Abstract:
A flying robot (1) which is carried by a gas balloon for use in interior spaces is proposed, wherein the gas balloon (2) can be adjusted in such a way that a horizontal hovering height which is provided or predefined can be adjusted or implemented. Working devices (5) are located in a valve unit (3) and/or a housing which is arranged underneath the gas balloon (2). Together with the valve unit (3) or the housing, a drive unit (4) of which the direction can be adjusted is provided with respect to said unit and said housing for moving the flying robot (1). The flying robot can be used both for monitoring tasks and for filming.
Abstract:
Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images are described. For example, various methods for determining planned ascent, drift, and/ or descent of a lighter-than-air system are described. In addition, various structural arrangements of lighter-than-air systems for accomplishing planned ascent, drift, and/or descent and obtaining aerial images are described.
Abstract:
A heavier-than-air air vehicle (1), particularly a long endurance, solar powered, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended for "perpetual" flight within the stratosphere, is carried to its operational altitude suspended on a tether (14) from a helium balloon (16). The tether is attached at or towards a tip of the UAV's wing (3) so that it is carried in effectively a 90° banked attitude. At the desired altitude the UAV's powerplant is started and it flies on its tether in an upwardly-spiralling path relative to the balloon until a level or near level attitude is attained, when the tether is released and the UAV is permitted to assume free flight.
Abstract:
An airship system, comprising an airship (110), a base station (120), and at least three measurement points, wherein, when the airship (110) receiving an instruction from the base station (120) transmits ultrasonic wave, the measurement point units (S1 to S3) receive the ultrasonic wave to measure distances between the airship and the three measurement points and an MPU incorporated in the base station (120) calculates the position of the airship (110) and, according to the calculated position, the base station (120) transmits a navigation instruction to the airship (110) to control the route of the airship (110), whereby the operation of the airship by an operator can be eliminated, and the weight of loads mounted on the airship and the power consumption thereof can be reduced.
Abstract:
The disclosed embodiments include a trailer for an autonomous vehicle controlled by a command and control interface. The trailer includes a trailer body configured to retain the autonomous vehicle in an undeployed configuration. The trailer also anchors the autonomous vehicle in a deployed configuration. A tether is provided having a first end coupled to the trailer body and a second end that is configured to couple to the autonomous vehicle. A winch is utilized to adjust a length of the tether to move the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration. Further, a communication system communicates with the command and control interface and the autonomous vehicle to control movement of the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration.
Abstract:
A hybrid VTOL vehicle having an envelope configured to provide hydrostatic buoyancy, a fuselage attached to the envelope and having at least one pair of wings extending from opposing sides thereof to produce dynamic lift through movement, and a thrust generation device on each wing and configured to rotate with each wing about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the envelope to provide vertical takeoff or landing capabilities. Ideally, the envelope provides negative hydrostatic lift to enhance low-speed and on-the-ground stability.
Abstract:
A system and method for deploying a payload with an aerostat uses a mobile transporter for moving the system to a deployment site. Structurally, the system includes a base unit with a rotation head mounted thereon. An envelope container for holding a deflated aerostat is mounted on the rotation head and a rotation of the container on the rotation head positions the aerostat for optimal compliance with the existing wind condition. Also included in the system is an inflator that is mounted on the base unit to inflate the aerostat with a Helium gas. And, the system includes a tether control unit for maintaining a connection with the aerostat during its deployment, in-flight use, and recovery. Preferably, a deployment computer is used for a coordinated control of the rotation head, inflator and tether.