Abstract: An aerial vehicle configured for operating within indoor or outdoor spaces is equipped with acoustic sensors for detecting reflections of sound, or echoes, from objects. Distances and bearings to such objects may be calculated based on such echoes. The echoes may be reflections of sound actively emitted by the aerial vehicle, such as by a speaker, or sound radiating from operating components aboard the aerial vehicle, such as rotating motors or propellers. The echoes may be captured by multiple sensors such as microphones provided around the aerial vehicle and used to calculate distances or bearings to the objects, such as by trilateration, triangulation, or in any other manner. Such distances or bearings may also be utilized along with distances or bearings determined from cameras, range sensors, or other systems, and used to generate a navigation map of the space, or compared to a navigation map generated for that space.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle configured for operating within indoor or outdoor spaces is equipped with acoustic sensors for detecting reflections of sound, or echoes, from objects. Distances and bearings to such objects may be calculated based on such echoes. The echoes may be reflections of sound actively emitted by the aerial vehicle, such as by a speaker, or sound radiating from operating components aboard the aerial vehicle, such as rotating motors or propellers. The echoes may be captured by multiple sensors such as microphones provided around the aerial vehicle and used to calculate distances or bearings to the objects, such as by trilateration, triangulation, or in any other manner. Such distances or bearings may also be utilized along with distances or bearings determined from cameras, range sensors, or other systems, and used to generate a navigation map of the space, or compared to a navigation map generated for that space.

Abstract: An electro-catalytic membrane system for preparing fuel gas from water operates at normal levels of pressure and temperature. The system includes a high frequency power source, a power supply system, a programmable control unit, an electro-catalytic membrane module, and a module for processing the fuel gas. The electro-catalytic membrane module includes metallic electrodes in a concentric arrangement. The space between the concentric electrodes includes granular carbon and metallic particles. A fixed membrane is arranged at a lower end of the space while a mobile membrane is arranged at an upper end of the space. The electro-catalytic membrane module is further provided with sensors for measuring process parameters, conduits, and valves for supplying and removing liquids. A system for cooling the metallic electrodes is also provided.

Abstract: An electro-catalytic membrane system for preparing fuel gas from water operates at normal levels of pressure and temperature. The system includes a high frequency power source, a power supply system, a programmable control unit, an electro-catalytic membrane module, and a module for processing the fuel gas. The electro-catalytic membrane module includes metallic electrodes in a concentric arrangement. The space between the concentric electrodes includes granular carbon and metallic particles. A fixed membrane is arranged at a lower end of the space while a mobile membrane is arranged at an upper end of the space. The electro-catalytic membrane module is further provided with sensors for measuring process parameters, conduits, and valves for supplying and removing liquids. A system for cooling the metallic electrodes is also provided.