Abstract: Typical composite panels are brittle and unable to support transverse pressure loads that might be imposed on the panels. For example, the use of typical panels around fuel tanks of a vehicle are unable to support transverse pressure loads that might be imposed on the fuel tanks during a crash of the vehicle or a ballistic impact to the fuel tanks. In the embodiments described herein, panels include face sheets that are bonded to a foam core. The foam core includes a corrugated core sheet that is formed from a highly ductile material, such as Polyethylene or Aluminum. When a transverse pressure load is imposed on the panel, core crush of the foam occurs as the core sheet elongates from its original corrugated shape to a curve shape during deformation. This allows the panel to dissipate the energy of the transverse pressure load applied to the panel.

Abstract: A system and method for the transfer of cryogenic fluid fuel includes a nozzle positionable with respect to fuel tank inlet, e.g., of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a seal to seal the area where the nozzle and inlet are connected, a collapsible and expandable bellows providing an isolation volume where the fluid is transferred from the nozzle into the inlet; a vacuum is provided in the volume to avoid accumulation of fuel or other species in the volume.

Abstract: A structural element, in particular for an aircraft, such as an airplane, contains a laminate having a plurality of layers made of a fiber composite plastics material with carbon fibers, a lightning protection layer and optionally an electrically insulating dielectric protection layer. The laminate contains at least one hybrid layer, which comprises a carbon fiber-absorption fiber composite, the elongation at break of the absorption fiber being greater than the elongation at break of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: A structural composite component, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft, includes: a lightning strike protection layer; and a composite battery including a cathode layer and a separation layer, wherein the lightning strike protection layer is formed integrated with the cathode layer, and wherein the separation layer is configured for providing acoustic damping, and/or fire barrier, and/or impact resistance to the structural composite component. A method for configuring such a structural composite component; and an aircraft or spacecraft including such a structural composite component are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for establishing and maintaining a visual reference on a surface below an aircraft for the purpose of landing the aircraft. The apparatus includes an infrared, green, and/or red laser that produces a laser beam terminating in a spot or pattern on a surface below the aircraft, the beam being no more than 1 mW. The laser can be mounted on a lower portion of the nose of the aircraft, and in a fixed direction that remains fixed during flight. The apparatus can also include a light assembly that houses the laser and maintains it in the fixed direction. The light assembly includes a shroud that extends around a front face of the light assembly, and extends from the front face of the light assembly in the fixed direction of the laser. The light assembly can also house non-laser light sources which produce white, green, and/or infrared light.

Abstract: A light assembly for use on an aircraft is disclosed herein. The light assembly comprises a reflector assembly, a printed wiring assembly, and a bezel assembly. The bezel assembly may comprise a first worm screw. The first worm screw may be configured to translate at least one of the reflector assembly and the printed wiring assembly in a first direction. The bezel assembly may comprise a second worm screw. The second worm screw may be configured to translate at least one of the reflector assembly and the printed wiring assembly in a second direction.

Abstract: A winch/truck and operating method for launching gliders is constructed from a cab and chassis truck which has been modified to utilize truck's power train systems for locomotion of winch machinery. The winch/truck is designed so that truck front faces the launching glider such that truck cab and power controls can be used for operation. The winch/truck can be shifted on the fly from drive mode to winch mode, is completely roadworthy, and can be driven to and from launch site under its own power. The operation method is precisely controlled by using the truck's power control module, GPS, electronic sensing and off the shelf computer technology to display performance parameters and data to the operator.

Abstract: The baggage/parcels handling system is an automated system that can reduce the use of manpower for baggage/parcels handling and easily adapt to an airport or any baggage/parcels handling organization's process. This system has four different types of structures which can be functioning manually and automatically uploading and downloading luggage (baggage). Transporting and stocking baggage/parcels from one location to the other location are also included in this system. The system has transport vehicle comprises robot, conveyor, laser measurement and an optical reader to recognize the baggage/parcel's size and shape at the time of uploading and downloading. Baggage/parcels transfer cart and stocker system have been installed in the system to transfer or hold a large number of the baggage/parcels and capable of navigating from one location(s) to the other location(s) manually or automatically or pulled by baggage transport vehicle. The system is remotely controlled and monitored through a control room.

Abstract: A portable programmable machine enhances efficiency and ergonomics associated with conducting otherwise manual operations within confined spaces. A main body supports a programmable telescoping arm configured to extend through an access port to reach a confined space. The arm includes an articulating wrist for holding and manipulating tools for autonomously processing work parts. The machine can also act semi-autonomously to accommodate interventions of an operator for overriding and fine-tuning interaction of a tool with a work part for proper processing of the part. The arm communicates with a computer in the main body for processing numerical data, and the operator may use a reference camera to fine tune any particular process. The machine incorporates multiple processing functions, for example collar swaging, nut running, cleaning, and/or application of sealants, all through an aircraft wing access port. The main body has lockable wheels for securing the main body near the access port.

Abstract: A method for installing a flexible track system is presented. At least one of a number of heights or a number of angles is selected for a variable height base system that connects a base attaching system and flexible tracks in the flexible track system to each other, wherein at least one of the number of heights or the number of angles for the variable height base system maintains at least one of a desired distance between the flexible tracks and a surface of a structure to which the base attaching system is attached to the flexible tracks in the flexible track system matching a contour of the surface of the structure. The flexible track system is attached to the surface of the structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for designing, constructing and using instrument landers for in situ exploration of small solar system bodies, such as asteroids and comets. In one aspect, a lander includes a CubeSat-style platform; instrument packaging, wherein the CubeSat-style platform and the instrument packaging are configured and arranged for an uncontrolled descent, hopping landing on a surface of a body in a solar system, where a descending trajectory for the lander is designed based on gravitational force and solar radiation, with no lander-based propulsion; and a mobility mechanism configured and arranged to self-orient the lander on the surface of the body in the solar system.

Abstract: A projectile intended for damping a spacecraft (100) comprising a main body (110) and active attitude control means (150) comprises a harpoon and is intended to equip a space delivery vehicle to be projected towards the spacecraft. It comprises a passive damper (200) mounted such that it is fixed on the harpoon and suitable for generating, in cooperation with the Earth's magnetic field, a damping torque. That passive damper (200) comprises an outer enclosure (210) and an inner body (220) configured such that: the inner body, permanently magnetized, is positioned inside the outer enclosure and is capable of moving in rotation about at least one axis of rotation, the outer enclosure and the inner body comprise respectively an inner surface and an outer surface, separated by means of a viscous fluid, the outer enclosure is fixed to the main body of the spacecraft for rotation therewith once the harpoon is secured to the main body.

Abstract: A panel structure for use in a deployable and cantilevered solar array structure is provided. A panel includes first and second planar panel sections and an intermediate panel section connecting the first and second sections. The planar panel sections are capable of being situated with respect to one another so as to have a V-tent-like shape when the panel is in a deployed state and to be coplanar when the panel is in a stowed state. When in the V-tent-like shape, the intermediate section of the panel extends in a straight line that is collinear or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cantilevered solar array structure when deployed. The V-tent-like shape produces A panel structure that has a relatively high moment of inertia, is stiff, and can provide a large area for supporting solar cells.

Abstract: A space vehicle includes: an aerospike nozzle formed on an aft end of the vehicle; a truncated spike including an outer edge and a surface formed on a rear portion of the truncated spike; and an annular ring outlet formed at the aft end of the vehicle between the outer edge of the truncated spike and an inner edge of the aft end of the space vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary satellite includes a pair of payloads coupled to one another by a flexible boom, where the flexible boom is configured to enable easy manual engagement of the pair of payloads with an associated attachment hub, and also to provide a passive release force for deploying at least one of the payloads in a direction outwardly from the attachment hub. Potential energy for enabling the passive release is provided as stored strain energy in the flexible boom when flexed for attachment of the payloads to the attachment hub. The strain energy is released upon release of at least one of the payloads from the attachment hub, which release may be by way of a non-complex, non-exotic attachment mechanism. Additional payloads may be connected in series to the pair of payloads, with a flexible boom connecting adjacent payloads. The additional payloads may be released from the attachment hub via a non-complex or complex attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A filling aid. The filling aid includes a locking portion including a groove feature; and a locking feature having a locked and an unlocked position; and a filling syringe holder slidably attached to the locking portion, the filling syringe holder including a filling needle cradle portion having a tongue feature; and a needle housing portion comprising at least one tab having a starting position and a filling position, wherein the groove feature configured to accommodate the tongue feature, and wherein the locking feature interact with the filling syringe holder wherein when the locking feature moves from the locked position to the unlocked position the needle housing portion moves from the starting position to the filling position.

Abstract: A solid state disk packaging line, for packaging solid state disks, includes a stacking tray conveying system, a packaging system, a packaging box conveying system, and a packaging box packaging system. The packaging system includes a packaging box loading device, a sealing bag loading device, and a packaging machine. Two sides of the packaging system provided with the packaging machine are connected with the stacking tray conveying system and the packaging box conveying system respectively. The packaging machine receives stacking trays, and loads the stacking trays into a packaging box, and then transfers the packaging box to the packaging box packaging system via the packaging box conveying system. The packaging box with the stacking trays loaded therein is sealed by the packaging box packaging system. The packaging line packages and seals the packaging box without manual work which protects solid state disks, avoids doing damage, and improves production efficiency.

Abstract: A device (1) for closing a chamber of a container having an opening for accessing the chamber comprises a plunger, a plunger seat (11), a container carrier (13) and a spacer (12). The plunger seat (11) releasably holds the plunger in a predefined alignment. The container carrier (13) is arranged to be connected to the container in a predefined position and alignment in relation to the opening of the container. The spacer (12) is arranged to position and align the plunger seat (11) adjacent to and distant from the container carrier (13) such that the opening of the container is open when the container is connected to the container carrier (13).

Abstract: A method of preparing a packaging laminate includes conveying a mesh of paper material having perforations against a rigid edge causing, at substantially each perforation, a mesh portion at the leading side to have an average elevation lower than that of a mesh portion on the trailing side of the perforation. The method includes expanding the perforations into cells separated from one another by legs interconnected by nodes defined in the mesh Top and bottom surfaces of the legs and nodes are reoriented from an initial orientation substantially parallel with a direction of conveyance of the mesh to an expanded orientation oblique to the direction of conveyance, such that, in the expanded orientation, the top surfaces of the nodes are substantially parallel with each other. The method includes attaching an outer liner to at least some of the bottom surfaces so as to form the packaging laminate.

Abstract: An assembly system for wrapping an outer wrapper to an inner sleeve to form an outer wall of a double-wall container can include a suction arm. The suction arm can be configured to couple to a suction source and can have a portion defining a suction surface. At least one suction opening can be provided within the suction surface and fluidly coupled to the suction source. A sealing edge can circumscribe at least a portion of the suction surface.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning, cutting and/or punching a band of a band-type clamp, a band and buckle attachment, and a band punch attachment are provided. The tool includes a nose piece to receive a tail of the band and a lever pivotably secured to the nose piece. The band and buckle attachment includes a main body having a band guide slot and a blade guide intersecting the band guide slot. A blade is movably positioned in the blade guide. A blade biasing element is positioned between the blade and the main body. The band punch attachment includes a main body having a band guide slot and a punch mechanism rotatably mounted on the main body. The punch mechanism includes a punch guide having a passageway and a punch tool movably positioned in the punch guide. A spring is positioned in the passageway urging the punch tool in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A labeling machine for producing respective multipacks, the multipacks comprising a group of products secured together by a label. The labeling machine includes a conveyor that comprises a conveyor module for forming a group of products from a plurality of individual products and for providing the group of products to a labeling process to produce a multipack of products. The labeling machine includes at least one labeler. The conveyor module comprises at least two conveying units which each conveying unit comprising at least one carrier. The movement of the conveying units may be individually controllable allowing two carriers on different conveying units to cooperate as a fixing unit. A method of producing respective multipacks, which each comprise a group of products, using the labeling machine is also provided.

Abstract: A machine for making capsules of the type including a container and a dose of product inside the container, including a feed system for feeding at least a first container along a feed path in a direction of feed; at least one filling station for supplying a dose of said product into said first container, at least one detecting station positioned along said feed path downstream of said filling station in the direction of feed and including a detecting sensor operating at said first seat configured to detect the moisture of the product supplied into the first container.

Abstract: A bag stocker that holds a plurality of bags to be supplied to a bag supply device, includes: a body portion provided to be movable; a plurality of bag accommodating units supported by the body portion; and a holding member which is provided in each of the plurality of bag accommodating units and supports a bag bundle including two or more bags, wherein each of the plurality of bag accommodating units is supported by the body portion to be movable in the body portion between an accommodating position and a withdrawing position where each of the plurality of bag accommodating units protrudes in comparison with each of the plurality of bag accommodating units arranged at the accommodating position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a product metering device, first and second container preparation systems, and a controller. The product metering device is configured to dispense a product. The first and second container preparation systems are configured to dispense first and second containers, respectively, for receiving the product from the product metering device. The first and second container preparation systems include first and second severed container material transporting devices, respectively, operable to transport the first and second containers, respectively, from the first and second container preparation systems, respectively, to the product metering device. The controller simultaneously controls (i) one of the first container preparation system and the second container preparation system to prepare one of the first container and the second container, and (ii) the product metering device to dispense the product into the other of the first container and the second container.

Abstract: An anvil for transversally sealing a tube having a longitudinal seam portion can include a first elongate contact surface and a second elongate contact surface. In some embodiments, the first elongate contact surface includes a first groove and the second elongate contact surface includes a second groove, each one of the first groove and the second groove being adapted to receive, in use, a respective section of the longitudinal seam portion of the tube. The first elongate contact surface can include a first seam interaction portion positioned within the first groove and having a first surface profile. The second elongate contact surface can include a second seam interaction portion positioned within the second groove and having a second surface profile. In some embodiments, the first surface profile differs from the second surface profile.

Abstract: Packaging machine of articles into containers, comprising a plurality of work stations, each work station comprising one or more working devices of the packaging machine; a conveyor of containers using movers and a linear motor, comprising a path and a plurality of independently controllable movers, wherein the control system of the machine is configured so as to dynamically vary a master/slave configuration between the motion control of the movers on the path, and the control of the working devices of the packaging machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a packaging machine for wrapping packaging trays for foods using a packaging film, in particular a plastic film, in which the film is supplied to a holding mechanism having two holding means spaced apart from one another to hold the supplied film at two mutually oppositely disposed sides; in which the spacing of the two holding means from one another is then adjusted: and in which a supplied tray is subsequently pressed toward the supplied film by lifting from below, wherein the holding mechanism is adjusted such that the spacing of the two holding means from one another is reduced.

Abstract: A system (10) for removing a pipettable substance from a pre-filled container (20), which is closed off by a lid (30) having at least one opening area (40), comprises an opening tool (100) having a tube (110), which has a cross-section corresponding substantially to the shape of the opening area and which comprises at a distal end (120) an endpiece (140) extending substantially obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which moves a part of the lid (30) located inside the opening area (40) towards the container when the opening tool is applied, so as to form an opening in the lid, and a point of attack (150) for a transporting tool (200). The opening tool (100) is designed to remain on the container (20) after use.

Abstract: A shelf-ready shipper display system having a tray portion, a hood portion, and one or more zones of weakness that enable the hood portion to be separated from the tray portion so that the shipper display system can be converted from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. In certain embodiments, the shipper display system is made from a single blank. In some embodiments, the shipper display system includes a reinforcement panel that is also capable of being separated from the tray portion as the shipper display system is converted from the shipping configuration and to the display configuration.

Abstract: A basket (10) comprising first and second side walls (16, 17) and first and second end walls (18, 19). Upper edges of the side and edge walls (16, 17, 18, 19) include a lip portion (22) and securing clips (34) are located adjacent lower sides of the lip portions (22). A retaining loop (32) is provided such that the retaining loop (32) is locatable around outer surfaces of the first and second side walls (16, 17) and the first and second end walls (18) to be received in the securing clips (34) to secure the first and second side walls (16, 17) and first and second end walls (18, 19) together to define an outer wall (12) of the basket (10).

Abstract: A portable container and container assembly provides a durable, functional and simple carry-all solution for dry and wet provisions, goods and gear. Exemplary features of various embodiments include one or more of an overmolded pad on the bottom of the container, a removable handle incorporating a releasable retaining structure, a lid that seals within the container cavity and is flush with the outer periphery of the container sidewall and/or has a cellular internal reinforcing structure, a skirt extending around the sidewall that is integral with handle mounts for the handle and/or provides a connection point for external components, and a drop-in tray with a collapsible handle.

Abstract: A foil for closing an opening in a container, such as an easy opening container, includes foil to be adhered to the container. The foil includes a tab for releasing the foil from the container. The tab is folded on the foil and connected thereto via a connector and the tab is provided with a breakout device such that upon actuating the tab a visible and irreparable broken out part is formed and adhered to the foil.

Abstract: A resealable beverage can lid has a lid having a top side having a first scored opening and a second scored opening and a bottom side, a first rivet formed in the lid and extending outwardly from the top side of the lid, a second rivet formed in the lid and extending outwardly from the bottom side of the lid, the second scored opening encompassing the first rivet and the second rivet, a tab portion connected to the first rivet, and a closure element connected to the second rivet.

Abstract: A pallet includes a base layer and a cargo layer. The cargo layer includes a pair of spaced apart end deck boards, and intermediate deck boards between the pair of spaced apart end deck boards. Each end deck board and an immediately adjacent intermediate deck board are butted against one another. Spaced apart support blocks are coupled between the base and cargo layers and forming a gap therebetween for receiving a lifting member.

Abstract: A collapsible container assembly includes a folding container having at least two walls pivotable relative to each other at a corresponding corner disposed between the at least two walls, the folding container movable between a collapsed position wherein the at least two walls are disposed adjacent to one another and an extended position where in the at least two walls are spaced from each other, and an inside cellular structure attached to at least a portion of the at least two walls, the cellular structure comprising a plurality of panels forming a cellular structure, the cellular structure further comprising a plurality of cells in both an X and Y direction with respect to the cellular structure, each cell having four cell walls.

Abstract: A sealing and cutting assembly for engaging a bag to cut and reseal the bag comprises a first sealing strip and a second sealing strip connected at corresponding ends thereof and engaging both sides the bag therebetween. A slider block is movable along the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip. Movement of the slider block in a first direction bringing the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip into sealing engagement with one another to seal the bag, and movement of the slider block in a second direction releasing the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip from said sealing engagement to open the bag. A cutting mechanism mounted on the slider block, wherein the cutting mechanism moves with the slider block along the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip.

Abstract: A slider for a closure assembly of a bag. The slider has a top wall and a pair of wings extending from the top wall. A first wing of the pair of wings includes a first finger pad and a surrounding lip, and a second wing of the pair of wings includes a second finger pad and a surrounding lip. The first and second finger pads each have a major axis dimension that is larger than a minor axis dimension to provide a slider with an improved ergonomic feel.

Abstract: A tube squeezing device. The tube squeezing device includes a body with a first member, a second member, an elastic material, a collar, and a fastener. An elastic material runs along the length of sides of each member and connects the first member to the second member. The collar connects the top end of the first member to the top end of the second member. The collar has an aperture sized to receive a neck of a container therethrough. The fastener on the bottom ends of the first and second members selectively secures the bottom ends together. In various embodiments, pins are pivotally attached to the bottom of the members and travel in grooves to selectively keep the device in an open or closed configuration. The tube squeezing device is utilized to receive a tube of material and enable a user to squeeze out the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absolute safe closure of beverages, food, medical bottles so that they cannot be opened and reclosed assuming the shape of first production in the factory. The first closing of the bottle's closure is only once in an absolute and tight manner, such that if the bottle is opened for the first time in any manner, it cannot be closed tightly and safely via intervention and engagement of the stopper with the neck of the bottle upon its closure for the first time. Using such closure manner, two parts are constituting one part such that they are non-detachable in any way, unless safety strip of stopper is tampered, that it cannot be reused as it was in the first case.

Abstract: There is provided a lid member for a food storage device or container, as well as a food storage system having a lid that can mate with a concave base container, which is stackable or storable via one or more magnetic devices disposed on the lid member or on each of a plurality of lid members. In a related embodiment, a magnetic device is incorporated into a floor panel of the concave base or container for ease of pairing and size matching for storage.

Abstract: A package for preserving freshness and storing elongated items. The package is preferably biodegradable, substantially airtight, child resistant and reusable. Various seal constructions are described for sealing a case body portion against a case lid portion. The respective sealing surfaces of the case lid portion and case body portion are complementary, but spaced. A continuous elastomeric seal is provided in the seal space between the complementary sealing surfaces. The seal is configured to be compressed along the entire sealing length of the sealing surface when the case lid portion is pivoted into the latched position. The compressed elastomeric seal provides a spring force that retains the latch in the latched position and a spring force that is resolved into sealing vectors perpendicular to the sealing surface along the entire length of the sealing surface to ensure a seal along the sealing surface.

Abstract: A fluid transfer hub has a first vessel closure, a second vessel closure, a gasket arranged between the first vessel closure and the second vessel closure, and a clamp at least partially surrounding the first vessel closure, the second vessel closure, and the gasket. The first vessel closure has a first body, one or more apertures extending axially through the first body, one or more first inserts extending axially through the one or more apertures, and a cast seal disposed within the first body and surrounding each first insert. The second vessel closure has a second body, one or more apertures extending axially through the second body, one or more second inserts extending axially through the one or more apertures, and a cast seal disposed within the second body and surrounding each second insert.

Abstract: Vessel having sterile contents containing in predetermined proportions (i) a foamable liquid and (ii) a gas or gas mixture other than air. The contents are at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The vessel has an outlet which is adapted to cooperate with a syringe nozzle and which has associated with it a breakable seal or a valve.

Abstract: A container including a base and a lid that is releasably attached to the base. The lid includes a channel that extends around a perimeter of the lid. At least one inlet opening provides fluid communication between an interior of the container and the channel, and at least one outlet opening provides fluid communication between the channel and atmosphere.

Abstract: A pail and lid combination has a transparent tamper indicator. The lid has a rim which connects the lid to the pail and a top which secures to the rim in a closed configuration. Locking may also be an option. When the top is first opened, the tamper indicator is visible providing visual access into the container while identifying if any tampering has occurred. The tamper indicator can be in-molded to the rim for some embodiments.

Abstract: An illuminating container is provided. The illuminating container allows inspection of the contents of an opaque body to provide a desirable and pleasant illumination of the contents within the container. Typically, the illumination may be triggered automatically by a sensor, though in other embodiments may be triggered by a manual switch.

Abstract: A closure device (210) for use on the neck (238) of a bottle comprises a cap member (236) having a side wall (237) adapted to be secured to the neck, a fluid chamber (260) fixed at its upper end to the cap member and having a bottom aperture (266) at its lower end, a housing (254) at least partially surrounding the fluid chamber and having a flange member (258) adapted to extend at least partially across the top of the container neck, and a plug member (264) fixed to the housing and sealingly engageable in the bottom aperture of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cap for a container and a container comprising such cap. This container typically accommodates loosely stored, solid products, such as strips, pills, tablets or the like. The cap includes a lid body with a top part and a peripheral wall, wherein the lid body includes a sealing skirt and an inner peripheral wall, which extend from the top part, and form a peripheral groove in between. At least one projection portion for partially covering the peripheral groove is integrally formed with the sealing skirt and the inner peripheral wall.

Abstract: A package comprises a wraparound carrier (90) enclosing a plurality of articles (C) arranged in a two-row group. Each of the plurality of articles has a tapered body and a peripheral chime (70) defining a recessed bottom. The wraparound carrier includes a plurality of chime locks (58) that each engage the peripheral chime of a respective one of the plurality of articles.