Abstract:
A transforming unmanned aerial-to-ground vehicle assembly comprising: an aerodynamic flying assembly comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle integrated with an unmanned ground vehicle, a power unit shared by the unmanned aerial vehicle and the unmanned ground vehicle, vehicle controls shared by the unmanned aerial vehicle and the unmanned ground vehicle, a disengagement mechanism to separate the unmanned ground vehicle from the unmanned aerial vehicle, one or more manipulator arms located on either the unmanned aerial vehicle or the unmanned ground vehicle, and landing gear.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a catch and snare system for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: (a) a detection system, (b) a deployment system in communication with the detection system, (c) a capture system placed at an interference position by the deployment system, wherein the capture system comprises a net, a plurality of foam deploying canisters attached to the net for deploying foam, and at least one canister for deploying a decelerating parachute attached to the net, wherein the foam prevents the release of chemical or biological agents from the captured unmanned aerial vehicle, and (d) a descent system to bring the capture system and a captured unmanned aerial vehicle back to earth.
Abstract:
Self-leveling legs are used to accommodate landing a ducted fan hovercraft on a sloped surface such as a roof-top. These legs move to accommodate a variation of slope within their range of motion irrespective to the azimuth of the vehicle body. The configuration and operation of the landing legs allow the hovercraft to land in a stable fashion with the hovercraft vehicle body maintained in a vertical orientation. The basic kinematics of the present invention is the displacement of one landing leg upwards is connected by a horizontal member to the opposite leg and displaces it downwards, and visa-versa. Planar surface contact is accomplished by the unique curvature of the legs and the splay of the legs from the vehicle body.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and systems for adjusting video quality outputted by an aerial vehicle to manage the data stream bandwidth to match the needs of each mission segment. A mission segment is monitored in order to determine a preferred video quality of service. A quality of service is set based on the monitored mission segment. The quality of service is selectively altered based on a change of at least one of a mission segment or an environmental condition.
Abstract:
A launch and capture system for capturing a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle having a thruster and a duct configured to direct airflow generated by the thruster includes a capture plate and an extension. The capture plate is configured to alter the airflow and generate a force attracting the duct to the capture plate. The extension is coupled to the capture plate, and is configured to at least facilitate holding the VTOL vehicle against the capture plate.
Abstract:
Fault detection apparatus for segmented digital displays of a capacitive nature. Current probes interposed between the segment drivers and the segments detect the current pulses required by the on and off segments resulting from the square wave energization applied thereto. Discrepancies between the current pulses and the commanded data provide segment fault status. A serial bus transmits the display data from a Control Unit to the display and transmits the Segment Status Data from the display to the Control Unit. The current pulses are sampled pursuant to a pulse mode or square wave mode of operation.