Abstract: This patent describes the design of a novel metal snap, either ball or socket, and the process by which it is integrated and connected to conductive elements in incontinence products, manufactured in high speed production lines, which makes possible the monitoring and detection of incontinent events in the product.

Abstract: This non-provisional patent filing is a follow-on to U.S. Pat. No. 8,421,636 B2 issued Apr. 16, 2013 and is to document the development work done between the original patent filing and continued product research and development. With increased interest in the realm of incontinence wetness sensing in adults and children within a wide variety of conditions, there is always at the core of the sensing, the need for accuracy. Without accurately predicting a wet event, a system rapidly becomes useless and is abandoned. Ongoing development and implementation of incontinence wetness sensing, in a wide variety of venues has identified significant limitations in current incontinence monitoring systems. In theater test and development data has shown that with any incontinence wetness sensing that key measurement parameters vary much more widely than previously predicted.

Abstract: A ducted fan core for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that accommodates a wide variety of payloads. The ducted fan core comprises a frame, attached to which are an engine, gearbox assembly, fan, and a plurality of control vanes. A first surface on the frame comprises a plurality of connects or electrical traces. The plurality of connects are used to removably attach a variety of pods carrying various payloads. Thus, a wide variety of payloads may be delivered using the same unmanned aerial vehicle, simply by removing and attaching different pods to a fixed vehicle core. These pods may be shaped so as to form part of the vehicle exterior, and when the pods are attached to the frame, they enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting UAV position data to a central flight control center transmits UAV position data using a virtual transponder. A ground control station for controlling the UAV receives data from the UAV, including UAV position data. The UAV may provide GPS data, or corrected position data based on readings from an inertial navigation system. The ground control station transmits the UAV position data to a flight control center.

Abstract: A ducted fan air vehicle having increased storage capacity inside the duct for equipment and electronics provides improved airflow and fan efficiency over ducted fan air vehicles carrying cargo in external pods. The outside of the duct may extend outwardly to allow equipment and electronics to be stored inside the duct in storage areas located at intervals along the duct. The storage areas may form a square duct having a circular inside wall. Additionally, the storage areas may extend in the direction of the axis of rotation of the fan to provide additional storage above the lower lip of the duct.

Abstract: A structural ring interconnect printed circuit board assembly for a ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicle that comprises a printed circuit board attached to a core vehicle body, wherein the printed circuit board conforms to the shape of the core vehicle body's airframe skirt, and wherein the printed circuit board provides structural integrity to the core vehicle body.

Abstract: A pod for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that may be removed and re-attached to the vehicle. The pod comprises an outer shell, within which a variety of payloads may be carried. A first surface on the vehicle frame comprises a plurality of connects or electrical traces. The plurality of attachments are used to removably attach the pods to the first surface. Thus, a wide variety of payloads may be delivered using the same unmanned aerial vehicle, simply by removing and attaching different pods to a fixed vehicle core. These pods may be shaped so as to form part of the vehicle exterior, and when the pods are attached to the frame, they enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vertical non-bladdered fuel tank for a ducted fan vehicle comprising: a pod that releasably connects to a core vehicle of a ducted fan vehicle, a vertical fuel tank contained by the pod, wherein the vertical fuel tank is centered between the fore and aft sides of the pod, an outlet in a floor of the vertical fuel tank located adjacent to a sidewall on the fore side of the vertical fuel tank, wherein the outlet is coupled to a draw tube contained by the core vehicle, and a pressure release vent located at the highlight of the pod's duct.

Abstract: A fuel line air trap for an unmanned aerial vehicle has a vessel in-line with a fuel line, fuel line connectors, and fuel inlet and outlet stems. The vessel contains an inlet at a distal end and an outlet at a proximal end. The fuel line connectors are attached to the vessel at the inlet and at the outlet to connect the fuel line to the vessel. The fuel inlet stem attaches to the vessel at the inlet and a fuel outlet stem attaches to the vessel at the outlet. Both the fuel inlet stem and fuel outlet stem protrude into the vessel a predetermined distance such that a gap exists between them. As air bubbles enter the gap in the fuel line air trap, they separate from the flow of fuel and migrate to the exterior walls of the vessel. The air bubbles are purged during remain trapped refueling.

Abstract: A conformal antenna for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that may be applied to a surface of the vehicle. The conformal antenna may be integrated with a surface on the vehicle, and is used to effectively transmit and receive video, command and/or control signals. The conformal antenna allows for the transmission and reception of signals from any direction, and may work with signals greater than a quarter wavelength. A protective layer may be placed over the conformal antenna.

Abstract: A structural ring interconnect printed circuit board assembly for a ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicle that comprises a printed circuit board attached to a core vehicle body, wherein the printed circuit board conforms to the shape of the core vehicle body's airframe skirt, and wherein the printed circuit board provides structural integrity to the core vehicle body.

Abstract: A vertical non-bladdered fuel tank for a ducted fan vehicle comprising: a pod that releasably connects to a core vehicle of a ducted fan vehicle, a vertical fuel tank contained by the pod, wherein the vertical fuel tank is centered between the fore and aft sides of the pod, an outlet in a floor of the vertical fuel tank located adjacent to a sidewall on the fore side of the vertical fuel tank, wherein the outlet is coupled to a draw tube contained by the core vehicle, and a pressure release vent located at the highlight of the pod's duct.

Abstract: A fuel line air trap for an unmanned aerial vehicle has a vessel in-line with a fuel line, fuel line connectors, and fuel inlet and outlet stems. The vessel contains an inlet at a distal end and an outlet at a proximal end. The fuel line connectors are attached to the vessel at the inlet and at the outlet to connect the fuel line to the vessel. The fuel inlet stem attaches to the vessel at the inlet and a fuel outlet stem attaches to the vessel at the outlet. Both the fuel inlet stem and fuel outlet stem protrude into the vessel a predetermined distance such that a gap exists between them. As air bubbles enter the gap in the fuel line air trap, they separate from the flow of fuel and migrate to the exterior walls of the vessel. The air bubbles are purged during remain trapped refueling.

Abstract: Electronic equipment frequently requires cooling to maintain the integrity and reliability of the equipment, and to elongate the life expectancy of the equipment. When in operation, the fan of a UAV creates airflow comprising outside air directed across the duct of the UAV. Utilizing this airflow generated by the fan of a UAV to provide heat transfer from a equipment enclosure accomplishes efficient heat transfer. The methods described herein for transferring heat from an equipment enclosure using an airflow generated by a fan of a UAV may be employed for UAVs having a variety of duct shapes, and having equipment enclosures inside the duct or in detachable equipment enclosures located on the duct of the UAV.

Abstract: A ducted fan core for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that accommodates a wide variety of payloads. The ducted fan core comprises a frame, attached to which are an engine, gearbox assembly, fan, and a plurality of control vanes. A first surface on the frame comprises a plurality of connects or electrical traces. The plurality of connects are used to removably attach a variety of pods carrying various payloads. Thus, a wide variety of payloads may be delivered using the same unmanned aerial vehicle, simply by removing and attaching different pods to a fixed vehicle core. These pods may be shaped so as to form part of the vehicle exterior, and when the pods are attached to the frame, they enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting UAV position data to a central flight control center transmits UAV position data using a virtual transponder. A ground control station for controlling the UAV receives data from the UAV, including UAV position data. The UAV may provide GPS data, or corrected position data based on readings from an inertial navigation system. The ground control station transmits the UAV position data to a flight control center.