Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of managing grey water or other recycled water onboard an aircraft based on demand within the aircraft. In some cases, the grey water is obtained from a lavatory or galley sink of the aircraft and is treated to purify and/or filter the grey water. The treated grey water can be routed within the aircraft according to a control scheme that accounts for demand within the aircraft. For example, some or all of the treated water may undergo electrolysis to produce oxygen gas (O2) and hydrogen gas (H2), some or all of which may be fed into the fuel cell system and used in a chemical reaction to produce electrical energy and other fuel cell by-products that can be directed to various aircraft systems and/or the aircraft cabin/lavatories.

Abstract: A passenger seating arrangement in an aircraft cabin, the passenger seating arrangement including a first column (C1) of seat units and second column (C2) of seat units, the first and second columns being separated by an aisle. Each column includes a multiplicity of pairs of seat units, the pairs of seat units being arranged consecutively along the longitudinal direction. Each pair of seat units comprises: an inwardly facing seat unit angled at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and facing inwardly towards the aisle; an outwardly facing seat unit angled at the same acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft but facing outwardly away from the aisle; the inwardly and outwardly facing seat units bordering each other along a shared boundary.

Abstract: An aircraft box seat structure that defines an interior space having a plurality of seat units, the aircraft box seat structure including: an upper panel that is substantially rectangular and that defines an upper surface of the interior space; a pair of opposing side wall panels respectively coupled to two opposing sides of the upper panel; a side wall panel coupled to each of the upper panel and the pair of opposing side wall panels; an entrance side wall panel opposing the side wall panel and coupled to each of the upper panel and the pair of opposing side wall panels; and a partition member disposed substantially parallel to the pair of opposing side wall panels in the interior space and displaceable between a deployed position that divides the interior space into a plurality of private rooms and a housing position in which the plurality of private rooms are connected.

Abstract: Apparatus for adapting aircraft floors and related methods are disclosed. An example floor of an aircraft includes a floor beam, a seat track, and a cap coupled to the seat track. The cap is disposed over the seat track and the floor beam. The example floor includes a floor panel aligned with the cap.

Abstract: A distributed controller of an aircraft includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and at least one processor. The first communication device is configured to transmit heater status data and receive heater command data via radio waves or power-line communication. The second communication device is configured to transmit at least one heater control signal and to receive heater sensor data. The at least one processor is configured to provide heater control based upon the heater command data and the heater sensor data and to provide heater status information based upon the received heater sensor data.

Abstract: A fixed-wing aerial vehicle includes: a fuselage with an on-board power supply; at least one fixed-wing or aerodynamic surface having at least one heater configured to be energized by the power supply, and having a superhydrophobic coating applied to at least a portion of the at least one fixed-wing or the aerodynamic surface that may be subject to icing; at least one capacitive sensor configured to detect ice formation on the at least one fixed-wing or aerodynamic surface; and a controller configured to selectively activate the at least one heater in response to detected ice formation.

Abstract: A battery compartment includes a body including a mounting cavity, and a first mounting arm and a second mounting arm each extending from the body toward a direction away from the mounting cavity. Each of the first mounting arm and the second mounting arm includes a mounting member. The mounting member of the first mounting arm is configured to mount a first component and orient the first component toward a first side of the body. The mounting member of the second mounting arm is configured to mount a second component and orient the second component toward a second side of the body. The second side is different from the first side.

Abstract: A powered aircraft includes at least one thrust producing engine and an engine controller controllably coupled to the at least one thrust producing engine. The engine controller includes at least a first control channel and a drag control channel. The first control channel is configured to control the at least one thrust producing engine via thrust control and the drag control channel is configured to control the at least one thrust producing engine via drag control.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method comprises receiving a travel plan for a vehicle including a travel path information; determining a vehicle trajectory using the travel path information; obtaining forecasts of at least one of weather and vehicles proximate in time and location to the vehicle along the vehicle trajectory; determining, based upon at least one of the weather forecast and the other vehicles forecast, if at least one optional function would be beneficial to enable during vehicle travel along the vehicle trajectory; and generating at least one enablement code corresponding to the determined at least one optional function.

Abstract: Methods for detecting events, e.g., failures, in actuating systems for turbine engines are provided. In one exemplary aspect, a first slope and a second slope are determined. The first slope is determined by calculating the slope of an engine operating characteristic as a function of time prior to an actuation command. The second slope is determined by calculating the slope of the engine operating characteristic as a function of time after the actuation command. Thereafter, a delta slope is generated based at least in part on the difference between the first slope and the second slope. The delta slope is then compared to a predetermined threshold to determine whether a failure in the actuating system has occurred. Turbine engines configured to detect such events are also provided.

Abstract: A lock-detecting system is configured to be installed in an aircraft to determine if a gust lock is emplaced on a flight control surface. The lock-detecting system includes at least one servo actuator and a computing device. The at least one servo actuator is associated with the flight control surface of the aircraft such that the servo actuator is configured to supply a force to a flight control surface when engaged. The computing device is configured to instruct the at least one servo actuator to actuate the flight control surface, acquire an indication that the flight control surface did not move in response to said actuation by the servo actuator, and alert a pilot to remove the gust lock from the flight control surface.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle capable of operating in harsh environments is disclosed. The unmanned vehicle includes an aerial platform, a piloting system supported by the aerial platform, a medium source supported by the aerial platform, and a control system having a processor running computer executable code that actuates the medium source to emit a medium away from the aerial vehicle with an intensity sufficient to disorient a subject when the medium interacts with an exteroceptive sense of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention details a group of focussed means to create points of light of different sizes and colours, that together form figures whose function is to create a sign in front of the eyes of a driver or operator, to provide them with certain information from a remote point. The points of light are created by the ionization of the air in different points in the space where it is desirable to create the sign in question.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses that provided various features related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An example apparatus may include, among other features, (i) a launch system for a UAV, (ii) a landing feature that is arranged on the apparatus so as to receive the UAV when the UAV returns from a flight, and (iii) a mechanical battery-replacement system that is configured to (a) remove a first battery from the UAV, and (b) after removal of the first battery, install a second battery in the UAV.

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 helipad includes an LED matrix built directly into the landing surface. LEDs within the matrix can be illuminated in controlled patterns to create visible objects to convey information to the pilot of an aircraft landing at the helipad and other personnel. The LEDs can be RGB color-change LEDs that are controlled to output selected colors, and can be activated with variable intensity. One of the patterns can be an arrow aligned with the wind direction as determined by an adjacent windsock, and another pattern can be determined by wind velocity as determined by an adjacent anemometer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of passengers (118) claiming their baggage pieces (115) at an aircraft baggage claim area (106) of an airport. In order e.g. to provide such method which improves usage and availability and user experience in view of reference systems, the method includes providing (706) a plurality of destinations (16) at the aircraft baggage claim area of the airport and along each of two lateral sides (112), (114) of the material handling equipment, and choosing (708) towards which of the two lateral sides (112), (114) the one or more pieces of aircraft baggage (15) should be automatically and actively discharged into at least one of the plurality of destinations (116).

Abstract: A conveyor system for transferring a transport item between a transport unit and a loading area or an unloading belt of a baggage handling conveyor system in an airport. The conveyor system comprises a rail assembly for placement adjacent the unloading belt, and one or more transfer conveyors for placement on the rail assembly. The rail assembly comprises a guide rail, and a base for mounting said rail assembly on a building floor extending. The transfer conveyor comprises a transfer conveyor belt for supporting the transport item. The transfer conveyor is slidable mounted on the guide rail for sliding the one or more transfer conveyors along the guide rail.

Abstract: A method of producing part of an aircraft comprising: providing a frame having a first surface, a second surface, and one or more side edges between the first and second surfaces; mounting the frame to a first tool, the first tool comprising a support surface that contacts the second surface of the frame to opposing movement of the frame; while the frame is mounted to the first tool, machining the first surface to form attachment features; mounting the machined frame to a second tool which contacts with the frame at only the one or more side edges; and, while the frame is mounted to the second tool, attaching, using the attachment features, to the first and second surfaces, aircraft panels to form an outer skin.

Abstract: A first step of propelling a transport ship from a low earth orbit or a geostationary transfer orbit to a targeted orbit or a destination with electric propulsion is provided.

Abstract: An orbiting satellite can be maintained in a virtual orbit, having an orbital period equal to the natural orbit of a satellite at a different altitude, by equipping the satellite with at least one radial thruster. Radial thrusters on the anti-nadir-facing side of the satellite allow for virtual orbits higher than the natural altitude, while radial thrusters on the nadir-facing side of the satellite allow for virtual orbits lower than the natural altitude. This allows a satellite to evade threats, such as orbital debris and/or hostile spacecraft, without losing its relative position within a satellite constellation or experiencing the diminished services often attendant such maneuvers. Similar techniques can also be used for surveillance of orbiting satellites.

Abstract: An exploration method includes: a step of exploring a natural resource on a satellite, a minor planet, or a planet; a step of acquiring the natural resource detected by the exploration; and a step of storing the acquired natural resource.

Abstract: A filling aid device for filling a reservoir. The device includes a cover portion comprising a septum window; a slider beam comprising a septum cover; and a first filling aid tab attached to the slider beam, the first filling aid tab in slidable relation to the cover from a first position to a second position, wherein when the filling aid device is in an unlocked position, the septum cover is located below the septum window, wherein when the first filling aid tab is moved from the first position to the second position, the septum cover is moved from below the septum window, and the filling aid device is in the locked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the production of foods, in particular, a stuffing machine for the production of sausages, with a load circuit that generates a leakage current IA and with a filter, a frequency converter, a motor cable and a motor. The apparatus comprises a leakage current compensator with a device for detecting a leakage current and a device for generating a compensation current that is directed opposite to the leakage current and is superimposed with the leakage current, such that the leakage current is reduced, is in particular substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A method for operating a tubular bag machine having a biaxially drivable transverse sealing device for producing tubular bags, a film sheet being closed by transverse bottom and top seams after having formed a film tube, an edge area of the film sheet forming a side fold using a side folder before forming the transverse bottom seam, and transverse top and bottom seams formed by adjacent tubular bags in one work step, said tubular bags formed in the draw direction having an alternating orientation, said side folder interacting with a stationary fold molding on the inner side of the film sheet, the minimal distance of the transverse sealing device to the fold molding alternatingly altered in the draw direction and being larger when producing the two transverse top seams than the minimal distance of the transverse sealing device to the fold molding when producing the transverse bottom seams.

Abstract: An automatic cable tie apparatus tightens and fastens a cable tie around a bundle of cables. A motor imparts rotational movement to a shaft separately in a first direction and a second direction. The first and second directions are one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. A cable tie delivery mechanism is operably joined to the motor such that the cable tie delivery mechanism transfers a cable tie to a cable tie load starting position as the shaft rotates in the first direction. A transporter is also operably joined to the motor such that the transporter transfers the cable tie from the cable tie load starting position to a cable tie tensioning position as the shaft rotates in the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging device (1) for fitting out an external package (3) with a dividing element (2) and for filling a suchlike divided external package (3) with articles (4), as well as to a method for fitting out an external package (3) within a packaging device (1) with a dividing element (2) for the formation of individual divisions for articles (4) to be disposed in the external package (3).

Abstract: A wire guide includes a solid core mandrel that is initially received in a flat wire coil that has a rest inner diameter that is greater than a uniform diameter of the solid core mandrel. The flat wire of the flat wire coil is in tension between a proximal location and a distal location so that the flat wire coil has a reduced inner diameter that is smaller than its rest inner diameter. The tension in the flat wire is introduced by torquing the mandrel relative to the flat wire coil as part of attaching the coil to the mandrel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing liquid containers by: producing a plastic container by a blow moulding process; filling the plastic container with a flowable medium, such as a liquid; and at least partially closing the container, which is filled with the liquid, with a container closure. After the at least partial closing of the container, a gaseous medium is fed to the interior of the container via at least one opening introduced into at least one portion of a wall of the plastic container or a circumferential wall of the container closure or via an intermediate space which exists between a mouth and the container closure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a double bag (20) are disclosed. The method comprises placing an inner bag (30) in an outer bag (40) through an open top end (42), inserting a gas feeding tube (50) between through the open top end (42), feeding a head space (44) between the inner bag (30) and the outer bag (40) with an inert gas through the gas feeding tube (50), extracting the gas feeding tube (50), and sealing the top end (42). A gas box (80) surrounds the open top end (42) to reduce the risk of oxygen entering the head space (44).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for filling cups in which: a cup is brought and held vertically with and opposite a distribution nozzle; next, the blocking rod is brought into the open position and the cup is filled with a product flowing through the distribution nozzle; when a preferred quantity of product is present in a cup, the blocking rod is brought into the closed position and a product flow is stopped; the blocking rod is brought into a contact position in which the blocking rod extends out of the distribution nozzle through the distribution opening such that a lower end of the blocking rod comes in the contact with the product upper-surface.

Abstract: A method of forming dual layer water soluble packets includes drawing a base film into a cavity of a mold, drawing air through openings in the base film, metering an amount of a first product of a first color onto the base film in the cavity, metering an amount of a second product of a second color onto the amount of the first product, and, sealing a lid film to the base film.

Abstract: A food products packaging automatic plant, comprising: at least a first food products conveying line, comprising in turn a plurality of first connection areas. The plant further comprises a plurality of operative units, each comprising: a movable base, that is able to move at the first connecting areas of the first food products conveying line; processing means, placed on the movable base and connectable to the first conveying line at the first connection areas; the processing means being provided for processing the food products conveyed on the first conveying line; a plurality of sensors; wireless communication means. The plant further comprises: a maintenance station of the operative units; a preparation station of the operative units; and a control and managing central unit, comprising: wireless communication means, for sending and receiving information to and from the operative units; and an internal memory, wherein predetermined information is stored.

Abstract: A container handling plant and a method for a container handling plant are shown. The container handling plant comprises at least one container handling machine for handling containers, wherein at least one container handling machine comprises a type preselection memory in which different types are preselectable for a handling to be performed by the container handling machine, at least one output device positioned at the at least one container handling machine for outputting an audio signal and/or an optical signal, and a control device configured to control the at least one output device such that the output device acoustically outputs a predetermined audio signal made of tone sequences comprising at least two different tones and/or optically outputs an optical signal, if due to the type preselected in the type preselection memory a change of a type or a refilling for the preselected type at the container handling machine is scheduled in the future at the end of a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a packaging apparatus and method for packaging an article with a tubular film to be pulled over the article. The packaging apparatus has a machine frame on which a film supply apparatus and a film covering apparatus are mounted. The packaging apparatus includes a releasable drive coupling usable to operatively couple a drive with either the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus (or a subcomponent of the film supply apparatus). Once coupled, the drive can move the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus relative to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for cutting individual label strips from a roll of label web utilizing a cutter assembly. A label cutter comprises a cutter assembly for continuously and independently controlling the rotational speeds of a rotating cutter shaft, a stationary shaft, and a label feed roller is provided. The length of the label strip is controlled by the distinct speed of rotation of a stationary knife, the stationary knife is rotatably coupled to the stationary shaft. At least one cutter blade is operatively associated to the rotating cutter shaft for cutting the label web. The stationary knife rotates with a speed of rotation different from the speed of rotation of the cutter blade to produce longer or shorter label length strips. The frequency at which the cutter blade meets the stationary knife is inversely related to the length of the label strip that is produced during cut off.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately processing a neck portion of a bottle-shaped can without changing a posture of the can. An inner tool is inserted into the neck portion from the bottom of a can body to form a stepped portion, and comprises a first forming section having a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a neck portion. An outer tool comprises a second forming section that is opposed to the inner tool. The stepped portion is formed on the neck portion by sandwiching the neck portion by the first forming section and the second forming section. The inner tool further comprises a holding member that is situated coaxially with the can body to be contacted to an inner surface of the can body. The holding member is attached to the inner tool while being allowed to move in a radial direction together with the can body.

Abstract: A beverage crate includes a base having opposed end edges and opposed side edges. A pair of end walls extending upward from the end edges of the base. A pair of side walls extend upward from the side edges of the base. Each of the side walls includes an upper band portion connected to the base by inwardly-offset columns. The upper band portions each include at least one upper peak protruding upwardly and at least one complementary recess aligned below the at least one upper peak. The upper band portions each include at least one lower peak protruding downwardly and at least one complementary recess aligned above the at least one lower peak.

Abstract: A package including a tray and a lid is provided. The tray can include a central portion disposed between a plurality of walls and first and second legs. A lid may be releasably coupled to the tray such that the package is configured to hold a food product. Methods of manufacturing and using the package are also provided.

Abstract: A bottle with reinforcing structure for a sidewall around a bottle lip is disclosed. The sidewall is a shoulder in an upper part of a bottle body that has the bottle lip atop the shoulder. The reinforcing structure is such formed that the shoulder is a chamfered rectangular structure in a direction parallel to a width of the bottle body, and four vertical lateral faces support the bottle lip from blow. Four slopes are respectively formed at four corners between any two adjacent lateral faces and each slope has a downward-narrowed surface. All of the lateral faces and the slopes are plane and flat in geometry. Each of the lateral faces has a downward-widened surface defined by the slopes flanking it from two sides, while each of the lateral faces has an upper edge thereof locationally close to the base of the bottle lip. The reinforcing structure structurally strengthens the shoulder.

Abstract: A container formed from at least one blank of sheet material includes a tray, a cover configured to close the tray, and a locking device. The tray includes a tray front panel. The cover includes a cover front panel that extends downwardly from a front edge of a cover top panel. The cover front panel is configured to be positioned in an at-least partially overlapping arrangement with the tray front panel when the cover is closed. The locking device includes a locking tab hingedly attached to the cover top panel and struck in part from the cover top panel and in part from the cover front panel. The locking device also includes a locking recess struck from an upper edge of the tray front panel. The locking device is configured such that the locking tab can be pressed down into the locking recess to selectively secure the cover to the tray in a closed and locked configuration.

Abstract: A container formed from a blank of sheet material includes an outer tray having a bottom wall, front and rear walls, and first and second side walls. A fold-in tray is configured to nest within the outer tray. The fold-in tray is hingedly connected along an upper edge of at least one of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a partition and cover structure that can be accommodated in a shoebox and can be made from one or more conveniently grooved and cut cardboard sheets. The structure includes a substantially rectangular base divided into first and second portions having trapezoidal rectangular shape. The portions of base are consecutive to each other at a respective edge coincident with the oblique side of the aforesaid trapezoidal shape. A pair of mutually opposed partition walls are connected, by way of a fold, to the portions of base at the aforesaid edges, respectively. The structure further includes four side walls two-by-two mutually opposite with respect to the portions of base and connected to the latter by way of respective folds. Also disclosed is a shoebox including the structure, and to one or more substantially flat elements foldable in suitable manner to obtain such structure.

Abstract: The invention covers a shelf-ready packaging (1) and a method for forming it. The shelf-ready packaging comprises at least a package base (2) and at least one detachable part (3), and the package base (2) and the detachable part (3) of the shelf-ready packaging (1) are attached to each other with a fastener (4), and the shelf-ready packaging (1) has one or more tearing elements (5) essentially lengthwise along the fastener (4) for opening the shelf-ready packaging (1). The package base (2) of the shelf-ready packaging (1) comprises at least a base (2a) and a back end (2b). The detachable part (3) and the package base (2) of the shelf-ready packaging (1) are attached to each other with fasteners (4), which form a fastening 20 seam between at least two edges of the walls (2a, 2b, 2e) of the package base (2) and the walls (3a, 3b, 3c, 3b?) of the detachable part (3).

Abstract: A display container of the type constituted by a box-like body in which one or more objects can be stored so that they are visible from the outside, said body being formed by a lower base (2), an upper base (3) and a plurality of walls fixed to said bases (2, 3) in a substantially prismatic configuration of use, and wherein: —the container (1) is provided with a movable wall (7), which is pivoted about a horizontal axis to be rotated and to allow the access to the inside, and means for closing said movable wall (7) are provided, constituted by means adapted to constrain said rotation around the horizontal axis and to maintain the door inclined with respect to a vertical plane that is orthogonal to said bases (2, 3); —said movable wall (7) is interposed between two walls (5, 6) or side walls of said plurality of walls fixed to said bases (2, 3), the movable wall (7) being provided with two pairs of opposite appendixes (77, 78) which define corresponding pins; the pins (77) disposed inferiorly being intended to

Abstract: The present invention provides a corner connector for use in forming transport, storage and display containers and a transport, storage and display container system of stacking compartments that can be interconnected and formed into multiple orientations according to the user's needs.

Abstract: A securing device includes a base and a sheet placed on the base. The sheet includes a hole. A securing support is disposed opposite the hole of the sheet. A coupler secures the sheet to the base through the securing support. The securing support includes a contact face that contacts the coupler. The contact face includes a notch through which the securing support is removed from the coupler to separate the base from the sheet without removing the coupler.

Abstract: A container having a center portion and two side portions each situated at an angle to the center portion and extending in opposite directions such that the a left half of the container is substantially identical to a right half of the container. The container includes recesses and protrusions which enable the container to stack in two orientations generally perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A collapsible storage box contains: a bottom plate, a first long plate, a second long plate, and two foldable short plates. Each foldable short plate includes a first connection sheet and a second connection sheet. A front end of the bottom plate retains with multiple first L-shaped hooks on a bottom of the first long plate, multiple first rotary shafts on a rear end of the bottom plate rotatably connect with multiple first retainers on a bottom of the second long plate respectively, a first side of the bottom plate retains with a first flexible hook on a bottom of the first connection sheet of each foldable short plate, and a second side of the bottom plate retains with a second flexible hook on a bottom of the second connection sheet of each foldable short plate. Thereby, the collapsible storage box is expanded and retracted quickly and easily.

Abstract: The unique popcorn/snack receptacle includes at least a body of circular cross-section having a height, an open top of a first diameter, and a closed bottom of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter. One or more indentions, depressions or extensions may be formed into the body, added to the body or to the closed bottom, adapted to enhance gripping the receptacle by a user's hand, or adapted to engage the receptacle with a cup holder or an arm of a seat. The receptacle may also provide one or more indentions, depressions or extensions comprising two or more holes or circular depressions into the body of the receptacle proximally positioned to engage a thumb and at least one finger of one hand of the user, enhancing the user's grip in the receptacle.