Abstract:
This invention relates to devices that transport cargo. Previously, weight constraints and fuel capacity of an aircraft limited efficiency for transporting cargo. Embodiments of the present invention use at least one unmanned autonomous towed aircraft, which is connected to the tractor aircraft for inflight towing by the tractor aircraft. An autopilot system in the towed aircraft is configured to autonomously control taxing, takeoff, flight, and landing of the towed aircraft. A sensor system is configured to sense flight parameters including relative locations of the tractor aircraft and the towed aircraft and to communicate the sensed flight parameters to the autopilot system of the towed aircraft.
Abstract:
The present embodiments are directed to an aerial flying unit. The aerial flying unit can include a modular mechanical platform. The modular mechanical platform can include a frame. The flying unit can include a plurality of multiple-rotor copters detachably coupled to the mechanical platform by a portion of the frame. The mechanical platform can be reconfigurable. The multiple-rotor copters can coupled to the mechanical platform by a passive pad.
Abstract:
Towed aerodynamic platforms approach the behavior of flat plate airfoils to achieve high lift -to-drag (L:D) performance when operated at low pitch angles. A lead aircraft may tow multiple platforms to form train units. Low form drag and high L:D enable solar aircraft that are more robust and faster than approaches extending wingspan rather than extending the length of the aerial train. Applications extend beyond solar aircraft and include vehicles towed along an overhead monorail system and aerial drones.
Abstract:
A patient litter basket spin control assembly for use on a patient litter basket is provided. The assembly comprises thruster unit for discharging an air stream and is mounted on the patient litter basket. At least one sensor is associated with the thruster unit for sensing rotational movement or spin of the patient litter basket, and a power source is provided for powering the thruster unit and the sensor. A clamp member mounts on the patient litter basket and releasably receives the thruster unit. The sensors modulate the force of the air stream from the thruster unit so that the air stream counters the rotational movement of the patient litter basket to stabilize the patient litter basket by preventing the spin.
Abstract:
A flying surface may comprise a plurality of interconnectable flying vehicles configured for mid-flight reconfiguration of the flying surface. Each flying vehicle may be entirely self-sufficient, including an onboard thrust unit, an onboard controller, an onboard power unit, and connectors configured to engage corresponding connectors of other flying vehicles to form a flying surface. The flying vehicles may additionally be configured for self-control, thereby enabling a distributed control model for a flying surface that does not require significant, centralized processing power and corresponding power storage. The flying surfaces may dynamically reconfigure mid-flight by attaching or detaching flying vehicles so as to enable a wide variety of in-flight maneuvers.
Abstract:
A system to maintain a phase difference is disclosed. Two or more aircraft fly in a continuous periodic trajectory. The system maintains a phase difference between the two or more aircraft. Telemetry information for a reference aircraft moving in a first periodic trajectory is received. A phase difference between a primary aircraft and the reference aircraft with respect to the first periodic trajectory is determined. A variance in the phase difference between the primary aircraft and the reference aircraft from the target phase difference is determined. A new trajectory for the primary aircraft that decreases the variance in the phase difference with respect to the new periodic trajectory is determined, and the primary aircraft is maneuvered to follow the new trajectory.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Fluggerät mit einer Tragstruktur (12) und einer von der Tragstruktur (12) aufgespannten, mit einem Gas befüllbaren Hülle (10). Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass die Tragstruktur (12) eine Mehrzahl von Stab- oder Rohrabschnitten (24-30) aufweist, die eine kreisförmige, ovale oder polygonale Hauptspannebene für die Hülle (10) definieren.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for constructing, operating, and marketing a vehicle that is alternatively adaptable for controlled, powered operation on the ground as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or in the air as a powered parachute, or for controlled, powered operation on both the ground and in the air as a flying ATV. On the ground, the vehicle is configured for controlled, powered operation over both smooth and rough terrain, as a true all-terrain vehicle.
Abstract:
A fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) includes a first module(100), a second module (100) and a third module, (100) each having a top member (120) and a first thruster (130) affixed thereto. Each module (100) is laterally coupled to each other. A fourth module (100) has a bottom that is affixed to the top members (120) of the first module(100), the second module (100) and the third module (100) so as to form a tetrahedral structure. A power source (220) supplies power to the first thrusters (130). A control circuit (222) controls the unmanned aircraft system so as to cause the fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) to fly in a controlled manner.
Abstract:
There is disclosed an aircraft for intercepting an airborne target, the aircraft comprising: a frame; a plurality of lines of a first type, each attached to the frame at a first end, and free at the other end; and a plurality of lines of a second, different, type, each attached to the frame at a first end, and free at the other end.