Abstract:
Methods and configurations are disclosed for exploiting characteristic magnetic signature of electrical power transmission and distribution lines for navigation.
Abstract:
The method and apparatus introduced in this invention relies on utility power transmission/distribution lines as a source of energy for extending the mission range of unmanned aerial vehicles, and/or on the deployment of a perched Inductive recharge pod on the power lines.
Abstract:
A base station for automated battery pack or payload exchange and methods for using the same. The base station provides a landing surface for receiving a mobile platform and includes a manipulator controlled by a manipulator compartment for accessing resource storage. The base station is operable to ascertain a location of the mobile platform on the landing surface and move the manipulator to the mobile platform. Thereby, the base station system advantageously accommodates low-accuracy landing of the mobile platform and further enables extended and autonomous operation of the mobile platform without the need for user intervention for exchanging battery packs and payloads.
Abstract:
A method of recycling motor power of a movable object (1000) is provided to recycle and redistribute power from at least one motor (160a-160d, 260a-260d, 301-304, 401, 901-904) in a decelerating state. The method comprises determining whether an operating state of at least one motor (160a-160d, 260a-260d, 301-304, 401 901-904) of the movable object (1000) is a decelerating state, and recycling power from the at least one motor (160a-160d, 260a-260d, 301-304, 401 901-904) having a decelerating state. The method also comprises redistributing the recycled power to other power consuming components of the movable object (1000). The method increases the energy efficiency and a battery life of the movable object (1000). The movable object (1000) may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100, 210,900).
Abstract:
There is provided a method of using a device capable of controlled flight in a surrounding environment, the device comprising: lifting means for providing lift to the device; object-retaining means for holding an object to be affixed to a target site; and a dispensing assembly for dispensing an adhesive, wherein the method comprises: controlling the lifting means so as to controllably fly the device in the surrounding environment; and using the device to affix an object held by the object-retaining means to a target site in the surrounding environment by dispensing an adhesive from the dispensing assembly. Thus, an aerial device, for example a robotic device, may be used to fly to a desired location and affix an object at the desired location, by dispensing, ejecting or otherwise applying an adhesive.
Abstract:
L'objet de l'invention est un système de recharge de batteries embarquées (6) dans un aéronef à propulsion électrique (10) caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un aéronef chargeur (1), des moyens (2, 3a, 3b, 4) de connexion électrique temporaire de l'aéronef chargeur vers l'aéronef à propulsion électrique et un dispositif de régulation de charge (5) dans l'aéronef à propulsion électrique.
Abstract:
In specific embodiments, a vehicle propellable through fluids or along surfaces, comprises a main work section and a plurality of propulsion units for propelling the main work section. The main work section supports one or more payloads. The propulsion units each include a rotor system and a ring-shaped wheel at least partially arranged about the rotor system and rotatable about the rotor system. The ring-shaped wheel is arranged at a banked angle relative to the rotor system.
Abstract:
A system for homing and recharging an unmanned vehicle comprises a plurality of homing layers operative along the radius of an imaginary circle that has the homing target at its center, each homing layer consisting of a sub-system provided with location means of increasing accuracy relative to that of a sub-system that operates along said radius farther away, from the center of said circle.
Abstract:
A multi-copter lift body aircraft has a push or pull propeller (26) and a lift body (70) that has a first airfoil shape (71) on a front to rear cross-section and a second airfoil shape (72) on a left to right cross-section. The lift body (70) is made from a top shell and a bottom shell. The lift body (70) has a nose (22) and a tail (25). Multi-copter propellers (60) are attached to the lift body. The multi-copter propellers (60) provide a lift at low speeds and the lift body (70) provides a lift at high speeds. Avionics (68) can be stored in a hollow cavity of the lift body. The avionics (68) may include a control circuit (65), batteries (66), and a radio receiver. The multi-copter has a lift body (70) made from an upper shell (36, 38) and a lower shell (37, 39). The lift body (70) has an optimum attack angle (91) at a cruising speed, and the lift body provides a combined lift mode.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft are disclosed. The apparatus for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft includes a post 110, an extended member 120, a cover 130, a fastening unit 140, and a charging unit 150. The post is placed on a ground. The extended member is connected to the post. The cover is provided on the extended member, and is configured to be opened or closed in order to contain and protect the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The fastening unit is provided in the cover, and is configured to fasten the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The charging unit is provided in the fastening unit, and is configured to charge the unmanned VTOL aircraft.