Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating constraints associated with wireless power transmission in applications where the position and orientation of the desired magnetic field changes over time, for example, because the position and orientation of the receiver being powered changes over time or because different receivers having different positions and orientations are being powered at different times. In accordance with some embodiments, the system employs a plurality of wireless power transmitters in a defined space, each transmitter consisting of individual coils oriented orthogonally relative to each other. Using field interference amongst these individual coils as well as amongst the transmitters they form, one can actively control the wireless power field intensity and orientation at any given point in the defined space. This allows for methods to steer the power transmission towards a specific target at a specific angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems according to one or more examples are provided for controlling a multi-rotor vehicle. In one example, a multi-rotor vehicle comprises an airframe and a plurality of rotors coupled to the airframe. The multi-rotor vehicle further comprises a controller, coupled to the airframe, configured to determine a rotational speed of each of the plurality of rotors, and adjust the rotational speed of each of the plurality of rotors such that the rotors do not dwell within a no-dwell zone comprising rotational speeds associated with one or more frequency aspects of the airframe.

Abstract: Methods and systems according to one or more examples are provided for avoiding foreign object strikes on rotorcraft vehicles. In one example, a vehicle comprises a rotor comprising a rotor blade, a first sensor configured to provide first sensor information associated with an object proximate the vehicle, and a second sensor configured to provide second sensor information associated with the rotor. The vehicle further comprises a processor coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor configured to selectively control the rotor to minimize damage to the vehicle by the object based on the first and second sensor information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for automating detection and avoidance for an aircraft. A process activates a set of lamps visible on an exterior of an aircraft to emit light. The process modulates an intensity of light from the set of lamps at a set of frequencies that is detectable by a remote collision avoidance system in a remote aircraft during flight. The light from the set of lamps at the set of frequencies is perceived as continuous by a person looking at the aircraft in a sky, reducing visibility of the aircraft in the sky.

Abstract: A methane transportation system is provided. The system may include a methane source configured to dispense methane at a first location, and an underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle may include a propulsion system configured to transport the underwater vehicle underwater from the first location to a second location and a vessel defining a storage chamber configured to receive water and the methane from the methane source. The storage chamber of the vessel may have a pressure exceeding one atmosphere and a temperature during transport from the first location to the second location sufficient to form methane clathrate in the storage chamber. The system may further include a methane receiver configured to receive the methane released from the storage chamber at the second location. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A deployable vortex generator attached to a lifting surface includes a vane moveable relative to the lifting surface. The vane moves from a deployed position to a retracted position in response to a change in ambient conditions. In the deployed position, the vane acts on the air flow to create vortices. In the retracted position, the vane is closely aligned with the free stream velocity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring electric power to an aircraft during flight. Power transfer to the receiver aircraft is effected by means of a donor aircraft using a wired electrical connection. The method for transferring electric power includes: establishing an electrical connection between a receiver aircraft and a donor aircraft during flight; and transferring electric power from the donor aircraft to the receiver aircraft via the electrical connection. In one embodiment, electric power is transferred by way of a power cable deployed by the donor aircraft, a drogue attached to a trailing end of the power cable, and a probe mounted to the fuselage of the receiver aircraft, The probe and drogue are configured to form an electrical connection when fully engaged.

Abstract: A methane transportation system is provided. The system may include a methane source configured to dispense methane at a first location, and an underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle may include a propulsion system configured to transport the underwater vehicle underwater from the first location to a second location and a vessel defining a storage chamber configured to receive water and the methane from the methane source. The storage chamber of the vessel may have a pressure exceeding one atmosphere and a temperature during transport from the first location to the second location sufficient to form methane clathrate in the storage chamber. The system may further include a methane receiver configured to receive the methane released from the storage chamber at the second location. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating constraints associated with wireless power transmission in applications where the position and orientation of the desired magnetic field changes over time, for example, because the position and orientation of the receiver being powered changes over time or because different receivers having different positions and orientations are being powered at different times. In accordance with some embodiments, the system employs a plurality of wireless power transmitters in a defined space, each transmitter consisting of individual coils oriented orthogonally relative to each other. Using field interference amongst these individual coils as well as amongst the transmitters they form, one can actively control the wireless power field intensity and orientation at any given point in the defined space. This allows for methods to steer the power transmission towards a specific target at a specific angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recharging the battery onboard an aircraft (hereinafter “receiving aircraft”) via resonant inductive coupling. In accordance with some embodiments, wireless power transfer to the receiving aircraft is effected by means of a second aircraft (hereinafter “transmitting aircraft”). The receiving and transmitting aircraft are both equipped with respective LC circuits. The aircraft fly in a formation such that transmit coils onboard the transmitting aircraft and receive coils onboard the receiving aircraft are separated by a distance within a resonant inductive coupling range. During the recharge procedure, each transmit coil is driven by an alternating current source having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency of the LC circuit onboard the receiving aircraft. The receive coils then feed the induced alternating current to a rectifier for supplying direct current to the onboard battery charger.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating constraints associated with wireless power transmission in applications where the position and orientation of the desired magnetic field changes over time, for example, because the position and orientation of the receiver being powered changes over time or because different receivers having different positions and orientations are being powered at different times. In accordance with some embodiments, the system employs a plurality of wireless power transmitters in a defined space, each transmitter consisting of individual coils oriented orthogonally relative to each other. Using field interference amongst these individual coils as well as amongst the transmitters they form, one can actively control the wireless power field intensity and orientation at any given point in the defined space. This allows for methods to steer the power transmission towards a specific target at a specific angle.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes an electric load, at least one electrical component in communication with the electric load, and at least one semiconductor. The at least one semiconductor is configured to emit light in response to a voltage drop across the at least one semiconductor, wherein the semiconductor is operatively connected to the electrical component and emits the light in response to the electric load generating a voltage spike during operation that causes the voltage drop across the at least one semiconductor.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing system is configured to sanitize a surface of a component. The UV light sanitizing system includes a UV light assembly including a UV light source that is configured to emit UV light onto the surface of the component. An airflow generator is configured to generate airflow within a region of UV light emission between the UV light source and the surface of the component. The airflow generated by the airflow generator disrupts formation of ozone.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes an electric load, at least one electrical component in communication with the electric load, and at least one semiconductor. The at least one semiconductor is configured to emit light in response to a voltage drop across the at least one semiconductor, wherein the semiconductor is operatively connected to the electrical component and emits the light in response to the electric load generating a voltage spike during operation that causes the voltage drop across the at least one semiconductor.

Abstract: A spacecraft including a frame including a joint coupling a first frame portion to a second frame portion, and an acoustic communication system configured to transfer acoustic data signals across the joint between the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.

Abstract: An abraded wire detection system (“AWDS”) for detecting an abrasion on a wire in a fuel tank is disclosed. The AWDS includes an electrode on the fuel tank, a power source, and a current sensor in electrical series with the power source, wire, and the electrode. The current sensor includes circuitry that detects a current from the wire to the electrode. Additionally disclosed is an aircraft having a fuel tank, a wire within the fuel tank, and the AWDS.

Abstract: An animal-entry protection apparatus and related methods for protecting protected areas from animal entry are described. The animal-entry protection apparatus includes an eye-safe laser and a computing device. The animal-entry protection apparatus determines whether an animal has entered into a protected area. After determining that the animal has entered into the protected area, the animal-entry protection apparatus determines a location of the animal within the protected area and activates the eye-safe laser to emit a pulsed laser beam toward the location of the animal. The pulsed laser beam includes laser pulses having a laser-pulse rate that is between a first laser-pulse rate associated with a flicker-fusion frequency of a human eye and a second laser-pulse rate associated with a flicker-fusion frequency of an animal eye.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for reducing noise levels in a passenger cabin of an aircraft. In one example, an aircraft includes a wing coupled to a fuselage. The wing is configured to heat air to provide a first stream of air from a central portion of a wing segment of the wing extending between the fuselage and a first engine of an aircraft. The first stream of air is at a higher temperature than an adjacent stream of air from the wing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electric motor is presented. A transmit magnetic field is received at a group of receive coils having a group of axes oriented substantially parallel to magnetic field lines from a transmit coil and having a group of resonant frequencies. A resonant frequency in the group of resonant frequencies is different from other receive coils in the group of receive coils. A receive magnetic field is generated at a receive coil in the group of receive coils having the resonant frequency when the transmit magnetic field has a selected frequency matching the resonant frequency. The receive magnetic field attracts a rotor in the electric motor.