Abstract: A UAV tether management system comprising: a tether-wound spool rotatably mounted on a base station, a free-pivoting angle arm, and an angle arm encoder, wherein the tether is configured to transfer power from the base station to the UAV while the UAV is in flight, and the angle arm comprises a tether guide mounted to a proximal end of the angle arm such that the tether passes through the tether guide as the tether pays out of, or is taken up by, the spool, wherein the angle arm further comprises a counter weight mounted to a distal end of the angle arm such that a center of mass of the angle arm is aligned with the spool's axis of rotation, and wherein the angle arm encoder is configured to measure an offset angle of the angle arm.

Abstract: A UAV tether management system comprising: a tether-wound spool rotatably mounted on a base station, a free-pivoting angle arm, and an angle arm encoder, wherein the tether is configured to transfer power from the base station to the UAV while the UAV is in flight, and the angle arm comprises a tether guide mounted to a proximal end of the angle arm such that the tether passes through the tether guide as the tether pays out of, or is taken up by, the spool, wherein the angle arm further comprises a counter weight mounted to a distal end of the angle arm such that a center of mass of the angle arm is aligned with the spool's axis of rotation, and wherein the angle arm encoder is configured to measure an offset angle of the angle arm.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of providing an Explosive Initiation Safety and Handling System (EISS) coupled to a robot, operatively coupling a charge carrier table and a manipulator to the robot; securing a charge to the charge carrier table; installing a shock tube spool on the shock tube spooling mechanism and locking with an indexing nut; inserting the shock tube that has been uncoiled from the spooling mechanism into the interrupter and replacing the cap; attaching the shock tube to the charge; making an initiator-to-interrupter connection with the shock tube; retracting the manipulator on the robot to a fully stowed position and rotating the charge carrier in front of the robot; picking up the charge with the manipulator, extending the manipulator forward and placing the charge at a threat; stowing the charge carrier; positioning the robot at a distance from the threat, allowing the shock tube to spool out; remotely activating a first firing circuit on the robot to arm the system; cutting the shock tube

Abstract: A system with a spool base frame having an initiator, an interrupter, control electronics, and a proximity sensor connected thereto, wherein the spool base frame is configured to hold a shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to allow installation and spooling of a spool of shock tube disposed on the shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to cut spooled shock tube from the spool of shock tube, the control electronics are configured to send a signal directing the interrupter to cut the spooled shock tube from the spool, the interrupter is configured to physically redirect and splice the cut shock tube to a second shock tube connected to the initiator, and the interrupter is configured to discharge the cut shock tube after the shock tube is fired and spent.

Abstract: A system with a spool base frame having an initiator, an interrupter, control electronics, and a proximity sensor connected thereto, wherein the spool base frame is configured to hold a shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to allow installation and spooling of a spool of shock tube disposed on the shock tube spooling mechanism, the interrupter is configured to cut spooled shock tube from the spool of shock tube, the control electronics are configured to send a signal directing the interrupter to cut the spooled shock tube from the spool, the interruptor is configured to physically redirect and splice the cut shock tube to a second shock tube connected to the initiator, and the interrupter is configured to discharge the cut shock tube after the shock tube is fired and spent.