Abstract: An aerial vehicle includes a liquid chemical tank, at least one spray unit, at least one actuator, a plurality of sensors, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine an air movement direction relative to a projection of the fore-aft axis onto the ground and determine an air movement speed relative to the ground, the determination comprising utilization of the speed of the aerial vehicle, the air movement direction relative to the aerial vehicle with respect to the fore-aft axis of the aerial vehicle and the air movement speed relative to the aerial vehicle. The processing unit is configured to control at least one flying operation of the aerial vehicle and/or control the at least one actuator.

Abstract: A multirotor aircraft 10 that is adapted for vertical take-off and landing, comprising a fuselage, a thrust producing units assembly that is provided for producing thrust in operation, and a forward-swept wing that comprises a portside half wing and a starboard side half wing. Each one of the portside and starboard side half wings comprises an inboard section that is connected to the fuselage and an outboard section that forms a wing tip. The inboard sections of the portside and starboard side half wings form a central wing region. The portside and starboard side half wings are respectively connected in the region of their wing tips to an associated outboard wing pod that supports at least two non-tiltably mounted thrust producing units of the thrust producing units assembly.

Abstract: The inventive aerial dispersal system comprises a pump assembly, a control box, an applicator assembly, a viscous pesticide tank assembly, and a means for connecting the aerial dispersal system to an airplane and is particularly useful for dispersing viscous pesticide.

Abstract: A removable aerial application system and a method of installing the removable aerial application system in an aircraft such as a helicopter. In one embodiment, a removable aerial application system for an aircraft comprises: a tank insertable into a cabin of the aircraft; a first delivery conduit and a second delivery conduit, the first and second delivery conduits being in communication with the tank and extending aftward beneath a fuselage of the aircraft, a first auger within the first delivery conduit and a second auger within the second delivery conduit; a collector assembly defining a chamber, each of the first and second delivery conduits being in communication with the chamber; a distribution system coupled to the collector assembly; and a hydraulic system in mechanical communication with each of the first and second augers.

Abstract: An apparatus for biological control of agricultural pests and for reducing damage to crops. The apparatus includes a container for holding biological organisms or material. The container also includes first and second ends and an opening formed at the first end for receiving the biological organisms. The apparatus has a dispensing port disposed at the second end for dispensing the biological organisms over a target location. The apparatus further includes an auger, driven by a motor and having a plurality of spiral like wire brushes, said auger mounted to and driven by a first motor; a spreader motor mount having a motor mount holding area for holding a second motor, the spreader motor mount having a motor mount connection area for connecting to the second end; and a spreader agitating device used for spreading the biological organisms or material over the target location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact spraying module for spraying a liquid in the form of droplets for treating a target. The module includes a spraying unit including a nozzle containing at least one spraying member and a fan that is capable of generating a carrying air flow in the nozzle and of carrying the droplets originating from the member to the target. The module includes its own liquid supply system that and includes an electric pump, an electronic control and monitoring unit, a holder that keeps the pump near the spraying unit, an individual communication interface, and a power supply interface. Also disclosed is a system for spraying and controlling a plurality of such modules and to a method for controlling modules of such a system.

Abstract: Drainage devices intended to prevent the reentry of drained fluids, the devices including a base having a contact surface for mounting over a drainage opening in an aerodynamic surface, a mast portion connected to the base and extending away from the contact surface of the base, and a top portion connected to the end of the mast portion, the top portion having a periphery that is greater than the periphery of the mast portion and including an exit port. The top portion may include a cantilevered fence portion extending upstream relative to the aerodynamic surface, and the drainage devices may be part of a system including a first opening and a second opening in the aerodynamic surface, the second opening upstream from the first opening, where a drainage device is mounted over the first opening and the cantilevered fence portion of the drainage device extends upstream toward the second opening.

Abstract: A control method for a two-component spray system having first and second pumps for separate fluid components includes registering a target spray pressure, registering a material-specific pressure factor margin, sensing an output pressure of the second pump, and identifying a failure condition in the event that the sensed output pressure remains further than the pressure factor margin from the target spray pressure for at least a threshold time.

Abstract: An airborne drone training track includes both a ground track and a ceiling track. The ceiling track can be disposed above and be at least essentially aligned with the ground track. Airborne drone attachment tethers movably attach an airborne drone to each of these tracks. A lower airborne drone attachment tether movably attaches to the ground track and to a bottom portion of the airborne drone. A plurality of upper airborne drone attachment tethers movably attach to the ceiling track and to upper portions of the airborne drone. By one approach there is only one lower airborne drone attachment tether and four upper airborne drone attachment tethers.

Abstract: The variable pitch propeller assembly includes a hub. The variable pitch propeller assembly also includes a plurality of propeller blade assemblies spaced circumferentially about the hub. Each of the plurality of propeller blade assemblies configured to rotate a respective propeller blade. The variable pitch propeller assembly also includes a hydraulic fluid port assembly integrally formed and including at least three hydraulic fluid ports configured to receive respective flows of hydraulic fluid from a stationary hydraulic fluid transfer sleeve. The variable pitch propeller assembly also includes a pitch actuator assembly coupled in flow communication with at least three hydraulic fluid ports through respective hydraulic fluid transfer tubes. The pitch actuator coupled to the plurality of propeller blade assemblies to selectively control a pitch of the propeller blades. The pitch actuator assembly includes a travel stop configured to limit a rotation of at least one of the pitch actuator assemblies.

Abstract: A control method for a two-component spray system having first and second pumps for separate fluid components includes registering a target spray pressure, registering a material-specific pressure factor margin, sensing an output pressure of the second pump, and identifying a failure condition in the event that the sensed output pressure remains further than the pressure factor margin from the target spray pressure for at least a threshold time.

Abstract: A hydraulically propelled drone is provided for delivering firefighting fluid to an elevated location. The drone comprises a housing having a primary inlet configured to receive the distal end of a fire hose, a primary outlet configured to receive the inlet end of a primary nozzle, a central passageway configured to conduct fluid from the primary inlet to the primary outlet, and at least one secondary outlet communicating with the central passageway. At least one lift nozzle communicates with the secondary outlet and is configured to direct fluid in a generally downward direction so as to produce an upward thrust on the drone housing, and at least one valve is contained within the housing and configured to control the flow of said fluid through the primary nozzle and the at least one lift nozzle nozzle.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product ameliorates mosquito populations. A flying drone is deployed over an area. Sensor readings that identify a presence of water in the area are received, and one or more processors determine a confidence level L that the water in the area is stagnant water. The flying drone is then directed to perform an amelioration action against the mosquito larvae based a value of the determined confidence level L.

Abstract: Stub for discharging drained fluids for a propulsion unit. The stub includes a cavity for storing the drained fluids and at least one orifice for discharging the fluids contained in the storage cavity, and elements for measuring a difference in pressure outside the stub and a member for draining the storage cavity. The member is able to move between a first position of closing the discharge orifice and a second position of releasing the orifice, and is configured so as to move from the first to the second position when the difference in pressure is greater than, or equal to, a predetermined value.

Abstract: Parasites are detected and ameliorative actions taken using unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with sensors and equipment for dispensing treatment materials. Physical characteristic data obtained by the sensors is supplemented using a risk management module that increases the confidence level that the diagnosis of a particular parasite on an animal is correct. The risk management module may further be used to assess additional factors, such as the potential harm in applying a selected treatment, in the decision of whether or not to take ameliorative action.

Abstract: A wind power generator having blades which are detachably mounted on a hub whereby the blades can be easily and efficiently removed and replaced as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerial fire-fighting bucket. The bucket includes a base plate and a valve arrangement including at least one valve and a liner actuator. The base plate includes at least one aperture and the valve is arranged to block the aperture in a closed position and to allow fluid to pass from within the bucket through the aperture when in an open position. The valve is arranged to be moved by the linear actuator generally transversely across an upper face of the base plate between the closed position and the open position of the valve to progressively reveal the aperture.

Abstract: A drainage end cap device for draining fluid from a hollow space in a vehicle, comprising a mounting unit that is durably mountable in a super-imposed manner onto a drainage opening provided in an outer shell of a vehicle, wherein a drainage cap with a drainage channel is provided, the drainage cap being removably mountable to the mounting unit and the drainage channel being at least partly zigzagged over a longitudinal extension of the drainage cap.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product ameliorates mosquito populations. A flying drone is deployed over an area. Sensor readings that identify a presence of water in the area are received, and one or more processors determine a confidence level L that the water in the area is stagnant water. The processor(s) also determine a risk R of mosquito larvae being present in the stagnant water based on the confidence level L. The flying drone is then directed to perform an amelioration action against the mosquito larvae based on the values of L and R.

Abstract: A tethered unmanned aerial vehicle firefighting system includes a firefighting drone, a lifting drone and a tether line coupling the firefighting drone to a control station through the lifting drone. The control station includes a control unit for controlling the firefighting drone and the lifting drone, a fire retardant supply, a pump coupled to the fire retardant supply, and a power supply. The tether line includes a power line coupling the power source to and powering the firefighting drone and a fire retardant hose coupled between the pump and a nozzle carried by the firefighting drone. A lifting tower hold the tether from the control station at a height above ground level, and the lifting drone maintains the tether above obstruction for the firefighter drone. The firefighter drone disperses fire retardant from the nozzle for firefighting purposes and with a substantially unlimited supply of retardant and power.

Abstract: When distribution material is distributed over a target site on a ground surface from an aircraft, a distribution supporting apparatus offers support information to a pilot dropping the distribution material to efficiently distribute the distribution material. The distribution supporting apparatus includes: an input section to which information items on at least an aircraft velocity, an aircraft altitude, and a wind velocity are input; a computation section configured to compute a location at which the distribution material dropped from the aircraft arrives on the ground surface and a density distribution of the distribution material on the ground surface based on the information items input to the input section; and a display control section configured to display, on a display, the support information relating to the location and density distribution computed by the computation section.

Abstract: A method may involve transmitting power between a tethered aerial vehicle equipped with wind turbines for generating power and a ground station configured to interconnect the generated power to an electrical distribution network. The power may be transmitted using high voltage, high frequency AC electrical signals, and transformers at the ground station and the aerial vehicle can scale the AC voltage for use at the respective locations. Converters at the ground station and the aerial vehicle can then convert the transformed voltage to DC. The AC voltage may be transmitted through the tether at a resonant frequency of the tether based in part on an internal capacitance between multiple conductive paths on the tether.

Abstract: An aircraft for distributing granular material on a target area is provided. The aircraft includes an electric sifter, which includes a motor to distribute the granular material on the target area and a screen on the bottom surface of the electric sifter. The screen allows the granular material to pass through the screen to the target area. The aircraft also includes a circuit to activate the motor, one or more power sources to power the motor and the circuit, and an interface for an operator to control the circuit. The granular material is stored in the electric sifter. The operator manipulates the interface to signal the circuit to activate the motor. The electric sifter distributes the granular material when the motor is activated.

Abstract: A drainage mast able to drain effectively the liquid contained in the compartment of an aircraft when the pressure within the compartment is lower than the outside pressure without using any pressure control active device and without causing any significant perturbation to the aerodynamic behavior of the aircraft. The drainage mast is configured with a cross section area decreasing from its entry section to the compartment to its outlet section and is disposed at an acute angle ? relative to the compartment in the airflow direction. The entry and outlet sections have two perpendicular symmetry axes of different length, the entry section is arranged with its longer axis of symmetry substantially parallel to the airflow direction. The drainage mast has a symmetrical configuration with respect to a plane substantially perpendicular to the fuselage envelope passing through the longer axis of symmetry of the entry section.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling operation of a machine, the method comprising: scanning a smart label, the smart label affixed to a container containing a composition to be applied by the machine; automatically adjusting controls of the machine based on information contained in the smart label; and causing application of the composition from the machine to a field according to the adjusted controls.

Abstract: A drainage mast for draining liquids from an APU compartment of an aircraft with a first end connected to the APU compartment and a second end for discharging the liquids to the atmosphere. The drainage mast is configured with at least a sector having decreasing cross section areas towards the second end. The area of the initial cross section of the sector is lesser than the area of any cross section of the drainage mast closer to the first end. The invention also refers to an aircraft comprising the drainage mast.

Abstract: A drain mast includes a first fairing body defining a first fairing wall and a first drain portion. A second fairing body defines a second fairing wall and a second drain portion. The first and second fairing bodies are joined together as a fairing with the first and second fairing walls as opposed exterior fairing walls, and with the first and second drain portions joined to form a drain passage through the fairing from a drain passage inlet to a drain passage outlet.

Abstract: A method comprises continuously discharging a persistent vapor of bird repellant from a non-propulsion apparatus on a flying aircraft into an elevated airspace to substantially cover a runway flight path corridor at a commercial airport to prevent birds from striking subsequent aircraft in the corridor. The discharging automatically begins from a runway at the airport and automatically ends when the corridor is substantially covered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aerial chemical trimming of vegetation, the apparatus including an elongated boom suspended from an aircraft, a plurality of nozzles aligned vertically along one side of the boom, and a reservoir and pump coupled to a lower end of the boom for supplying an herbicide through the boom to the plurality of nozzles. In use, the boom is positioned alongside a row of vegetation to be trimmed and the herbicide is pumped from the reservoir, through the boom, to the nozzles and sprayed directly onto the vegetation. The boom is then moved along the row of vegetation.

Abstract: A device for the aerial release of mosquitoes includes an unmanned aerial vehicle operable by remote control. It carries a container holding a central processing unit and a mosquito breeding bin, which is a self-contained volume housing mosquitoes and a mosquito food having a toxin suitable to be transmitted by mosquito bite after the mosquito consumes the mosquito food. A release tube is connected to the mosquito breeding bin and sized to release mosquitoes from the mosquito breeding bin. A valve is connected to the release tube and is operable by remote control so that when opened, the mosquitoes have an open pathway out of the container through the release tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying and inducing an electrostatic charge upon a liquid in excess of 0.8 millicoloumb/kilogram is connectable to a boom fitted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, having a dc power supply. The apparatus comprises a nozzle constructed from a substantially non-conductive material and includes a spray tip designed to provide a hollow conical spray pattern. A support member extends from the nozzle and supports a charging electrode for inducing an electrostatic charge upon the liquid sprayed through the nozzle. The charging electrode attaches to the support member and is electrically connectable to the dc power supply. The charging electrode includes a cylindrical portion and a plurality of corona discharge members extending inwardly from a distal end of the cylindrical portion adjacent to the spray tip. The charging electrode is positioned to permit the hollow conical spray pattern to pass unhindered therethrough.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a system and method for fire extinguishing in forests. The fire extinguishing system herein includes a first storage tank, a second storage tank, a first fire extinguishing element, a second fire extinguishing element, a cover provided on top side of the first storage tank, a compressed air inlet, an air regulator, one or more hosing hasps, one or more tarpaulin hoses, one or more hooks, one or more clips and locks, a nozzle attached to a bottom side of the tank and a pipe to lead compressed air to nozzle. In the first stage the helicopter carries the sand tank from the station/depot to the firing woods and starts bombarding the sand around and top of the fire and a second helicopter carries the water tank from the station to the top of the bombarded flames and starts spraying water before the flame starts again.

Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.

Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher device for aircraft has a hanger structure and a reservoir of extinguishing agent, the aforementioned reservoir being hung beneath the aforementioned hanger structure by metal fittings held by fasteners to the aforementioned hanger structure. The aforementioned extinguisher wherein the reservoir has means of suspension and the hanger structure has carriers complementary to the means of suspension, the aforementioned means of suspension and the aforementioned carriers being such that when the fasteners are withdrawn, the reservoir is in a position called the “intermediate position,” in which the metal fittings are free and the reservoir is suspended by interaction of the means of suspension and the carriers. The disclosed embodiments also relate to a method for fastening such an extinguishing device.

Abstract: A foreign object damage protection system comprises a sensor for detecting a foreign object, a fluid in a reservoir, a means for dispensing the fluid, the means for dispensing the fluid in communication with the reservoir, and a control unit, whereby when the sensor detects a foreign object, the control unit causes fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir through the means for dispensing and towards the foreign object. The sensor is attachable to one or more locations on an aircraft, such as a wing, nose, windshield, fuselage or tail. The sensor can be a radar sensor, weather radar sensor, weather radar sensor modified to detect objects at short ranges, infra-red sensor, forward-looking infrared sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor, motion sensor, thermal sensor, or video sensor. The system provides a way to protect an aircraft from striking foreign objects, such as birds, in the path of the aircraft.

Abstract: A spreader for an aircraft comprises a throat assembly operable to couple to a gatebox, the throat assembly comprising an air intake portion operable to direct airflow into the spreader, a material intake portion operable to receive material released from a gatebox, a fan assembly comprising a plurality of vanes that divide the fan assembly into a plurality of compartments, wherein the vanes are comprised of molded material, and a connection mechanism operable to couple the fan assembly to the throat assembly.

Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.

Abstract: A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.

Abstract: Firefighting bucket (11) suspended from an aircraft by lines (15), has open top (12A) and a valve at base (13). The valve is attachable to the aircraft by remotely actuatable line (16) and independent movement of lines (15-16) may utilize the weight of the water to facilitate opening and closing of the valve. Dynamic sensing of a bucket attribute, e.g. weight, enables bucket (11) to be filled or discharged by a pre-determined volume by the pilot. Chemical fire retardant may be added by entraining it with water discharging from the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a fire extinguishing apparatus. The fire extinguishing apparatus includes a holding unit for holding various components of the fire extinguishing apparatus. The fire extinguishing apparatus also includes one or more tubes which are operatively coupled to the holding unit. The one or more tubes are capable of rotating with respect to the holding unit, such that an axis of rotation of a tube is angled at a predetermined angle to the earth surface. Further, each tube of the one or more tubes includes one or more nozzles for dispersing a fire extinguishing fluid to a location of the fire. The fire extinguishing fluid is supplied to the one or more tubes through a fluid supplying unit. The fluid supplying unit and the one or more tubes are held together by the holding unit in a suspended manner above the location of the fire.

Abstract: This invention relates to the means that allows helicopters and Transport Aircrafts to carry or lift liquid compounds to fumigate, spray or a single massive drop for the purposes such as irrigation, chemical treatment and fire control with no modification to the aircrafts thus preserving the original integrity and applications of the aircraft.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with producing and distributing one or more radiative forcing agents to Earth's atmosphere are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with the aerial delivery of materials in a manner that is inexpensive, accurate, efficient, and effective. More specifically this disclosure teaches deploying an aerial delivery container holding some material from an aircraft and releasing the material from the aerial delivery container, all in a controlled manner, while the aerial delivery container is airborne. With reference to the exemplary embodiments, the apparatuses, systems and methods of the present disclosure are taught within the context of releasing a firefighting suppressant over a fire.

Abstract: An enhanced aerial delivery system addresses issues raised when large quantities of fluids, powders, and other agent materials are to be transported in and aerially dispersed by aircraft. Some aspects include positioning and securing of tanks aboard the aircraft to facilitate management and safety of the tanks and aircraft. Other aspects address coupling of the tanks and associated piping to lessen structural effects upon the aircraft. Further aspects deal with channeling, containing, and dumping stray agent materials that have escaped from the agent tanks on board the aircraft.

Abstract: An enhanced aerial delivery system addresses issues raised when large quantities of fluids, powders, and other agent materials are to be transported in and aerially dispersed by aircraft. Some aspects include positioning and securing of tanks aboard the aircraft to facilitate management and safety of the tanks and aircraft. Other aspects address coupling of the tanks and associated piping to lessen structural effects upon the aircraft. Further aspects deal with channeling, containing, and dumping stray agent materials that have escaped from the agent tanks on board the aircraft.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a fire extinguishing apparatus. Particularly to an apparatus that includes at least one container that includes a fire retardant gel. The gel is formed from dehydrated superabsorbent polymer and water. The pre filled containers include at least one control valve or frangible portion to release the fire retardant to extinguish the fire.

Abstract: An enhanced aerial delivery system addresses issues raised when large quantities of fluids, powders, and other agent materials are to be transported in and aerially dispersed by aircraft. Some aspects include positioning and securing of tanks aboard the aircraft to facilitate management and safety of the tanks and aircraft. Other aspects address coupling of the tanks and associated piping to lessen structural effects upon the aircraft. Further aspects deal with channeling, containing, and dumping stray agent materials that have escaped from the agent tanks on board the aircraft.

Abstract: Aerial dispersion systems that may be employed to allow rapid and temporary conversion of aircraft for aerial dispersion purposes, such as aerial fire-fighting. The aerial dispersion systems may be implemented using modular components that may be configured for compatibility with conventional cargo loading and unloading systems of modern aircraft, including side-loading cargo systems of wide body passenger and cargo aircraft having high lift capacities. The aerial dispersion systems may be rapidly installed in a large fleet of high capacity aircraft in response to a wildfire or other rapidly-developing emergency such as an oil spill, chemical or biological contamination incident, building or refinery fire, etc. After use, the aircraft of the fleet may be rapidly de-modified and returned to original condition.