Patents Issued in February 20, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200055590
    Abstract: An actuator system for controlling a movable surface has a main shaft connected between a power drive unit and the movable surface to transmit a command from the power drive unit to move the movable surface. If a failure in the main shaft is detected a failure control device connects a secondary shaft from the movable surface to the power drive unit e.g. by releasing a solenoid which releases gears so as to permit differential rotations between an outer ring and a sun gear of a planetary gear system, within prescribed limits. When these limits are exceeded, the solenoid brake is de-energised braking the planetary gear outer ring and tying the gears through an epicycle ratio corresponding to the ratio of gears connecting the main and secondary shafts. The gear system acts as a low mass asymmetry brake that allows post-failure operation of the surface control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Antony MORGAN
  • Publication number: 20200055591
    Abstract: An aerodynamic body for use on an aircraft including at least a first perforated surface portion (25) and an ice-protection system (31). The first perforated surface portion (25) has perforations. The ice-protection system (31) includes an actuatable element (33) and the actuatable element (33) is movable or deformable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the actuatable element (33) is thermally coupled to the first perforated surface portion (25) and configured to prevent an inflow or outflow between a boundary layer of an outer aerodynamic airflow and the aerodynamic body through at least one of the perforations. In the second position, the actuatable element (33) is distanced from the first perforated surface portion (25) and configured to allow an inflow from a boundary layer of an outer aerodynamic airflow through at least one of the perforations into the aerodynamic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Ching-Yu HUI, Alan MANN
  • Publication number: 20200055592
    Abstract: A control system has first and second processing modules for controlling retraction and extension of an aircraft landing gear assembly. The processing modules operate independently providing redundancy. Each processing module is configured to perform a first sequence of steps for retracting the landing gear assembly and a second sequence of steps for extending the landing gear assembly. A step of switching control from one processing module to the other (e.g. an avionics side changeover step) is performed (a) as part of the first sequence of steps, but only after the landing gear assembly has been retracted, or (b) as part of the second sequence of steps. By ensuring that the step of switching control is performed at such times, and not for example between initiation of the first sequence of steps and the retraction of the landing gear assembly, the landing gear assembly may be retracted sooner after such initiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Martin Griffith ROWLANDS, Maxwell William JONES, Graham KING, Trevor Anthony BRIGHTON, Matthew GADD
  • Publication number: 20200055593
    Abstract: A method of selectively preventing flapping of a rotor hub includes providing a flapping lock proximate to a rotor hub and shaft assembly and moving the flapping lock from an unlocked position to a locked position, the flapping lock operable in the locked position to prevent at least some flapping movement of the rotor hub relative to the shaft, the flapping lock operable in the unlocked position to allow the at least some flapping movement of the rotor hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Troy Schank, Frank B. Stamps
  • Publication number: 20200055594
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle has a passenger cabin for receiving at least one passenger, a load-bearing structure beneath the cabin, and a propulsion system including a number of propulsion units, which propel the aerial vehicle for powered flight and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). The propulsion units are preferably carried by support arms attached to the load-bearing structure and extending upwards therefrom so as to support the propulsion units at a level above the cabin. The aerial vehicle is preferably reconfigurable to a compact configuration after landing, with at least some of the propulsion units overlapping the cabin and/or each other, while still allowing passenger transfer in and out of the vehicle, thereby facilitating efficient use of space for implementing a vertiport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Oren TAL, Reuven TAL
  • Publication number: 20200055595
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing lift to an aircraft comprising at least one rotating lifting device (RLD) formed of a pair of RLD segments extending from a common vertical support pivotally supported by the aircraft, a drive operable to rotate the at least one RLD relative to the aircraft and a lock operable to fix the at least one RLD relative to the aircraft at a plurality of orientations. The RLD segments may include a plurality of aerodynamic adjustment features to adjust the aerodynamic profile of the RLD segments as the RLD is converted from a rotating lifting body to a stationary lifting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: William Bailie
  • Publication number: 20200055596
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In one embodiment, the hybrid UAV includes a fuselage configured to hold cargo, and at least one wing. The wing has a body that includes upper and lower surfaces and is configured to generate lift to enable the UAV to glide through the air. At least one rotor assembly is held within the body of the wing between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. The upper and lower surfaces of the wing include upper and lower doors, respectively, extending above and below, respectively, the rotor assembly. The upper and lower doors are configured to be opened during gliding of the UAV to an open position that exposes the rotor assembly such that the rotor assembly is configured to draw air through the body of the wing and thereby generate lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Andrew B. MILLHOUSE
  • Publication number: 20200055597
    Abstract: A monitoring system that includes a monitoring center unit, a monitoring camera, and a drone device. The monitoring system is a system for monitoring a monitoring target area in a predetermined range, starting the drone device when an abnormality is detected, and dealing with the generated abnormality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Ryuji FUJIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20200055598
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a highly efficient method for capturing images inside a confined space without the need for direct visual observation by an inspector. Provided is an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with at least four rotors, a drive device that drives the rotors, a control signal generation circuit that generates a control signal for causing the drive device to drive the rotors, and an imaging camera, wherein said unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to fly within a confined space by driving the rotors while capturing images inside the confined space by means of the imaging camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kenji Kuroiwa, Yusuke Inagaki, Kohei Yamasaki, Akikazu Onishi, Satoshi Katsuoka, Yukinori Masuya, Ichiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20200055599
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a main body, a propulsion assembly including a rotary blade and a motor to rotate the rotary blade about a rotation axis. The propulsion assembly is attached to the main body and further includes a rechargeable battery to supply electric power to the propulsion assembly, a frame portion surrounding an outside of the rotary blade in a radial direction, and a power receiving coil to provide non-contact power feeding. The power receiving coil is electrically connected to the battery, has a frame shape along the frame portion, and is provided in the frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Yasumasa KODAIRA, Masaki KATO
  • Publication number: 20200055600
    Abstract: A payload apparatus for selectively releasing a payload is disclosed. The payload apparatus may be used to deliver payloads from an aircraft such as an unmanned aerial vehicle. Embodiments of the payload apparatus include a payload container and a matching lid. The payload container may include one or more latches configured to engage the lid, and the lid may include one or more actuators to selectively disengage the one or more latches, thus releasing the payload container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: volans-i, Inc
    Inventors: Manuel Lopez, Hannan Parvizian, Peter Staffe, Jaipal Singh Khaira
  • Publication number: 20200055601
    Abstract: A turntable assembly for a cargo bay floor including: three omni-directional wheel assemblies oriented in a triangular orientation forming a triangle with one of the three omni-directional wheel assemblies at each corner of the triangle, wherein each of the three omni-directional wheel assemblies include: an omni wheel; and a motor operably connected to the omni wheel, the motor being configured to rotate the omni wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Sayooj Adavalath Puthiyaveettil, Unnikrishnan Vijayan Pillai Jaya
  • Publication number: 20200055602
    Abstract: Various embodiments of vehicle occupant safety systems having extendable restraints for use with, for example, airbags are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosed technology includes a 2-point occupant restraint that secures an occupant in an aircraft seat. In this embodiment, the aircraft seat is positioned in a seating area that includes a forward monument housing a stowed airbag. In the event of a crash or other significant dynamic event that causes, for example, a rapid deceleration of the aircraft above a preset magnitude, the airbag deploys between the occupant and the monument as the dynamic forces cause the occupant to pitch forward. The forward momentum of the occupant's body creates a significant tension load in the 2-point restraint, which causes the restraint to extend by a preset amount, thereby allowing the occupant to move forward in the seat more than the occupant would have moved had the occupant been wearing a conventional, non-extending 2-point restraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew James Browning, William Joseph Gehret, Todd Humbert, Richard Patterson
  • Publication number: 20200055603
    Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Giuseppe Gullotto
  • Publication number: 20200055604
    Abstract: A cooled cup holder provides for a cooled beverage container that is connectable to a vehicle's air conditioning system to maintain a drink cold. The assembly can additionally be provided with a second compartment which can keep a snack or sandwich cool. The cup holder assembly can be adapted to be suspended from the map pocket panel, or can be provided with its own map pocket, in which case, the assembly will replace the airplane's map pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Shane Mansker
  • Publication number: 20200055605
    Abstract: For a seat group arrangement for a passenger cabin of an aircraft it is proposed to realize a temporary enlargement of the circulation area by widening the longitudinal aisle of the aircraft for the entry and exit period. For this purpose, a passenger seat group has a supporting frame which is provided with seat legs for fastening to the aircraft floor. At least one first fixedly secured seat having in each case a seat part and in each case a backrest and a further seat which is movable in the transverse direction and has a seat part and a backrest is provided on the supporting frame. The further seat is connected to the supporting frame via a folding device, and the folding device is configured to realize a change in width of the further seat in relation to the seat legs of the supporting frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Claus-Peter GROSS
  • Publication number: 20200055606
    Abstract: To facilitate assembly of an aircraft cockpit, a cockpit module includes an instrument panel to support at least one screen and an air conditioning distribution block bordering the instrument panel and integral with a rear face of it. The air conditioning distribution block includes an air distributor, an excess air collector, and air distribution channels each including a first end communicating with the air distributor and a second end communicating with the excess air collector, each distribution channel being equipped with an air outlet arranged between its first and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Bernard Guering, Laurent Saint-Marc
  • Publication number: 20200055607
    Abstract: A method of preserving power quality on a power grid is provided. The method is implemented by a voltage overflow device that is electrically coupled to the power grid through electrical contacts. A voltage monitoring circuit of the voltage overflow device monitors a voltage via the electrical contacts on the power grid with respect to a predetermined voltage. The voltage monitoring circuit determines whether the voltage exceeds the predetermined voltage. A switch of the voltage overflow device shunt an excess voltage over the predetermined voltage to a resistive load when the voltage exceeds the predetermined voltage to preserve the power quality on the power grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Krenz, Galdemir Cezar Botura
  • Publication number: 20200055608
    Abstract: A parachute system and a safety protection method of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and relates to the technical field of intelligent storage. The parachute system of the UAV includes: a sensor configured to detect the flight state of the UAV, a parachute; and a controller electrically connected with the sensor and the parachute, respectively, and configured to obtain the flight state of the UAV from the sensor, and control the parachute to open when the UAV is in an unstable state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicants: BEIJING JINGDONG SHANGKE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BEIJING JINGDONG CENTURY TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong SUN, Yanguang LIU, Yun WANG, Shiqian YU, Guiyong PENG, Huaxiang LIU
  • Publication number: 20200055609
    Abstract: A restraint may include a longitudinal body having a first end and a second end. The restraint may also include a plurality of engagement features distributed between the first end and the second end. A dimension of at least one of the longitudinal body and the plurality of engagement features may vary along at least a portion of a length of the longitudinal body. The restraint may further include a head disposed at the first end of the longitudinal body. The head may define an aperture and may include a pawl that configured to individually engage the plurality of engagement features. The dimension may vary incrementally or continuously along at least the portion of the length of the longitudinal body from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: TIMOTHY C. HAYNES, DANIEL BAHENA
  • Publication number: 20200055610
    Abstract: An aspect includes a battery charging system for a hybrid electric aircraft. The battery charging system includes a generator, a battery system, and a controller. The controller is operable to charge the battery system up to a first charge level based on receiving a first charging current at a power input. An operational status of a gas turbine engine of the hybrid electric aircraft is monitored. The battery system is charged at a second charging current received from the generator driven by the gas turbine engine responsive to determining that the gas turbine engine is in a taxi state, where the second charging current is less than the first charging current. Charging of the battery system is halted based on detecting a transition of the gas turbine engine from the taxi state to an off-idle throttle state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Neil Terwilliger, David A. Golfin
  • Publication number: 20200055611
    Abstract: An isolator fitting for an opening in a metallic rib of an aircraft wing. The isolator fitting has first isolator mountable to the rib to position a first isolator opening in alignment with the opening of the rib. A second isolator is mountable to the rib and has a nut housing segment defining a second isolator opening to be positioned in alignment with the opening of the rib. A conduit extends between a first end and a second end, and a nut is mountable about an outer surface of the conduit to abut against the first isolator and mount the conduit thereto. The conduit is positionable to extend through the opening of the rib and through the first and second isolator openings to position the nut within the nut housing segment of the second isolator such that the nut housing segment is positioned between the nut and the rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen WALTERS, David CHIVERS
  • Publication number: 20200055612
    Abstract: The method for on-board electrical power distribution according to the invention includes the producing a protected segregation interface (4A) between the primary distribution (2A) and the secondary distribution network for electrical power of the cabin system (30). referred to as the cabin network, so as to comply with the quality parameters for the primary distribution (2A); controlling the extraction of electrical power from the primary distribution (2A) by a cabin management system (G1, G2) depending on the availability of electrical power on this primary distribution (2A); converting and distributing this available electrical power in the cabin network (30) according to a suitable configuration of the loads (51, 52, 53) of this cabin network (30) and defined according to an electrical configuration of type, single/three-phase AC and DC, as well as of voltage level and frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: LATELEC
    Inventors: Cyrille DELAME, Jean-Paul PLATZER, Serge BERANGER
  • Publication number: 20200055613
    Abstract: An approach is provided for enhancing the safety and functionality of unmanned rotorcraft by improving reliability, transparency, operational capabilities, and effectiveness. Embodiments include integration of rotorcraft with objects attached to the ground (including kites, balloons, or elevated structures) in order to create safe and visible sky moorings from which devices such as cameras on the craft can operate for extended periods of time while remote control can be used to move and stabilize the camera and/or the kite or balloon to which it is attached. In addition, the rotorcraft in such sky moorings can be enclosed for protection, can employ connections for systems maintenance, and can utilize changeable payload modules having supplies that the rotorcraft can dispatch or use in various contexts such as emergency situations or to provide security at venues with large gatherings of people, such as concerts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Ralph Irad MILLER, Wannett Smith Ogden MILLER
  • Publication number: 20200055614
    Abstract: A method for designing a material for an aircraft component includes training a neural network to correlate microstructural features of an alloy with material properties of the alloy by at least providing a set of images of the alloy to the neural network. Each of the images in the set of images has varied constituent compositions. The method further includes providing the neural network with a set of determined material properties corresponding to each image, associating the microstructural features of each image with the set of empirically determined data corresponding to the image, and determining non-linear relationships between the microstructural features and corresponding empirically determined material properties via a machine learning algorithm, receiving a set of desired material properties of the alloy for aircraft component, and determining a set of microstructural features capable of achieving the desired material properties of the alloy based on the determined non-linear relationships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Nagendra Somanath, Ryan B. Noraas, Michael J. Giering
  • Publication number: 20200055615
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a coating from a gas turbine engine component enabling repair of the component, including application of a braze alloy, without fluoride ion cleaning uses electrolytic stripping of the component in an alkaline bath with the component acting as an anode and current passing to a conformal cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: AEROMET TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: David C. FAIRBOURN
  • Publication number: 20200055616
    Abstract: This describes an aircraft control surface regulating device, comprising an elongated structural body formed of a base positioned at a first end and fixed to the structure of the aircraft and a regulation assembly arranged at a second end and positioned next to the control surfaces, the regulation assembly comprising at least one dial indicator positionable between a first measuring position and a second positioning position and at least one reference ruler arranged adjacent to at least one dial indicator and positionable between an initial position and a final position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Adir RODRIGUES DE OLIVEIRA, Pedro CANDIA DE MIRANDA, Luis Augusto BASTOS TELLES NUNES, Gilberto Silva COSTA DOS SANTOS, Débora Saraiva RAMOS, Juliano Batista ALMENDANHA, Marcos Roberto CRUZ, Maurilio Augusto PINTO
  • Publication number: 20200055617
    Abstract: A system for optimizing a low-thrust trajectory of a spacecraft trajectory for orbital transfer includes an interface to receive data, a memory to store scheduled geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) data and scheduled geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) data and computer-executable programs, and a processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Piyush Grover, Uros Kalabic, Avishai Weiss
  • Publication number: 20200055618
    Abstract: Exemplary deployable sheet material systems may be configured to stow and deploy sheet material. The systems may include one or more masts, one or more extendable booms, and one or more guys wires configured to function in conjunction with each other to deploy the sheet material and then to maintain the sheet material in the deployed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: John L. Abrams, Matthew E. Duchek, Alberto Paz, Ryan A. Harbach, Alexi S. Rakow
  • Publication number: 20200055619
    Abstract: A system and method of acquiring and delivering samples, such as in association with an interplanetary vehicle is provided. The system includes a gas delivery assembly having a storage tank with a compressed gas. A sampler device is provided having a hollow interior, the hollow interior having a curved and angled surface, an open end and an exit end. A plurality of nozzles are fluidly coupled between the hollow interior and the storage tank, at least one of the plurality of nozzles arranged to direct the compressed gas towards the exit end. A sample capture assembly is further provided having a container fluidly coupled to the exit end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Philip Chu, Justin Spring, Kris Zacny
  • Publication number: 20200055620
    Abstract: A production method for producing a transport and transfer receptacle for at least one fluid medium, for example, for at least one sterile liquid is proposed. The method comprises supplying at least one container for receiving the fluid medium. At least one energy unit is supplied. The energy unit effects—for example, complete—emptying of the fluid medium from the container when the transport and transfer receptacle is used. The fluid medium is introduced into the container and the container is closed. The fluid medium is charged with positive pressure, for example, using the energy unit. The positive pressure is maintained until the fluid medium is removed. Furthermore, a transport and transfer receptacle which can be produced according to the production method and which has at least one packaging is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Theo Arnitz, Stefan Hartig
  • Publication number: 20200055621
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a separating device for severing at least one strap, in particular a plastic strap, the separating device having a blade with an edge for severing the at least one strap, and it being possible for the separating device to be connected to a strap end connecting device, the strap end connecting device having an assembly which has a heating element, it being possible for the blade to be connected to that assembly of the strap end connecting device which has the heating element. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a strap end connecting device for a strapping system having a separating device of this type. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a strap end connecting device for a strapping system having a strap end connecting device of this type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Meng
  • Publication number: 20200055622
    Abstract: Provided is a means which makes it possible to prevent quality deterioration of a facilitated transport membrane for a long period of time. A method for packing the facilitated transport membrane selectively allowing a specific gas to permeate therethrough, includes the steps of: putting the facilitated transport membrane in a packaging body having a transmission rate of not more than 10,000 cm3/(m2·24 h·atm) for the specific gas; preventing a contact between the facilitated transport membrane and the specific gas; and lastly sealing the packaging body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Kazuya INAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20200055623
    Abstract: A conveyor device for conveying food products on a plurality of parallel conveyor tracks and for formatting the food products in a specific product format, especially for conveying and formatting stacks or interleaved units made of a plurality of slices of cheese or meat products is provided. The conveyor device fills a product gap on one of the conveyor tracks incoming on the input side with a food product so that on the output side all parallel conveyor tracks are supplied with the food products when a product gap is sensed. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Jürgen Bialy
  • Publication number: 20200055624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing and guiding system for a packaging machine having a processing zone and an activation zone adjacent each other. The system has a separating wall, for separating the processing zone from the activation zone; at least a movement actuating element, which develops from the activation zone to the processing zone, crossing the separating wall and that has a longitudinal developing axis; movement actuating means, arranged in the activation zone, for moving the movement actuating element at least along a first direction transverse to the respective axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Antonio Gigante, Luca Cavazza, Andrea Biondi
  • Publication number: 20200055625
    Abstract: A packaging machine of products in respective packages or envelopes includes at least one central control unit and a plurality of functional groups suitable to operate synergetically and in synchronism in order to obtain the desired product packaging result. The functional groups include at least one feeding group of the products, at least one feeding and/or forming group of the packages in which the products must be inserted, at least one insertion group of the products in the respective packages, at least one outlet group of the packages containing the respective products. Each of the groups include respective operating stations suitable for carrying out a specific operation on the products, on the packages or on the combination of same, in order to obtain a specific result in terms of packaging of the products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: LOGOMAT S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gian Luca SIMONI
  • Publication number: 20200055626
    Abstract: Lighting elements are disposed within the enclosure doors surrounding an automated material handling machine such as a packaging machine. The clear panels in the door are edge-lit so that the entire door window corresponding to the location of the maintenance notice is illuminated a contrasting color to call the operator's quick attention to that portion of the machine. A method of notifying the operator of a maintenance issue in a particular portion of the machine is provided by illuminating a window panel in a door of the machine enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Allen BAHR
  • Publication number: 20200055627
    Abstract: A packaging and sealing apparatus and method may package and seal a product. The apparatus and method may provide a greater efficiency for packaging and sealing a product. The rate capacity or quantity of sealed product packages may be up to approximately 50 packages per minute. The apparatus may create packaged product during continuous conveying of the product for increased apparatus packaging capacity. The apparatus may create packaged product using coupled variable-length conveyors to move the sealing system with the conveyed product being packaged through a fixed-length apparatus. The apparatus and method may not require a footprint or space greater than conventional food packaging equipment. The package seals created with the apparatus may provide an improved seal and reduce or eliminate premature spoilage of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Brandon Roby
  • Publication number: 20200055628
    Abstract: A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock; a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of the label stock; a motive device configured to propel the label stock along a web path from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support; a first arrangement configured to produce a first signal indicative of a speed at which label stock is removed from the supply spool by the motive device; a controller configured to receive the first signal and output a brake assembly control signal based upon the first signal; and a brake assembly configured to apply a braking force to the supply spool support based upon the brake assembly control signal, the braking force resisting rotation of the supply spool support. The controller is configured to output the brake assembly control signal based upon a target supply spool speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Gary Pfeffer
  • Publication number: 20200055629
    Abstract: An aseptic filling bottle that can suppress buckling of its bottom portion even at the time of refrigerated storage. A bottom portion of the aseptic filling bottle includes a grounding portion to be placed in contact with a surface on which the bottle is put, a central portion that projects to an inner side of the bottle as its extends radially inwards from the grounding portion, a dome portion which projects to more inner side of the bottle than the central portion, and a receded groove portion that extends radially from the dome portion. A bottom inner side projection height of the central portion at a dome portion side circumferential edge thereof is set greater than a half of a height from the grounding portion to a border between the body portion and the bottom portion. The receded groove portion, at a position corresponding to the radial center position of the grounding portion, has a depth ranging from 5.0 mm to 10.0 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Ayumu KITAGAKI, Shinya ITO, Takashi AKIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20200055630
    Abstract: An insulated shipping liner includes a flexible sealed sack having a first layer and second layer sealed together about their outer peripheral edges to form a housing. An insulating layer made from a single sheet of foam material is located within the housing and is configured to be folded such that a first side portion, second side portion and middle portion create a substantially rectangular box form, with the first and second side portions defining opposing sides of the box form, the middle portion defining a bottom of the box form, the substantially rectangular top flap defining at least part of a top of the box form, and the opposing substantially rectangular first and second side flaps defining at least part of other opposing sides of the box form. The box form can be placed in a container to form an insulated container for shipping and/or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Lionel de Bazelaire de Lesseux, Robert Gary Stampfli, Langdon Strong Flowers, III
  • Publication number: 20200055631
    Abstract: A storage compartment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of compartment bins, each having a first wall connected at an angle to a second wall connected at an angle to a third wall connected at an angle to a fourth wall also connected at an angle to the first wall, the first, second, third, and fourth walls connected at an angle to a base portion, the first, second, third, fourth walls, and the base portion partially enclosing a volume, a plurality of foot portions extending from the base portion at intersections of the first, second, third, and fourth walls, a plurality of support members extending from the intersections of the first, second, third, and fourth walls and displaced vertically directly above the foot portions, each of the plurality of compartment bins stackable atop each of the others of the plurality of compartment bins in a plurality of permutations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Combs
  • Publication number: 20200055632
    Abstract: A container having a container body and a handle mounted thereto. The handle has a grip portion and a mounting bracket, a gripping area being left free between said grip portion and said mounting bracket for gripping the grip portion. An anchoring portion is arranged on a side of the mounting bracket facing away from the grip portion. The anchoring portion and the grip portion are elongate in a first, horizontal direction. The anchoring portion has a single wall stem portion oriented in a plane in said first direction and in a second direction away from the grip portion and a hooking portion projecting from the stem portion in a third direction transverse to said plane. A method for manufacturing such a container is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Nicola Louis Dethmers
  • Publication number: 20200055633
    Abstract: A method for treating a polymer vessel, comprising treating a surface region of the vessel by exposing the surface region to a high-frequency plasma; and coating the surface region of the vessel with a lasting water-based edible coating. A vessel treated in accordance with the method. The method may include placing the vessel on a conveyor, a robotic arm or system to facilitate the movement of the vessel through the high-frequency plasma device. Including rotating the vessel to treat different parts thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Geoffrey J. ADDEO, Jill M. ADDEO, Ed GILCHREST
  • Publication number: 20200055634
    Abstract: Plastic grid or framework arrangements are used to support and position of bowls that hold flower arrangements, candles, letters, and other decorative elements. These grids are deployable in water fountains, indoor and outdoor pools, and other small bodies of water during festive occasions or for longer term decorative display. The grid themselves do not float, and are positioned below the surface of the water, and thus are not readily visible. Buoyancy is provided at the hubs that form nodes in the grids. The hubs also support floating bowls containing various decorative elements. The resulting effect is that the various decorative elements appear to be floating on the surface while the sub-surface grid structure maintains their relative positioning, keeping the bowls from clumping together at the edges or in the corners of the pool or fountain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: AMCS Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: Anne-Marie Ansaldo-Swain, Curtis Swain, Philip John Blyskal, James Matthew Wittes
  • Publication number: 20200055635
    Abstract: A flexible package that can include first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls being joined by a bottom portion and seams that define first and second sides. The package can have an opening opposite the bottom portion, a first plurality of magnetic regions, and a second plurality of magnetic regions. The first plurality of magnetic regions can be disposed on the first sidewall near the opening and include discrete magnetic regions. A second plurality of magnetic regions can be disposed on the second sidewall near the access opening and include opposed discrete magnetic regions. The second plurality of magnetic regions being opposite the first plurality of magnetic regions. The discrete magnetic regions and the opposed discrete magnetic regions can be magnetically engageable with a magnetic force to close the opening of the package in a configuration having M petals, where M is an integer from 2 to 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Scott David Hochberg, Michael Matthew Satkowski
  • Publication number: 20200055636
    Abstract: A package with magnetic closure portions. The package can include a first flexible polymeric sidewall and a second flexible polymeric sidewall. The first and second flexible polymeric sidewalls can be joined by opposing first and second sides and a bottom portion and together defining an access opening. A first magnetic region can be disposed on the first sidewall. A second magnetic region can be disposed on the first sidewall. A third magnetic region can be disposed on the second sidewall. A fourth magnetic region can be disposed on the second sidewall. The first and third magnetic regions can be magnetically engageable with a magnetic force to urge at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls into contacting relationship, and the second and fourth magnetic regions can be magnetically engageable with a magnetic force to urge at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls into contacting relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Scott David Hochberg, Edward Daniel Theiss, III
  • Publication number: 20200055637
    Abstract: A recloseable zipper closure arrangement useable in a recloseable plastic bag includes a first elongate base strip having a front side and an opposite back side; and a first continuous profile member on the front side of the first elongate base strip; the first continuous profile member having a clicking sensory indicator having a central rib with a continuous peak; and a second continuous profile member on the front side of the first elongate base strip and spaced from the first profile member; the second continuous profile member may have optionally a clicking sensory indicator having a central rib with a continuous peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Reynolds Presto Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Petkovsek, Todd Robbins
  • Publication number: 20200055638
    Abstract: A thread joining mechanism which possesses and for annular engaging external surface and/or internal surface, preferably for the containers with annular opening, comprising: at least an external thread line, including upper end and lower end which outspread along annular engaging external surface and/or internal surface, at least a convex fixed area and locking piece, preferably be processed as configuration by a part of said upper end and lower end which close to said external thread line, or preference is given to the convex part that integrates with said annular engaging external surface and/or internal surface, said fixed area and locking piece are set to that said annular engaging external surface and/or internal surface, and upper end and/or lower end of corresponding said thread line are separated by preset spacing, and outspread along the same direction with said thread line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: PLASMED FAR EAST LIMITED
    Inventors: Lee Kwok Lau, Xiangqing Liufu
  • Publication number: 20200055639
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a first component, a second component, and a third component. Each component has an outer wall, a side wall extending upward from the outer wall, and a lip extending outward around a perimeter of the side wall. Each of the lips of the components are releasably lockable with another lip to form a modular container assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Craig R. Snedden, Leonardo Magana, Robert Patrick Urciuoli