Abstract:
An aerial unit that includes a first propeller; a second propeller that is spaced apart from the first propeller and is below the first propeller; a propelling module that is configured to rotate the first propeller and the second propeller about a first axis; an apertured duct that comprises a first duct portion and a second duct portion. The first duct portion surrounds the first propeller. The second duct portion surrounds the second propeller. The apertured duct defines at least one aperture at an intermediate area that is positioned below the first propeller and is above the second propeller. The aggregate size of the at least one aperture is at least fifty percent of a size of the intermediate area; a frame; and at least one steering element; an interfacing module arranged to be connected to a connecting element that couples the aerial unit to a ground unit. The propelling module and the duct are connected to the frame.
Abstract:
A platform including two winged aircraft are tethered during flight by a single tether near their respective centers of gravity. The tether is windable about a reel, so that a distance between the aircraft can be changed during flight. The aircraft contain avionics configured to enable autonomous flight using natural wind gradients. One aircraft imposes aerodynamic forces on the other, through the tether, while flying at an altitude where wind speed is significantly different than wind speed at an altitude of the other aircraft. The two aircraft cruise back and forth within a maximum distance from a station on the ground. Cruise conditions are established using an iterative computer algorithm which utilizes flight measurements. The aircraft communicate information between each other, and the ground, and contain a payload which performs a useful function at high altitudes.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method, comprising: providing an aerial platform having an outer shell; disposing a gas containment system within the outer shell; attaching the aerial platform to an object using a tether system; and inflating the aerial platform and lifting a payload; wherein the aerial platform is configured such that it may be completely collapsed when deployed.
Abstract:
A robotic or remotely controlled flying platform (10) with reduced drag stabilizing control apparatus constructed having an air duct (12) with an air intake (14) on the top and an exhaust (16) at the bottom, containing supported therein a clockwise rotating fan (22) and a counter-clockwise rotating fan (24). Directly below the perimeter of the air duct exhaust are mounted a plurality of trough shaped air deflection assemblies (32) each including a rotatably adjustable half trough (44) for selectively scooping a portion of the drive air, and a stationary adjacent half trough (36) for receiving the scooped drive air and redirecting it outward and upward from the air duct. A centrally positioned plate (112) has a plurality of rods (106), each pivotably connected between the plate (74) and a corresponding lever associated with each of the adjustable half troughs (44) so as to couple the adjustable half trough (44) in or out of the drive air steam according to the position of the plate (74), thereby providing control over the pitch and roll of the flying platform. The plate is driven by first and second motors responding to input control signals. The control signals also direct the yaw of the flying platform by selectively providing independent speed control to each of the clockwise and counter clockwise fan motors resulting in duct rotation in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction accordingly.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a spacecraft carrying a number of pods, each containing an aircraft that has been folded to fit in the pod. Each aircraft has a vertical stabilizer and outboard wing-portions that fold around fore-and-aft axes. Each aircraft also has a fuselage that folds around a lateral axis. The spacecraft releases one or more of the pods into an atmosphere. Each of the pods is configured with an ablative heat shield and parachutes to protect its aircraft when the pod descends through the atmosphere. The pod releases its aircraft at a desired altitude or location, and the aircraft unfolds while free-falling. The aircraft then acquires and follows a flight path, and activates scientific experiments and instruments that it carries. The aircraft relays results and readings from the experiments and instruments to the spacecraft, which in turn relays the results and readings to a mission command center.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to systems and methods for testing nodes within a fire detector system. The system comprises an aerial platform, such as a drone, and a base station in communication with the aerial platform and a fire control panel. The base station, in conjunction with the control panel, determines which of the nodes are to be tested and the aerial platform positions itself such that it is able to test the selected nodes.
Abstract:
The invention relates to systems for controlling automated devices and can be used in the coordination of terrestrial mobile automated devices, namely robots. The technical result is an increase in the effectiveness of the coordination of the robots as a result of increasing the length of time that a suspended platform is in the air, in different conditions. The system contains one or multiple devices for tracking robots, mounted on suspended platforms; natural or artificial markers; and a central unit, to which all the information from all of the tracking devices is sent, for determining the coordinates and orientation of the robots. Furthermore, the suspended platform is a rotor device, capable of operating in 3 modes: autogyro, wind motor, and helicopter.
Abstract:
The invention relates, among others, to an aircraft (10) comprising at least one electromotive drive (11a, 11b) and a controller (12) with which the aircraft can permanently maintain a set flight position, wherein the aircraft can be connected to the ground station (19) via a cable arrangement (16), and wherein the cable arrangement comprises at least two electric conductors (17a, 17b) for supplying voltage to the drive, as well as a fiber-optic cable (18) for the communication of data and/or signals.
Abstract:
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.
Abstract:
Tethered unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) includes at least one wing fixed to a fuselage. The wing is comprised of an airfoil shaped body capable of producing lift in response to a flow of air across a major wing surface, and can include at least one flight control surface, such as an aileron. One or more buoyancy cell is disposed within the fuselage for containing a lighter than air gas to provide positive buoyancy for the TUAV when the TUAV is disposed in air. A tether attachment structure facilitates attachment of the TUAV to a tether which is secured to an attachment point for securing the TUAV to the ground when aloft. A wind-powered generator is integrated with the TUAV and configured to generate electric power in response to the flow of air across the least one wing when the TUAV is aloft.