Abstract:
A multirotor mobile buoy combining MR-VTOL capability with environmentally hardened electronics, exchangeable sensor suites, and a solar recharge system and providing sensing in aquatic environments. The multirotor mobile buoy provides for the detection, classification and location of underwater objects using self-contained electronics, and repositions with aerial means using a plurality of rotors. The multirotor mobile buoy additionally incorporates solar panels for recharging of on-board batteries enabling the flight and other functions, and comprises a buoyant assembly and extended tether in order to promote stability in dynamic, open ocean environments. The multirotor mobile buoy may be employed singly or as a swarm of underwater detection platforms, and may utilize its positioning ability to optimize the effectiveness of sonobuoy systems arrayed as a distributed sensor field.
Abstract:
The earth's magnetic field has not been mined as a source of energy. With average field strength of 0.5×10−4 Tesla around the world it is easy to understand why. A disruptive technology is needed to mine the earth's magnetic field. Such a technology, graphene, is now at an early stage of development with excellent properties in the form of high conductivity, low resistivity, durable, light weight, low cost sheets. Multiple sheets of graphene provide a significant multiplier to earth's magnetic field yielding a feasible source of ecologically clean power. Graphene based EcoCharge units can be driven by electric motors putting graphene in motion to mine the earth's magnetic field. Estimates show that for a Solar Impulse 2 like electric plane, eight EcoCharge units weighing 64 lbs generate 60 kW RMS continuously replacing 3,000 lbs of photovoltaic cells generating 50 kW RMS during the day only.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver packages between an initiation point and multiple delivery points at a raised elevation. The UAV flies between points in an organized manner, using logistical, maintenance and safety software, commands from a delivery organization, and guidance tools to coordinate deliveries. One advantage of the system is that the UAV engages the delivery points at a raised elevation, rather than the ground level. The UAV docks through an elevated structure at the delivery point for delivering the package and replenishing a power source. The package is conveyed from a docking end and through a central shaft of the elevated structure by means of an elevator. The package then travels to a lower structure, such as a house or office, for pickup. After completion of the delivery, the UAV replenishes its power source and/or continues on the delivery route.
Abstract:
A method of recycling motor power of a movable object is provided to recycle and redistribute power from at least one motor in a decelerating state. The method comprises determining whether an operating state of at least one motor of the movable object is a decelerating state, and recycling power from the at least one motor having a decelerating state. The method also comprises redistributing the recycled power to other power consuming components of the movable object. The method of present invention increases the energy efficiency and a battery life of the movable object. The movable object may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for swapping the battery on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while providing continuous power to at least one system on the UAV. The UAV may be able to identify and land on an energy provision station autonomously. The UAV may take off and/or land on the energy provision station. The UAV may communicate with the energy provision station. The energy provision station may store and charge batteries for use on a UAV. The UAV and/or the energy provision station may have a backup energy source to provide continuous power to the UAV.
Abstract:
An unmanned aircraft includes a propulsion system having a diesel or kerosene internal combustion engine and a charger device for engine charging. The propulsion system can be a hybrid propulsion system or a parallel hybrid propulsion system.
Abstract:
A Handy Base Station (HBS) which is capable of connecting through a base portion into a power socket (e.g., lamp socket). The HBS may have a plurality of functional modules capable of being detachably mounted in a housing. One of the functional modules may be a light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED). Another rmodule may be a communication module which may communicate using a wire line or wirelessly using standard wireless communication protocols. Further disclosed is a combination unit which has the HBS located on a pole such as a utility pole with a landing pad for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to allow the UAV a recharging location between deliveries and to allow the HBS to guide the UAV on its flight.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus to harvest renewable energy are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method to harvest renewable energy includes providing an aircraft suitable for untethered flight in an open airspace and an airborne kinetic energy conversion system attached to the airframe, the airborne kinetic energy conversion system comprising a turbine, a generator connected to the turbine, and electrical storage means connected to the generator; flying the aircraft; gaining excess kinetic energy; and converting excess kinetic energy into electricity using the kinetic energy conversion system.
Abstract:
An autonomous battery replacement station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV includes a replaceable battery. The station includes (a) a landing platform configured to receive the UAV, (b) a storage location configured to store a replacement battery for the UAV, and (c) a means for swapping the replaceable battery on the UAV with a replacement battery from the storage location.
Abstract:
In specific embodiments, a vehicle propellable through fluids comprises a main work section and a plurality of propulsion units. The main work section includes a payload support hub, a payload support structure rotatable in 360° about the payload support hub in at least one axis, and a core including at least one microprocessor, the core at least partially nested within the payload support hub. The at least one microprocessor is adapted to substantially maintain an orientation of the payload support structure relative to a horizon line as the vehicle is propelled. One or more payloads are mountable on the rotatable payload support structure.