Abstract: Two-stroke, fuel injected internal combustion engines for unmanned aircraft and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Engines configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can include, for example, (a) an electronic fuel injection system configured to provide a desired low fuel rate by injecting fuel every nth compression cycle rather than every cycle (so-called “skip-cycle” operation), (b) one or more pressure sensors configured to measure fluctuations in peak crankcase pressure and use such fluctuations to control fuel injection delivery, and (c) a multi-cylinder configuration having a common crankcase with a fuel injection arrangement configured to mitigate or eliminate problems with mixed redistribution.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve (10) for selectively controlling fluid flow through a pneumatic system of a vehicle is disclosed. The valve (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (28). The cavity includes an inlet (16) and an outlet (18). A flow controller (40) is disposed within the housing (12) for selectively controlling fluid flow through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable to an open position, where the inlet (16) is in fluid communication with the cavity (28) and the outlet (18) is in fluid communication with a pneumatically operated device. The flow controller (40) is also actuatable to a closed position, where the flow controller (40) substantially impedes fluid from flowing through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable between the open and closed positions in response to a predetermined fluid pressure within the pneumatic system.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve (10) for selectively controlling fluid flow through a pneumatic system of a vehicle is disclosed. The valve (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (28). The cavity includes an inlet (16) and an outlet (18). A flow controller (40) is disposed within the housing (12) for selectively controlling fluid flow through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable to an open position, where the inlet (16) is in fluid communication with the cavity (28) and the outlet (18) is in fluid communication with a pneumatically operated device. The flow controller (40) is also actuatable to a closed position, where the flow controller (40) substantially impedes fluid from flowing through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable between the open and closed positions in response to a predetermined fluid pressure within the pneumatic system.

Abstract: A contactless control switch (20) for a vehicle for actuating a system between an open and a first closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a pivot assembly (24) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a switch actuator (26) having first and second ends. The switch actuator is coupled to the pivot assembly for producing pivoting motion of the switch actuator in response to a force (84) applied to the switch actuator. The switch also includes first and second proximity sensors (80a and 80b) and a first magnet (70). The proximity sensors are disposed within the housing and the first magnet is fastened to the switch actuator second end. The first magnet is adapted to be selectively displaced into and out of close proximity with one of the proximity sensors when the force is applied to the switch actuator.