Abstract: The hydraulic system can include a control member that is operatively coupled to a member. The control member can include a hydraulic control member and an integrated inerter. Hydraulic fluid at variable pressures is moved through the hydraulic system by pumps. The hydraulic system can be configured for hydraulic fluid returning from the control member to the first pump to be delivered to the second pump prior to reaching the first pump. A dual-spool valve is positioned between the pumps and the control member to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid. The dual-spool valve is movable to move the hydraulic fluid at variable pressures into and out of first and second chambers of the control member. The dual spool valve can also be configured to operate the control member when a spool is not operational.

Abstract: Example active flow control systems and methods for aircraft are described herein. An example active flow control system includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in an array across a surface of an aircraft. The nozzles are oriented to eject air across the surface to reduce airflow separation. The active flow control system also includes an air source coupled to the nozzles and a controller to activate the nozzles to eject air from the air source in sequence from outboard to inboard and then from inboard to outboard to create a wave of air moving from outboard to inboard and then from inboard to outboard across the surface.

Abstract: A wingtip device for a wing is provided. The wingtip device has an inner end and an outer end, and in which the local dihedral of the wingtip device increases or reduces from the inner end to the outer end, with a pressure-side flow surface and a suction-side flow surface. At least two ancillary wing sections are arranged on the wingtip device, projecting in each case from the flow surface of the wingtip device. The ancillary wing sections in each case form an interface with the surface of the wingtip device; which interfaces are located spaced apart from one another. A wing with such a wingtip device is also provided.

Abstract: A system for the control of the door assemblies of a bay of a landing gear of an aircraft, that is retractile and is able to be deployed, the opening of the bay for the landing gear being able to be closed by a forward door assembly and an aft door assembly, comprises a coupling mechanism of the forward door assembly and the aft door assembly, that is configured such that the aft door assembly is not completely closed, but is ajar, as soon as the forward door assembly is opened during the deployment of the landing gear and the aft door assembly is completely closed at the complete closing of the forward door assembly when the landing gear is retracted.

Abstract: An arrangement for landing gear comprises a piston, a bogie beam and forward and rear brake rods. The piston has an attachment portion with a pivot connection for the bogie beam at its lower end. The bogie beam is mounted to the attachment portion at the pivot connection. The bogie beam supports forward and rear brake assemblies on forward and rear sides of the piston. The forward brake rod is connected to the forward brake assembly at a location for acting under tension during braking and the rear brake rod is connected to the rear brake assembly at a location for acting under tension during braking. The rear end of the forward brake rod is connected to the attachment portion forward of the pivot connection of the bogie beam, and a forward end of the rear brake rod is connected to the attachment portion.

Abstract: A vibration attenuator for an aircraft has at least one weight mounted in a rotating system of a rotor hub of the aircraft, each weight being rotatable about an axis of rotation of the hub relative to the hub and to each other weight. Drive means are provided for rotating each weight about the axis of rotation at a selected speed for creating oscillatory shear forces that oppose and attenuate rotor-induced vibrations having a selected frequency. A vertically oriented vibration attenuator is configured to oppose and attenuate vertical rotor induced oscillatory forces that would otherwise travel vertical down the rotor mast and into the airframe. A vibration attenuator having weights rotating about separate axes offset from each other.

Abstract: A flight system for an aircraft and method for controlling a clearance between a first rotor disk and a second rotor disk of an aircraft is disclosed. The flight system includes a sensor for measuring an angle of deviation of at least one of a first rotor disk and a second rotor disk of the aircraft to indicate a clearance between the first rotor disk and the second rotor disk as well as sensors for measuring a flight condition of the aircraft. A control allocation module uses the measured angle of deviation and the flight condition of the aircraft to determine an allocation of control settings to axis-controlling devices of the aircraft to attain a selected pitch of the aircraft, wherein the allocation is based at least on the measured angle of deviation and the flight state of the aircraft.

Abstract: Tracker systems are disclosed, the system mountable on a device having one or more rotary component, comprising: an optical tracker having circuitry that causes the optical tracker to receive and filter optical signals including UV, visible, and infrared wavelengths so as to be more sensitive to UV wavelengths than the visible and infrared wavelengths. The optical tracker having circuitry transmitting data indicative of a distance; and one or more computer processor that utilizes the optical tracker determined distance to determine track error of the one or more rotary component of the device, and transmits data indicative of the track error.

Abstract: An inner middle rotor is rotated while an inner front rotor, an inner back rotor, and an outer rotor are not rotated. The inner middle rotor is surrounded by the inner front rotor, the inner back rotor, the outer rotor, and a fuselage. After rotating the inner middle rotor while not rotating the inner front rotor, the inner back rotor, and the outer rotor, the inner middle rotor, the inner front rotor, the inner back rotor, and the outer rotor are simultaneously rotated.

Abstract: A plurality of sensor datasets is received including: (1) an interference sensor dataset which is associated with interference between airflow from a first rotor in a multicopter and airflow from a second rotor in the multicopter, (2) a first and a second isolated sensor dataset which are associated with isolated airflows from the first rotor and the second rotor, respectively. A generalized flow model associated with a generalized rotor is received and an altitude for the multicopter is generated based at least in part on the plurality of sensor datasets and the generalized flow model, including by using a non-linear filter that builds a consolidated probability function associated with altitude that reconciles the plurality of sensor datasets with the generalized flow model.

Abstract: A gear shaft allows a ceramic bearing to be used in environments where gear steel is desirable for driving a gear. The gear shaft includes a gear region and a bearing region. A bearing can be disposed about the bearing region of the gear shaft. A gear can be disposed about the gear region of the gear shaft. The bearing includes a ceramic material. The gear region of the gear shaft includes gear steel, whereas the bearing region of the gear shaft includes a bearing-region material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is close to the CTE of the ceramic material.

Abstract: A triaxial helicopter includes a fuselage and an airframe, and three rotor modules and a driving source are installed to the airframe, and two turbofans are mounted at the tail of the airframe, and the horizontal elevator is installed between the two turbofans and coupled to the driving source through a link rod module, so that when the triaxial helicopter is operated, the two turbofans are operated to produce a backward airflow to assist propelling the triaxial helicopter to move forward, so as to improve the flying speed of the triaxial helicopter. When it is necessary to ascend or descend the triaxial helicopter, the driving source controls the link rod module to adjust the yaw direction of the horizontal elevator according to an ascending or descending requirement, and the airflow produced by the turbofans blows in a direction with the horizontal elevator to increase the lifting force of the triaxial helicopter.

Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle having an air vehicle that can be coupled to cargo containers, land vehicles, sea vehicles, medical transport modules, etc. In one embodiment the air vehicle has a plurality of propellers positioned around a main airframe, which can provide vertical thrust and/or horizontal thrust depending on the configuration. One or more of the propellers may be configured to tilt forward, backward, and/or side-to-side with respect to the airframe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autogyro having a rotor (12). According to the invention, a gas pressure spring (32) is provided and is arranged for trimming the rotor (12).

Abstract: The present invention includes an electric distributed propulsion for anti-torque modules for a helicopter and methods of use comprising: two or more generators connected to a main gearbox transmission; at least a first and a second plurality of variable speed motors connected to one or more fixed pitch blades to provide anti-torque thrust connected to the two or more generators, and at least a first and a second yaw control computer independently connected to each of the at least first and second plurality of variable speed motors, wherein each of the first and second yaw control computer serves as a primary and a backup yaw control computer to provide redundant control to both the first and second plurality of variable speed motors.

Abstract: An improved drone with 4 flat wings reciprocating up and down, complete with motor and electronics. Appendages on each wing's surface allow air to pass across it during the up-motion, and block it in the down-motion; this creates lift and permits flight and manoeuvres. The drone resembles either a flying bird or an insect, depending on wing motion and on passive attachments appropriate for the respective resemblance, making for inconspicuousness. The drone can execute complex work, either as solitary or in a team, either in flight or at rest in various places, after approaching and adhering expertly.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle is provided and includes: an unmanned aerial vehicle body, including an airframe and an articles storing device; an arm, including at least two front arms symmetrically arranged with respect to a central axis of the airframe along a front-rear direction and at least two rear arms symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the airframe; and a rotor-wing electric motor, including a front electric motor and a rear electric motor. A first end of the front arm is connected with a front end of the airframe, and a second end of the front arm is provided with the front electric motor to drive the unmanned aerial vehicle. A first end of the rear arm is connected with a rear end of the airframe, and a second end of the rear arm is provided with the rear electric motor to drive the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A method for automatically delivering a physical mail includes receiving, by an unmanned aerial vehicle from an unmanned aerial vehicle management system, a delivery information, the delivery information includes information about a first secure mailbox and information about a second secure mailbox, the first secure mailbox being related to a first target user, delivering the physical mail to the first secure mailbox, and rerouting the unmanned aerial vehicle carrying the physical mail from the first secure mailbox to the second secure mailbox in response to the physical mail being delivered to the first secure mailbox.

Abstract: The embodiments of the disclosure discloses an aircraft spraying control device, a method thereof, and a spraying system, relating to the technical field of agricultural plant protection. The aircraft spraying control device comprises a micro-controller, a pump motor, and a nozzle motor; the micro-controller acquires the flight information of the aircraft and the preset pesticide spraying information of the aircraft, and acquires the target rotational speed n of the pump motor according to the flight information of the aircraft, the preset pesticide spraying information of the aircraft, and the pesticide discharging amount K per rotation of the pump motor so as to control the pump motor to rotate at the target rotational speed n of the pump motor so that the pump supplies pesticide to a nozzle. The micro-controller also controls the nozzle to spray.

Abstract: An environmental control system of an aircraft includes a heat exchanger configured to cool an airstream and a water extractor arranged in fluid communication with an outlet of the heat exchanger. The water extractor includes a separation mechanism for separating the airstream into a first airstream and a second airstream. The first airstream has water droplets entrained therein. A flow path of the airstream within the separation mechanism includes an angle. The separation mechanism includes a water extractor vessel axially aligned and in fluid communication with the separation mechanism. The water extractor vessel includes a first portion for receiving the first airstream and a second portion for receiving the second airstream. The first portion is configured to collect and remove water droplets from the first airstream.

Abstract: A system for cooling a plurality of electrical equipment components inside a mobile platform may include at least one manifold and a plurality of flexible tubing ducts. The manifold may have an outlet, and a plurality of inlet tubing connections in fluid communication with the outlet. The outlet may be coupled to an interface of a cooling system of the platform by exhaust tubing. Each of the flexible tubing ducts may have a proximal end and a distal end. Each proximal end may be selectively connectable to the inlet tubing connections. Each distal end may have an air intake port that is alternatively positionable in two or more thermal dissipation zones of the electrical equipment components for permitting an exhaust profile inside the platform to the interface to be reconfigured based at least in part on respective positions of the electrical equipment components.

Abstract: An airplane is provided. The airplane includes a motor-driven compressor assembly. The motor-driven compressor assembly includes a shaft, a motor, a compressor, and a turbine coupled to the compressor via the shaft. The motor provides a first power to the compressor via the shaft. The turbine receives and expands a second medium to provide a second power to the compressor via the shaft. The compressor receives and compresses a first medium in accordance with the first power provided by the turbine and the second power provided by the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a conductive fabric configured integrate with a parachute, wherein when the conductive fabric is integrated with the parachute the conductive fabric is able to withstand packing, deployment and recovery of the parachute without damaging the parachute or the conductive network. A system comprising a conductive fabric configured to integrate with a parachute, wherein when the conductive fabric is integrated with the parachute the conductive fabric is able to withstand packing, deployment and recovery of the parachute without damaging the parachute or the conductive network. A method comprising arranging a conductive fabric to create a Faraday cage configured to integrate with a parachute, wherein when the conductive fabric is integrated with the parachute the conductive fabric is able to withstand packing, deployment and recovery of the parachute without damaging the parachute or the conductive network.

Abstract: A platform, adapted to accommodate a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), includes a base and a cover. The base includes a first connection port and a power source, and the power source is coupled to the first connection port including a first connection electrode and a second connection electrode. The cover includes at least one fan and a second connection port corresponding to the first connection port of the base, the at least one fan is coupled to the second connection port, and the second connection port includes a first contact electrode and a second contact electrode. The cover is connected to the base and moves between an open position and a closed position relative to the base. The first connection port is connected to the second connection port when the cover is at the closed position, and the power source provides power to the at least one fan.

Abstract: A gateway segment assembly line that allows for the construction of space stations while in orbit by fabricating individual segments in space. An assembly housing provides an open ended structure through which materials are processed in order to construct a segment for a space station. The materials are loaded into a plurality of workstations positioned along the assembly housing through the use of a plurality of external manipulators adjacently connected to the assembly housing. Each of the plurality of workstations provides the equipment for sequentially loading materials into the assembly housing. An assembly line conveyor, positioned throughout the plurality of workstations, guides materials through the assembly housing as the materials are mated to form the segment. Upon completion of the segment, a plurality of segment transport units transports the segment to an orbital construction site, wherein the segment is mated with subsequent segments to form the space station.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a solar wing are disclosed. A solar wing sail generates power from a series of parallel, spaced-apart solar rib assemblies, each assembly having a solar array mounted on top. A sail is formed of transparent material that surrounds the solar rib assemblies, forming an airfoil. The power generated by the solar wing sail can be used to charge batteries and operate onboard electronics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gathering-up a tubular film portion on at least two gathering fingers of a packaging machine and to a gathering apparatus of a packaging machine for carrying out the method as claimed in the invention. The method is distinguished in that the tubular film portion is expanded at least in a part region when being gathered-up onto the gathering fingers. The gathering apparatus as claimed in the invention is distinguished in that the gathering fingers can be driven into a gathering-up position for gathering-up the tubular film portion, in which gathering-up position the tubular film portion is expanded at least in a part region.

Abstract: A packaging assembly (10) that includes a weighing machine (11) that delivers batches of product to a packaging machine (18). A film drive assembly (17) pulls strip bag material pass a former shoulder (41), to form tubular bag material into which batches of product are to be delivered, with the tubular bag material being longitudinally sealed, transversely sealed and transversely cut by the packaging machine (18).

Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on one or more spools and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A primary roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a primary spool core, and a plurality of secondary rolls of stretch film may be positionally coupled to one or more secondary spool cores. The wrapping machines may include a plurality of guides positioned to narrow the stretch film from the plurality of secondary rolls to form a plurality of ropes fully overlapping a web of the primary roll of stretch film when wrapped around a palletized load.

Abstract: A processing device and method for processing a stack of bags having a multitude of open-mouth bags are provided, including a stacking device on which the stack of bags can be disposed in a base position, wherein the open-mouth bags of the stack have a bag length and an open filling mouth at one end. A marker device and a bag conveying device are provided that are suitable and provided for gripping the topmost open-mouth bag of the stack in the base position and displacing it to a take-up position that is only partially supported on the stack of bags and putting at least one mark on the open-mouth bags in the take-up position.

Abstract: A bag filling plant includes a detection device for detecting a thickened section of a film web associated with an end of a first film and a start of a second film. The detection device includes a first film roll and a second film roll, which contact the film web on side areas aligned opposite each other and which form a conveyer gap for the film web, with the first film roll being movably supported relative to the second film roll in order to alter the conveyer gap. The detection device includes a sensor device that detects a motion of the first conveyer roll.

Abstract: A cap stabilizer of a capping device includes a fastening element that connects the cap stabilizer to the capping device such that the cap stabilizer is removable from the capping device by sliding the cap stabilizer in a first direction, opposite a direction of travel of container to be capped by the capping device.

Abstract: A method of forming a carton. The method includes obtaining a blank having at least one panel and at least one article protection flap foldably connected to the at least one panel. The method includes positioning the at least one panel to at least partially form an interior space of the carton, loading at least one article in the interior space, and folding the at least one article protection flap relative to the at least one panel after the loading the at least one article. The folding includes moving the article protection flap from a first position that is substantially parallel to the at least one panel to a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the at least one panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing, e.g., labelling, respective products, e.g., fruit and vegetables, contained in a suitable container, or crate, has a supporting framework, product feeder, and label applier having a plurality of label application devices provided or arranged side by side and/or arranged in a first and a second transversal row of devices. The apparatus may have an electronic processor for controlling the units of the apparatus, which, for each product, starting with the detected configuration of the respective batch, or crate of products, determine a product area, e.g., having a circular or oval shape, which is large enough to allow complete application of a corresponding label.

Abstract: A composite container having a paperboard hollow body with top and bottom open ends. The body is formed by a sidewall with inner and outer surfaces. The composite container includes a body liner extending peripherally about the inner surface of the body and a base connectable to the bottom open end of the hollow body. The base includes a sidewall sized and shaped to fit snugly within the bottom open end of the body. The sidewall is permanently coupled to a bottom portion of the liner. The composite container also includes a collar connectable to the top open end of the hollow body. The collar has a peripheral portion that abuts the top open end and an inner circumferential flange sized and shaped to fit snugly within the top open end of the body. The inner circumferential flange is permanently coupled to a top portion of the liner.

Abstract: A sleeve pack for forming a bulk bin includes a base for forming a bottom of the bulk bin and a perimeter wall assembly. The perimeter wall assembly includes two blanks that can be connected to one another at interlocking connections to form a perimeter wall of the bulk bin. Locking tabs are associated with at least one of the wall blanks, and corresponding locking openings are associated with at least one other of the wall blanks. The openings oppose the tabs and the tabs are lockingly inserted into the openings to secure the wall members together to form the perimeter wall of the bulk bin.

Abstract: A blank of sheet material is provided for forming a container convertible from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. The blank includes a glue panel, a front panel, a top panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel coupled together in series by a plurality of generally parallel fold lines. The glue panel includes an opening mechanism and is configured to couple in face-to-face relationship to the bottom panel when the container is formed. The blank also includes a pair of top side panels extending from opposing side edges of the top panel, and a pair of bottom side panels extending from opposing side edges of the bottom panel. An edge perforation line extends along an edge between the top panel and the rear panel, and a face of each of the top panel, the bottom panel, and the pairs of side panels is devoid of perforation lines extending therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box fastener anchor that is removably connectable or permanently attached to a fastener and that has a tooth that can pierce a box. The anchor can have a base with two lips in one embodiment. The base has a hole between the lips with a securing ring with distally located rims that combine to form a ring. The rims and lips can be used to connect the anchor to a box fastener. The base further has a base flange at one end. The anchor also has an arm with a tooth at the distal end of the arm. The tooth has a piercing element at one end. The tooth can have a curved or straight body. The arm can mate with the base to lock the arm in a closed position. A release is provided for unlocking the arm from the base.

Abstract: Provided is a container-use surface treated steel sheet which is manufactured without using chromium and exhibits excellent working adhesion with a coated organic resin, a method of manufacturing the container-use surface treated steel sheet, an organic resin coated surface treated steel sheet. The container-use surface treated steel sheet is a surface treated steel sheet where nickel plating is applied to at least one-side surface of surfaces of a steel sheet by coating, wherein nickel plating has a fine particle shape formed by fine particles which has particle density of 2 to 500 pieces/?m2 and having an average particle size of 0.05 to 0.7 ?m. The container-use surface treated steel sheet is also characterized in that a coating weight of the nickel plating of the container-use surface treated steel sheet is 0.1 to 12 g/m2, metal tin is contained in coating of the nickel plating, and an amount of metal tin is 0.05 to 0.1 g/m2.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing a flowable material M has a container (12) having an outer wall (20) and membrane (14) collectively defining a first chamber (22) configured to contain the flowable material M. The membrane (14) has a thickness and a weld seam (40) wherein the weld seam (40) has a thickness less than the thickness of the membrane (14). A fracturing mechanism (16) is operably connected to the container (12). The fracturing mechanism (16) has an extending member (64) projecting from the outer wall (20) of the container (12). The extending member (64) has a projection (66) positioned proximate the membrane (14), wherein in response to deflection of the extending member (64), the projection (66) deflects the outer wall (20) proximate the membrane (14) wherein the weld seam (40) fractures creating an opening (41) through the membrane (14) configured to allow the flowable material M to pass therethrough and from the dispenser (10).

Abstract: A collapsible, reusable bulk material container assembly, kit and method for assembling and using same are disclosed. Upper ring and base members are locked together by peripheral post members, forming an upright rigid framework that operatively supports a woven fabric bulk material receiving sleeve. A cover connected to the upper ring seals the container. Intermediate support bands may be attached to and along the post members to resist outwardly directed forces applied to the post members through the sleeve by contained bulk material. The container is reconfigurable to a collapsed storage or shipping module that retainably contains the post members, support bands and woven fabric sleeve. The post members may be segmentable or collapsible for containment within the collapsed module. Component parts of the container assembly are detachable, reusable and recyclable. One configuration of the container is sized to replace a conventional 55-gallon drum.

Abstract: An extension collar is provided for use with a pail having an opening and containing mixable building material. The collar includes an annular body with an upper edge, an opposite lower edge, and a sidewall connecting the edges. In addition, the body has a diameter that is complementary to, and insertable into the opening of the pail such that upon insertion into the pail, the collar adds to a height of the pail.

Abstract: A container closure system comprises a container 100 comprising a neck 120 having an outer surface, the neck including a plurality of snap ring segments 140 alternating with a plurality of snap ring voids 160 positioned around a circumference of the outer surface. The length of the circumference at which snap ring voids exist is 25% or more of the total length of the circumference. The plurality of snap ring segments is positioned at regular increments around a circumference of the outer surface. The system further includes a cap 14 comprising, among other things, a base 26 that comprises a plurality of snap prongs 16 arranged so as to engage and disengage the plurality of snap ring segments when the cap is rotated on the neck of the container. The plurality of snap prongs are configured to hold the cap on or release the cap from the container.

Abstract: A sealed plastic drum for transporting a powder chemical product, including a vessel having a side wall and an end edge including a circumferential outer crown and at least two lugs projecting outward from the side wall; and a lid including a collar for covering the end edge of the vessel and at least two bosses projecting inward from the outer wall of the collar, the bosses and the lugs being arranged and configured such that the covering collar can be inserted on the end edge of the vessel by axial translation, in order to place a lower rotational surface of the lid in contact with an upper rotational surface of the vessel, and then, after rotating the lid, to insert each boss between a lug and the outer crown and to obtain a seal of the drum with clamping of the lower rotational surface on the upper rotational surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a container assembly configured to hold a substance and including a container and closure configured to thread together. The container having a single continuous channel around an exterior region of its sidewall. The assembly further having a sleeve positioned around the secured closure and container and having a sleeve wall extending from an opened bottom end to an opened top end. The sleeve further further having at least one flange extending internally and fitting into the channel on the container, such that the sleeve freely rotates around the closure. The sleeve is thus configured to freely rotate to prevent a user from removing the closure from the container until pressure is applied downwardly on the top of the closure and applied upwardly on the bottom of the container while twisting in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap body operable to be removably coupled to a distal end of the container in a hermetically sealed configuration, wherein the cap body includes a button or nodule cover, a cap channel defined and surrounded by the cap body, and a gas discharge port defined on an outer surface of the cap body. The cap body includes a valve assembly disposed within the cap channel and has a longitudinally biased valve stem, wherein the valve stem has a static position with the distal valve end disposed proximal to the button or nodule cover and with the valve assembly in hermetically sealed configuration with the cap body to fluidly uncouple the first channel end and the container cavity and a gas-evacuation position with the distal valve end in a depressed position to fluidly couple the container cavity, the gas discharge port, and ambient environment.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a jar and a lid assembly. The jar includes a body portion defining an interior space for holding items and an upper neck portion disposed about a jar opening leading to the interior space. The lid assembly is connected to the upper neck portion of the jar and includes an inner lid component and an outer lid component. The outer lid component is rotatable relative to the inner lid component while the inner lid component remains stationary relative to the upper neck portion of the jar.

Abstract: A disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first visual sealing indicator and a lid with a second visual sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a sealing indicator position where the first visual sealing indicator and the second visual sealing indicator are aligned. Another disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first audible sealing indicator and a lid with a second audible sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a position past where the first audible sealing indicator and the second audible sealing indicator have contacted each other producing an audible sound. Another disclosed technique includes a cup with a raised central bottom area and an insert with bracing wings wherein, in operation, the bracing wings stabilize and secure the insert in the cup.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective buffer strap (10). More specifically, the invention relates to a protective buffer strap (10) capable of being strapped onto one or more articles (100, 200) to be closely restrained, thereby to prevent such articles (100, 200) from rubbing up against one another and causing damage, especially to surface finishes. The protective buffer strap (10) includes a strap (32) and an elongate body (12) from which the strap (32) extends, the elongate body (12) having a spine (26) and a plurality of projections (28) graduating lengths extending from the spine (26). The protective buffer strap (10) is configurable between an unwound condition and a wound condition. In the unwound condition, free ends (28A) of the projections (28) are spaced from one another along the spine (26).

Abstract: A bottle for holding liquids that is biodegradable and that is made from environmentally sustainable materials. The bottle includes a body, a shoulder, a neck portion, and a cap. According to one aspect, the neck portion of the bottle is made of bioplastic, and the shoulder and body of the bottle are made from thermoformed pulp. The bioplastic neck can mate with, and be adhered to, the shoulder, and the shoulder can mate with, and be adhered to, the pulp body.