includes a support rod coupled to an associated puck, each support rod being secured to a foundation that supports the arrestor bed, and each puck being embedded in the cover layer slab of the arrestor bed. Additionally, each support rod is coupled to its associated puck via a shear link breakable at a predetermined load. A method for arresting a vehicle includes depositing a base layer on a region where the vehicle is to be arrested, the base layer comprising an aggregate, and depositing a cover layer over the base layer, the cover layer including a cementitious material having an oven-dry density of 100 lb/ft3 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing part of an airframe for attachment to a system. The method comprises: providing an initial structure; providing a reference structure; positioning the initial structure with respect to the reference structure such that its position/orientation relative to the reference structure is the same as the position/orientation relative to the system that it would have if the part of the airframe was attached to the system; specifying an inner mold line; applying, to an outer surface of the initial structure, material; and machining the material such that the position/orientation of the outer surface of the material with respect to the reference structure is the same as the position/orientation with respect to the system that the inner mold line would have if the part of the airframe was attached to the system.

Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for manipulating a plurality of curved sheets is provided. Each of the plurality of curved sheets includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes tooling to be coupled to the upper surface of each of the plurality of curved sheets. The tooling is capable of moving the plurality of curved sheets relative to each other and abutting the plurality of curved sheets so that the upper surface of each of the plurality of curved sheets is coextensive with a virtual arcuate surface. The apparatus also includes a welding apparatus capable of welding the plurality of curved sheets together after abutting the plurality of curved sheets.

Abstract: A cleaning system for performing a cleaning cycle on a turbine engine mounted to an airframe includes a mobile supply unit. The mobile supply unit includes a cleaning agent supply that introduces cleaning agent into the turbine engine. The aircraft includes at least one valve configured to block cleaning agent from moving from the turbine engine into a passenger cabin of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for supporting maintenance of an aircraft is provided. The system includes a plurality of database importers. The database importers import a plurality of datasets from a plurality of data sources to a database with a composite dataset including data of the plurality of datasets. The system also includes a database-management system (DBMS) to manage the database. The system further includes a client application coupled to the DBMS. The client application receives a user request for a demand for replacement aircraft parts for maintenance during an in-service lifecycle of the aircraft. In response to the user request, the client application predicts and thereby produces a prediction of the demand based on the data retrieved from the composite dataset.

Abstract: A method of health monitoring and assessment of an aircraft structure includes collecting data from a plurality of sensors located at one or more components of the aircraft. The sensors assess a physical condition of the components and are arrayed in one or more aircraft zones. The data is communicated to a health assessment module, which calculates one or more component structural condition indicators of each component. The component structural condition indicators are compiled and one or more component structural health indicators are calculated. The component structural health indicators are compiled by aircraft zone and a zone structural health indicator is calculated based on the component structural health indicators of components residing in the particular aircraft zone. An aircraft level health indicator is calculated based on the zone structural health indicators and one or more maintenance actions are recommended based on the structural condition and health indicators.

Abstract: A stationkeeping strategy for a satellite disposed in a TAP orbit includes controlling parameters of the orbit such that, for a constellation of two satellites disposed in the orbit, the constellation provides substantially continuous coverage of a polar region. The stationkeeping strategy includes one or more of: establishing an initial Right Ascension of Ascending Node (RAAN) of the operational orbit such that naturally caused orbital drift results in a mid-life RAAN of approximately 0 degrees (360 degrees); and controlling Argument of Perigee (ARGP), only indirectly, by performing orbit maintenance maneuvers only to directly control one or more of the operational orbit apogee altitude, the operational orbit perigee altitude, and inclination within a respective required range.

Abstract: An inventory management system includes a floor-based weighing subsystem and a load status subsystem. The floor-based weighing subsystem includes a sensor arrangement that includes at least one weight sensor functionally associated with a load carrying unit that supports a load having an associated weight. The load carrying unit is deployed at the floor of a retail display area, and the weight sensor determines the weight of the load. A load status determination engine of the load status subsystem receives, from the floor-based weighing subsystem, the weight of the load determined by the weight sensor, and determines a loading status of the load carrying unit based on the received weight of the load.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to vial preparation methods and to vials prepared by such methods. Some embodiments relate to use of an apparatus, such as a lyophilization apparatus, to perform the methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is an M-shaped fully automatic winding machine provided with a main controller, a film clamping device, an automatic film cutting device, and a film lifting device. The film clamping device is provided on an M-shaped turntable, is driven to work by a second electric motor and uses a storage battery as a power source. A secondary controller controlling the second electric motor to work is also provided on the M-shaped turntable, is in a communication connection with the main controller via wireless data and is controlled by the main controller. A film clamping working position of the film clamping device is in front of an upright post when the M-shaped turntable turns to the angle of the original position. The M-shaped winding machine is also provided with a storage battery charging connection device. When the M-shaped turntable turns to the angle of a charging position, a turntable upper part and a turntable outer part of the charging connection device can be electrically connected.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine comprising first feed means adapted for feeding a first film to the machine, second feed means adapted for feeding a second film to the machine, and a sealing station where the vacuum is formed and/or the modified atmosphere is introduced, and the second film is sealed to the first film to obtain a package. The machine comprises displacement means configured for moving at least the first film a driving distance from an initial position, holding down and driving at least the first film in the driving direction to an end position, said displacement means being configured for subsequently returning to the initial position when the machine is in operating mode.

Abstract: A bagging system for a vending machine provides a bag loading device for loading the bag to a bag holder. The bag holder includes clamping arms for clamping opposed side edges of the bag to retain the bag in position for filling. The clamping arms are movable between a position wherein the top of the bag is generally stretched taut and a position wherein the top of the bag is slackened to thereby allow the top opening of the bag to open so that the product can be dispensed into the bag. The product may be associated with a data providing element for providing data relating to the product or a security code, or both, to the vending machine processor.

Abstract: A container for storing liquid having a bowl removably secured on a lower end thereof. The container defines an interior volume for storing liquid, such as water. The container includes an upper end having a body and an opening, wherein the opening can receive liquid therethrough. A lower end of the container includes threading disposed around an exterior thereof, between a first and second end. A bowl is removably securable to the threading of the lower end of the container so as to allow a user to selectively detach the bowl from the container and fill the bowl with liquid stored within the container. In one embodiment, the lower end of the container includes a smaller width than a width of the body of the upper end so as to allow a sidewall of the bowl to align with a sidewall of the body.

Abstract: A foldable container moveable between a flat configuration and a three-dimensional configuration is provided. The container includes a first panel having a first engagement feature, a second panel having a second engagement feature, and a third panel having a third engagement feature. The first engagement feature is configured to engage with the second engagement feature so as to secure the container in the three-dimensional configuration. The first engagement feature is also configured to engage with the third engagement feature so as to inhibit the first engagement feature from becoming disengaged from the second engagement feature.

Abstract: A magnetizing device in a web processing machine for magnetizing a magnetisable area of a web of packaging material is disclosed. The magnetizing device comprises a first magnetic component having a north pole and a south pole, and a second magnetic component having a north pole and a south pole. Poles of a first and same polarity are arranged adjacent in an opposed relationship and poles of a second and the same polarity are arranged remote from each other.

Abstract: A flat-folding box cover with magnets near one edge of the side panels that align with magnets of the opposite polarity on flaps of the adjacent side panel to hold the box cover into position is provided. The flat-folding box cover includes a top panel with aperture and four side panels that when assembled fits over the top of a tissue or other box. Advantageously, the box cover may be kept in the flat state or folded into a box shape as needed. The box covers may be sold finished from a seller. In another case, consumers may select from a set of options provided by a seller for the box cover design. In another case, the consumer may supply the seller with custom artifacts such as photos or artwork which the seller would incorporate into the finished box cover. Kits may also be sold allowing the purchaser to customize the box cover themselves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reclosable container comprising a bottom panel, a front panel, two side panels, a rear panel and a top panel. The front panel and the two side panels having a division line extending downwardly sloping from the rear panel in the side panels and horizontally in at least a part of the front panel thereby defining a lid. The lid comprises the top panel and the sections of the front panel and side panels above the division line, and the lid is moveable by rotation along a folding line in the rear panel between a closing position, where the lid closes the container, and a position where an open end of the container is not covered by the lid. The container further comprises an inner side part and an inner front part extending above the division line. Each inner side part has an upper margin sloping downwardly towards the rear panel The inner front part comprises a flap extending downwardly from an upper margin of the inner front part.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a child-proof container (1) comprising: a housing (2) made of sheet material defining an inner volume (3) and exhibiting a passage opening (5) delimited by a free edge (6), a closing system (7) made of sheet material configured for defining a closed and opened conditions of the housing (2), the closing system (7) comprises a tab (8) having a closing portion (9) movable with respect to the housing free edge. The container (1) comprises a safety device (11) made of sheet material exhibiting: a first hooking portion (12) carried by the tab (8), a second hooking portion (13) engaged with the housing (2). The first and second hooking portions (12, 13) are configured for stably engaging with each other in the closed condition of the closing system (7) and for defining a safety condition: the first and second hooking portions (12, 13), in the safety condition, are configured for preventing the closing system (7) from switching from the closed to the opened condition.

Abstract: A pallet includes a top deck and a bottom deck, and spaced apart support blocks coupled between the top and bottom decks and forming a gap therebetween for receiving a lifting member. Each support block includes a mid-section having spaced apart upper and lower surfaces, an upper tower extending from the upper surface of the mid-section, and a lower tower extending from the lower surface. The upper towers are inserted into corresponding upper tower openings in the top deck, and the lower towers are inserted into corresponding lower tower openings in the bottom deck.

Abstract: A skirt system for use with a pallet carrying goods is provided. The skirt system includes a rectangular support pad that is positioned on a stack of pallets and a skirt having a rectangular opening. The skirt interacts with features on the support pad for quick and easy set up. The skirt covers the stack of pallets which supports goods and provides a visually pleasing display for such goods.

Abstract: A logistics system, adaptor pallet and load carrier are proposed for transporting many load carriers at once. The novel logistics system includes at least one load carrier and an adaptor pallet for receiving a plurality of such load carriers. The adaptor pallet includes a detent, which has a deployed configuration, in which the detent is configured to prevent lateral movement of the at least one load carrier, and a released configuration, in which the detent is configured to allow lateral movement of the at least one load carrier. The logistics system also includes a locking interface having a first counterpart fixed to the adaptor pallet and a second counterpart provided to the at least one load carrier. The first and second counterpart have been configured to engage each other, when the at least one load carrier is in the transporting position on the adaptor pallet so as to prevent rotation movement of the at least one load carrier in respect to the adaptor pallet.

Abstract: A container apparatus having at least one containment member is disclosed that may include a bottom and at least one sidewall, an interior and an open end. The container may also include a flange that extends around a free end of the at least one side wall, and a plurality of wall members (or castellations) connected to/formed with/that extend from the flange. The plurality of wall members may be separated by ventilation apertures, with the plurality of wall members and the ventilation apertures extending around the perimeter of the free end. A sealing material, such as a removable film, may extend over the open end to enclose the containment member.

Abstract: Package (1, 1a, 1b), consisting of a base (3) and a cover (2), wherein the package (1a) has connecting means (5, 6, 9) for a detachable plug connection with another package (1b), wherein at least one lower profile rib (5, 5a, 5b) is arranged on at least one lateral surface of the package (1, 1a, 1b) and at least one upper profile rib (6, 6a, 6b) is arranged at a vertical distance, which profile ribs form a form-fitting guide for at least one connector (9, 9a, 9b), which is arranged on at least one other lateral surface of the package (1, 1a, 1b), wherein the lower profile rib (5, 5a, 5b) has an offset (15) with respect to the upper profile rib (6, 6a, 6b) in the slide direction.

Abstract: A pop-up mechanism for use with a bag so that when operated by a user, a decorative object pops up from a hidden position within the bag to a position clearly in view. A twistable circular band is held within a sleeve at the top of the bag. The band has attached thereto at least one finger tab, and a pivotal post having an end to which the decorative object is attached. When the finger tab is operated, the band twists and thereby pivots the post and the decorative object from the hidden position to the viewable position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product, particularly a cosmetic product, including a body of a receptacle, a dispensing head welded onto the body, one of the body and the head including a layer of a mixture of polypropylene and polyethylene, the other being constituted of polypropylene.

Abstract: A metal closure having multiple thread engaging lugs configured to decrease the pressure exerted by the closure lugs on the neck of a container is provided. In various embodiments, the metal closure comprises a top wall, a skirt extending downward from a peripheral edge of the top wall, a lower edge included on the skirt, and a plurality of lugs formed at the lower edge of the skirt. Pressure may be decreased by the closure having more lugs and/or larger lugs than other metal closures.

Abstract: Drinking bottle closures include a sealing portion, an upper side that may bear indicia, and a retained magnet. The magnet may be retained in a cavity of the closure separated from the sealing portion by a seamless barrier. The sealing portion may include a frictionally retained male tapered plug or a radially compressible, gripping female cap liner to fit one or multiple bottle opening sizes. In a method of use, the cap may be retained on a magnetically attracted surface until used to close and identify a drinking bottle. The magnetically attracted surface may be a plate connected to a mount for connecting the magnetic surface to a non-magnetic surface.

Abstract: A spill proof container assembly having a receptacle, a non spill barrier, a collar with a hook, a handle and a cover. The cover has in integrated hinge strap disposed at a peripheral edge. The hinge strap has a first surface having a curved notch and a second surface with a raised bump. When the hinge strap is attached to the hook, the cover pivots between an open position and closed position.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a liquid or viscous product, comprising a dispensing valve (2). The dispensing valve, in turn, comprises: —product sealing/releasing means (21), which in a first configuration prevents outflow of the product from the dispenser and in a second configuration enables outflow of the product from the dispenser; —elastic return means (22) for returning the sealing means (21) to the first configuration from the second configuration. The elastic return means (22) and at least part of the product sealing/releasing means (21) are integrated in the same body (20).

Abstract: A beverage container finger ring that allows an individual to easily carry one or multiple beverage container by utilizing only their fingers includes a bottle cap, a bottle carrying ring, a tab, a flexible connector. The tab is adjacently connected to the bottle carrying ring. The bottle carrying ring is adjacently connected to a lateral wall of the bottle cap by the flexible connector so that the bottle carrying ring can be moved in between an opened configuration and a closed configuration. The placement of the bottle carrying ring differentiates multiple embodiments of the beverage container finger ring as the bottle carrying ring can be concentrically positioned to the bottle cap, positioned against the lateral wall from top, and positioned against the lateral wall from bottom with respect to the closed configuration.

Abstract: A presentation box for presenting a transaction card may include a hinged lid connected to a hinge edge of the presentation box, the hinged lid to pivot about the hinge edge of the presentation box when moved between a closed position and an open position; and a presentation apparatus that may include a tether that may be attached to the hinged lid, and a sleeve to receive the transaction card, where the presentation apparatus is to move the transaction card between a first position when the hinged lid is in the closed position and a second position when the hinged lid is in the open position, where the first position is different from the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cable tie including a tie band which is formed in a shape of a strap to bind cables, and is provided with a plurality of serrated grooves continuously formed on a one surface thereof in a longitudinal direction, and a tie holder which is connected to one end of the tie band and includes a tie band passage, through which the other end of the tie band passes, and a serrated locking protrusion formed on an inner surface of the tie band passage and interference-latched to the serrated grooves. The tie band is provided with a cut guide groove formed on one or both widthwise edges thereof, so that a free end of the tie band remaining when the tie band binds the cables together is cut off by a rotating force generated when the free end is twisted, without using a cutting tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective wrapping for a cylindrical object, comprising: an essentially square plastic film sheet, having a length exceeding the length of the circumference of the cylindrical object to be wrapped and a width exceeding the width of the cylindrical object to be wrapped, and having an inner face and an outer face referring to the orientation of the film when wrapped; the plastic film sheet comprising two foamed plastic strips arranged on the inner or outer face thereof, the strips arranged essentially parallel in the length direction of the plastic film sheet, at a distance from each other such that the foamed plastic strips can cover and protect the edges of the cylindrical object when wrapped. The present disclosure further relates to the use of the protective wrapping for wrapping a cylindrical object, particularly a reel of plastic film for baling applications.

Abstract: A ready-made wrapper that can be used at home to wrap an article such as a snack bar and a method of making same is provided. The wrapper is a precision scored laminate comprising a flexible bottom layer adhered to a flexible top layer at least in part by a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In one embodiment the bottom layer is scored so that one or more peripheral portions of the bottom layer can be removed and discarded, leaving a wrapper having an adhesive perimeter. After an article is placed in the center of the wrapper, the wrapper can be folded around the article to create an airtight package.

Abstract: Propylene polymer based packaging films for encapsulating hot melt adhesives are disclosed. The packaging films are readily miscible with the various hot melt adhesive chemistries during the melting stage without deleteriously affecting the adhesive properties, making the packaging film particularly well suited for packaging hot melt adhesives in a pillow, cylinder, pouch, block, cartridge and like forms.

Abstract: A carrier for attachment to a can top includes at least one ring member with an inner portion and a plurality of tab members extending downward from an outer side of the inner portion. Each of the tab members includes an upper leg and a lower curved segment, where the lower curved segment includes opposed free ends that have can engaging lips.

Abstract: A tool hanger is provided, including a main body, having a notch, two first pivot portions and at least one first connection portion; a base, detachably connected with the notch, the base having two second pivot portions, one of the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion including a pivot groove and the other including a pivot portion which is pivotally connected with the pivot groove, a direction about which the pivot portion rotates being defined as an axial direction, the pivot portion having a first outer diameter which is transverse to the axial direction and a second outer diameter which is transverse to the axial direction, the first outer diameter being sized greater than an opening span of the pivot groove, the second outer diameter being sized less than or equal to the opening span of the pivot groove.

Abstract: A contact lens package includes a sealed contact lens package and a wrap coupled to the sealed contact lens package. The wrap has one or more panels. One of more of the panels includes a printed surface that includes a unique device identifier, which is provided in both human readable form that includes numbers or letters, or both, and machine readable form, such as a bar code. A method of manufacturing a contact lens package includes providing the sealed contact lens package and coupling the wrap to the sealed contact lens package.

Abstract: The break-off spout of the present invention includes: a spout main body (110) having a break-off section (150) formed via a weakened section (121) such that an annular section (152) having a through-hole formed therein protrudes to the tip side; and a pair of left and right cover members (160) integrally formed with the spout main body (110) via hinge sections provided below the weakened section (121). The pair of left and right cover members (160) are formed in a shape such that, when the cover members are engaged with each other, the cover members cover a portion of the spout main body (110) above the hinge sections including the break-off section (150). An insertion port (164) through which deformation means that deforms the annular section (152) and blocks the through-hole can be inserted is provided in the cover members (160).

Abstract: A flexible package having a tamper evident product authentication label secured thereto and methods of making the same are disclosed. The package includes at least one panel having a heat seal line. The label has an outer surface with authentication indicia appearing thereon and an inner surface adhesively secured to the package adjacent the heat seal line. The label includes peripheral portions that are frangible, with one of the frangible peripheral portions of the label being located within a portion of the area made up by the heat seal line. Accordingly, attempted removal of the label from the package will cause the label to tear, leaving at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the label secured to the package to thereby prevent reuse of the label.

Abstract: A microwave heating package with a polarized shield includes a tray and a cover and at least one microwave energy interactive element. The microwave energy interactive element is dimensioned and arranged to extend along a peripheral region of a food item in an interior of the tray. The microwave energy interactive element reduces heating along the peripheral region of the food item when the microwave energy interactive element is exposed to microwave energy. The tray and the lid of the construct can each include at least one microwave energy interactive element.

Abstract: A disposable beverage container sleeve has a substantially rectangular upper body and a gusset. A resiliently flexible lip is disposed along the top edge of the upper body. In the assembled state, the assembled sleeve is now easily opened by applying the index finger to one edge and the thumb to the other edge, then squeezing. As the consumer squeezes the edges towards each other, the resiliently flexible lip bends, causing the rest of the upper body of the sleeve to open. As the upper body of the sleeve opens, the gusset unfolds by the stretching, forming a cup in which to insert the beverage container. The lip, wanting to relax to its natural uncurved state, urges against the beverage container. This partially reduces the duties of the upper body in providing frictional adherence to the beverage container.

Abstract: A container comprises a substantially rigid outer container and a readily deformable inner bag, wherein the outer container and the inner bag consist of different thermoplastic plastic materials such that the outer container and the inner bag do not undergo a weld connection with one another, with a container opening and at least one pressure balancing opening in the wall of the outer container for balancing the pressure in the gap between the outer container and the inner bag when the inner bag contracts, wherein integrated into the layer of the inner bag, which is directed towards the outer container, and/or into the layer of the outer container, which is directed towards the inner bag, are microbodies, of a material which does not melt during the manufacture of the container, which produce irregularities on the surface of the layer(s) in which microbodies are imbedded.

Abstract: A tape for holding an information card (5) holding a blister (1) having a cavity for holding an item, where a hole (7) in the information card allows affixing of the blister such that the cavity of the blister remains accessible for instance by inserting the cavity of the blister in the hole so it protrudes through the information card. By affixing the information cards in a repetitive pattern along the tape (20) the assembled tape can be folded and individual blisters are no longer lost. An edge (6) for severing the tape allows the removal of a single information card-blister assembly from the assembled tape. Separating the information cards on the tape allows room for folding the tape. Ensuring that the holes cut in the tape do not overlap allows the distance between the information cards along the tape to be reduced and result in an efficient stacking of the blisters when the tape is folded.

Abstract: A materials containment canister comprising an optional lower cap with an upper thread, a body with multiple interior chambers and an upper cap with a lid, optional handle and orifice. The upper cap is capable of rotating to allow for the orifice to access individual chambers which can store materials.

Abstract: A dispenser provided by a dispenser body with an article storage chamber bounded by at least one panel with an article extraction site leading to an article storage chamber containing at least one stack of articles folded over at least once in a non-binding arrangement with each article in the stack oriented in the same direction and with the outermost article disposed proximate the extraction site and constructed to slide off the folded article stack and out through the extraction site while leaving the next article in the folded article stack exposed for subsequent withdrawal wherein the articles may be selectively withdrawn one at a time through the extraction site until the innermost article is removed from the article storage chamber along with methods of loading and dispensing such dispensers are described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing head for an aerosol container provided with a valve. The dispensing head is made up of a cover (2) to which an actuating member (1) is secured, provided with a push button (11) which can be moved between a non-depressed rest position and a depressed actuating position. According to the invention, the actuating member (1) is provided with a blocking element (12) which can pivot between an unlocked position in which said element does not block the movement of the push button (11) relative to the cover (2) and a locked position in which said element blocks the push button in the rest position by preventing said push button from entering the actuating position.

Abstract: A dispensing device that attaches to a container has: (a) a hollow tube with opposing entrance and exit ends with a connector on the entrance end and a wall defining a flow channel; (b) a sleeve with opposing entrance and exit ends slidably extending over the hollow tube; (c) a sealing gasket between and contacting the hollow tube and sleeve; (d) a trigger mount rigidly attached to the hollow tube or container; (e) a trigger hingedly connected to the trigger mount and operatively connected to the sleeve; (f) an elastic element between the trigger and the hollow tube and/or container; wherein the exit end is closed and there is an opening through the hollow tube wall proximate to the exit end; the sleeve has an open dispensing end, reduces in inside diameter at dispensing end and engages the hollow tube when closed and disengages from the hollow tube when open.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a metered dose of a product, and a method for using the apparatus. The dispensing device has a charging configuration in which an outlet (112; 212) is closed and a metering chamber (120; 220) is configured to expand to its expanded configuration while receiving product through an inlet (111; 211). It also has a discharging configuration in which the outlet (112; 212) is open and the metering chamber (120; 220) is configured to contract to its contracted configuration while expelling the received product through the outlet (112; 212), thereby dispensing a metered dose of product. The dispensing device further comprises a latch mechanism (140; 240), configured to retain the dispensing device in the charging configuration until the metering chamber (120; 220) attains its expanded configuration. The method comprises actuating an actuator (130; 230) of the dispensing device, to fill the metering chamber, and releasing the actuator to dispense the metered dose of product.