Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes a wing, nacelles supportively disposed at opposite ends of the wing, proprotors respectively attached to each of the nacelles with each of the proprotors being rotatable to generate lift in vertical flight and thrust in horizontal flight and a delta-wing shaped fuselage disposed along the wing between the nacelles.

Abstract: A vertical liftoff aircrafts system includes a plurality of unmanned wing structures configured for collective vertical liftoff; a plurality of tethers respectively connected to the plurality of wing structures; and a fuselage including a connector thereon for mechanically connecting the plurality of tethers. The fuselage includes a power pack for powering the plurality of wing structures via the plurality of tethers, whereby the plurality of wing structures is operatively interconnected to the fuselage with the plurality of tethers for lifting the fuselage. A method and a kit thereof also are disclosed.

Abstract: For reducing a risk potential of an aircraft, a safety device for the aircraft is provided, said aircraft having a flight control device for flight control of the aircraft based on global position coordinates and/or flight altitude values of the aircraft detected by a sensor apparatus of the flight control device. The safety device comprises a flight altitude detection apparatus configured to detect a current flight altitude of the aircraft independently of the sensor apparatus, a determination apparatus configured to determine whether the current flight altitude of the aircraft detected by the flight altitude detection apparatus exceeds a predetermined maximum altitude, and a rescue apparatus configured to interrupt the flight control of the aircraft when the current flight altitude of the aircraft detected by the flight altitude detection apparatus exceeds the predetermined maximum altitude.

Abstract: Unmanned vehicles can be terrestrial, aerial, nautical, or multi-mode. Unmanned vehicles may be used to survey a property in response to or in anticipation of damage to the property. For example, an unmanned vehicle may analyze information about the property and based on the information initiate an insurance claim for damage to the property.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to monitoring exposure levels for individual cameras of a stereo camera system to reduce unwanted lens flaring which may disrupt stereo vision capabilities of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV may identify lens flaring by monitoring histogram data received from the cameras and then mitigate the lens flaring by performing aerial maneuvers with respect to the light source and/or moving camera componentry such as deploying a lens hood. The UAV may also identify lens flaring patterns that on a camera's sensor and determine a location of a peripheral light source based on these patterns. The UAV may then deploy a visor between the location of the peripheral light source and the cameras.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of facilitating movement of product-containing pallets include at least one forklift unit configured to lift and move the product-containing pallets, at least one motorized transport unit configured to mechanically engage and disengage a respective forklift unit, and a central computer system in communication with the at least one motorized transport unit. The central computer system is configured to transmit at least one signal to the at least one motorized transport unit. The signal is configured to cause the at least one motorized transport unit to control the at least one forklift unit to move at least one of the product-containing pallets.

Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device. The drone device is able to be implemented in conjunction with a security system.

Abstract: A store ejector rack including a first hook member and a second hook member, a split sleeve guide member, and a pair of split sleeve members, including a first split sleeve member and a second split sleeve member, operatively coupled to the split sleeve guide member. The first split sleeve member is coupled to the first hook member and the second split sleeve member is coupled to the second hook member. A valve control assembly is operatively coupled to the split sleeve guide member, wherein actuation of the split sleeve guide member causes actuation of the first hook member, the second hook member, and the valve control assembly.

Abstract: A fastening system with a rotatable fastener that may secure an aircraft store to an aircraft and may rotate to reduce a drag coefficient of the aircraft store. Reducing the drag coefficient of the aircraft store may increase fuel efficiency of the aircraft store by requiring less energy to propel the aircraft store at a given speed or acceleration. The rotatable fastener allows the aircraft store to attach to the aircraft and to possess a low drag coefficient once the aircraft store is deployed. The rotatable fastener member may be configured to conform to attachment interface standards, such as Standardization Agreement (“STANAG”) 3842 or any other suitable aircraft store attachment interface standard.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger service unit kit includes an overhead passenger service unit panel including at least one hinge pin extending along an edge portion of the overhead passenger service unit panel and an elastic fixing element for fixing the overhead passenger service unit panel to an aircraft support structure. The fixing element includes at least one first end, which is configured for rotatably connecting with the at least one hinge pin; and at least one opposing second end, which is configured for engaging with a mounting rail of the aircraft support structure. The overhead passenger service unit panel further includes a forcing element, which is configured for acting onto the fixing element generating a tension within the fixing element for securely fixing the at least one second end of the fixing element to the mounting rail.

Abstract: A seat system for a passenger aircraft. The seat system includes at least one passenger seat and a stowable clamshell holder for a personal electronic device installed into the back of the passenger seat. The personal electronic device (PED) holder includes a door adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and a pair of opposed retainers adapted to hold a personal electronic device. The pair of retainers includes a lower back retainer and an upper front retainer whereby the lower back retainer extends above the upper front retainer. The seat system may further include a seat back tray table attached to the back of the passenger seat.

Abstract: An aircraft seating assembly including a replaceable underseat passenger accommodation feature tray includes passenger seats incorporating in-flight entertainment (IFE) system components for the use of the occupying passengers or neighboring passengers in the seats immediately behind. The IFE system components are connected by internal cabling paths within the seating assembly to contact points, and seat electronic boxes (SEB) mounted to a replaceable passenger accommodation feature tray provide IFE services to the system components. The SEB is connected to a second set of contact points on the feature tray by cabling paths that circumvent the spreader and leg structures of the seating assembly. When the feature tray is fully mounted to the seating assembly, the SEB is connected to the IFE system components through the cabling paths and contact points at which the cabling paths terminate, each contact point on the feature tray having a counterpart in the seating assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) apparatus into an aircraft (1). The longerons (34) in the aft fuselage (18) may be extended to support an aft propulsor (20). The aft propulsor may be a turbofan or turboelectric propulsion system (46). An upper longeron (34a) may support a tail section (14) of an aircraft. The aft fuselage skin (22) is contoured to permit boundary layer airflow to enter an intake fan (24) of the aft propulsor.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage, an electrical component, and an adapter arranged at the fuselage. The fuselage includes a battery compartment for accommodating a battery. The battery compartment includes an electrical connector for electrically coupling to the battery. The adapter is electrically coupled to the electrical connector and includes an access unit electrically coupled to the electrical connector and an adapting unit detachably coupled to the access unit. The adapting unit is configured to be electrically connected to the access unit when the adapting unit is coupled to the access unit. The adapting unit is electrically coupled to the electrical component through an adapting conductive wire to conduct power from the battery to the electrical component.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes an electric power source, an electric propulsor assembly having an electric motor and a propulsor configured to generate thrust for the aircraft, and a power bus electrically connecting the electric power source to the electric propulsor assembly such that the electric power source powers the electric propulsor assembly. The power bus includes an electric line and a fluid cooling system, the fluid cooling system extending along at least a portion of a length of the electric line. The fluid cooling system is in thermal communication with the electric line for cooling the electric line during operation and is further in thermal communication with the electric motor of the electric propulsor assembly for cooling the electric motor of the electric propulsor assembly.

Abstract: A computerised method is provided for monitoring the status of an aircraft. The method comprises sending, from an output module of an aircraft monitoring system, a reporting more report data signal response and monitoring, at an input module of the aircraft monitoring system, for received data signal to the aircraft monitoring system. This sets a contract with the aircraft that may be used to monitor for unexpected behaviour or non-compliance with the contract terms. The method further comprises determining, at a processor of the aircraft monitoring system, if one or more alert criteria have been satisfied by the received data signal responses and generating, at an alerting module of the aircraft monitoring system, an alert based on the determination.

Abstract: A mobile self-leveling landing platform vehicle is disclosed that includes a landing surface and one or more wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly includes a wheel, a control arm coupled with the wheel and the body of the landing platform vehicle, and an actuator coupled with the control arm and the body of the platform vehicle. Methods for self-leveling the landing platform vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for mobile launch and retrieval of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) include a rail-based, ground-based, or water-based mobile platform carrying a mobile station for launching and retrieving vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) or non-VTOL UAS while the platform is in motion, based on current position and weather conditions. The mobile platform may include facilities for communicating with the airborne UAS, stowing a retrieved UAS, and reloading/refitting a stowed UAS. The mobile platform may include positionable wake control devices and a partially positionable launch and retrieval mechanism for alleviating turbulence or crosswinds. The mobile platform may include long-range sensors for detecting or identifying obstacles near a rail-based platform that may interfere with the operating envelope of the launch and retrieval mechanisms. The launch and retrieval system may be intermodal and scalable either up or down as mission parameters demand.

Abstract: A self-mating modular satellite bus includes a plurality of side panels each having a front surface flanked by a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, wherein the first longitudinal edge of each side panel is nested with the second longitudinal edge of an adjacent side panel. The longitudinal edges, when superimposed, form a joggle. A method of producing the modular satellite bus includes forming a plurality of the panels, aligning the first longitudinal edge of each side panel with the second longitudinal edge of an adjacent side panel, such that the first longitudinal edge of each side panel is nested with the second longitudinal edge of the adjacent side panel, and securing the first longitudinal edge of each side panel to the second longitudinal edge of the adjacent side panel.

Abstract: Techniques for orienting an earth-orbiting spacecraft include determining, using a star tracker on board the spacecraft, a first vector aligned between an ecliptic pole of the earth and the spacecraft, adjusting attitude of the spacecraft so as to align a first axis of the spacecraft with the first vector, and rotating the spacecraft about the first axis until presence of the sun is registered. Rotation rates may be subsequently reduced, such that the sun remains within a field of view of the sun sensor or of a solar array of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing spacecraft includes a body, a plurality of engines provided in the body to produce a jet flow and generate thrust, an abnormal signal acquiring unit that acquires an abnormal signal indicative of a presence of an abnormal engine among the plurality of engines, and an engine control unit that outputs a stop signal that stops a specific engine among a plurality of operating engines based on the abnormal signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a power management system for a space vehicle, the system including: a photovoltaic array including a plurality of panels, wherein each panel includes one or more solar cell strings, each solar cell string including a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to produce direct current (DC) power; at least one regulator module disposed on each of the one or more solar cell strings, the at least one regulator module being configured to condition the DC power produced by the one or more solar cell strings in the panel and supply it through at least one electrical connection line to the electrical power harness to route said power to a root power management unit; and an interface configured to transfer power produced by the photovoltaic array from the root power management unit to the vehicle, the interface having a first end configured to be connectable with the vehicle and a second end configured to be connectable with the photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A heat pipe has an evaporator portion, a condenser portion, and at least one flexible portion that is sealingly coupled between the evaporator portion and the condenser portion. The flexible portion has a flexible tube and a flexible separator plate held in place within the flexible tube so as to divide the flexible tube into a gas-phase passage and a liquid-phase artery. The separator plate and flexible tube are configured such that the flexible portion is flexible in a plane that is perpendicular to the separator plate.

Abstract: A spacecraft includes a spacecraft main body, including payload equipment disposed on an inner panel surface of at least one radiator panel, the at least one radiator panel having an exterior-facing outer panel surface. The spacecraft includes at least one electric thruster disposed proximate to an aft facing panel of the spacecraft main body. The at least one electric thruster is thermally coupled with the at least one radiator panel by way of a thermally conductive path.

Abstract: Techniques for deploying a plurality of smallsats from a common launch vehicle are disclosed where a structural arrangement provides a load path between an upper stage of the launch and the plurality of spacecraft. Each spacecraft is mechanically coupled with the launch vehicle upper stage only by the structural arrangement. The structural arrangement includes at least one trunk member that is approximately aligned with the longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle upper stage, a plurality of branch members, each branch member being attached to the trunk member and having at least a first end portion that is substantially outboard from the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of mechanical linkages, each linkage coupled at a first end with a first respective spacecraft and coupled at a second end with one of the plurality of branch members, the trunk member or a second respective spacecraft.

Abstract: Provided herein are various improvements to satellite or payload deployment systems and equipment. In one example, a satellite deployment apparatus is provided. The satellite deployment apparatus includes opposing retention members configured to engage protrusions of a satellite and hold the satellite with respect to a baseplate. The satellite deployment apparatus includes at least one pusher element configured to preload a deployment force on the satellite against the opposing retention members when the protrusions of the satellite are captive in the opposing retention members, and a deployment mechanism configured to spread the opposing retention members responsive to triggering by an actuator system and release the protrusions of the satellite for deployment of the satellite away from the baseplate using at least the deployment force.

Abstract: A display carton is disclosed, which includes a tray portion, the tray portion including a back panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, an inside front panel, a right back gusset panel, a left back gusset panel, a right side wall panel, a left side wall panel, a right front gusset panel, and a left front gusset panel; a display portion, the display portion including an extension panel, a display panel, and a top panel, the top panel foldably connected along a fold line to the back panel of the tray portion; and a removable front panel portion foldably connected along a fold line to the inside front panel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product implement top layer containment operations to optimize containment of various types of loads such as loads with top/slip sheets, ragged topographies, and/or inboard portions. Bidirectional control of the elevation of a web of packaging material may be performed within one or more revolutions between a load and a packaging material dispenser to selectively engage one or more corners of the load with a web of packaging material while passing the web of packaging material inwardly of one or more other corners of the load.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser, outer container for an aerosol dispenser and a preform for an outer container, each having an open neck at the top and a closed end bottom longitudinally spaced therefrom. The aerosol dispenser has, in order, from the top of the neck, a valve attachment, an annular first surface and an annular second surface, each having a respective diameter. The diameter of the valve attachment is greater than the diameter of the first surface, which, in turn, is greater than the diameter of the second surface. This geometry allows any complimentary product delivery to be disposed on the second surface. Any suitable and complimentary valve may be attached to the valve attachment and sealed to the first surface. This arrangement provides flexibility and the capability to easily mix and match any desired combination of fittingly suitable outer containers, product delivery devices and valves. Suitable product delivery devices include bags, and dip tubes.

Abstract: A method for packaging a container comprises securing a product to an end effector of a robot arm and using the robot arm to move the product. The container has a plurality of side panels, a plurality of first top flaps extending from the side panels to a first height, and a plurality of second top flaps extending from a the side panels to a second height greater than the first height. The robot arm moves the product to an initial position in which the product is positioned spaced apart from the second top flaps and over the first top flaps, from the initial position to a first deflected position in which the product abuts the second top flaps, from the first deflected position to a second deflected position lower than the first deflected position, and from the second deflected position to an undeflected position.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus associable to a wrapping machine and arranged to grip and retain an end flap of a film wrapped around a load at the end of a wrapping process, comprises pliers which include a first lever and a second lever that are hinged around a first axis and provided respectively with a first jaw and a second jaw suitable to tighten the film in a gripping position, a supporting arrangement for supporting the pliers and an actuator device fixed to the supporting arrangement and arranged to move the pliers between the gripping position and a releasing position, in which the jaws are spaced apart; the first lever comprises a first connecting end that is opposite to the first jaw and rotatably fixed to the supporting arrangement and the second lever comprises a second connecting end that is opposite to the second jaw, rotatably connected to the actuator device and linearly actuated by the latter along a first displacement direction in such a manner that the jaws are mobile around the first axis, along sa

Abstract: An object is first wrapped with a strip of thermoplastic film such that upper edges of the strip project upward past a top face of the object and fold inward onto outer edge regions of the top face of the object. Then a cover sheet is laid on the top face over the folded-in edges of the strip with outer edges of the cover sheet projecting outward past and hanging down around the wrapped object outside the film strip. A heated plate is then pressed down against the cover sheet and hot air is blown against the strip on the side faces so as to shrink the strip against the side faces and such that the hot air rises and welds the outer cover-sheet edges sheet to the strip around upper regions of the side faces.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating packages by applying furnishing features to the packages includes pressure segments, each of which is configured as a fully functional assembly unit having at least one ink-jet print head. The furnishing features are polychrome printed images.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a film fitting head which holds a tubular film fitted on a mandrel in a stable position and can prevent the film from rotating and being displaced in a peripheral direction. The film fitting head (40) includes a mandrel (M) for receiving a tubular film (L) in a fitted state in a film supply position, feeding the tubular film in a film fitting position, and fitting the tubular film onto a body portion of a container. The mandrel (M) includes a film holding portion (85) provided above a lifting member (88) located in a standby position. An outer peripheral surface of the film holding portion (85) has a tapered surface that is tapered down toward a top, and an outer peripheral length of a lower end (85a) of the film holding portion (85) is set to be approximately equal to a peripheral length of the tubular film (L) in an open state.

Abstract: A container defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis. The container includes a finish and a sidewall portion extending from the finish. A plurality of ribs are defined by the sidewall. A base portion extends from the sidewall portion and encloses the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity. The base portion has a contact surface for supporting the container. A plurality of straps extend radially along the base portion away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction, each one of the straps defines a strap surface that is closer to the finish than the contact surface. The plurality of ribs and the base portion are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic charge-up when top load is applied to the container after the container is filled.

Abstract: A container 1 according to an embodiment includes a body member 2 so formed of a stacked film 10 as to be self-standing and having an upper opening end 2a and a frame member 3 that is so provided as to be joined with an outer circumferential surface of the upper opening end 2a of the body member 2 and reinforces an edge portion of the upper opening end 2a in such a way that a predetermined opening shape of the upper opening end 2a is maintained, and the frame member 3 has a container holder 4 that is provided in a position where a finger touches the body member 2 when the body member 2 is held and extends downward from the frame member 3 to a halfway point of the body member 2.

Abstract: A mobile waste storage device is disclosed. The mobile waste storage device includes a storage body and a pair of cover sections. The storage body includes a waste receiving space and a plurality of body fastener receiving passageways. The pair of cover sections is flexibly attached to the storage body and is extendable over each other when covering the waste receiving space. Each cover section includes a cover fastener receiving passageway extending through an end thereof and positioned to correspond with another cover fastener receiving passageway extending through an opposite cover section and one of the plurality of body fastener receiving passageways when the pair of cover sections overlap to cover the waste receiving space.

Abstract: A nestable pallet having three rows of feet extending downward from a support surface is provided. In one aspect, the outer rows of feet are attached by runners at a bottom portion of each foot and the middle row of feet does not include runners. The support surface includes openings to accommodate the outer rows of feet with runners, and the middle row of feet of a like pallet. The absence of runners in the middle row and a corresponding larger opening, allows for greater support area in that portion of the pallet. The pallet can also include reinforcements extending perpendicular to the runners.

Abstract: A crating arrangement has a pallet, a sleeve, a top board, and a plurality of fastening belts. The pallet has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and has a bottom board, a support board arranged opposite the bottom board across a predetermined distance, and a plurality of beams fixed to the support board and the bottom board. The sleeve is made of a cardboard sheet in a cornered-column shape, and is placed over the pallet to wrap a side surface of a crated object placed on the support board. The top board has a rectangular shape, and is placed on a top end part of the sleeve. With the fastening belts, the pallet and the crated object are fastened together and the pallet, the sleeve, and the top board are fastened together.

Abstract: A basket tote having both a caddy and a removable mini caddy is disclosed. The removable mini caddy attaches to the caddy with a series of guide walls and guide wall retainers that allow the removable mini caddy to be cooperatively received by the caddy. The handle of the removable mini caddy nests with the handle of the caddy while they are attached, providing the user with a single handled basket tote that is easy to transport and use while still having the convenience of an extra tote where objects can be temporarily removed and then replaced without the need for transferring the objects from one tote to another. The removable mini caddy may be easily removed and then replaced within the caddy while remaining securely in place during use and transport.

Abstract: What is proposed is a closure unit consisting of a glass container (50) with external, circumferentially offset threaded elements (54, 55) on a container neck (52) of the glass container, and a closure cover made of sheet metal, wherein the closure cover (1, 2) has an encircling plastics layer (30; 30h, 30v) on the inside of the cover. The closure cover is pressed onto the container neck (52) and can be opened with a rotational movement via the threaded elements (54, 55) and a vertical section (30v) of the plastics layer. The container neck (52) has a horizontal end surface (52a) on which a horizontal section (30h) of the plastics layer rests under pressure in a sealing manner. A central region (11) of the closure cover passes with an adjoining, circumferentially oriented transition zone (11a, 11b, 11c) into an axially downwardly projecting skirt section (12) which ends in a roll-up region (21a, 21; 22).

Abstract: A locking apparatus has a receiving component that includes outer sidewalls extending upward from a first surface to form a raised portion, the raised portion having a receiving surface within a periphery defined by the outer sidewalls, and inner sidewalls extending downward from the receiving surface to form a cavity within the raised portion, the cavity having a cross-sectional area that decreases in proportion to the downward extension of the inner sidewalls, and a first locking structure. The locking apparatus also has an insertion component that includes sidewalls extending upward from a second surface and defining a cross-sectional area that decreases in proportion to the upward extension of the sidewalls, and also includes a second locking structure that is operatively associated with the first locking structure so that when the insertion component is inserted into the receiving component the first locking structure and the second locking structure interlock.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an insulating device, for example a cooler, and a latch and latching system for securing a lid of the insulating device in a closed position. More specifically, the insulating device includes a chest coupled to a lid, and a ledge extending from the chest. A slot is formed in the ledge and for each slot, a pair of protrusions extend from a bottom surface of the ledge on other side of the slot. The protrusions are received by corresponding recesses formed in the latch. Thus, when the latch is in the engaged position, the protrusions are physically securely engaged in the recesses by virtue of the latch being in a tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A storage container assembly includes a container and a lid. The lid includes a top lid, a button, a gasket, a gasket pusher, and an arm. The button is moveable in a first axial direction between a projected position in which a top surface of the button is offset from an upper surface of the lid and a depressed position in which the top surface of the button is nearer to the upper surface. The gasket is moveable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The gasket pusher is moveable in a second axial direction, which is transverse to the first axial direction, and pushes the gasket. The arm operatively connects the button with the gasket pusher. Movement of the button from the projected position toward the depressed position results in pivotal movement of the arm and moves the gasket pusher in the second axial direction.

Abstract: A storage container assembly includes a container and a lid. The lid includes a top lid, a button, a gasket, a gasket pusher, and an arm. The button is moveable in a first axial direction between a projected position in which a top surface of the button is offset from an upper surface of the lid and a depressed position in which the top surface of the button is nearer to the upper surface. The gasket is moveable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The gasket pusher is moveable in a second axial direction, which is transverse to the first axial direction, and pushes the gasket. The arm operatively connects the button with the gasket pusher. Movement of the button from the projected position toward the depressed position results in pivotal movement of the arm and moves the gasket pusher in the second axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to lids for beverage containers and related methods, for example, a lid to fit within the screw on compression assembly found on standard canning jars to adapt the container to improve a user's ability to consume liquids directly from the vessel. Lids according to certain embodiments of the invention can be used with a wide range of containers like jars, so that the containers can be conveniently used to consume a beverage while avoiding spilling and facilitating extended use and recycling of the containers.

Abstract: Liquid dispenser for discharging pharmaceutical liquids, having a housing, an outlet opening and an outlet valve assigned to the outlet opening. The outlet valve includes a pressure chamber arranged upstream of a valve opening and delimited to one side by a valve plate of a valve body. By increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber, the valve can be opened. The pressure chamber has a flat form and has a large surface area in contact with liquid in relation to the volume. At least one portion of the valve plate which is in contact with liquid in the pressure chamber is of a valve plate material produced using metallocenes as catalysts.

Abstract: An automated stopper and opener includes: a sleeve housing that is able to fit within a neck of a container; a mechanical feature that is able to vary a force applied to an internal surface of the sleeve such that a seal is able to be formed or released within the neck of the container; and an electronic controller that is able to manipulate the force applied to the internal surface of the sleeve by at least partly directing operations of the mechanical feature. An automated stopper includes: a cylindrical sleeve; a mechanical element that fits within the cylindrical sleeve and has a variable outer diameter; a communication interface that is able to receive commands from a user device; and a controller that is able to interpret the received commands and direct the mechanical element to control the variable outer diameter. A system includes automated stoppers and a user device.

Abstract: A container security system includes a container chassis and a closure subsystem coupled to the container chassis. The closure subsystem includes a closure chassis that prevents movement of a material between a container volume and an exterior of the container chassis via an aperture defined by the container chassis. The closure subsystem includes a closure security sensor that generates a closure sensor signal when the closure chassis experiences a tamper event. A first type communication interface is housed in the closure chassis and a security engine provided by the closure subsystem receives a sensor signal indicating that the closure chassis has experienced the tamper event. The security engine then provides, in response to receiving the sensor signal and using the first type communication interface, a notification to a corresponding first type communication interface that the closure chassis has experienced the tamper event.

Abstract: A twist-tie includes a fastener having a malleable material surrounded by an outer coating having a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end and a second end; and an indicia portion extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis, the indicia portion including at least a portion that is attached to the fastener and at least a portion that is separated from the fastener, wherein a separation between the indicia portion and the fastener defines a slit that extends from an open end toward a closed end in a direction of at least one of the first end toward the second end and the second end toward the first end.