Abstract:
The system allows the generation and distribution of energy on board a motor vehicle provided with a propulsion unit, a tank for fuel at least one distribution network or line for electric energy, electrical energy generation devices connected to the at least one distribution network or line, and a plurality of selectively activatable electrical utilizer devices or apparatus connected or connectable to the at least one distribution network or line. The electrical energy generator devices includes (at least) a microcombustor electricity generator matrix or battery connected to the fuel tank, and a supervision and control unit associated with this generator matrix or battery and coupled to the distribution network or line and arranged to control the operation of the generator matrix or battery in a predetermined manner as a function of the electrical power required or consumed by the network or line.
Abstract:
Multifunctional optical sensor, comprising a matrix of photodetectors of the CCD or CMOS type, having a sensitive area divided into sub-areas, each of which, individually or combined with others, is dedicated to a specific function of monitoring the scene or measuring environmental parameters. The optical sensor comprises a matrix of microlenses, each of which is set to focus the radiation coming from a portion of solid angle on the associated photodetector or cluster of mutually contiguous photodetectors. Each function is associated to a single microlens or to a single subgroup of mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous subgroups of microlenses. The angular separation between the central directions of the portions of solid angle subtended by adjacent photodetectors or adjacent clusters of photodetectors is not constant within the matrix.
Abstract:
An electro-optical system capable of being embarked aboard mobile ground or flying units, to determine the optical flow generated by obstacles in relative motion with respect to the mobile unit. The system comprises radiation emitter means (5), receiver means (1) for converting the radiation reflected by the objects into electrical signals and means (8) for processing the signals generated by the receiver means. The receiver means (1) are based on vision sensors with matrix configuration. The emitter means (5, 6) shape the radiation beam in such a way that the radiation reflected by the objects and collected by the receiver means impacts at least on a part of the receiver matrix. The processing means compute the optical flow only on the elements of the receiver matrix that are impacted by the radiation.
Abstract:
Described herein is a microgenerator of electrical energy with a high power density, which uses an internal-combustion micromotor with two combustion chambers set opposite to one another, within which a piston is displaced with reciprocating motion. The piston is at least in part made of magnetic material and is wound with a coil, within which is generated an electric current by induction. The fuel, the oxidant, and preferably a catalyst, are injected into each of the two combustion chambers by means of injectors that are substantially of the same type as those used in ink-jet printer heads. The dimensions of the device are comparable to those of a 1.5-V NiCd battery of a traditional standard type.
Abstract:
A light-emitting device comprises a structure defining an orderly and periodic series of cavities of nanometric dimensions, in which a process of catalytic combustion is confined. The dimensions and/or the distance between the micro-cavities are selected to obtain a light emission in the visible and prevent and/or attenuate at the same time emission of infrared radiation.
Abstract:
The flying machine includes a supporting structure including a central rotational support having a vertical axis connected to an essentially horizontal, preferably annular, peripheral support part, coaxial with the central support, at least one upper rotor including a central hub rotatable about the axis of the central support of the supporting structure, an outer channel-section ring supported by the peripheral part of the supporting structure by contactless suspension means, preferably magnetic suspension means, and a plurality of blades which extend from the hub to the channel-section ring and which are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane; and motor devices carried at least partially by the peripheral part of the supporting structure and operable to cause rotation of the rotor with respect to this structure in a predetermined direction.
Abstract:
VTOL aircraft comprising a first and a second ducted rotor positioned at the ends of a vertical fuselage and whose propellers are driven to rotate in mutually opposite directions. Control flaps for orientation and transverse flight are operatively associated at least to the lower ducted rotor.
Abstract:
A light source composed of a planar, or substantially level, flat or curved, rigid or flexible, matrix of microfilaments integrated on a single substrate and capable of emitting light by incandescence when supplied by an electric current.
Abstract:
A user-interface device comprises a plurality of indication elements (3), each provided with a visual indication (4), mounted on a structure (5). The indication elements (3) comprise identification means (9b, 10, 11, 11′) adapted for co-operating with detection means (6, 7) of the device (1), for unique identification the indication elements (3). The identification means (9b, 10, 11, 11′) comprise an electrically conductive layer (10) on a respective side face (6b) of the indication element (3) and an electrically insulating layer (9b) superimposed on the electrically conductive layer. The detection means (6, 7) comprise one or more contact elements (7) set up against a respective a side face (6b) of the indication element (3). The electrically insulating layer (9b) has one or more windows (11) for exposure of respective local portions of the underlying electrically conductive layer (10), each window (11) being made in a position substantially corresponding to a respective contact element (7).
Abstract:
A user-interface device comprises a plurality of indication elements (3), each provided with a visual indication (4), mounted on a structure (5). The indication elements (3) comprise identification means (9b, 10, 11, 11′) adapted for co-operating with detection means (6, 7) of the device (1), for unique identification the indication elements (3). The identification means (9b, 10, 11, 11′) comprise an electrically conductive layer (10) on a respective side face (6b) of the indication element (3) and an electrically insulating layer (9b) superimposed on the electrically conductive layer. The detection means (6, 7) comprise one or more contact elements (7) set up against a respective a side face (6b) of the indication element (3). The electrically insulating layer (9b) has one or more windows (11) for exposure of respective local portions of the underlying electrically conductive layer (10), each window (11) being made in a position substantially corresponding to a respective contact element (7).