Abstract: An aircraft lounge assembly that includes an enclosure having a rear wall, first and second side walls and a forward wall that cooperate to define a seating area. The lounge assembly also includes first and second seats positioned in the seating area, and a first dividing wall positioned between the first and second seats. The first dividing wall divides the seating area into a first seat section and a second seat section. The front wall includes a shared entrance space defined therein. A first seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the first seat section and a second seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the second seat section.

Abstract: A modal restraint system for an occupant of a seat of an aircraft includes a strap feeder unit and a strap selectively retractable into and extendable from the strap feeder unit. The strap is positionable adjacent to the occupant so as to dispose the occupant between the strap and the seat. The strap feeder unit is adapted to switch between a plurality of modes including an unfixed mode and a fixed mode. The strap is extendable from and retractable into the strap feeder unit in the unfixed mode. The strap is substantially unextendable from the strap feeder unit in the fixed mode. The strap feeder unit is in the unfixed mode by default. The strap feeder unit is operable to switch to the fixed mode in response to a precautionary event, thereby reducing freedom of movement of the occupant relative to the seat of the aircraft.

Abstract: This invention relates to any field where crafts (such as avionics) where inhabitants of volumes like passage compartments can be found where the area is subject to extreme conditions such as explosion, fire or other traumatic activity linked with a crash, and more specifically a pressurized dual-compartment canister or anti-trauma apparatus for the storage, mixing, and blast-release of a neutralizing chemical compound within the environment of the volume in a craft placed adjacent to the volume for the blast release of a quickly expanding and quickly retracting product.

Abstract: A seat system for a cabin of a transportation system includes a first seat unit, a second seat unit, and a rail system attachable to a floor of the cabin, having two rails that run parallel to each other, for receiving the seat units on selective positions. A line-up of a plurality of first seat units and at least one second seat unit on the rail system constitutes a seat arrangement. The first seat unit includes a seat frame having a seat cushion and a back cushion. The second seat unit includes a seat frame having a foldable seat cushion and a back cushion. The second seat frame includes two forward seat legs supported on two auxiliary rail segments that are arranged between the rails in a region. The forward seat legs are guidable underneath the seat cushion of a first seat unit arranged in front of it.

Abstract: A device for controlling an opening forming an air inlet or air outlet in an outer skin of a vehicle. The device comprises a multiple-member inlet ramp, which is configured to vary at least one of a degree of opening of the opening and a cross section of an air duct connected to the opening; an actuator, which is coupled to the multiple-member inlet ramp and is configured to move the multiple-member inlet ramp into a shape related to at least one of a certain degree of opening and a certain cross section; and a movement control device, which is configured to control a movement of the multiple-member inlet ramp.

Abstract: In controlling pressure in an aircraft cabin, during flight operation, an effective flow cross-sectional area of at least one outflow valve is controlled to adjust air flow exiting the cabin through the outflow valve so pressure within the cabin is controlled according to a predetermined cabin pressure control strategy. During flight operation of the aircraft, an effective flow cross-sectional area of at least one negative relief valve is controlled to adjust air flow entering the cabin through the negative relief valve so a negative differential pressure between the pressure within the aircraft cabin and an ambient pressure prevailing outside of the aircraft cabin is prevented from exceeding a predetermined threshold value. During ground operation of the aircraft, the effective flow cross-sectional area of the at least one negative relief valve is controlled to allow an equalization between pressure within the cabin and ambient pressure prevailing outside of the aircraft.

Abstract: In some examples, a temperature control system comprises a heat exchanger providing thermal communication between inlet air and an avionics temperature controlled fluid, for controlling the temperature of the inlet air for use in an onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS). The inlet air that exits the heat exchanger can be used as supply air for the OBOGS.

Abstract: In an aeroengine comprising a gas turbine engine driving a propeller via a reduction gearbox, the propeller comprising a plurality of blades, each provided with one or more electrical deicer elements and being set into rotation by a propeller-carrying shaft passing through the gearbox, the propeller-carrying shaft having a fastener flange for fastening to the propeller, provision is made, in order to deliver the electrical power needed for powering said electrical deicer elements, for the aeroengine to include a rotary three-phase transformer set into rotation by the propeller-carrying shaft and comprising firstly a rotor mounted inside the propeller-carrying shaft and angularly secured thereto, and secondly a stator secured to a stationary portion of the aeroengine, the rotary three-phase transformer being arranged behind the propeller fastener flange.

Abstract: There is provided an ice protection system for a rotary aircraft, including a rotor blade susceptible to an ice buildup having an inboard portion and an outboard portion, the length of the inboard portion and the length of the outboard portion define a total length of the rotor blade; a first deicing system coupled to the inboard portion of the rotor blade, the first deicing system including a plurality of spanwise zones; and a second deicing system coupled to the outboard portion of the rotor blade, the second deicing system including a plurality of chordwise zones. In one aspect, there is provided a deicing system for a rotary aircraft. In another aspect, there is a method to de-ice a rotor blade of an aircraft.

Abstract: A slide for an evacuation system may comprise an inflatable slide rail structure. An aspirator may be fluidly coupled to the inflatable slide rail structure. An aspirator retention strap may be coupled between the aspirator and the inflatable slide rail structure. The aspirator retention strap may comprise an elastic material. The aspirator retention strap may be configured to stretch when a predetermined internal pressure threshold of the inflatable slide rail structure is exceeded.

Abstract: Hybrid aircraft propulsors having electrically-driven augmentor fans are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a turbofan having a core engine and a ducted fan to be rotated via the core engine. The ducted fan includes a plurality of ducted fan blades arranged circumferentially around the core engine and circumscribed by a nacelle. The example apparatus further includes an augmentor fan having an augmentor hub ring and a plurality of augmentor fan blades. The augmentor fan blades are arranged circumferentially around the augmentor hub ring and project outwardly relative to an outer surface of the nacelle. The augmentor fan is to rotate separately from the ducted fan. The example apparatus further includes an electrical drive to rotate the augmentor hub ring in response to a supply of electrical energy provided to the electrical drive.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a propulsion system of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the propulsion system including a turbomachine, an electric machine, a forward thrust propulsor, and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. The method includes driving the forward thrust propulsor with the turbomachine; rotating the electric machine with the turbomachine to generate electrical power; determining a failure condition of the turbomachine; and providing electrical power to the electric machine to drive the forward thrust propulsor with the electric machine in response to determining the failure condition of the turbomachine.

Abstract: There is provided a latch indication system for a fan cowl of an air vehicle. The system has a door movable between a closed position and an open position, and has a handle movable between a handle stowed position and a handle deployed position. The system has a linkage assembly mechanically connecting the handle to a cover assembly. The cover assembly has a movable member movable between a movable member stowed position and a movable member deployed position, such that when the door is in the closed position and the handle is in the handle stowed position, the system indicates that one or more latch assemblies of the fan cowl are in a latched condition, and when the door is in the open position and the handle is in the handle deployed position, the system indicates that one or more of the latch assemblies are in an unlatched condition.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank system including a fuel tank compartment for containing liquid fuel and having a float-activated valve arranged to become positively buoyant when immersed in liquid fuel so that the float moves up to a raised position which causes the valve to close and prevent liquid fuel from flowing out of the fuel tank compartment through the valve. The float is also arranged to move down to a lowered position in response to a level of the liquid fuel in the fuel tank compartment dropping, the movement of the float to the lowered position causing the valve to open and permit liquid fuel to flow out of the fuel tank compartment through the valve. A pressure-activated valve may be used as an alternative to the float-activated valve.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit for an aircraft, having a compressor, an intercooler including first conduit(s) having an inlet in fluid communication with the compressor outlet and second conduit(s) configured for circulation of a coolant therethrough, an engine core having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the first conduit(s), and a bleed conduit in fluid communication with the outlet of the first conduit(s) through a bleed air valve. The auxiliary power unit may include a generator in driving engagement with the shaft of the engine core to provide electrical power for the aircraft. A method of providing compressed air and electrical power to an aircraft is also discussed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for providing improved aircraft fuel cell systems. In one embodiment, the system provides separate zones, maintaining various equipment components in separate controlled hydrogen concentration zones. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system provided may be simpler such that it functions without a power converter and autonomous such that it functions without need for power from any aircraft supply.

Abstract: A system includes a display device, a haptic feedback device coupled to the display device, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive an indication of a sonic boom. The control circuit is configured to cause the display device to display a visual representation of the indication of the sonic boom. The control circuit is configured to cause the haptic feedback device to output feedback corresponding to the sonic boom.

Abstract: A method for determining airspeed of an aircraft that includes determining a rotor model relating a power coefficient of a propeller of the aircraft to an axial inflow velocity through the propeller as a function of a set of rotor operating parameters; determining the set of rotor operating parameters by sampling an electronic control signal associated with an electric motor actuating the propeller; computing the axial inflow velocity through the propeller based on the set of rotor operating parameters using the rotor model; and determining the airspeed based on the axial inflow velocity.

Abstract: An exterior aircraft light includes a housing configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of an aircraft; at least one light source mounted to the housing; a lens cover, cooperating with the housing for forming an inner space of the exterior aircraft light, with light from the at least one light source leaving the exterior aircraft light through the lens cover into an outside environment of the aircraft; and a gasket arranged between the housing and the lens cover, the gasket having at least one flap portion forming at least one check valve for fluid discharge from the inner space of the exterior aircraft light towards the outside environment of the aircraft.

Abstract: Enhanced landing light systems and methods are provided. The system determines that landing lights in a landing lights assembly are on and then proceeds to identify each of the following relevant contexts: landing, taxi, and takeoff. When the aircraft is in a relevant context, the system identifies an actual travelpath and determines whether the actual travelpath matches the intended travelpath. If it does, the system generates guidance information and begins projecting the guidance information onto a landing surface. The guidance information may be digital light and comprise alphanumeric information and symbology. When the actual travelpath does not match the intended travelpath, the system generates a guidance alert and begins projecting the guidance alert onto the landing surface.

Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge leveling mechanism mounted on a passenger boarding bridge includes a four-bar linkage mechanism and a preload apparatus. The four-bar linkage mechanism includes a mounting base which can be fixedly mounted on the passenger boarding bridge. One of the other three bars of the four-bar linkage mechanism extends outwards, and a leveling wheel and a first detection switch are mounted on the end of the bar. The first detection switch is used for detecting the vertical displacement of the leveling wheel on an aircraft fuselage. The preload apparatus has a preload force. One end of the preload apparatus is connected to the four-bar linkage mechanism, and the other end is connected to the mounting base. The preload apparatus has a preload force to make the leveling wheel maintain a tendency of extending outwards. The passenger boarding bridge leveling mechanism has high test precision and can work reliably.

Abstract: A multi-stage, intercooled centrifugal compressor with integral power generator system for a mobile, ground-based aviation support cart is disclosed. A bootstrap-type turbo compressor module which can supply cooled air. The system may be operated in one of several modes: high pressure “bleed air” (e.g., 35-50 psig) for jet engine start, conditioned or cooled air (e.g., 2-5 psig) for aircraft cooling purposes, or electrical ground power. Electrical ground power and conditioned air may also be supplied simultaneously if desired.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle system includes a ground station including a case, a power supply housed in the case, and a tether having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the tether is coupled to the case. The unmanned aerial vehicle system also includes a module including smart battery authentication circuitry configured to be coupled to the second end of the tether. The module is configured to be connected to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The smart battery authentication circuitry enables the unmanned aerial vehicle to receive power from the power supply housed in the case when the module is connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A compound contour vacuum track, and an automated fastening machine using the track, for automation of final assembly inside an aircraft fuselage. The track is mounted at an angle to a surface, such as an inside surface of the fuselage, wherein the surface has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted. The automated fastening machine is mounted on the track to traverse the track while performing fastening functions and steps. The automated fastening machine includes a carriage, arm, and end effector, wherein the arm is mounted on the carriage and the end effector is mounted on the arm. The carriage is attached to the track for positioning the arm and end effector, the arm is attached to the carriage for positioning the end effector, and the end effector is attached to the arm for installing the fasteners into the holes of the surface.

Abstract: A method of producing part of an aircraft comprising: providing a frame having a first surface, a second surface, and one or more side edges between the first and second surfaces; mounting the frame to a first tool, the first tool comprising a support surface that contacts the second surface of the frame to opposing movement of the frame; while the frame is mounted to the first tool, machining the first surface to form attachment features; mounting the machined frame to a second tool which contacts with the frame at only the one or more side edges; and, while the frame is mounted to the second tool, attaching, using the attachment features, to the first and second surfaces, aircraft panels to form an outer skin.

Abstract: A device and a method of assembly by brazing or diffusion-welding under a gaseous pressure is provided to make structures for a nacelle of an aircraft turbojet engine such as an inner fixed structure. Sealing of the assembly space inside which the parts to assemble are disposed is provided by tie members exerting a mechanical pressure on mold elements. The tie members include jaws made of a first material and a holding element made of a second material. The first material has a thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the second material.

Abstract: A refueling hose tool kit for repairing or replacing air refueling hose end fittings may include a collapsible work stand configured to secure the hose end fitting when in a deployed extended orientation; a removal adapter ring; a hydraulically powered assembly clamp fixture; a hydraulically powered insert removal tool fixture; a wrench; a hydraulic pump; and a ruggedized case configured to receive the work stand, removal adapter ring, clamp fixture, insert removal tool fixture, wrench and hydraulic pump for storage and transport.

Abstract: A rigging tool for a control surface of an aircraft, including a laser for outputting a low energy laser beam, a target assembly including a plate including a target point, and a support to sustain the target assembly on a surface of a control surface, and a laser platform provided with structure to rest on a surface of a control surface, having backward and forward extremes, the backward extreme being configured to hold the laser, and the forward extreme including a pair of holes at opposite positions aligned with the output of the laser, such that, in operation, when the laser beam passes through the holes and incises in the target point, a neutral position of a control surface is indicated.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for inspecting an aircraft window for anomalies by directing light that is polarized at a first angle at the window and analyzing light emerging from the window. The light emerging from the window may be polarized at a second angle. One or both of the angles may be adjustable and, in a nominal position, the second angle may be rotated about 90-degrees relative to the first angle. A camera may record the light as polarized at the first and second angles. For a window installed on an aircraft, a vacuum hood may produce a pressure on the window. An analysis subsystem may be coupled to the camera to receive and analyze the image from the camera of light as polarized at the first and second angles. The analysis subsystem may use a database of information relating to light patterns for anomalous and non-anomalous windows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a thin-body flexible package provided with a spout. The spout is provided with a normally closed membrane valve. The filling system provides a filling nozzle which dispenses the product intended to fill the bag upstream of the valve, outside the spout or inside it.

Abstract: A machine for forming and filling box-like bodies of different types having a magazine for sheets to be subjected to forming, at least one handling element for at least one sheet at a time, and a conveyor belt for products, clustered in bundles constituted by at least one product each. The machine includes a station for picking up and delivering shaped sheets, in which the magazine accommodates aligned and juxtaposed sheets and at least one handling element having an end bracket provided with at least one grip element and at least one assembly with arms which are articulated with respect to the bracket and are independently movable with respect to a fixed-frame.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a controller configured to control operation of a first conveyance unit, a second conveyance unit, a first moving unit, a second moving unit, and a cutting unit. The controller, after causing the cutting unit to cut a film, causes at least either one of a first clamp unit and a second clamp unit to clamp the cut film and controls operation of at least either one of the first moving unit and the second moving unit so that the distance between the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit in a second direction changes.

Abstract: A smoking article provides a purchased, as-built cigar that can be disassembled to form multiple cigars, enabling a consumer to make his or her own cigars using custom tobacco filler. The as-built cigar is capped as part of its construction, preferably at one end or at both ends. A smoker removes the cap or caps to enable smoking of the as-built cigar or disassembly into layers. Each layer can then be rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco. The inner layer contains tobacco filler. Upon disassembly, the inner layer and tobacco filler can be smoked. Alternatively, the inner layer can be pulled apart at a provided serration to discard the tobacco filler and then filled and rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco filler material.

Abstract: A weigh-in-motion scale system for a linear synchronous motor conveyor and a method for weighing objects on a linear synchronous motor conveyor are described herein. In one embodiment, the weigh-in-motion scale system includes a support structure for supporting the following: a weigh cell, a section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track, a vehicle for transporting an object, and an object; and a weigh cell on the support structure on which a section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track rests directly or indirectly. In one embodiment, the method includes transporting a vehicle with an object thereon along a section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track; and at a weighing station while the vehicle with the object thereon is being transported, weighing the section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track, vehicle, and object to determine the weight of the object.

Abstract: A system is presented for monitoring and controlling in a sterilizable environment the peeling of a cover from a tub sealed by the cover. The system employs a platform having a fiducial source locating structure for holding the tub, a cover removal station disposed to engage with the cover and to peel the cover from the tub, a light source disposed to illuminate a portion of the platform proximate the cover removal station, a light sensor sensitive to light from the light source and disposed to preferentially collect and measure light diffusely reflected from the illuminated portion of the platform, and a controller with software to operate the system. An associated method for monitoring and controlling the peeling of the cover involves moving a peeled portion of the cover into a predetermined peeling monitor zone within the illuminated portion of the platform, and measuring an intensity of light from the light source diffusely reflected specifically from the peeling monitor zone.

Abstract: A method of packaging pre-filled medical devices is disclosed. The method comprises producing a packaging having a front panel and a back panel defining a compartment capable of holding one or more medical devices wherein at least one of the front panel or top panel has a portion containing a gas permeable material while the remaining portion of the pouch is gas impermeable. This gas permeable material allows gas to pass through the material and contact the one or more articles contained within the compartment or allows gas to pass through the gas permeable material from the inside of the compartment to the outside of the container. Upon completion of sterilization, the pouch is sealed and the gas permeable portion is cut away leaving the sterilized medical device enclosed in a completely gas impermeable pouch.

Abstract: An aroma-tight cigarette pack with an outer pack (12) configured in the form of a hinge-lid box, and also with an inner pack (11) configured in the form of a sealed block with an opening aid which can be used a number of times. The opening aid has a removal opening (51) which extends in a sub-region of an inner front wall (39) and of an adjacent inner end wall (41) and is covered over by a closure label (54) with an adhesively bonding connecting periphery (55). The inner pack (11) has closure seams (37) which are designed in the form of fin seams.

Abstract: A gap sensor assembly for a labelling machine, the labelling machine configured to convey label web along a web path. The gap sensor assembly comprises a roller configured to guide the label web along the web path, and a sensor arrangement configured to produce a sensor signal which is a function of a property of a portion of label web. The roller comprises at least a portion of the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A process of producing printed variably imaged labels cut to individual label sheets in a pre-defined sequence of variable information synchronized with the planogram of a retail store for labeling, output from a factory assembly line for unique product labeling or labeling of shipments from a fulfillment or distribution warehouse that all have unique data and follow a planogram or planned sequence. The labels are cut into single sheets using a cutter/stacker and either use a crack and peel liner or a stripped matrix around the label to facilitate easy removal and application. The cutter/stacker processes converted label stock that is either pre-printed and die cut and/or variably imaged.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed for a labeling machine for labeling containers, such as bottles in the beverage-processing industry. In one example, a labeling machine includes at least one machine unit which in operation can treat containers (e.g., label the containers), and a movable protective element which separates at least part of the machine unit from an associated environment. The protective element comprises a handle for moving the protective element, and the handle comprises a pushbutton for locking and/or unlocking. The pushbutton, when actuated, selectively releases and/or blocks the movement of the protective element.

Abstract: A structure forming a gel-like coating (3) on a surface of a base material (1) that is formed in a predetermined shape, the gel-like coating including fine solid particles of a grain size of not more than 50 ?m and an oily liquid.

Abstract: A base structure for a blow-molded container having an annular sidewall and a central longitudinal axis, the base structure comprising: a bottom portion; an annular support heel positioned between the sidewall and the bottom portion, wherein the annular support heel is angled inwardly at an angle ? of from about 15° to about 65° relative a plane extending from the sidewall; and a plurality of partial sphere structures on the annular support heel and extending beyond the bottom portion thus forming a contact surface supporting the container, and wherein the blow-molded container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and polypropylene.

Abstract: A first score line (430) is curled inward at one end section (431) and the other end section (432) of the first score line (430) so as to go into a region enclosed by the first score line (430), and the first score line (430) approaches a center line (CL) of a tab as going to the trailing ends thereof. In addition, a curvature at which the first scored line (430) is brought closer to the other end section (432) side is applied to the one end section (431) of the first score line (430), and a curvature at which the first score line (430) is brought closer to the one end section (431) side is also applied to the other end section (432) of the first score line (430).

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles, a blank for forming the carton and a method of packaging articles. The carton may have at least one display window for presentation of an article therein. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side wall. The carton comprises an end closure structure for partially closing an end of the carton. The end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap hingedly connected to the top wall. At least one side end closure flap is hinged to a corner panel by a first fold line. The corner panel is hinged to one of the first and second side walls by a second fold line.

Abstract: A pallet includes at least one top board on which a load is to be placed and at least one substantially plate-shaped stringer board that is provided independently of the top board and that has at least one non-contact portion, which is not in contact with the top board in a region between the stringer board and the top board, the stringer board being in contact with the top board in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A pallet may include a base layer, an intermediate layer, two or more support blocks, and a top layer. The support blocks may be removably attached to the base layer and the intermediate layer such that the support blocks are positioned between the base layer and the intermediate layer. The base layer may include two or more base members, the intermediate layer may include two or more intermediate members and the top layer may include two top outside members, which all may be described as structural members. The structural members may include two or more ribs, may include fiber dispersed in a thermoplastic material, and may include a continuous fiber bundle within each rib.

Abstract: A stackable container system includes at least two coupling hooks disposed on oppositely lying side walls of the container system for connecting the coupling hooks with associated coupling recesses of another container system. The coupling hooks move between a coupled position, in which the coupling hooks are engaged in the coupling recesses, and a detached position, in which the coupling hooks are disengaged from the coupling recesses. The coupling recesses are disposed within a wall that extends beyond the upper surface of the container system. After placement of the container system on top of the other container system, one of the coupling hooks can be inserted in the horizontal direction into the associated coupling recess of the other container system. The oppositely lying coupling hook can be subsequently vertically pushed into the associated coupling recess of the other container system.

Abstract: Container comprising an inner container and an outer container with facing surfaces, wherein at least part of at least one of the facing surfaces has a surface roughness higher than about 0.1 Ra and/or wherein the difference in roughness of said facing surfaces is at least over a part more than about 0.1 Ra.

Abstract: A soft core bottle includes a bottle housing and a liner. The liner includes a first bottle opening and a first bottle body. The first bottle body is made of a soft material. The bottle housing is made of a hard material. The liner is attached to the bottle housing via the first bottle opening in an assembled state.

Abstract: A resealable package assembly is described. The package assembly includes a selectively positionable flap that covers an aperture or enables access through the aperture into the package. The flap and package include provisions for releasably engaging the flap to the package to seal the interior of the package. Provisions for grasping the tab and indicating whether tampering has occurred are also described.