Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a computer implemented method includes receiving imaging data from an imaging system of an aircraft, and creating a new flight plan or a modified flight plan of the aircraft based on the imaging data. The method can include transmitting the new flight plan or the modified flight plan to a control system of the aircraft.

Abstract: A data collection method and system for a drone aircraft. The system includes a data collection device, an extension mechanism having one end connected to the drone aircraft and an opposite free end connected to the data collection device, and a control system for controlling operation of the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is extendable from a retracted position in which the data collection device is stowed in or maintained proximate to the drone aircraft to one or more extended positions in which the data collection device is extended away from the drone aircraft, and is also retractable to bring the data collection device back to the retracted position. The control system controls operation of the extension mechanism to position the data collection device to a desired position beyond a given obstacle to enable the data collection device to capture data relating to an object or region of interest.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in a blending apparatus includes sealingly coupling a blade platform to a rim of a vessel including foodstuffs to form a blending chamber. The blade platform includes a blade assembly. The method includes injecting fluid via an opening defined within the blade platform into the blending chamber while the blade platform is sealingly coupled to the vessel. The injection of fluid causes a change in pressure in the blending chamber. The method includes rotating blades of the blade assembly to process the foodstuffs in the blending chamber. The method includes introducing air into the blending chamber to decrease a difference between the pressure within the blending chamber and a pressure external to the blending chamber. The method includes decoupling the blade platform from the rim.

Abstract: A docking station for an aircraft includes a base portion and an alignment system disposed on the base portion configured to orient the aircraft relative to the base portion. The alignment system can include a plurality of outer protrusions extending away from the base portion in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for processing foodstuffs includes a chamber including foodstuffs, a blade assembly, and a processor. The blade assembly includes blades configured to rotate within the chamber based on initiation of a blend cycle. The processor is configured to determine a trigger event to initiate a cleaning cycle of the blade assembly to remove foodstuffs remaining in the chamber, and execute the cleaning cycle, responsive to detecting the trigger event, by causing fluid to be injected into the chamber, causing the blades of the blade assembly to rotate for a predetermined amount of time, and cause removal of at least a portion of the fluid and the remaining foodstuffs from the chamber.

Abstract: A system includes a container platform configured to receive a container, a blade assembly and a blade actuator for rotating blades of the blade assembly, a blade platform, and a platform actuator for moving the blade platform between a blade engagement position and a container engagement position. A processor is configured to cause the platform actuator to move the blade platform, prior to a first actuation of the blade actuator, from the container engagement position to the blade engagement position, to cause the first actuation, to cause the platform actuator to move the blade platform towards the container engagement position, to cause the blade platform to return to the blade engagement position, to cause a second actuation of the blade actuator, and to cause the platform actuator to return the blade platform to the container engagement position subsequent to the second actuation.

Abstract: A docking station for an aircraft includes a base portion and an alignment system disposed on the base portion configured to orient the aircraft relative to the base portion. The alignment system can include a plurality of protrusions extending away from the base portion in a vertical direction. The plurality of protrusions can extend away from the base portion in both the vertical direction and a horizontal direction such that the protrusions can extend from the base portion at an angle.

Abstract: A system for food preparation, including a system body, a blade actuator retained by the system body; a set of blades; a blade platform rotatably mounting the set of blades, the blade platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a container platform defining a container receptacle, the container platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between a loading position and a processing position.

Abstract: A container includes a body including a lip portion, a base portion, and a wall structure extending between the lip portion and the base portion. The wall structure and the base portion define a cavity. The lip portion extends outwards from the wall structure. The body is configured to be received in a container receptacle defined within a container platform of a blending apparatus when the container platform is in a first position. The lip portion includes one or more engagement features to sealingly engage with a corresponding engagement feature of a blade assembly of the blending apparatus, restrict rotation of the container during rotation of blades of the blade assembly, and restrict translational motion of the lip portion relative to the surface of the container receptacle during rotation of the container platform from the first position to a second position or during rotation of the blades.

Abstract: A system for food preparation, including a system body, a blade actuator retained by the system body; a set of blades; a blade platform rotatably mounting the set of blades, the blade platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a container platform defining a container receptacle, the container platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between a loading position and a processing position.