Abstract: A hover-capable flying machine such as a drone includes a robotic arm extending from the body, and an instrumentality for balancing the machine in response to disturbances such as those caused by picking up and dropping of the payload by the extended robotic arm. In embodiments, the end of the arm is equipped with a balancing rotor assembly that may provide lift sufficient to counteract the weight of the payload and/or of the arm. In embodiments, the machine's power pack is shifted in response to the disturbances. The power pack may be moved, for example, on a rail within and/or extending beyond the machine in a direction generally opposite to the extended arm. The power pack may also be built into a bandolier-like device that can be rolled-in and rolled out, thus changing the center of gravity of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.

Abstract: A rotary propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft operable to transition between rotary and non rotary flight modes. The rotary propulsion system includes an engine coupled to a freewheeling unit. A gear system positioned between the freewheeling unit and a proprotor assembly has a torque path coupling assembly disposed between an engine side gear assembly and a rotor side gear assembly. In a disengaged position, the torque path coupling assembly interrupts the torque path between the engine and the proprotor assembly. In an engaged position, the torque path coupling assembly completes the torque path between the engine and the proprotor assembly. A hybrid power unit is configured to accelerate the engine side gear assembly to match the output rotating speed to the input rotating speed enabling the torque path coupling assembly to shift from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

Abstract: A blade retention system includes a rotor hub including a plurality of radial arms, and a blade retention yoke associated with the rotor hub and one of the plurality of radial arms. The blade retention yoke is rotatable relative to the rotor hub and the radial arm. A tension torsion device connects the radial arm to the blade retention yoke to restrict radial movement of the blade retention yoke relative to the radial arm.

Abstract: An aircraft tail rotor system includes a rotating pitch change shaft, a translating element, and a pitch change bearing assembly including a first bearing and a second bearing. The pitch change bearing assembly is operable to transmit movement of the translating element to the rotating pitch change shaft via the first bearing or the second bearing. A failure section is formed at an interface between the first bearing and the translating element. When the failure section decouples the first bearing from the translating element such that the first bearing does not transmit movement of the translating element to the rotating pitch change shaft, the second bearing transmits movement of the translating element to the rotating pitch change shaft.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for an aircraft operable to generate a variable thrust output at a constant rotational speed. The rotor assembly includes a mast rotatable at the constant speed about a mast axis. A rotor hub is coupled to and rotatable with the mast. The rotor hub includes a plurality of spindle grips extending generally radially outwardly. Each of the spindle grips is coupled to one of a plurality of rotor blades and is operable to rotate therewith about a pitch change axis. A collective pitch control mechanism is coupled to and rotatable with the rotor hub. The collective pitch control mechanism is operably associated with each spindle grip such that actuation of the collective pitch control mechanism rotates each spindle grip about the respective pitch change axis to collectively control the pitch of the rotor blades, thereby generating the variable thrust output.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing images of an asset using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The method includes acquiring structural information of the asset, acquiring surrounding information associated with the asset, analyzing the structural information and the surrounding information of the asset to define image capturing points for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and capturing the images of portions of the asset from the defined image capturing points. Moreover, each of the defined image capturing points allows the unmanned aerial vehicle to capture an image of a portion of the asset with an even background.

Abstract: A drone takeoff and landing system according to an embodiment comprises: a drone including a through-hole; and a landing pad including an extension member which can pass through the through-hole, wherein, when the extension member of the landing pad passes through the through-hole of the drone, an eddy current may occur between the through-hole and the extension member to cause magnetic braking of the drone.

Abstract: A side guide for guiding and/or holding cargo items, in particular containers and/or pallets, in an aircraft, comprising a fastening rail extending in the longitudinal direction (v), at least one side guide device, which can be fastened to the fastening rail in the longitudinal direction (v) at different positions (A, B, C, D) and at least one first and at least one second fastening device for fastening the side guide to a cargo deck of the aircraft, in particular in a perforated rail. The first fastening device engages around the fastening rail and/or engages in the fastening rail in such a way that the first fastening device can be displaced in the longitudinal direction (v), in particular relative to the second fastening device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) and method (200) of affixing display material, more particularly, display material on aircraft interior surface such as overhead stowage bin, comprising the steps of: overlaying the display material on the bin surface (S201), then applying at least one holder on at least one bin edge securing the display material and the bin therein (S202).

Abstract: A headrest cover holder system having a sleeve configured to be removably installed on a headrest of a seat on a passenger-vehicle. The sleeve includes an electronic device mount allowing a passenger to mount an electronic-device to a rear-side of the headrest. Adjustable angle setting may be included for optimized comfort during use. The device may also include a padded front-surface and functional indicia.

Abstract: A passenger seating arrangement in an aircraft cabin, the passenger seating arrangement including a column of seat units (C1) adjacent an aisle. The column (C1) includes a multiplicity of seat units, each consecutive seat unit alternates between: an inwardly-facing seat unit angled at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin; an outwardly-facing seat unit angled at the same acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin but facing outwardly away from the aisle. Each seat unit comprises a foot-receiving end. The foot-receiving end of each inwardly-facing seat unit houses a retractable armrest which is configurable between a stowed position, and a deployed position in which the armrest extends to one side away from the foot-receiving end, such that the armrest provides an armrest surface for use by a passenger in the adjacent outwardly-facing seat unit.

Abstract: A passenger seat for an aircraft has a fixed seat portion with a front facing toward a first direction of the aircraft. The fixed seat portion has a centerline spaced equally from opposed lateral sides of the fixed seat portion. A first engagement member extends upwardly from the front at the centerline to a first engagement end. A moveable seat portion is mounted onto the fixed seat portion and is displaceable relative thereto. The moveable seat portion has a second engagement member extending downwardly from a front of the moveable seat portion to a second engagement end. The second engagement member is displaceable with the moveable seat portion to position the second engagement end under the first engagement end in an engagement position such that the overlapping first and second engagement ends prevent the moveable seat portion from pitching in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: There is provided a seat base frame (10) comprising one or more base frame tubes (16) having noncircular cross-sections. In a specific example, the tubes (16) have elliptical cross-sections. Further embodiments provide base frame tubes (16) made of magnesium or magnesium alloys.

Abstract: A pressure control system for an environment to be pressurized includes a controller configured to calculate at least one of: a calculated pressure sensor rate of change error; and a calculated pressure sensor error. The calculated sensor rate of change error is based on a plurality of first environment air pressure signals over a first time period; and the calculated sensor error is based, over a second period of time, a difference between ambient air pressure signals and second environment air pressure signals. A processor in communication with the controller is configured to compare at least one of: the calculated pressure sensor rate of change error with at least one pressure sensor rate of change error control limit; and the calculated pressure sensor error with at least one pressure sensor error control limit.

Abstract: A water extractor includes a body with an outer wall, an inlet, an outlet, a first centerline axis, an inner nozzle, an outer chamber, a serpentine channel, a pocket, and a boss. The first centerline axis extends through a center of the body, the outlet, and the inlet. The inner nozzle is co-axial with the first centerline axis. The outer chamber extends between the outer wall and the inner nozzle. The serpentine channel fluidly connects the inlet and the outer chamber. The pocket is fluidly connected to a portion of the outer chamber and is configured to collect water from the outer chamber. The boss extends from and is fluidly connected to the pocket. The boss includes a second centerline axis at an angle with the first centerline axis of approximately 10 degrees or greater.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide for evacuating people from a first structure to a second structure is disclosed. The slide comprises: at least three longitudinal beams, including two lateral lower beams and an upper beam, spaced apart transversally over their length and substantially parallel to each other in the inflated state, each beam comprising at least one inflatable longitudinal tube; and a plurality of inflatable lateral panels connected to said upper beam and to said lateral lower beams. The inflatable longitudinal tubes may comprise a braid tube. The inflatable lateral panels may comprise drop stitch material. Each of the inflatable longitudinal tubes may include at least one end plate for closing an end of the tube.

Abstract: A radial inlet plenum a forward panel, an aft panel, and a cowling extending therebetween. The forward and aft panels are coupled between the cowling and an engine. The forward and aft panels include flexible sections to allow the engine to translate radially and axially, as well as rotate, relative to the cowling.

Abstract: An active cooling system includes a sensor configured to monitor a status of a lubrication system of a lubricated component and a cowling configured to cover at least a portion of the lubricated component. The cowling includes an inlet panel configured to move from a normal operating position to a cooling position, wherein the cooling position creates an air inlet configured to increase airflow passing by the lubricated component. The active cooling system further includes an actuator configured to initiate movement of the inlet panel from the normal operating position to the cooling position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operator terminal of an avionic system for flying an aircraft, suitable for use during a mission including a plurality of mission phases, the operator terminal comprising at least a display module and a computing device, implementing a flight management system suitable for determining a reference trajectory of the aircraft by incorporating at least one environment constraint. This terminal is suitable for displaying, on the display module, the reference trajectory, a current position of the aircraft and a plurality of accessibility zones, at least one of the accessibility zones having an intersection with the reference trajectory, the accessibility zones having an associated calculated accessibility level, the accessibility level being defined as a function of a current mission phase, a trajectory predicted from the reference trajectory and at least one flight constraint associated with the current mission phase.

Abstract: An aircraft includes an engine and a system that is configured to detect an event associated with the engine during a take-off. The system is further configured to determine a speed of the aircraft a particular time after the event and to determine a remaining distance between the aircraft and an end of a runway at the particular time. The system is also configured to compare the speed of the aircraft to a take-off rejection speed threshold. The take-off rejection speed threshold indicates a maximum aircraft speed that would result in the aircraft stopping prior to a particular distance from the end of the runway. The take-off rejection speed threshold is selected from a plurality of aircraft speeds generated during aircraft deceleration simulations. The system is also configured to generate an indication recommending whether to continue the take-off based on comparison.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a composite member and a fastener. The composite member has a through hole. The fastener is inserted in the through hole and couples the composite member and another part to each other. The composite member includes an electrically-conductive composite member provided at least in part or all of a through-hole portion. The through-hole portion is a portion, of the composite member, having the through hole. The electrically-conductive composite member has a thickness that is greater in a portion, of the electrically-conductive composite member, included in the through-hole portion than in a portion, of the electrically-conductive composite member, other than the through-hole portion.

Abstract: An aircraft platform includes a base, a landing pad, a level sensor, and at least one actuator. The landing pad is supported on the base. The level sensor is configured to detect an inclination angle of at least one of the landing pad and the base with respect to a level ground. The at least one actuator is connected to change an inclination of the landing pad.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and launch system, including: a UAV pod having an interior; and a telescoping UAV landing surface disposed in the interior of the UAV pod; where the telescoping UAV landing surface may translate up toward a top opening of the UAV pod, translate down into an interior of the UAV pod, or rotate relative to the UAV pod.

Abstract: A component manufacturing method includes a step in which a robot for attachment gripping a long frame presses the frame against a tabular skin and a step in which, in a state in which the frame is pressed against the skin, a robot for riveting gripping a first rivet inserts the first rivet into a first through-hole formed in the skin and a second through-hole formed in the frame. In the step, the robot for riveting changes a position in the gripped first rivet in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the first rivet according to a force received by the first rivet from the skin or the frame.

Abstract: An automated batch filling apparatus comprising a first base comprising a first plurality of metering holes, a trough slidably disposed on an upper surface of the first base, one or more guides configured to constrain a motion of the trough, a gate disposed on a bottom surface of the first base, wherein the gate comprises a second plurality of metering holes, a second base disposed below the gate, wherein the second base comprise a third plurality of metering hole, and one or more vibration devices, wherein the one or more vibration devices are configured to agitate the filling apparatus.

Abstract: A filling system includes a conveyance chamber that conveys vessels, a filling chamber provided with a filling head that fills content into the vessels, a pressure control means that controls the pressure conditions of each chamber, an intermediate chamber that is provided between the conveyance chamber and the filling chamber, and a shutter that can separate the conveyance chamber and the intermediate chamber. When the filling chamber is separated by the shutter, the pressure control means controls the pressure of the intermediate chamber to become lower than the pressure of the conveyance chamber and the filling chamber.

Abstract: A refill bottle and system for an electronic cigarette. The refill bottle and system can comprise a refill bottle. The refill bottle can comprise a bottle housing, a bottle cavity defined by the bottle housing, and a refill assembly coupled to the bottle housing. The refill assembly can comprise a bottle stopper, a movable assembly, a spring, a filling projection, and a projection opening. The refill assembly can be configured to cover the filling projection and the projection opening when no force is acting upon the refill assembly. The refill system can further comprise an eCig tank comprising a tank side wall, a tank reservoir defined by the tank side wall, and a self-sealing port coupled to the tank side wall.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine, comprising an input conveyor belt, a reel holder, containing a reel of single-fold film, a contoured shaped film former, a sealing bar, a collecting device, an output conveyor belt, and a pulling device with at least an upper driving wheel and a lower driving wheel in contact with a layer of single-fold film interposed between said wheels which, rotating in opposite directions, move the single-fold film along the automatic packaging machine; a drive shaft, which transfers a rotational motion to the driving wheels to move the single-fold film along the automatic packaging machine; a lifting actuator, which moves the upper driving wheel away from the lower driving wheel (or vice versa) when sealing the single-fold film, so as to reduce the tension exerted by the driving wheels on the single-fold film during the sealing step and having a lifting actuator actuated by the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a product package having a tray and a combination flexible/rigid lid design that comprises a rigid or semi-rigid frame and a flexible film that is transparent or translucent that is fixedly attached to the frame and releasably attached to the package tray. The novel product package is capable of maintaining a seal until opened by a consumer, allows a consumer to see the product through the lid, can be opened with a single step, and is resealable and/or reusable by the consumer.

Abstract: A method of producing a packaging structure, including the steps: coating at least one surface of a first sheet base material and/or a second sheet base material with a synthetic polyisoprene latex having a weight average molecular weight of 500,000 -5,000,000 and/or a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 100,000-300,000, sandwiching an article to be packaged in a state wherein the first and second sheet base material are in contact with each other via a latex coated surface formed on the first and/or second sheet base material to thereby obtain a laminated body, pressing a portion where at least the first and second sheet base material of the laminated body are in contact with each other via the latex coated surface at a temperature of 100° C. or less to thereby obtain a pressed laminated body, and performing a sterilization treatment on the pressed laminated body.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a tensioning mechanism, which can include an input shaft configured to receive torque from a torque source and transmit the torque via a gear assembly to the one or more output gears or shafts such that the one or more output gears or shafts are caused to rotate and output torque.

Abstract: A packaging machine for making capsules of the type including a container having an inlet opening and a bottom and at least one substantially disc-shaped element associated with the container, including a movement system by which the containers are directed along a predetermined path in a feed direction; a movement means by which a continuous web for defining the disc-shaped elements is moved along a second predetermined path; a cutoff station where the disc-shaped elements are cut from the continuous web and which is positioned along the second predetermined path and an associating station where the disc-shaped elements are associated with the containers and which is positioned along the predetermined path; the associating station is distinct from the cutoff station and the machine includes a transfer system by which the disc-shaped elements are transferred from the cutoff station to the associating station.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for feeding electronic components are capable of increasing a rate of filling accommodation holes with electronic components. An accommodation plate including accommodation holes, respective openings of which are distributed over a main surface of the accommodation plate, is prepared, and electronic components are loaded onto the main surface of the accommodation plate. A horizontal vibration in an X-axis direction and/or a Y-axis direction and a vertical vibration in a Z-axis direction are applied to the accommodation plate with the main surface of the accommodation plate level. The horizontal and vertical vibrations have an equal number of vibrations and a prescribed phase difference therebetween. The accommodation plate is vibrated so that each of the electronic components is fed into one of the accommodation holes while moving over the main surface of the accommodation plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling a bag, a bag contour welding tool for manufacturing a bag, a welding tool for welding a bag, a method of filling a bag, a method of manufacturing a bag, a plant for manufacturing and filling a bag and to a bag which has been manufactured and filled with such a plant or which has been manufactured with a bag contour welding tool. The invention allows a filling of a bag, in particular a bag for medical purposes, without the necessity of providing a filling port on the bag. In this way, resources and costs can be saved, preventing damage to the environment.

Abstract: A handling device includes a support element, a support plate fixed to the support element, a drive shaft, a rotation plate hinged to the drive shaft and an elastic return element. Clamps connect to the rotation plate and include first and second jaws, each having a handling portion and a drive portion. A conduction wheel connects to the drive portion of the first jaw. The second jaw drive portion has a slot with a pressure surface. The second jaw drive portion connects to the first jaw drive portion. A cam profile at a peripheral area of the support plate provides for opening. The first jaw opens when the conduction wheel rotates on the cam profile. A wheel mounts onto the first jaw drive portion inserts inside the slot. The second jaw opening couples to the first jaw opening by the wheel, which acts on the pressure surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of product handling systems facilitate transfer of individual product items from incoming bulk form into dedicated trays for inspection, sorting, selection, and packaging. Inspection may comprise interrogation of product items within a tray by electromagnetic (e.g., optical, hyperspectral) or other (e.g., physical, acoustic, gas sensing, etc.) techniques. Prior to packaging, product items disposed within the tray may be stored in a moveable carousel responsible for controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, illumination, ambient gases, product-to-product interactions, and/or others. Movement of product items from a carousel's transfer station to an outside staging position may be accomplished using robots and/or conveyor belts. Embodiments may allow rapid, low-cost consumer selection of specific individual product items based upon their accompanying metadata (e.g., source, identifier), in combination with the results of inspection (e.g., visual appearance).

Abstract: A film wrapping apparatus includes a shaft member having two holding portions coaxially aligned with each other, a roll locker for releasably locking two film rolls at the holding portions respectively in a free-rotating manner, and a dispensing handle transversely extended from the shaft member at a position between the holding portions thereof, wherein the dispensing handle provides a holding point for being held by an operator to unroll the film rolls in a concurrent and controllable manner so as to wrap stretch films of the film rolls around the load.

Abstract: My idea is for a new 5 gal. plastic utility bucket that can be used safely in hydroponics. My idea is for a new safer utility bucket that is easily pulled with the hand, rope or a lanyard, and can be easily pushed near the bottom with a foot, stick or a pole grabber when heavily loaded. My newly designed bucket bottom enables my bucket to slide over carpets, concrete, and other rough surfaces making close working or long pulling of my bucket easier and safer to work with. My new bottom design will not hold water, and will slowly wear down from the center diamond out to the slightly lowering inside and outside ridges. My bucket will tilt and fall over when empty when a weight is placed on the bucket top near the edge, and can be pushed over easier at the top than a normal 5 gal. bucket due to the lipped bottom edge and when heavy with water. I am hopeful that this bucket design will be safer around children if one was to fall into a bucket.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reusable stackable shipping box are provided herein. The reusable stackable shipping box may be reused and cleaned without causing harm to the integrity of the box. In addition, the box is slightly tapered in shape such that the box may be stacked upon and within other boxes for ease in shipping and organization.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton (90) for packaging one or more articles (B). The carton (90) comprises a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18) for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels comprises: a first side wall panel (12); a first end wall panel (14); a second side wall panel (16); and a second end wall panel (18). A first handle structure (H) is defined in a first one of the plurality of panels (12). The first handle structure (H) comprises a severance line (60) defining at least in part a handle opening. A first end closure panel (22b) forms, at least in part, a top wall (22b/24b/26b/28b) which at least partially closes an upper end of the tubular structure and is hingedly connected to the first one of the plurality of panels (12) by a first hinged connection (23b).

Abstract: A container with a selectively openable cover to selectively allow access to one or more compartments is disclosed.

Abstract: A three-door storage box, includes one integrally-formed box body and side frame part. The integrally-formed box body includes the front box panel, the rear box panel, the bottom box panel, the top box panel as well as the buckle panel. The side frame part includes the outer frame, the inner frame, and the frame door. Horizontal and vertical fixed jacks are arranged on the outer frame. Spacer pins are arranged on both upper and lower ends of the outer frame. The storage box can be opened in three directions from left, right and the front to conveniently access the contents in the box. In addition, through installation of fixed jacks and spacer pins, the storage box can be easily assembled/disassembled with all the parts tightly connected, which extends the usage life.

Abstract: A tip-over prevention apparatus is provided for use with a product. The product is disposable for transportation in side-to-side, front-to-back and up-and-down directions. The tip-over prevention apparatus includes tilt arms disposed at sides of the product facing in the side-to-side directions and hinges by which the tilt arms are rotatably coupled to the sides of the product.

Abstract: A box body has fitting ribs and fitting target portions that are provided on a lower end portion of side walls of the box body and used when a plurality of box bodies are nested. The lower end portions of the side walls are connected to the bottom wall of the box body. In other words, the fitting ribs and the fitting target portions are provided on the side walls at areas subjected to a relatively small amount of displacement. Therefore, the amount of displacement of the fitting ribs and the fitting target portions, which may occur when the sidewalls subjected to deflection deformation, can be significantly reduced. Therefore, even when the box body has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape opening upward and forward, the box bodies in the nested state achieve reliable stability.

Abstract: A drip stopper for preventing the undesired falling of drops during pouring includes a substantially cylindrical wall having an insertion part for inserting into a bottleneck, and a pouring-out part. The wall has an axially parallel set-back in the form of a recess which extends over the axial length of the wall and makes is possible to adapt the drip stopper to bottlenecks of different widths.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a system which enables arrangements of various shapes and sizes to be packaged for delivery and transport utilizing a standard container. Systems in accordance with the present invention utilize a first and second container each capable of receiving a foam base utilized in the creation of an arrangement of a predetermined size. The first and second containers are of different sizes so that one may nest inside the other. Once nested, the containers form a locking engagement with one another.

Abstract: Provided are: a package that is capable of transporting a composite material without generating fluff by suppressing shedding of carbon fibers from the composite material while holding the composite material at a fixed position during transportation; and a method for manufacturing the package. This package is prepared by stacking a composite material in the form of a plurality of plates on a mounting stand having a plurality of fitting holes, wherein: the composite material includes carbon fibers and a thermoplastic resin; the composite material is held by a plurality of holding members detachably attached to the fitting holes; of the contact surfaces of the composite material and the holding members, one of the contact surfaces of either the composite material or the holding members is curved, and the other contact surface is flat or curved.

Abstract: Barrel-with-cover assembly has a barrel and a cover covering at least a portion of the barrel outside surface. Cover has at least one open end. A means for gathering the cover maintains the open end of the cover in limited contact against the outer surface of the barrel. This limited contact, alone or in combination with a liquid exit port, allows liquid that collects between the cover and the barrel to escape, reducing hoop rusting. The assembly is used in a process for aging an alcoholic beverage in the barrel. The film from which the cover is made can have a low ethanol transmission rate and a high oxygen transmission rate, producing organoleptic results similar to uncovered control barrel.

Abstract: A concealment device, system, and method for concealing printed matter are described. The concealment device features a translucent colored material having a color that corresponds to a first color of printed matter that is configured inside or behind the concealment device so as to be positioned adjacent to and beneath the colored material. The printed matter is concealed when viewed through the colored material from outside the concealment device. The concealment device can be an envelope, a magazine, or a booklet. The concealment system includes the concealment device and a printed item that is coverable by the concealment device. The printed item includes printed matter having a first color that corresponds to a color of the colored material. The printed matter is not visible when viewed through the colored material from outside the concealment device.