Abstract: A monument for installation in an aircraft passenger cabin comprises a housing extending from the floor upwardly toward the ceiling, the housing including a first configuration configured to receive a wheelchair in a first unfolded condition, and a second configuration configured to receive a stretcher in a second unfolded condition, a first interior space formed in the housing, a staircase disposed within the interior space; a second interior space formed in the housing, a first entrance into the first interior space through a door; a second entrance into the second interior space of the housing, and a securement assembly positionable on the floor, the securement assembly configured to secure one of the wheelchair or the stretcher in place within the interior space.

Abstract: A combination monument for an internal cabin of an aircraft includes a housing defining an internal chamber. A lavatory is within the internal chamber. A galley is coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An air filter assembly for use in an aircraft galley insert, the assembly comprising a cavity for receiving an air filter cassette in use, and a door for providing or blocking access to said cavity, wherein said door is hinged and comprises a front grill configured for intaking air.

Abstract: A discharge system has a body is located on an air vehicle. At least one wing extends outward from the body and which comes into contact with the air to provide the lift force to the body. A first cover in a skirt form surrounds the wing. One end of the first cover is connected to the body and the other end thereof extends outward from the body so as to have a distance with the wing. An opening is located between the first cover and the wing for directing a fluid on the wing between the wing and the body. A discharge line is located on the body facing the opening that allows the fluid directed through the opening to be removed from the wing.

Abstract: Seat belt web retractors having web locking mechanisms are described herein. In some embodiments, a seat belt web retractor includes an inertial locking mechanism operably coupled to a spool about which a seat belt web is wound. The web retractor further includes a web locking mechanism operably coupled to the inertial locking mechanism. The web locking mechanism can include a driving member that is actuated by engagement of the inertial locking mechanism with the web spool in response to rapid extraction of the web from the retractor. Actuation of the driving member drives first and second clamping portions toward each other, thereby clamping the web in between the clamping members and restraining the web from further movement out of the retractor.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for overcoming the disadvantages of current air transportation systems that might be used for regional travel by providing a more cost effective and convenient regional air transport system. In some embodiments, the inventive air transport system, operational methods, and associated aircraft include a highly efficient plug-in series hybrid-electric powertrain (specifically optimized for aircraft operating in regional ranges), a forward compatible, range-optimized aircraft design, enabling an earlier impact of electric-based air travel services as the overall transportation system and associated technologies are developed, and platforms for the semi-automated optimization and control of the powertrain, and for the semi-automated optimization of determining the flight path for a regional distance hybrid-electric aircraft flight.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a damping unit coupled to a moveable element. An actuator configured to drive the moveable element provides a primary load path, while the damping unit provides a secondary load path that slows uncontrolled motion of the moveable element in the event of failure of the primary load path. To test the working condition of the damping unit, a load on the actuator can be measured when the actuator drives the moveable element. If the load is greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the damping unit is providing a damping force against the actuator, and therefore the damping unit is operational.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes a propulsor, an engine, and an electrical distribution system. The engine includes a first rotor and a first shaft. The first shaft is connected to the first rotor. The electrical distribution system includes a low-voltage bus, a high-voltage bus, a low-voltage generator, a DC:DC converter, and an electric motor. The low-voltage generator is coupled to the first shaft and electrically connected to the low-voltage bus. The low-voltage generator is configured to generate low-voltage electrical power and supply the low-voltage electrical power to the low-voltage bus. The DC:DC converter is electrically connected to the low-voltage bus and the high-voltage bus. The DC:DC converter is configured to convert the low-voltage electrical power to high-voltage electrical power and supply the high-voltage electrical power to the high-voltage bus. The electric motor is electrically connected to the high-voltage bus.

Abstract: A method for a HEP system includes obtaining, for each of a plurality of mission profiles, a respective first power splitting profile to be used throughout one or more flights described by the mission profile to achieve a fuel consumption objective for the one or more flights. Each power splitting profile indicates a series of power splits between a gas turbine and an electric motor of the HEP system. A neural network is trained to mimic the first power splitting profiles for the plurality of mission profiles. During one or more actual flights corresponding to a particular mission profile of an aircraft that includes a particular HEP system, the neural network is utilized to obtain a second power splitting profile for the particular HEP system for the one or more actual flights, and an output action for the particular HEP system is performed based on the second power splitting profile.

Abstract: A method of operating a rotorcraft with at least one main rotor and at least two engines, comprising: determining whether the rotorcraft is operated in an AEO mode wherein the at least two engines are powering the at least one main rotor, or in a SEO mode wherein only a first engine of the at least two engines is powering the at least one main rotor while a second engine of the at least two engines is inactive; if the rotorcraft is operated in the SEO mode, monitoring the first engine to enable detection of engine failures; and if during monitoring of the first engine an engine failure of the first engine is detected, entering into autorotation of the at least one main rotor upon detection of the engine failure by adjusting main rotor actuators of the at least one main rotor.

Abstract: A fuel storage structure for an aircraft. The fuel storage structure comprises a first container configured to store a first type of fuel and a second container arranged within the first container. The second container has a variable volume and is configured to store a second type of fuel. The fuels storage structure comprises a fuel release apparatus operable to provide the first type of fuel and the second type of fuel stored by the first container and the second container, respectively, to an engine of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft system includes a thermal load, a controller, a tank for storing a cooling liquid, and a supply system for moving the cooling liquid outwardly of the tank and through a control valve to the thermal load. A controller is programmed to control the supply system. A conduit downstream of the thermal load is configured to communicate the cooling liquid to a fuel metering unit. The fuel metering unit also receives fuel from a high pressure pump. The fuel metering unit is configured to deliver a mixture of the cooling liquid and the fuel into a combustor on an associated aircraft engine. The controller programmed to determine a percentage solubility of the cooling fluid into the fuel at a detected temperature and pressure of the fuel reaching the fuel metering unit. The cooling fluid is combustible and soluble in the fuel. An aircraft and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cover for covering an access port of a fuel storage structure of an aircraft, the access port is configured to allow a human operator to access an interior of a first container of the fuel storage structure. The cover comprises an inlet port configured to interface with and receive fuel from an aircraft refueling apparatus, and an outlet port fluidically connectable to the inlet port and operable to provide the fuel received at the inlet port to the interior of the first container when the cover is arranged to cover the access port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tail-specific aircraft fuel consumption model generation include receiving a plurality of ACARS data packages that include a gross weight value for an aircraft; generating a first fuel flow estimate based at least on a comparison of a plurality of gross weight values for the aircraft; generating training data based on the plurality of ACARS data packages; providing the training data as input to a machine learning model to generate a second fuel flow estimate; comparing the first and second fuel flow estimates to generate a fuel flow error value; and modifying the machine learning model to reduce the fuel flow error value.

Abstract: A flight recorder system of an aircraft includes a cockpit voice and flight data recorder communicatively coupled, via a data communication network, to a first flight recorder module (FRM). The first FRM includes a first sensor configured to generate a first analog signal, a first controller, and a first analog to digital converter (ADC) configured to sample the analog signal based on a received master clock signal and to convert the first analog signal to a first digital data signal.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank monitoring system is disclosure including at least one first sensor for sensing a pressure of fuel within a fuel tank; at least one second sensor for sensing a pressure of an ullage space above the fuel within the fuel tank; a processor for monitoring the change in the pressure of the fuel within the fuel tank over a time period and for monitoring the change in the pressure of the ullage space within the fuel tank over the time period, and to determine a fault if the monitored pressure changes exceed normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge includes first and second cameras and a controller. The controller is configured to express a position of various components by using a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. The cameras capture images of the entrance when the cab is at a standby position. The controller calculates position coordinates of the entrance based on the images, and calculates target position coordinates of a distal end part of the cab at a temporary stop position based on the calculated position coordinates of the entrance. The controller performs an inverse kinematics calculation to calculate target position coordinates of a travel device, a target length of a lifting/lowering device, and a target rotational angle of the cab with respect to a tunnel unit for the cab to be at the temporary stop position, then causes the cab to move from the standby position to the temporary stop position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, a system and a storage medium for remaining useful life prediction of an aircraft engine based on gaussian process regression integrated deep learning. The method includes partitioning observation data into training data, validation data, and testing data; training a generative GPR model using training data to obtain a trained GPR model; using trained GPR model as a synthetic data generator to generate synthetic data; performing an averaging process to integrate the synthetic data and the training data to obtain integrated data; generating a plurality of data minibatches from the integrated data; feeding the plurality of data minibatches into a deep leaning model to train the deep leaning model; obtaining RUL prediction from trained deep learning model based on the validation data; and using the RUL prediction for further parameter training of the generative GPR model and the deep learning model.

Abstract: Devise a method and launching device/launcher for launching into space from the ground or the air. In the accelerating method by the magnetic fluid and linear motor car proposed by the orbital ring system, there was a risk that the object could not be accelerated to orbital speed. This application shows idea that is using recoil or reaction that shoots, moves, emits, or reflects photons or charged particles.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a satellite for inclusion in a satellite assembly comprising a plurality of satellites for deployment in space. The satellite comprising a satellite disengagement mechanism configured to separate the satellite from one or more adjacent satellites of the satellite assembly. The satellite disengagement mechanism comprises one or more disengagement coils configured to generate a repulsive electromagnetic force to separate the satellite from the one or more adjacent satellites.

Abstract: A system for launching aerospace payloads includes a wingless, unmanned modified lifting body spacecraft (100), with a payload compartment in the forward section of the spacecraft. The spacecraft is propelled by hybrid rockets clustered in the aft section of the spacecraft. Reaction control system (RCS) modules control the flight path and its associated avionics hardware and software. This system also includes a carrier aircraft (200) configured to air-launch the spacecraft. The carrier aircraft includes a flight operations control system, which monitors the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls launch and flight operations of the spacecraft. A ground-based mission control system monitors and controls the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls the launch and flight operations of the spacecraft.

Abstract: The increasing desire to establish an extra-terrestrial human base, and the aim to live and work in deep space either in Lunar orbit or on the way to Mars requires space radiation shielding in order to protect humans and sensitive equipment against solar radiation and Galactic Cosmic Rays. Mycelium (fungi) is widespread on Earth and has existed for almost a billion years, even when the radiation level on our planet was much higher than nowadays and fungi thrived under those conditions. Moreover, over that, almost a billion years fungi developed the most sophisticated and reliable defence systems against viruses, bacteria, radiation, extreme temperature and even physical damage. Research and experiments on how fungi can withstand radiation have been carried out for a decade. FORT shield intends to utilise those research results and apply them to create a shielding for rigid structures that can ensure safe human exploration outside of the protection of Earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a center hub; a plurality of wings securable to the center hub; and one or more propeller systems located on each wing of the plurality of wings. The unmanned aerial vehicle further including one or more actuator systems, wherein each of the one or more propeller systems is independently associated with one actuator system of the one or more actuator systems. Wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle system is operatively configured to be operated in a variety of flight modes.

Abstract: A safety device and a flight vehicle provided with the safety device. The safety device includes an actuator, an ejection object ejected in one direction by the activation of the actuator, a bottomed cylindrical housing lid (bottomed cylindrical member) that houses the actuator and the ejection object, and a substantially disk-shaped bottom portion that closes an opening end portion of the housing lid. One end of the first coupling member is connected to a part of the ejection object, and the other end of the first coupling member is connected to the inside of the housing lid. The actuator includes a piston member and a gas generator that generates a driving force for ejecting the housing lid by sliding the piston member and causing the piston member to abut on the housing lid and is provided on the bottom portion. One end of the second coupling member is connected to the other part of the ejection object, and the other end of the second coupling member is connected to a tip portion.

Abstract: A system for assisting a vehicle having a trailer includes a drone having at least one sensor adapted to collect sensor data. The drone is selectively attachable to the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the drone. The controller is adapted to selectively execute an assessment mode, an operational mode, and a delivery mode, the operational mode being executed after the assessment mode is completed. The drone is adapted to conduct a set of initial checks during the assessment mode, the drone being adapted to fly around the trailer and/or the vehicle during the assessment mode. The drone is attached to the vehicle during the operational mode. The delivery mode is executed upon arrival of the vehicle at a predefined destination, the drone being adapted to be in flight during the delivery mode.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a ground station. The UAV folds from a first position in which the UAV defines a first expanse for flying to a second position in which the UAV defines a second expanse that is smaller than the first expanse for facilitating storage of the UAV. The ground station includes a box assembly and a landing pad assembly. The box assembly defines a storage cavity for storing the UAV when the UAV is disposed in the second position. The first expanse is larger than the storage cavity can accommodate. The landing pad assembly is movably coupled to the box assembly. The landing pad assembly is movable in a first direction to cause the UAV to fold into the storage cavity for storing the unmanned aerial vehicle within the box assembly.

Abstract: An isolator system for filling a container with a liquid, the isolator system comprises a filling module having a filling station for filling the container with the liquid, a stopper placing station for placing a stopper on the filled container, and a plurality of handling devices for handling the container within the filling module; a first transfer station for transferring the container to be filled into the filling module; a second transfer station for transferring the filled container out of the filling module; and a control device. The present application also discloses a transfer station for transferring a container and several methods.

Abstract: A method of bundling and dispensing personal protective equipment (PPE) and a dispenser for dispensing the bundled PPE involves the steps of assembling PPE bundles based on PPE component size and type, vacuum sealing the bundles to create planar, flattened packets with a predetermined and uniform shape and size, grouping the packets according to size and component contents, and dispensing the packets in dispensers that keep each packet group separated in one or more dispensers allowing for a single packet to be dispensed.

Abstract: A seal bar for sealing a pouch is provided, wherein the seal bar may comprise a face, wherein the face may be configured to apply heat to seal the pouch, a cavity, wherein the cavity may be configured to form a nozzle shape in the pouch, a seal dot, wherein the seal dot may be configured to apply heat to the pouch, and a heating element, wherein the heating element may be configured to heat the face.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods to seal a container are provided. An apparatus for securing a film to a container includes a body portion to house film and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a sealing volume for receiving a portion of the container, at least one heating element positioned within the sealing volume, and a sensor configured to sense when the portion of the container is at least partially within the sealing volume. A controller is configured to receive a sensor input from a sensor indicating that the portion of the container is at least partially within the sealing volume, and activate the at least one heating element based on the sensor input.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems including stretch-hood machines configured to vertically and horizontally apply tubular stretch film to loads of goods and to methods for wrapping loads of goods with multiple segments of tubular stretch film.

Abstract: According to illustrative embodiments, a novel pallet wrap is provided. In some preferred embodiments, the pallet wrap includes: an expandable slit sheet paper having a slit pattern including a plurality of slits extending in a cross direction that forms a plurality of open cells upon expansion in a machine direction. In some embodiments, the pallet wrap includes a novel expandable slit sheet paper adapted for enabling wrapping of a pallet assembly. In some embodiments, the pallet wrap includes an expandable slit sheet paper and a support wrap, wherein the expandable slit sheet paper is configured to be wrapped around a pallet assembly and the support wrap is configured to surround at least a portion of the expandable slit sheet paper wrapped around the pallet assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for applying a strap around the outer circumferential surface of a bulky item. The assembly comprises a binding zone configured to receive the bulky item; a channel defined along a guiding surface of a strap guiding device that surrounds the binding zone and is configured to guide strap material around the bulky item; and a binding apparatus with a binding head for delivering the strap material to the channel and for fastening a first end of the strap material to a second end of the strap material to form the strap. The channel has two channel ends that define an opening through which the binding head can pass. The opening in the channel can be rotated to allow placement of the bulky item into the binding zone.

Abstract: A system for forming units of packages to be packed, each including a multiple of a number n of packages. The system has seats for accommodating stacks of packages, a store of packages, and mechanisms for loading the seats with stacks of packages, displacing the packages from the store to the seats and vice versa, moving compartments to receive packages, and transferring the packages from the seats to the compartments, as well as control and command means. The control and command means are configured so that the number of packages in each seat is equal to the number n or to zero and the movement mechanism is configured to make the compartments available in sequence on the base of the seats with a number of packages equal to the number n. Also described is a method for forming units of packages from two or more lines and a computer program.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a straw filler system that has a first motor and a straw filler device. The straw filler device has a fill cap fixedly coupled to a base forming an internal cavity. The base has a plurality of external openings on its periphery for receiving a plurality of straws and holding the plurality of straws in place while being filled with a viscous material, and the plurality of external openings are in fluid communication with a plurality of internal openings within the internal cavity via a plurality of respective channels. The straw filler system further has a motor hub fixedly coupled to the first motor and rotatably coupled to the base, the motor hub configured for axially rotating the straw filler device so that centrifugal force forces the viscous material to travel from the cavity to the plurality of straws.

Abstract: A flap-folding module for a food processing line is arranged to receive a food product lying on a sheet of material and to fold a portion of the sheet over the food product. A conveyor system carries the food product and sheet along a product flow path through the module. A gas jet outlet device provides a pulse of gas to raise a leading edge of the sheet, and an edge catch device receives the leading edge, temporarily retaining the leading edge whilst the food product passes beneath, thereby folding a leading portion of the sheet over at least part of the food product. The conveyor system comprises a mid-conveyor section and an upstream conveyor section which is upstream of the mid-conveyor section, and the upstream conveyor section is pivotable relative to the mid-conveyor section about a pivot axis which extends transversely across the product flow path.

Abstract: A method for automatically monitoring a joining process for connecting a plurality of substrates to form a composite product under application of pressure from a pressing device comprises: acquiring measurement data which represent respective measurement values of a measurement variable for various working positions assumed by the pressing device during the application of pressure, which variable indicates a pressing force acting on the substrates during the respective working position or a variable that is dependent thereon; evaluating the acquired measurement data in order to extract therefrom a plurality of different features which each individually and/or jointly represent at least one characteristic property of a course of the measurement variable represented by the measurement data as a function of the working positions of the pressing device or a variable corresponding to the working positions; determining an evaluation indicator as a function of the extracted features; evaluating the joining process b

Abstract: A bag holder is configured for holding a bag to be filled with lawn debris. The bag holder comprises a bag support frame and a handle attached to the bag support frame. The bag support frame is configured to mount and support the bag. The bag support frame forms a bag opening sized and shaped to receive an open end portion of a bag. The bag holder may be configured in a closed configuration wherein the bag holder is configured to be inserted into a mouth of the bag, and an open configuration wherein the bag holder is configured to permit an open end portion of the bag to be folded over the bag support frame, handle, and back on itself to mount or couple the bag to the bag holder. The handle is sized and shaped so a user may grasp the handle and a portion of the bag.

Abstract: An adjustable belt and loop system provides a use to consistently align and attach labels and at correct heights onto cylindrical products. This belt and loop are flexible with a narrow end attached to its opposite end using a loop from one or more cut slits. The diameter of the belt and loop are adjustable by the user using two tabs. This adjustable diameter formed by the belt and loop must be tightened and secured onto the outside of cylindrical products with varying diameters. This belt and loop contain a cut-out or groove and graphics to indicate where the user should align and attach their labels onto the cylindrical product to have their labels attach straight and at a correct height. Combination of belts and loops can define various geometries to position different types of labels and to different bottles or other cylindrical products.

Abstract: Systems and methods for labeling various shapes of containers are disclosed. The systems and methods simplify the complete process of labeling by only requiring a pick point to retrieve the container and a single labeling position that is not container specific. The picking and labeling are agnostic to the container. The system only cares that the container is picked and labeled on consistent axes. This insures reliable label placement and easy container implementation into the system.

Abstract: A labeling machine including a conveyor for moving containers to be labeled along an advancement path and at least one labeling assembly arranged along the advancement path and provided with labeling elements adapted to apply at least one respective label to the containers that transit on the conveyor. The labeling elements include at least one adhesive application assembly designed to supply adhesive to the labels before their transfer to the containers; at least one extraction hood is mounted on the labeling assembly and can move on command, with respect to the labeling assembly, between an active position, in which it is arranged above the adhesive application assembly, and an inactive position, in which it is arranged at least partially outside of the work area of the labeling assembly.

Abstract: A label applying system includes a feed path along which a label supply, having multiple labels attached to a label liner, is moved; a label applier having a forward label holding surface; and a label peel mechanism positioned along the label feed path. The label applying system further includes one or more of a fixed position label transition ramp, a label transition ramp with a portion forward of the label holding surface for label kickout and/or an air mover with focused ducting.

Abstract: A labeling assembly for labeling machines, which includes a base framework adapted to be associated with a conveyor of containers to be labeled and supporting, at a work area), elements for labeling the containers. At least one protection of the work area supported by the base framework is provided; the protection can be moved on command, with respect to the base framework, between an active condition, in which the protection is adapted to delimit at least partially the work area, and at least one inactive condition, in which the protection is arranged at least partially outside the portion of space that lies vertically above the work area, in order to allow access to the work area from outside.

Abstract: A storage assembly includes a container having an attachment surface and a handle or handle assembly that is positionable adjacent the attachment surface. The handle comprises an elongated grip portion, an anchor for mounting the handle to the attachment surface, and at least one electronic component configured for at least wireless identification or tracking of the container. The at least one electronic component is partially or entirely encapsulated in the handle. A method of integrating an electronic component to a handle provided for attachment to a container includes the steps of: (a) providing at least one electronic component; (b) molding a molding material about the at least one electronic component to form a molded electronic component assembly; (c) forming a handle including the molded electronic component assembly; and (d) removably mounting the handle to the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic container for a liquid, comprising a body portion (1) and a neck portion (2). The body portion (1) comprises a body portion wall (3) forming a reservoir adapted to contain the liquid. The neck portion (2) is formed by a neck portion wall (6) that forms an opening (5) for filling the container with liquid and emptying the container. The container body portion wall (3) and the container neck portion wall (6) are made of biodegradable plastics at least the body portion (1) wall being made of a material comprising 40 to 99.9 weight percent of poly hydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The maximum thickness of the neck portion wall (6) is less than 2 mm, and preferably comprised between 1.2 mm and 1.6 mm. This enhances the biodegradability of the whole container.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a neck section, a shoulder section, a body section, and a base section. The base section includes at least two tie members extending from a central area to a side wall of the base section and in a longitudinal direction into the body section. The at least two tie members are arranged between feet of the base section. Circumferential grooves are oriented in a peripheral direction in the body section between the at least two tie members. The at least two tie members further extend into a labeling area of the container in the form of transverse grooves positioned longitudinally between variable depth grooves such that in the labeling area the transverse grooves are aligned with flattened portions of the variable depth grooves at between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm in depth.

Abstract: A plastic, hot-fillable container is provided. The container comprises a blow molded body defining a longitudinal axis. The body including a base and a neck having at least one rib disposed about at least a portion of a circumference of the neck and transverse to the axis, and at least one angled thread. The at least one rib defining a cross section having a first portion and a second angled portion. Container systems and methods of manufacturing containers are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a packing box and a packing assembly having the same. The packing box includes a first plate module and a second plate module, the first auxiliary plate and the second auxiliary plate. In the folded state, it is a multi-layer stacked structure, which can reduce manufacturing costs and transportation costs. It is a packing box and a packing assembly having the same that can be quickly and conveniently packed by a user.

Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, and two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel. The blank also includes a foldover panel that is configured to lock the container in at least a partially formed position. The blank further includes a reinforcing panel assembly that includes an outer reinforcing corner panel extending from the first side panel, an outer reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing corner panel, an inner reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing end panel, and an inner reinforcing corner panel extending from the inner reinforcing end panel.

Abstract: A container for holding at least one article includes a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container, a closed top engaged with the body, a closed bottom engaged with the body, and a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container, the barrier member comprising a laminate structure that includes at least one polymeric layer with an uninterrupted lower portion.