Abstract: An apparatus for providing control signals to a remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which includes a pedal input mechanically connected to a base enclosure using a linkage system which allows for the angular movement of the pedal input. The apparatus further includes a potentiometer which provides a first control signal to a central controller indicating a detected angular position of the pedal. The central controller includes circuitry to translate the received first signal into a control signal which the central controller may transmit to one or more UAVs via a transceiver and antenna.

Abstract: A system and method for exciting a target area with an excitation source which is affixed or deployed via an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). According to a preferred embodiment, the excitation source may include a heat, magnetic or light source. According to a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention magnetically excites ferrous material by the use of an array of electromagnets. According to preferred embodiments, the present invention also includes utilizing a UAV mounted IR thermometer to record the ambient temperature of the area to be inspected. Additionally, the present invention teaches using the detected ambient temperature and type of material being inspected to determine an inspection method for the target area. According to a preferred embodiment, the target area may be excited by heat, magnetics or visually enhanced to an appropriate level based on analysis by the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring conditions within an electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a sensor module delivery system which uses UAVs to deploy sensor modules within the electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a drone mounting system and a gripper mechanism for attaching to a sensor module. The system also includes an extended carbon fiber shaft which vertically extends down from the drone mounting system and which supports a controller module, a transceiver, a battery module, a camera and the gripper mechanism. According to a further preferred embodiment, the gripper mechanism includes two or more gripping arms which are movable by the controller module between a first open position and a second closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring conditions within an electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a sensor module delivery system which uses UAVs to deploy sensor modules within the electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a drone mounting system and a gripper mechanism for attaching to a sensor module. The system also includes an extended carbon fiber shaft which vertically extends down from the drone mounting system and which supports a controller module, a transceiver, a battery module, a camera and the gripper mechanism. According to a further preferred embodiment, the gripper mechanism includes two or more gripping arms which are movable by the controller module between a first open position and a second closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for use with UAVs to allow for mechanical activities at-height on elevated structures. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes multiple tool types which allow for a wide variety of mechanical activities to be performed. As discussed further herein, the present invention further includes methods for introducing mechanical pressure, similar to a person providing a scrubbing or wiping motion. Additionally, the present invention includes methods to tighten, loosen or gauge the security of hardware and a docking system which allows attachment to structures and surfaces so that opposing forces can be applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing control signals to a remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which includes a pedal input mechanically connected to a base enclosure using a linkage system which allows for the angular movement of the pedal input. The apparatus further includes a potentiometer which provides a first control signal to a central controller indicating a detected angular position of the pedal. The central controller includes circuitry to translate the received first signal into a control signal which the central controller may transmit to one or more UAVs via a transceiver and antenna.