Abstract: A lift platform with a kinesthetic control system that is coupled to means for altering air flow through the first and second longitudinally-spaced ducts comprising the lift platform is provided. The control system includes a control handle bar with left and right hand grips, and first and second control roll bars located on either side of the lift platform's central cowling. Forward/rearward movement of the control handle bar from a neutral position generates nose-down/nose-up pitching moments, respectively; counterclockwise/clockwise movement of the control handle bar from the neutral position generates counterclockwise rotation/clockwise rotation of the lift platform about a lift platform vertical centerline; and left movement/right movement of the control roll bars generates left roll/right roll moments about the lift platform roll axis.

Abstract: A system for augmenting ducted fan thrust is provided, the system including a peripheral ejector comprised of inner and outer cowling members. With the addition of actuators mounted between the trailing edges of the inner and outer cowling members, the system may be used to generate control moments in the ducted fan. The peripheral ejector may be segmented to form discrete ejector control sections.

Abstract: A lift platform with a kinesthetic control system that is coupled to means for altering air flow through the first and second longitudinally-spaced ducts comprising the lift platform is provided. The control system includes a control handle bar with left and right hand grips, and first and second control roll bars located on either side of the lift platform's central cowling. Forward/rearward movement of the control handle bar from a neutral position generates nose-down/nose-up pitching moments, respectively; counterclockwise/clockwise movement of the control handle bar from the neutral position generates counterclockwise rotation/clockwise rotation of the lift platform about a lift platform vertical centerline; and left movement/right movement of the control roll bars generates left roll/right roll moments about the lift platform roll axis.

Abstract: An augmented kinesthetic control system for use with a lift platform, the lift platform comprising first and second longitudinally-spaced thrust generating means, is provided. The first and second lift planes defined by the first and second thrust generating means are positioned below the lift platform center of gravity. The kinesthetic control means are coupled to means for aerodynamically altering the air flow from the first and second thrust generating means such that the intuitive and balancing movements of the pilot are magnified to allow kinesthetic control of a vehicle of greater size and utility.

Abstract: A system for augmenting ducted fan thrust is provided, the system including a peripheral ejector comprised of inner and outer cowling members. With the addition of actuators mounted between the trailing edges of the inner and outer cowling members, the system may be used to generate control moments in the ducted fan. The peripheral ejector may be segmented to form discrete ejector control sections.

Abstract: An augmented kinesthetic control system for use with a lift platform, the lift platform comprising first and second longitudinally-spaced thrust generating means, is provided. The first and second lift planes defined by the first and second thrust generating means are positioned below the lift platform center of gravity. The kinesthetic control means are coupled to means for aerodynamically altering the air flow from the first and second thrust generating means such that the intuitive and balancing movements of the pilot are magnified to allow kinesthetic control of a vehicle of greater size and utility.

Abstract: An air-based thrust recovery system for use in a powered lift platform utilizing fixed-pitch propellers is provided. The system utilizes an air compressor coupled to the drive motor of the platform and an on-board, high pressure tank for air storage. The fixed-pitch propellers are coupled to the primary drive system with over-running clutches, thus allowing the thrust recovery system to rotate the propellers faster than if driven solely by the primary drive system. Preferably the propellers are surrounded by air ducts. The thrust recovery system uses individually, or in combination, cold air jets mounted at the tips of the propellers, a circulation control system which blows out the leading or trailing edge of the propellers, and one or more perforated tubing segments surrounding at least a portion of the platform's air ducts.

Abstract: An autonomous cargo tracking system and method of using same are provided. The system is comprised of communication and sensor unit that is affixed to the container to be tracked, a ground system that coordinates communications between the unit and the users, and one or more satellite systems that provide communication capabilities as well as position information. The system can operate either as a unidirectional system or as a bi-directional system. As a unidirectional system data is sent either directly to the users or, more preferably, sent indirectly to the users via the ground system. As a bi-directional system users are able to both request and receive data from the unit, either directly or indirectly through the ground system. Preferably users communicate with the ground system using an Internet Web site.