Methods and apparatus for thermal energy management in electric vehicles

    公开(公告)号:US11245142B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-02-08

    申请号:US16697380

    申请日:2019-11-27

    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed.

    Distributed airborne wireless communication services

    公开(公告)号:US11968022B2

    公开(公告)日:2024-04-23

    申请号:US14462167

    申请日:2014-08-18

    CPC classification number: H04B7/18504 H04W16/28

    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, an airborne wireless service area includes: an airborne fleet, comprised of a plurality of aircraft, wherein the airborne fleet is configured to transmit a plurality of first beams at a first radio frequency (RF), wherein the plurality of first beams are characterized by corresponding first frequency band, channel, bandwidth, transmission format, uneven angular field intensity distribution, and boundaries, wherein neighboring first beams have an overlap region, and wherein at least one of the following characteristics is different between the neighboring first beams: frequency band, channel, or transmission format; and a plurality of first communication cells defined by respective boundaries of the plurality of first beams, wherein each of the first communication cells are characterized by their size, shape, and position.

    Mobile system incorporating flexible and tunable optically reflective skin and method of use

    公开(公告)号:US11042047B1

    公开(公告)日:2021-06-22

    申请号:US15344983

    申请日:2016-11-07

    Abstract: A mobile system includes a self-supporting platform, a tunable reflective skin or film disposed on and secured to the mobile platform, one or more actuators and a controller. The tunable reflective skin or film includes one or more layers that are at least partially reflective to optical energy at one or more optical wavelengths. The skin or film is substantially flexible and/or stretchable and has an optical reflectivity to incident electromagnetic radiation of a given wavelength which is selectively variable when flexed and/or stretched. The actuators are able to flex and/or stretch the skin or film in response to receipt of a control signal. The controller generates the control signal based on a measured value of the optical reflectivity of the skin or film to the incident electromagnetic radiation of the given wavelength.

    Methods, apparatus and system for extended wireless communications

    公开(公告)号:US11962390B2

    公开(公告)日:2024-04-16

    申请号:US15785104

    申请日:2017-10-16

    CPC classification number: H04B7/18504 G05D1/0202 H01Q1/125 H01Q1/286

    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for extended wireless communication include an airborne platform including at least one antenna to pick up and radiate wireless signals, a platform controller to control the altitude and attitude of the airborne platform, and a communication payload. In an embodiment, the communication payload includes at least two transponders to establish wireless links and a controller having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. In some embodiments, the memory has stored therein instructions executable by the processor to cause the airborne communication system to elevate the airborne platform to an altitude at which wireless connectivity is able to be established with a first wireless network, establish a first wireless link to the first wireless network, establish a second wireless link, and relay data between the first wireless link and the second wireless link.

    Methods and apparatus for airborne synthetic antennas

    公开(公告)号:US10659146B2

    公开(公告)日:2020-05-19

    申请号:US16147127

    申请日:2018-09-28

    Abstract: Embodiments of an airborne synthetic phased antenna array include a plurality of airborne antennas and phase shifters for the antennas. The antennas are operated coherently, and constant phase shifts between the antennas are maintained. In addition, methods for providing wireless communication services include providing a plurality of airborne platforms, providing RF antennas for wireless communication services and phase shifters for the RF antennas on at least two airborne platforms, and operating the phase shifters to maintain synchronous operation of the RF antennas.

Patent Agency Ranking