Abstract: A system can have an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) detection and ranging (DAR) device, such as a LIDAR device. A shock mount can couple the EMR DAR device to a vehicle. The shock mount can isolate the EMR DAR device from impulse shocks experienced by the vehicle. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) can be coupled to the EMR DAR device or a first portion of the shock mount. The IMU can measure movement of the EMR DAR device. Alternatively or additionally, the EMR DAR can detect locations of a reference feature of the vehicle at different times and can use the detected locations to determine movement of the EMR DAR relative to the vehicle. Data of the EMR DAR device indicative of detected features can be adjusted based at least in part on the movement measured by the IMU.

Abstract: Battery powered quadrotors or drones have a limited operation time. To extend operation time, a powered tether can be used. This tether provides power to the drone allowing it to stay up indefinitely. Most tethered drones are captured to the base station. The tether can reel in and out as the drone moves, but the drone can't go higher or further than the maximum length of the tether. If the tether can be automatically disconnected, the drone could fly off for some remote mission, assuming the drone had an onboard power source such as rechargeable batteries. The present invention relates to a self-powered drone tether that comprises a rechargeable drone in flight which is referred to as the rechargeable drone, a drone that carries a powered tether which is referred to as the tether drone, a coupling mechanism between the rechargeable drone and the tether drone, and a base station with a powered tether and tether deployment system.

Abstract: A system allowing a wheelchair bound user to embark and disembark a vehicle without assistance. The user requests entry into the vehicle. The vehicle is manually or autonomously driven into a safe position for ingress. The vehicle checks if the area is clear to open the door. The vehicle autonomously opens the door. The vehicle verifies the person is wheelchair bound. If the passenger is wheelchair bound, then: the vehicle verifies if the area is clear to deploy an inclined ramp or lift. The vehicle deploys the inclined ramp or lift. The vehicle waits until the user is on top of the lift and starts lifting the wheelchair bound person. The vehicle waits until the user at the correct height and transitions from the lift/ramp into the securement station inside of the vehicle. The vehicle verifies that the wheelchair is properly positioned for securement. The vehicle secures the wheel chair.

Abstract: A system allowing a wheelchair bound user to embark and disembark a vehicle without assistance. The user requests entry into the vehicle. The vehicle is manually or autonomously driven into a safe position for ingress. The vehicle checks if the area is clear to open the door. The vehicle autonomously opens the door. The vehicle verifies the person is wheelchair bound. If the passenger is wheelchair bound, then: the vehicle verifies if the area is clear to deploy an inclined ramp or lift. The vehicle deploys the inclined ramp or lift. The vehicle waits until the user is on top of the lift and starts lifting the wheelchair bound person. The vehicle waits until the user at the correct height and transitions from the lift/ramp into the securement station inside of the vehicle. The vehicle verifies that the wheelchair is properly positioned for securement. The vehicle secures the wheel chair.