Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a stacked motor assembly. The stacked motor assembly includes a first motor, a first rotatable driver member rotationally fixed to the first motor, a second motor vertically spaced from the first motor, and a second rotatable driver member rotationally fixed to the second motor. The drive mechanism also includes an output shaft spaced from the first motor and the second motor and a flexible drive member rotatably coupling the first rotatable driver member, the second rotatable driver member, and the output shaft together such that rotation of the first rotatable drive member by the first motor and rotation of the second rotatable driver member by the second motor impart rotational torque to the output shaft. The drive mechanism further includes an output belt fixed to the output shaft and configured to be wound about the output shaft upon rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: A system for deploying a payload from an aerial vehicle onto a target surface includes a flywheel-stabilized delivery device that is detachably couplable to the aerial vehicle. The delivery device includes an axle, a flywheel, and a payload holder. The delivery device may additionally include an attachment portion and a floatation device. The payload holder may be detachably coupled to the payload such that the delivery device detaches from payload upon impact at the target surface. The system may additionally include a release mechanism for detachably coupling the delivery device to the aerial vehicle. The release mechanism may include a flywheel driver, a receiver, and a dropper device. The release mechanism may be remotely controlled by an operator to release the delivery device from the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: This conveyance device includes: a suction head which suctions and conveys an electronic component; a movement control unit which moves the suction head; a rotation control unit which controls a rotation position of the suction head centered on a predetermined axis of rotation; and a suction control unit which causes the suction head to suction the electronic component such that a load exerted on the electronic component from the suction head in conjunction with the movement of the suction head is less than or equal to a predetermined pressure. The movement control unit sets a correction amount of the predetermined pressure based on the self-weight of the suction head on the basis of the rotation position of the suction head. Using a conveyance device such as the foregoing makes it possible to improve the accuracy of load control during suction or suction release of an electronic component.

Abstract: Systems and methods to optimize power consumption and trip time of electrically powered aerial vehicles that are required to continuously perform trips that require more electrical power than what is supplied by an onboard energy storage device. The systems include aerial vehicles equipped with photo-voltaic (PV) panels, removable energy storage devices, light sensors, power meters, global positioning satellite (GPS) modules, programmable central processing unit (PCPU) devices, telemetry equipment, artificial intelligent (AI) object recognition software and cameras, etc. The methods include a method to maximize the amount sunlight contacting the PV panels, a method to give and receive an energy storage device between two aerial vehicles using AI object recognition, while both vehicles are airborne, and a method to optimize the location for the giving and receiving of energy storage devices.

Abstract: A flotation system for an aircraft that includes a battery system providing power to the aircraft is presented. The flotation system can include a water propulsion system enables maneuvering of the aircraft, such as a seaplane, on the surface of water. The system can include waterjets located on floats of the aircraft that enable maneuvering of the aircraft in forward, backward, and lateral directions as well as rotational motion. The systems are quieter in operation than the main engine of the aircraft and provide precision maneuvering for docking or active stabilization of the aircraft's position.

Abstract: A pallet puller including: a first bar having a first hook disposed on a distal end of the first bar, wherein the first hook is a wedge connected to the distal end of the first bar; a second bar having a second hook disposed on a distal end of the second bar, wherein the second hook is a wedge connected to the distal end of the second bar; a ring loosely coupled to a proximal end of the first bar and to a proximal end of the second bar such that the first and second bars are able to move with respect to the ring and such that pointed ends of the first and second hooks are pointed in opposite directions with respect to each other; and a line having a proximal end coupled to the ring and a distal end terminated in a connection point.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to unmanned aerial vehicles and landing systems are described herein. One example disclosed unmanned aerial vehicle includes a vehicle body including an airfoil shape, a plurality of rotors, a payload void within the airfoil shape profile, and a rotatable payload bay disposed within the payload void. A payload delivery system is also described. The payload delivery system includes a payload void, a payload bay, at least one actuator operative to rotate the payload bay with respect to the payload void, and a payload controller operative to eject a payload from the payload bay. Several landing systems and devices for unmanned vehicles are also described. One example landing device includes a frame including a rear surface operative to attach the frame to a vertical glass surface and an aircraft support element operative to receive and support an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A reel includes a core, a first flange affixed to a first end of the core, a second flange affixed to a second opposite end of the core, and a first bonded joint connecting the first flange to the core. The first bonded joint includes a first susceptor material arranged between the first flange and the first end of the core, and the first flange and the first end of the core are bonded around the first susceptor material.

Abstract: An aerial lighting system includes: two or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) each including a corresponding high-powered LED array arranged to illuminate an area beneath the UAVs when the UAVs are airborne; a base station configured to retain the UAVs when not airborne, wherein the base station includes a controller for controlling the UAVs; and a plurality of cables for transferring power and data, including: (i) a first cable detachably coupled between the base station and a first UAV, wherein the first UAV receives power from the base station and communicates with the controller via the first cable, and (ii) a second cable detachably coupled between the first UAV and a second UAV, wherein the second UAV receives power from the base station and communicates with the controller via the second cable.

Abstract: A landing platform for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The landing platform includes: alignment members that are configured for engagement with the UAV; drive brackets that are connected to the alignment members; and a drive member that is connected to the drive brackets such that the drive brackets extend between and connect the alignment members and the drive member, whereby movement of the drive member causes corresponding movement of the drive brackets and the alignment members to thereby reposition the UAV on the landing platform.

Abstract: A real-time high-definition imaging system includes a rotary-wing aerial drone that is remote-controlled by way of a control device. The drone includes at least one high-definition image sensor, a signal processing module for producing an image stream. The system includes real-time transmission means for transmitting the image stream to a fixed station. The transmission means include an optical fiber wound on a fixed reel attached to the drone with a vertical axis. An output of the optical fiber is directed downward when the drone is in the horizontal position. The optical fiber is coated with an adhesive substance to prevent the optical fiber from prematurely unwinding. One of the ends of the optical fiber is coupled to the signal processing module of the drone by an optical connector and the other end is coupled to an optical connector of a processing module of the fixed station.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear actuator lock apparatus having a housing having an inner surface defining an axial cavity having a first housing portion where the axial cavity has a first lateral size, a second housing portion having a second, larger lateral size, and a face from the first housing portion to the second housing portion, a lock assembly having a lock carrier configured for movement within the cavity between a first position and a position, and a lock finger affixed to and extending away from the lock carrier, where the second finger end is configured to contact the face when extended and fit within the first housing portion when retracted, and a sleeve configured to move between a position in which the lock finger is permitted to extend and a position configured to contact and retract the lock finger.

Abstract: A joint for use with a composite laminated component is disclosed herein. The joint includes a component including a partial U-shaped trapezoidal cavity and a triangular component. The partial trapezoidal component includes a base extending in a first direction, a first side extending away from the base at a first angle from the first direction, a second side extending away from the base at a second angle from the first direction and toward the first side, and an opening defined by the first side and the second side. The triangular component is coupled to the base and extending orthogonally away from the base in a second direction and toward the opening.

Abstract: A storage rack having an embedded display may include a plurality of sections for holding a respective plurality of items. A first section may include, for example, a first vertical support, a second vertical support substantially parallel to the first vertical support, and a first set of horizontal supports substantially perpendicular to the first vertical support and the second vertical support. The first set of horizontal supports may include a first horizontal support disposed at a first height and a first depth in the first vertical support, and a second horizontal support disposed at the first height and the first depth in the second vertical support. The first horizontal support may extend from an inner wall of the first vertical support towards the second vertical support for a distance that is less than half of the distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support.

Abstract: A rotorcraft aircraft design incorporates double swept forward and aft rotor blades configured to provide efficient hover and efficient cruise at Mach number of 0.65-0.7 without varying a diameter of the rotor. The aircraft design combines the benefits of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, enabling vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities while also achieving improved forward flight speed and reduced noise emissions.

Abstract: A satellite includes a structural element that is deformable during a collision with space object(s). The structural element includes a first side, a second side spaced apart from the first side to define an interior portion between the first side and the second side, and at least one material disposed within the interior portion. The first side includes a first layer of material with payload element(s) disposed thereon, and the second side includes a second layer of material. The material disposed within the interior portion is designed to absorb energy over time during a collision process with each space object. The first layer, the second layer and/or the material disposed within the interior portion are configured to capture one or more space objects upon collision with the satellite.

Abstract: A rack includes a plurality of floors each of which stores a plurality of bins for containing items, and allows a transportation robot to run along a surface thereof; and a plurality of support columns supporting the floors. Each of the floors includes a plurality of floor modules making up part of each of the floors, and each of the floor modules is detachably supported by the support column. This method for assembling a rack includes steps of: assembling each of the floors from a lower floor to an upper floor by attaching the floor module to the support column; and detaching the at least one floor module from the support column on each of the floors to secure a route for an operator to go down to the floor of the lower floor from the upper floor in the assembling step.

Abstract: A first elongated shaft and a second elongated shaft are removably coupled together at a connector to facilitate collapsing of a handle of the shovel. A spade is attached to a distal end of the first shaft. The connector has two parts, with one of the two parts attached to each of the ends of the shaft that are adjacent to each other. One of the two parts of the connector includes an insert and the other of the two parts includes the receiver, with the insert fitting into the receiver in a removable but secure fashion. The shafts are formed of a robust durable material such as fiber reinforced polymer formed from a pultrusion method. A grip is optionally provided on a proximal end of the second shaft.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is for a unitractor. The wheel assembly has a wheel, a static hub and an internal electrical motor. The wheel has a rim, a traction member arranged to the periphery of the rim and a plurality of magnets arranged to the inside of the rim. The hub has a stator having spherical windings. The wheel is rotatably connected to the hub via at least one bearing. At least one side panel extends from the rim and to the at least one bearing. At least one of an energy source and a controller for controlling the energy source is positioned in the hub. The hub is provided with a coupling member for an implement frame. A unitractor having the wheel assembly is also described.

Abstract: An effector assembly includes: a segment defining a conduit between proximal and distal ends and containing a slidable output member; a first shape-memory transducer affixed between the proximal end and the output member; a second shape-memory transducer affixed between the distal end and the output member; an electrical subassembly to selectively supply current to bias the first transducer to a first memory state and bias the second transducer to a second deformed state, for sliding the output member in a first direction, or bias the second transducer to a second memory state and bias the first transducer to a first deformed state, for sliding the output member in a second direction; a second segment movably coupled to the distal end; and a linkage between the output member and the second segment, to move the second segment relative to the segment in response to sliding of the output member.