Abstract: A ducted fan air-vehicle capable of generating control moments. The ducted fan air-vehicle includes an air duct, a fan, a center body, a plurality of control vanes. The vanes are independently controlled and are deflected in the same direction but at different angles, thereby providing an increased control moments to the vehicle compared to the prior art. The increased pitching moment allows for additional control authority. Additional control authority is useful in forward flight and is especially desirable when the ducted fan air-vehicle is maneuvering in unsteady or turbulent winds or with various types of cargo that may effect the vehicle center of gravity location.

Abstract: A payload quick release mechanism for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. This mechanism is affixed to a structure on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and allows for quick attachment and removal of a payload from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The attachment device includes a body with a perimeter and a plurality of arms that extend from the body perimeter. Each arm includes an indented section, within which a tab extending from the payload top may be placed. When the payload tab rests within the indented section, the payload is prevented from translation and is attached to the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a fuel tank system for an air vehicle. The system comprises a container having an interior adapted to hold fuel, the container comprising a first opening placing the interior in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere, and a volumetrically-adjustable sizing device adapted to change volume in response to changes in surrounding air pressure, the sizing element disposed within the container and adapted to contain a fluid.

Abstract: A ducted fan air-vehicle capable of generating control moments. The ducted fan air-vehicle includes an air duct, a fan, a center body, a plurality of control vanes. The vanes are independently controlled and are deflected in the same direction but at different angles, thereby providing an increased control moments to the vehicle compared to the prior art. The increased pitching moment allows for additional control authority. Additional control authority is useful in forward flight and is especially desirable when the ducted fan air-vehicle is maneuvering in unsteady or turbulent winds or with various types of cargo that may effect the vehicle center of gravity location.

Abstract: A payload quick release mechanism for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. This mechanism is affixed to a structure on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and allows for quick attachment and removal of a payload from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The attachment device comprises a body with a perimeter and a plurality of arms that extend from the body perimeter. Each arm comprises an indented section, within which a tab extending from the payload top may be placed. When the payload tab rests within the indented section, the payload is prevented from translation and is attached to the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a fuel tank system for an air vehicle. The system comprises a container having an interior adapted to hold fuel, the container comprising a first opening placing the interior in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere, and a volumetrically-adjustable sizing device adapted to change volume in response to changes in surrounding air pressure, the sizing element disposed within the container and adapted to contain a fluid.

Abstract: An integrated thermal management system for electronic devices includes a printed wiring board for supporting electronic devices, at least one die-up and one die-down electronic device, a frame and a heat sink. The board includes at least one thermally conductive layer, to which the die-down device is thermally connected. The frame member, which includes at least a first heat sink mounting location, is connected to one of the first and second surfaces of the board, adjacent to the edge. The heat sink itself, which is cantilevered over the die-up electronic device from at least one heat sink mounting location, includes a portion which is adapted to engage the die-up electrical device, a portion connected to the frame member to provide a conductive path from the die-up device to the frame member, and a convective cooling portion. The thermal management structure also includes a cold wall, which engages the frame to provide a thermally conductive connection between the frame member and the cold wall.

Abstract: A sensor housing (10) for directing the flow of a gas over two sensitive regions (53, 54) of sensing device (52) includes an inner shroud (12) surrounding the sensing device (52). The inner shroud (12) is inserted into an outer shroud (14), such that a plurality of gas channels (44) are formed between the inner shroud (12) and the outer shroud (14). In operation, a gas enters through inlet orifices (28) in the outer shroud (14) and travels through the gas channels (44) to the proximal end (26) of the inner shroud (12). The flow direction of the gas is then reversed and the gas passes through an inner chamber (50) and over sensitive regions (53), (54) located on the surface of the sensing device (52). Vacuum pressure created at an outlet hole (46) located at a distal end (35) of the outer shroud (14) draws the gas out of the inner chamber (50) and return the gas to the exterior of the sensor housing (10).

Abstract: A low-profile, axial-flow, single-blade piezoelectric fan is provided. The fan is in the form of a piezoelectric fan assembly (300) which contains a housing (302) defining an axial flow-through internal cavity. Inside the housing (302) is a single fan blade (314) which is attached at only one end to the housing (302). A piezoelectric element (318) is fixedly mounted to the single fan blade (314) and causes the single fan blade (314) to deflect when the piezoelectric element (318) is activated. This piezoelectric fan assembly (300) may be used to cool electronic components in applications where low-power and low-volume fanning is desired.