Abstract: An architecture that provides automatic monitoring of brake conditions making use of a wear pin on a brake. The disclosure makes use of the fact that a wear pin is required to be provided on an aircraft brake, by integrating monitoring functions such as displacement sensors and/or temperature sensors, into the pin. This means that the automatic monitoring components are not taking up more space on the brake than is already taken up by the compulsory wear pin.

Abstract: A method is provided. An airship is maneuvered to a desired location and oriented with the thruster such that ambient wind is traveling in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fuselage. The airflow from the ambient wind is straightened with the flow straightener to generate a substantially laminar flow. The turbine is engaged with the airflow generated by the ambient wind to generate electricity, and the electricity generated by the turbine is rectified with the rectifier and stored in the storage array.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using a few (e.g., 2-4) rotors, generally variable speed rigid (non-articulated) rotors. It is contemplated that one or more rotors generate a significant amount of lift (e.g., 70%) during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc), and tilt to provide forward propulsion during wingborne flight. The rotors preferably employ individual blade control, and are battery powered. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: A heating system is configured to produce heated fluid. The system includes a source of primary fluid, a diffusing structure comprising an outlet structure out of which the heated fluid flows, at least one conduit coupled to the source and the diffusing structure and configured to introduce to the diffusing structure the primary fluid, and an intake structure coupled to the diffusing structure and configured to introduce to the diffusing structure a secondary fluid accessible to the system. The heated fluid includes the primary and secondary fluids.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) may comprise a foldable propeller blade with a locking mechanism. Foldable propeller blades may have a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration relative to the UAVDC, and the foldable propeller blades may pivot about a hinge to move between configurations. In the deployed configuration, the foldable propeller may experience forward folding forces acting upon it. The locking mechanism may lock the foldable propeller blade in the deployed configuration. The locking mechanism may keep the foldable propeller locked into place to prevent forward folding tendency.

Abstract: A heated composite structure and a method for forming a heated composite structure. The structure includes carbon fibers embedded within a thermoplastic matrix. The carbon fibers are connected with first and second electrodes that are configured to be connected with an electric source such that applying current to the electrodes causes current to flow through the embedded carbon fibers to provide resistive heating sufficient to heat the composite structure to impede formation of ice on the composite structure.

Abstract: An autonomous compliance controlled generic mooring station includes a pair of mooring systems connected to each other. The pair of mooring systems includes a pair of mooring interfaces, allowing the pair of mooring systems to change between a mooring state and a release state. One of the pair of mooring interfaces includes an electropermanent magnet and the other one of the pair of mooring interfaces includes a ferromagnetic plate. The electropermanent magnet and the ferromagnetic plate are configured to connect the pair of mooring systems together.

Abstract: Provided is an unmanned aircraft which is capable of stably taking off. In one example, the unmanned aircraft has an aircraft body which includes an information acquisition device, a plurality of rotary wings, and a protective member disposed around the rotary wings. Each of the rotary wings has a rotation axis which is tilted with respect to a vertical direction by a given angle, such that the rotary wings generate a forward thrust force. The aircraft body has a lower edge which includes a middle lower edge and a forward lower edge, wherein the protective member has a lower edge including the forward lower edge. The forward lower edge is located above the middle lower edge, and the forward lower edge has a rear end located backward of a rear end of the rotary wing.

Abstract: A fishing rod vibration system including a battery powered electronics system, programmable motor controller, and user interface, as well as a vibrator selectively and detachably coupled to the electronics system for receiving output signals from the motor controller. The electronics system and user interface may be disposed in or on a fishing reel, and the electronic vibrator may be collocated with the electronics system or disposed on a fishing rod separated from the electronics system.

Abstract: A first hand control controls an altitude of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft; the movement of the VTOL aircraft within a plane defined by a roll axis and a pitch axis is independent of the first hand control. The first hand control is provided on a first hand side of a pilot's seat included in the VTOL aircraft. A second hand control controls the movement of the VTOL aircraft within the plane defined by the roll axis and the pitch axis; the altitude of the VTOL aircraft is independent of the second hand control. The second hand control is provided on a second hand side of the pilot's seat that is opposite from the first hand side.

Abstract: Herein provided is an interface for use in transmitting data from an aircraft including a first connector configured for physically and removably coupling a communication module to a communication system which obtains the data on-board the aircraft from at least one data source within the aircraft, and a second connector for digitally coupling the communication module to a processing unit of the communication module producing at least one message for transmission based on the data, the at least one message comprising information of interest identified based on the data. The interface is configured for conducting the at least one message from the processing unit to at least one radio via the second connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting power includes a track and an airfoil coupled to the track. The track includes first and second elongate sections, where the first elongate section is positioned above the second elongate section. The airfoil is moveable in opposite directions when alternately coupled to the first elongate section and second elongate section.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle takeoff and landing system, an aerial vehicle takeoff and landing apparatus, and an aerial vehicle capable of reducing the influence of the ground effect and capable of taking off and landing smoothly even in a comparatively small and limited space. A pair of rails are arranged side by side with a gap therebetween, and are arranged with a space in an extension direction on at least an under side and one end side. An aerial vehicle has a suspension portion provided at an upper portion thereof so as to be inserted between the rails from the one end side. With the suspension portion is inserted between the rails, the aerial vehicle can be suspended at a predetermined landing position of the rails, and the aerial vehicle suspended at the landing position can take off.

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.

Abstract: A fishing lure sheet that includes a portion that, when folded over and joined, results in the obtaining in a fishing lure skin that defines a fishing lure passage for receiving a filament of a fishing device. The fishing lure skin simulates the appearance of an organism.

Abstract: A base station is disclosed for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The base station includes: an enclosure; a slide mechanism that is connected to the enclosure and which is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; and a cradle that is connected to the slide mechanism and which defines a chamber that is configured to receive the UAV such that the UAV is movable into and out of the enclosure during repositioning of the slide mechanism between the retracted position and the extended position. The cradle includes: an upper shell; a lower shell that is connected to the upper shell; and at least one thermal insulator that is located between the upper shell and the lower shell.

Abstract: Adaptable fishing lure kits, systems, and devices are provided. An adaptable fishing lure system may include a fishing lure body, a replaceably attachable lure body member to the fishing lure body, via a slot formed within an outer periphery surface of the lure body, and a channel chamber longitudinally extending through and within at least a portion of a length of the fishing lure body. The slot providing access to the channel, at least one cartridge providing an attractant into the chamber formed within the fishing lure body. Alternative use of an adhesive and means for securing a fin member and attractant are provided.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having wings stowed against a fuselage of the UAV in a first arrangement is disclosed. Methods and systems for deploying the wings into a second arrangement are disclosed. For example, after a launch of the UAV, the UAV monitors for at least one pre-set condition. The at least one pre-condition being a pre-condition associated with deploying wings of the UAV into the second arrangement. Upon detecting the at least one pre-set condition, the wings of the UAV are deployed into a second arrangement. Deploying the wings comprises activating, in response to detecting the at least one pre-set condition associated with the UAV, a gearbox configured to transition the wings from the first arrangement to the second arrangement. Roll control may be maintained throughout launch and deployment.

Abstract: An exemplary tiltrotor aircraft having a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flight mode and a forward flight mode includes tiltable rotors located at forward boom ends, tiltable ducted fans located at wings aft of the forward boom ends, and aft rotors located on aft boom portions.

Abstract: A fishing lure clapper device may include a fishing lure such as a spoon lure or spinner lure. A strike member may be loosely attached to the fishing lure. The strike member may have at least one water flow contact surface. The water flow contact surface may be at least partially concave and/or at least partially convex. Accordingly, throughout retrieval of the lure on a fishing line through water in a water body, flow of the water against the water flow contact surface of the strike member may cause the strike member to move at random orientations and repetitively strike or clap against the side of the fishing lure, creating vibration and clicking or clapping sounds in the water to attract fish and agitate or entice the fish to strike the lure.