Abstract: A rotor damping system includes a rotor blade defining opposed leading and trailing edges, wherein the rotor blade has flexibility in an edgewise direction defined between the leading and trailing edges. A spar is mounted within the rotor blade, wherein the spar is stiff against flexure in the edgewise direction. A damper is operatively connected to the spar for damping relative motion of the spar and blade.

Abstract: A swashplate guide for use with a spherical bearing and which connects with an adjacent component includes a hollow cylindrical tube formed from a composite material. An exterior surface of the hollow cylindrical tube provides an engagement surface with the spherical bearing. A flange arranged at an end of the hollow cylindrical tube provides an interface with the adjacent component.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle including a main body, a plurality of arms, a propulsion assembly and a battery assembly, where each arm is coupled to the main body and the propulsion assembly is disposed on the each arm. The battery assembly is accommodated in a battery compartment of the main body. The battery assembly includes a shell, a battery body substantially disposed in the shell, a clamp button, and a restorable elastic piece. An end of the clamp button is mounted or connects to the shell, and the other end of the clamp button is detachably coupled to the main body. An end of the restorable elastic piece is disposed on the shell or connect to the shell, and the other end of the restorable elastic piece contacts the clamp button.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises a weapons bay, the weapons bay comprising a cavity having an opening through which stores may be deployed, and a door assembly for exposing/closing the opening of the cavity. A first store is held in the cavity via a launcher and a first structure is disposed inside the cavity, for controlling the aero-acoustic environment. The first structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment is removeably mounted in the weapons bay, such that if the first store is exchanged for a second, different, store, the structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment may be unmounted from the weapons bay and removed, to be exchanged for a second, different, structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft monument is adapted for being mounted against an aft-facing bulkhead of the aircraft. The monument may have an aisle-accessible compartment that includes comestible item dispensers and lower footwell regions to accommodate the passengers seated immediately aft of the monument. The monument may also include an aft-facing wall that is readily removal during a maintenance operation so as to facilitate servicing of a heater or chiller unit disposed inside the monument.

Abstract: A modular lavatory assembly for a vehicle cabin includes a lavatory module having a housing and a toilet system having a toilet arranged in an inner space of the lavatory module and at least one service module having at least one service unit for personal use by a passenger. The at least one service module is attached to an outside of the housing. The housing encloses an inner space, which is free from additional service modules and includes at least one recess for accessing the at least one service unit of the at least one service module from an inside of the housing with the at least one service module being configured for providing access through the at least one recess. The at least one service module includes at least one additional access for accessing the at least one service unit from outside the housing.

Abstract: A table assembly movable between stowed and deployed configurations. A base portion is attachable to a surface, and a table portion is moveable between retracted and extended positions. The table portion includes upper and lower surfaces. An arm portion has first and second ends, the first end engaging the base portion and the second end disposed within the table portion. The table portion is slidably moveable along a longitudinal axis of the arm portion between the retracted and extended positions, and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the arm portion between generally vertical and generally horizontal positions when the table portion is in the extended position.

Abstract: An aircraft de-icing system has a nozzle with at least one movable element configured to move between a first position and a second position to change a spraying configuration of the nozzle between a first configuration and a second configuration. The aircraft de-icing system further has at least one storage reservoir configured for containing a de-icing agent and a pump for pumping the de-icing agent from the at least one storage reservoir to the nozzle. The aircraft de-icing system further has a pressurized air source in fluid communication with the nozzle for delivering pressurized air to the nozzle. The nozzle is configured for selectively mixing varying amounts of the pressurized air and varying amounts of the de-icing agent to provide a spray pattern for application on a surface of an aircraft based on a position of the at least one movable element between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may comprise an electro-thermal heating element and a controller. The electro-thermal heating element may be configured to heat a structure, and the controller may be configured to: identify a target temperature for the structure; identify a target rate of temperature change for the structure; identify a target voltage for heating the structure at the target rate of temperature change; and apply the target voltage to the electro-thermal heating element.

Abstract: In order to maintain a surface region of an aircraft free of ice in a particularly energy-efficient manner, a device for deicing and/or for preventing ice formation is provided on an aircraft. The device includes a heat emitting device for emitting heat at a surface region of the aircraft, the heat emitting device is designed to dissipate heat along a line in order to produce a predetermined breaking point or a predetermined breaking line or parting line in ice accumulating on the surface region.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes at least two propulsion engines. Each propulsion engine rotates about a longitudinal rotational axis, and a propulsive fan associated with each propulsion engine rotates in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal rotational axis. Each plane is at least one of spaced axially along a fuselage of the aircraft and canted such that each plane does not intersect any other plane associated with another propulsion engine and propulsive fan.

Abstract: An alternating current type electric propulsion system is described that includes an AC generator and a plurality of propulsors electrically coupled to the AC generator. A first propulsor from the plurality of propulsors includes a first motor that drives a first fan of the first propulsor at a first speed. A second propulsor from the plurality of propulsors comprises a second motor that drives a second fan of the second propulsor at a second speed that is different than the first speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine cowling of an aircraft gas turbine which has a rear area that comprises at least two doors that are arranged at the bottom area of the rear area of the engine cowling and are to be opened by means of overhead hinges, wherein the hinges are arranged so as to be tilted with respect to the engine axis.

Abstract: A multi-engine power system is described that includes at least a first engine and a second engine configured to jointly provided mechanical power to the multi-engine power system. The multi-engine power system further includes a controller configured to estimate a deterioration factor of the first engine. The controller is further configured to adjust, based on the deterioration factor of the first engine, a first amount of mechanical power being provided by the first engine to increase a service time of the first engine, and adjust, based on the first amount of mechanical power being provided by the first engine, a second amount of mechanical power being provided by the second engine to compensate for the adjustment to the first amount of mechanical power.

Abstract: A liquid measurement system for determining a quantity of a liquid within a tank includes a pressurized air supply, a valve connected to the pressurized air supply with the valve able to introduce a known mass of air into the tank, a pressure sensor able to measure the change in air pressure within the tank, and a processor operatively connected to the valve and the pressure sensor. The processor is able to determine the volume of the liquid within the tank from the known mass of air introduced into the tank and the change in air pressure within the tank.

Abstract: A fuel tank inerting system uses a catalytic oxidation unit to combust fuel from the fuel tank to produce inert gas, simultaneously working with a gas separator that removes dissolved carbon dioxide from the fuel before it is cycled to the thermal management system (TMS) or the engine. This prevents cavitation of carbon dioxide (gaseous bubbling) within the fuel at varying temperatures while in flight.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating engine and electrical machine health are provided. The systems and methods therefore include features that provide for improved health estimates of one or more engines and/or electrical machines of one or more engines having an electrical machine embedded therein or coupled thereto. In particular, the systems and methods therefore include features for utilizing sensed or measured operating parameters of the electrical machines and/or operating parameters of the prime mover to estimate the health of the prime mover and/or the electrical machines embedded therein or coupled thereto.

Abstract: A system and method includes a structural body, a plurality of structural health monitoring (SHM) sensors, and first and second computer systems. The structural body includes a plurality of structures. The SHM sensors are configured to sense structural health data for a plurality of zones of the structures. The first computer system is configured to collect the structural health data from the SHM sensors. The second computer system includes a display and is configured to receive the structural health data from the first computer system and groups the zones into a plurality of structural regions, and groups the plurality of structural regions into at least one structural area. The display is configured to provide a visual representation of a structural region health of a first one of the plurality of structural regions based on the structural data for respective ones of the zones within the first one of the plurality of structural regions.

Abstract: A coated substrate includes: a substrate; an electrically conductive multilayer stack on the substrate; and a coating on the electrically conductive multilayer stack. A thickness of the coating is 5 to 10 mils and the coating includes a conductive, anti-static tiecoat on the electrically conductive multilayer stack; and a conductive, anti-static topcoat on the conductive, anti-static tiecoat. The conductive, anti-static tiecoat and the conductive, anti-static topcoat are formed from a coating composition including a hydrophobic first aliphatic polyisocyanate, a second aliphatic polyisocyanate including a hydrophilic portion, a polyester polyol, a hydrophilic polyol, and a fluorinated polyol compound is disclosed.

Abstract: A layered construction is provided having a storage modulus G?t25 at 25° C., comprising: a) a cured polymeric composite having a storage modulus G?s25 at 25° C.; and b) a cured surfacing film bound thereto; wherein G?t25 is not greatly elevated over G?s25, typically not more than 118% of G?s25. In some embodiments the cured surfacing film comprises an electrically conductive layer, typically a metal layer. In some embodiments the cured surfacing film comprises a cured epoxy resin which may optionally be a chain-extended epoxy resin and may excludes phosphorus. The resulting layered construction may display high erosion resistance, high corrosion resistance, and high resistance to microcracking. In another aspect, methods of making the subject layered constructions are provided.

Abstract: A fastening system having differentiable components includes a first fuse pin with a first mating figure and being configured to shear upon the application of a first predetermined load and a first receiver with a second mating feature. The first and second mating features correspond and permit the insertion of the first fuse pin into the first receiver to selectively connect components. The system may include a second fuse pin having a third mating feature and being configured to shear upon the application of a second predetermined load, which may differ from the first predetermined load. The second fuse pin having a third mating feature that prevents the insertion of the second fuse pin into the first receiver. The first fuse pin may be configured to connect together components of a first aircraft and the second fuse pin may be configured to connect together components of a different aircraft.

Abstract: There is provided a flying device that includes a flying mechanism, a frame, and a covering member. The flying mechanism includes a propeller and a drive mechanism that rotatably drives the propeller. The frame surrounds the flying mechanism and supports the covering member. The covering member covers at least an upper face side of the propeller and a lower face side of the propeller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wingless aircraft (1) having a plurality of lifting rotors (3) which are driven by electric motor and rotate about various rotor axes (2). The aircraft (1) has at least one energy store (21) for making available the electrical energy necessary to operate the lifting rotors (3), at least one control device (22) for actuating the lifting rotors (3) and for communication with a ground station and at least two camera devices (4) for detecting a panorama image. An extremely small, spherical rotor envelope (5) which encloses all the lifting rotors (3) has a larger volume than an extremely small spherical camera envelope (6) which encloses camera lenses (7) of all the camera devices (4). The camera devices (4) extend over a field of vision, wherein the field of vision surrounds the entire aircraft (1), and wherein the lifting rotors (3) lie outside the field of vision.

Abstract: A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle launch tube comprising a sabot disposed in an interior of the launch tube, the sabot having a first clasp tab and an expandable skirt. The sabot is hollow, and the expandable skirt has a circumferential skirt protrusion and is configured to provide a pressure seal with the inner circumferential wall of the launch tube. The system further comprises a clasp detachably coupled to the first clasp tab and contacting the inner circumferential wall of the launch tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a structure. The apparatus may comprise a support, a load-balancing structure associated with the support, and a set of connection devices associated with the load-balancing structure. The set of connection devices may be configured to connect to the structure to form a set of control points. Each of the set of connection devices may be configured to independently control a location of a corresponding control point in the set of control points.

Abstract: A satellite includes: at least one optical photography instrument including a main lens having an optical axis and the optical instrument having a field of view; at least one launcher interface system, intended for being removably secured to a satellite interface system of a launcher of the satellite; a linking device between the launcher interface and the optical instrument extending substantially parallel to the optical axis of the main lens between an upper end and a lower end; the launcher interface system is connected to the linking device by the lower end and the optical axis of the optical instrument is directed from the upper end towards the lower end of the linking device, the launcher interface system being outside the field of view of the instrument.

Abstract: A space vehicle (1), in particular a satellite or a probe, capable of executing high-thrust maneuvers or high specific impulse maneuvers. According to the invention, the space vehicle (1) includes at least one solid-propellant chemical thruster (10-14) and at least one electric thruster (20-24).

Abstract: A multi-functional composite structure has a modular design that can be altered depending on an extreme environment in which the structure will be exposed such as hazardous radiation, micro-meteoroid and orbital debris impacts, extreme temperature changes, etc. The material combinations employed in the multi-functional composite structure provide a supporting structure with low weight and maximum protection from radiation, debris impacts and temperature variations.

Abstract: Transfer of objects between spacecraft can be achieved in a low gravity environment. A capture device can be part of a module that facilitates visualization of a vessel that approaches the capture device. The module can facilitate positioning of the capture device for reception of the vessel. The capture device can include spring-loaded locking arms that both allow receipt and prevent escape of the vessel. At least a portion of each locking arm can extend radially inwardly and axially toward a cushion damper of the capture device. The locking arms can move radially away from each other upon application of a force from the vessel that is axially toward the cushion damper. The locking arms can move radially toward each other upon application of a force from the vessel that is axially away from the cushion damper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrapping device (1) configured to wrap a bale (12) with a wrapping material (2), wherein the device (1) comprises a wrapping unit (3) which is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise and which is configured to wrap part of the bale by rotating the wrapping unit (3) counterclockwise around the bale and to wrap another part of the bale by rotating the wrapping unit (3) clockwise around the bale. By means of such a device, it is possible to wrap a bale without using a welding device. By means of such a device, it is also possible to use not readily weldable wrapping material (such as e.g. tape fabric made from PP or PE).

Abstract: The application relates to a discharge system (1) for discharging a plurality of flexible containers from a tubular storage assembly, comprising: —a storage assembly support (12) configured to support the tubular storage assembly; —a discharge device (14) configured to remove the containers from the tubular storage assembly and move the containers one by one from the second end of the tubular storage assembly towards a discharge region (15), wherein the discharge device comprises: —a gripper unit (81); —a drive (82, 84) configured to cause the storage assembly and the gripper unit to rotate relative to each other; wherein the gripper unit is configured to grip dispensing spouts of containers successively passing by the gripper unit, to transport the gripped dispensing spouts and associated containers in a substantially axial direction and to collect the dispensing spouts in the discharge region.

Abstract: A fuel additive bottle has a neck and thread pattern that allows insertion into a capless fuel system so the bottle's contents can be poured by gravity into a fuel tank. The neck of the bottle is elongated and has a diameter of approximately 0.854?, and the novel thread pattern includes thread interruptions that form at least one threadless path. In use, the spring loaded tabs of a capless fuel system are depressed by the threadless path portion of bottle, thereby triggering the self-sealing mechanism to open, so the fluid receiving aperture is exposed. The use of the threadless paths facilitates the safe and easy entry and removal of the bottle from the capless fuel system.

Abstract: The printing device, first, as shown in FIG. 2A, forms white layers (90) by a first white inkjet head on the surface of the can body (10). Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, irradiation of ultraviolet rays by a first irradiation lamp (261) is performed and the white layers (90) are cured. Then, the can body (10) is moved to a second white inkjet head and, as shown in FIG. 2C, more white ink is loaded on some of the white layers (90) formed by the first white inkjet head. As a result, the thickness of some of the white layers (90) is increased. Next, the can body (10) passes successively under multiple color inkjet heads. As a result, color ink layers (91) are formed on the surface of the can body (10) and the white layers (90), as shown in FIG. 2D.

Abstract: A child resistant package is made from paperboard, cardboard or other foldable sheet material. The package includes an outer sleeve having a closed end and an opposed open end and an inner sleeve, telescopically received within the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has a closed end adjacent the open end of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is joined to the outer sleeve by a frangible connection. The package further includes a selectively releasable lock between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve for preventing withdrawal of the inner sleeve from the outer sleeve after the frangible connection between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve has been broken.

Abstract: A pallet includes a top deck having a rectangular shape, a bottom deck having a rectangular shape, and spaced apart corner support blocks and spaced apart intermediate support blocks coupled between the top and bottom decks and forming a gap therebetween for receiving a lifting member. Centerline markings are carried by at least one of the top deck, the bottom deck, and the corner and intermediate support blocks so as to provide a visual aid to an operator of the lifting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods and to a transport and storage system and, in particular, a system for the transportation and storage of goods such as palletized goods and self-standing goods. The present invention seeks to provide a system that can enable goods to be securely and reliably horizontally, vertically and offset stacked, despite different sizes of goods and support members therefor, such as pallets, whereby wasted volumes arising from the presence of irregular loads, pallets or pallets of different levels or different load ratings in storage and transport can be minimized.

Abstract: An interlocking or mating container and container system are presented herein. In particular, the system includes a plurality of adjacently disposed (side-by-side, end-to-end and stacked) containers that are dimensioned to maximize the available space on a pallet or in a shipping unit. The containers are configured to include a plurality of interlocking or mating portions such as one or more side flanges, teeth or projections, a handle engaging portion or channel, one or more wheel assembly receiving portions, or one or more foot receiving portions. The Interlocking or mating portions are configured to matingly engage or abut corresponding portions of an adjacent container and at least partially restrict movement there between.

Abstract: A multi-unit storage device wherein two separate compartments are attached together at their bottom portions. The containers are vacuum or otherwise sealed at their top portions such that when the top portions are opened, the seal is broken and access to the products contained therein is provided.

Abstract: A volume-reducing container system and method for reducing empty air space within the container as the contents are removed, providing a spiral-grooved container body with a continuous downward spiraling groove along a cylindrical side surface, and providing a cutting cap to seal the container body, and having mounted inside a reducing cutter to follow and cut through the continuous downward spiraling groove when the cutting cap is turned in a nominally clockwise direction, yielding a smaller container and a tail of removed material, a tail channel within the cutting cap to allow passage of the tail of removed material out of the cutting cap, and a tail-trimming cutter which moves away from the tail of removed material during clockwise rotation of the cutting cap, and moves into and cuts the tail of removed material when the cutting cap is rotated counterclockwise.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a container for transporting and storing goods, having a floor and side walls extending from the floor. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the side walls or a part thereof is formed by a grid-like structure which is extensible and compressible or able to be pulled apart and squeezed together at least in one direction and within the side wall plane so as to demarcate or to close the container toward the side in a first position and to release the container toward the side in a second position.

Abstract: Containers comprising a food-contacting surface and a coating thereon are disclosed. The coating comprises a polymer derived from benzene dimethanol having segments of the following structure: where R1 is phenylene and R2 is a divalent organic group and n=5 to 50.

Abstract: A coupon cup has a circular outer cup wall with a bottom cup member attached. A space is created between the bottom cup member and the bottom rim of the cup into which a plurality of stacked coupons is placed. Each coupon is removably attached to an adjacent coupon by a fold connection, such that when the coupons are folded at these connections and stacked one on top of another, they form the single stack of coupons. A tab on one of the coupons allows the user to pull the coupons from the cup. This results in an extended accordion configuration of coupons which may thus be easily separated for use.

Abstract: An envelope construct having at least two layers and at least two sheet layers and a tilde matrix core placed there between. The tilde matrix core formed as a slit web material having a straight or curvilinear structure that is substantially longer than it is wide, with specially shaped slits, “tilde-slits”, which permit relatively easy expansion upon deployment. The expandable web material is especially well suited for construction of a light-weight, padded envelope that is durable and can withstand significant pressure during use.

Abstract: A dumpster bag has: a flexible bag member including a bottom and a sidewall structure extending upward from the bottom to a rim; at least one rim stay comprising a bungee pole; and at least one corner stay.

Abstract: In a container for packaging filling materials, in particular a bag or pouch made of plastic film, comprising at least one container wall surrounding the filling material, which has at least one front and rear wall, and comprising superposed layers formed in the top region of the container, wherein in the top region of the container predetermined layers are connected over at least one section by means of at least one closure means closing the container, below which a section of the top region located adjacent to the region fitted with the opening has a filling material withdrawal region and that at least one section of a connecting seam is disposed so that it runs around an opening at least in some areas in such a manner that in the top region the multilayer region is separated in a sealing manner from the filling space of the container.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes a receptacle having a storage chamber and a mouth in communication with the storage chamber. A hermetically sealable closure is attached to the mouth, the closure including a first zipper strip and a second zipper strip. The first and second zipper strips are fused together in first and second zones situated at respective ends of the closure. The first and second zipper strips form a first zipper and a second zipper that terminate in a first zipper termination and a second zipper termination, respectively. A respective pair of elongated projections is arranged on first and second sidewalls of the receptacle. A slider may be mounted to the closure, such that the elongated projections prevent further travel of the slider at opposing ends of the closure.

Abstract: A child resistant slider includes a top member and a pair of spaced legs depending from the top member. At least a first leg of the spaced legs has a first tang projecting laterally away from a remaining portion of the first leg and a remaining portion of the slider. The first tang has a separator plow. The tang can be movable to move the first plow into a position to separate interlocked male and female tracks of a zipper closure. In other examples, both legs include a projecting tang having a separator plow.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an improved disposable aluminum lids configured for use with a pan. The lid has a continuously rolled lip around a skirt that when placed on the pan is bent to secure the two together. The rolled lip around the entire periphery of the skirt includes both the sides and the corners of the improved disposable aluminum lid. This significantly reduces the possibility of cuts and injuries to the user with securing the lid to the pan or removing it therefrom.

Abstract: A storage container is provided. The container includes a receptacle and a lid connected to the receptacle by a hinge. The lid has a latch for sealing the receptacle closed. The receptacle and the lid are each made from a continuous unitary piece of material that has hinge components formed within the material.

Abstract: Container includes a base and a lid. The base has a base rim forming a base channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall to define a channel space, a lock projection extending into the channel space from a first portion of the base rim, and a lever projection extending substantially outwardly from a second portion of the base rim. The lid has a lid rim forming a lid channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall. The lid has a closed position in which the lid channel is aligned with and disposed at least partially within the channel space. The lever projection is configured to pivot upon application of an external force to cause the lock projection to move out from the channel space and to urge at least a portion of the lid rim out of the base channel.