Abstract:
A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base. A method of configuring an aircraft having a set of rotors on a mission to carry a payload comprises the steps of determining properties of the payload including at least mass properties, determining the manner in which the payload will be coupled to the aircraft, determining configuration for each of the rotors in the set of rotors at least partially in consideration of the properties of the payload, and positioning the set of rotors in the configuration for the aircraft to perform the mission.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising at least one rotor motor. The rotor motor is powered by a micro hybrid generation system. The micro hybrid generator system comprises a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor, a small engine configured to generate mechanical power, a generator motor coupled to the small engine and configured to generate AC power using the mechanical power generated by the small engine, a bridge rectifier configured to convert the AC power generated by the generator motor to DC power and provide the DC power to either or both the rechargeable battery and the at least one rotor motor, and an electronic control unit configured to control a throttle of the small engine based, at least in part, on a power demand of at least one load, the at least one load including the at least one rotor motor.
Abstract:
In a “cat and mouse” rotary engine two rotor-pistons are connected by concentric crosses to two inclined power shafts, improving the balance of the engine, ridding the bearings of the rotor-pistons from heavy idle loads, allowing lighter and more robust structure and making the arrangement proper for divided load applications like portable flyers, REM etc.
Abstract:
A “cat and mouse” rotary engine/pump comprising two inclined power shafts at the two ends of the rotor-pistons. Each power shaft connects to both rotor-pistons by concentric crosses. Either piston can be suspended from the bearings of the inclined shafts indirectly, through the inclined shafts and the crosses, avoiding any touching with the other piston and the casing. The arrangement improves the balance of the engine, rids the bearings of the rotor-pistons from heavy idle loads, allows lighter and more robust structure. The power is shared between the two counter-rotating shafts. The arrangement fits to divided load applications, like portable flyers, REM.
Abstract:
An unmanned air vehicle is provided, which includes an airframe and a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system mounted on the airframe. The parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A hybrid controller is configured to control both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. A propeller is connected to a mechanical link. The mechanical link couples the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to the propeller to drive the propeller. An alternate unmanned air vehicle includes a second propeller driven by the electric motor. In this alternate unmanned air vehicle, the internal combustion engine is decoupled from the electric motor.
Abstract:
A payload quick release mechanism for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. This mechanism is affixed to a structure on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and allows for quick attachment and removal of a payload from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The attachment device includes a body with a perimeter and a plurality of arms that extend from the body perimeter. Each arm includes an indented section, within which a tab extending from the payload top may be placed. When the payload tab rests within the indented section, the payload is prevented from translation and is attached to the mechanism.
Abstract:
Provided are alternative hybrid transmission systems for marine, or two wheeled land vehicles, as well as propulsion systems and vehicles comprising such transmission systems, to improve various propulsion systems using a combination of at least two power sources with the option for simultaneous or alternating power input from two or more power sources, while providing desired characteristics or components. Such characteristics or components can include, but are not limited to: power, torque, acceleration, cruising speed or power, fuel efficiency, battery charging, endurance, power sizing, weight, capacity, efficiency, speed, mechanically and/or electrically added system requirements, design, fuel selection, functional design, structural design, lift to drag ratio, weight, and/or other desired characteristic or component.
Abstract:
The present invention is a rotary device that may be adapted for use as a propeller assembly and electrical generator for aerial vehicles or other vehicles intended for fluid media. In one example, the device includes a ring assembly having a plurality of centrally linked blades coupled to a rotatable common hub. Rotary motion of the ring assembly is facilitated by coupling it to an opposed cylinder, opposed piston, internal combustion. The ring assembly includes components of an electrical power generating system so that electrical power is produced from the rotation of the ring assembly.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch.
Abstract:
A wireless-controlled airplane includes a flying unit and an on-ground controller which is connected to the flying unit through a communication section and flies the flying unit. The flying unit includes a body, a drive section installed on the body, a propulsion apparatus which generates a propulsive force when driven by the drive section, a main wing including a plurality of wing elements which are installed so as to be able to move with respect to each other, an opening and closing mechanism which changes the relative positions of the wing elements to change the effective area of the main wing, and a dropping apparatus which selectively holds and drops a load. By changing the effective area of the main wing, the flight speed can be changed, so the capacity and size of the drive section for rotating the propulsion apparatus can be decreased.