Abstract: A joiner includes a first and second portions configured to mount to respective first and second structural members. Each of the first and second portions includes a body with a receiving surface to receive the respective structural member. The first portion includes a group of first coupling structures disposed on the first body and the second portion includes a group of second coupling structures disposed on the second body. The first coupling structures are configured to mate with the second coupling structures such that engagement surfaces of the first coupling structures engage engagement surfaces of the second coupling structures so as to transfer loads between the second portion and first portion and to limit relative movement between the first portion and second portion with respect to the first direction and with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: In one aspect an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The uncrewed aerial vehicle includes a fuselage and a drag reduction device. The fuselage has a front end, a rear end, a top, and a bottom. The drag reduction device includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the drag reduction device is coupled to the bottom of the fuselage. The drag reduction device is rotatable between a rest position and an active position in which the drag reduction device extends downward. A standoff is disposed on a rear side of the drag reduction device and is configured to engage a payload secured under the fuselage and hold the drag reduction device at a distance from the payload when the drag reduction device is in the active position.

Abstract: An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage extending along a first direction from a rear end to a front end. The fuselage has a cross-sectional area at an intermediate position between the front and rear end. An external payload storage area is positioned at the intermediate position and is configured to receive a payload that is secured to the fuselage and that extends laterally outward from the cross-sectional area of the fuselage. A drag reduction device is coupled to the fuselage. The drag reduction device has a length extending from a free end to an attached end that is secured to the fuselage, a width that extends perpendicular to the first direction of the fuselage, and a depth. In an operating position, the drag reduction device is positioned in front of the payload storage area, is spaced from the payload storage area, and extends outward from the fuselage.

Abstract: In one aspect an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The uncrewed aerial vehicle includes a fuselage and a drag reduction device. The fuselage has a front end, a rear end, a top, and a bottom. The drag reduction device includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the drag reduction device is coupled to the bottom of the fuselage. The drag reduction device is rotatable between a rest position and an active position in which the drag reduction device extends downward. A standoff is disposed on a rear side of the drag reduction device and is configured to engage a payload secured under the fuselage and hold the drag reduction device at a distance from the payload when the drag reduction device is in the active position.

Abstract: In one aspect an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The uncrewed aerial vehicle includes a fuselage and a drag reduction device. The fuselage has a front end, a rear end, a top, and a bottom. The drag reduction device includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the drag reduction device is coupled to the bottom of the fuselage. The drag reduction device is rotatable between a rest position and an active position in which the drag reduction device extends downward. A standoff is disposed on a rear side of the drag reduction device and is configured to engage a payload secured under the fuselage and hold the drag reduction device at a distance from the payload when the drag reduction device is in the active position.

Abstract: An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage extending along a first direction from a rear end to a front end. The fuselage has a cross-sectional area at an intermediate position between the front and rear end. An external payload storage area is positioned at the intermediate position and is configured to receive a payload that is secured to the fuselage and that extends laterally outward from the cross-sectional area of the fuselage. A drag reduction device is coupled to the fuselage. The drag reduction device has a length extending from a free end to an attached end that is secured to the fuselage, a width that extends perpendicular to the first direction of the fuselage, and a depth. In an operating position, the drag reduction device is positioned in front of the payload storage area, is spaced from the payload storage area, and extends outward from the fuselage.

Abstract: An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a support extending along a flight direction of the UAV. The support includes an elongate structural member, a cap coupled to a front end of the elongate structural member, and an energy absorber. The support extends along an axis that runs through the support from a front end to a rear end. The cap is coupled to the front end of the elongate structural member. The cap includes a support platform that has a front surface opposite the elongate structural member and that extends outward from the axis. The energy absorber is disposed on the front surface of the support platform and includes a crushable material configured to absorb energy under impact. The UAV also includes a first propeller unit coupled to the support.

Abstract: A joiner includes a first and second portions configured to mount to respective first and second structural members. Each of the first and second portions includes a body with a receiving surface to receive the respective structural member. The first portion includes a group of first coupling structures disposed on the first body and the second portion includes a group of second coupling structures disposed on the second body. The first coupling structures are configured to mate with the second coupling structures such that engagement surfaces of the first coupling structures engage engagement surfaces of the second coupling structures so as to transfer loads between the second portion and first portion and to limit relative movement between the first portion and second portion with respect to the first direction and with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: Examples relate to uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and methods for controlled descent during control tier failures. A computing device may initially detect a control tier failure at an UAV. In some examples, the UAV includes a fuselage, a pair of wings extending outwardly from the fuselage, and a pair of stabilizers arranged in a V-shape configuration. Each stabilizer has a control surface that is adjustable relative to a fixed portion of the stabilizer. Based on detecting the control tier failure at the UAV, the computing device may adjust the control surface of each stabilizer from a first angle to a second angle relative to the fixed portion of the stabilizer. By adjusting the angle between the control surfaces and fixed portions of one or both stabilizers, the UAV may induce a deep stall maneuver that can enable a controlled descent of the UAV.

Abstract: A joiner includes a first and second portions configured to mount to respective first and second structural members. Each of the first and second portions includes a body with a receiving surface to receive the respective structural member. The first portion includes a group of first coupling structures disposed on the first body and the second portion includes a group of second coupling structures disposed on the second body. The first coupling structures are configured to mate with the second coupling structures such that engagement surfaces of the first coupling structures engage engagement surfaces of the second coupling structures so as to transfer loads between the second portion and first portion and to limit relative movement between the first portion and second portion with respect to the first direction and with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: A method includes causing an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) to navigate through a trajectory. The method also includes receiving first motor data representing operation of a first motor during navigation through the trajectory and receiving second motor data representing operation of a second motor during navigation through the trajectory. The method further includes comparing the first motor data with the second motor data. The method also includes, based on the comparison of the first motor data and the second motor data, determining a motor failure state. The method additionally includes causing the UAV to navigate based on the motor failure state.

Abstract: A payload retrieval system includes a support structure and a retriever guide coupled to the support structure. The retriever guide forms a channel having an inlet end and an exit end. The retriever guide is adapted to receive a payload retriever at the inlet end of the channel and direct the payload retriever to the exit end of the channel. The payload retrieval system also includes a holding frame having a payload holder configured to hold a payload for retrieval by the payload retriever when the holding frame is held in an operating position at the exit end of the channel. The system also includes a conveyance system configured to transport the holding frame from a waiting position to the operating position.

Abstract: An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a support extending along a flight direction of the UAV. The support includes an elongate structural member, a cap coupled to a front end of the elongate structural member, and an energy absorber. The support extends along an axis that runs through the support from a front end to a rear end. The cap is coupled to the front end of the elongate structural member. The cap includes a support platform that has a front surface opposite the elongate structural member and that extends outward from the axis. The energy absorber is disposed on the front surface of the support platform and includes a crushable material configured to absorb energy under impact. The UAV also includes a first propeller unit coupled to the support.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a substrate. The apparatus may also include a first charger terminal disposed on the substrate and configured to apply a first electric potential to a first battery terminal of a battery. The apparatus may additionally include a second charger terminal disposed on the substrate and configured to apply a second electric potential to a second battery terminal of the battery. The apparatus may further include a barrier located on the substrate between the first charger terminal and the second charger terminal and configured to electrically isolate the first charger terminal and the second charger terminal by obstructing formation of a conductive path by way of a liquid disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a substrate. The apparatus may also include a first charger terminal disposed on the substrate, including silver, and configured to apply a first electric potential to a first battery terminal of a battery. The apparatus may additionally include a second charger terminal disposed on the substrate, comprising silver, and configured to apply a second electric potential to a second battery terminal of the battery.

Abstract: A tool for loading a payload on a payload retrieval apparatus includes a support body and a guide extending outward from the support body. The guide has an elongated configuration and a cross-sectional area that is narrower than the support body. The guide is configured to be inserted into a channel of the payload retrieval apparatus and to position the support body at an end of the channel adjacent to a payload holding structure. The tool also includes a hanger configured to hold the payload. The hanger is movable with respect to the support body between a closed position and a release position.