Abstract: An unmanned aerial device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an aerial device body capable of flying in an unmanned manner, and a load-lowering device mounted to the aerial device body and configured to lower a load from the aerial device body. The load-lowering device has a linear member holder for holding a linear member having one end portion connectable to the load, the linear member holder holding at least the other end portion of the linear member, and a speed limiting mechanism that limits a speed at which the linear member is pulled out of the linear member holder, under a weight of the load.

Abstract: A combined vertical takeoff and landing UAV having a large vertical takeoff and landing UAV, a connecting device, and a small vertical takeoff and landing UAV. The connecting device having a clamping component and an adsorption component. The clamping component includes a clamping part, and a clamping groove is arranged on the clamping part. The clamping component having a snap-fitting part, and a snap-fitting groove is arranged on the snap-fitting part. The clamping groove and the snap-fitting groove are correspondingly set. A first holding space is arranged on the clamping part, and a second holding space is arranged on the snap-fitting part. The adsorption component comprises a first magnetic element located in the first holding space, and the adsorption component also comprises a second magnetic element, which is located in the second holding space.

Abstract: A system for deploying and retrieving a parasite aircraft includes a parasite aircraft with a dock and a carrier aircraft that includes a maneuverable capture device tethered to the carrier aircraft via a cable. The maneuverable capture device includes a plurality of rotors and is configured to dock in the dock of the parasite aircraft. A method of deploying a parasite aircraft includes positioning a parasite aircraft on a loading surface; positioning a carrier aircraft above the parasite aircraft; releasing, from the carrier aircraft, a maneuverable capture device comprising a plurality of rotors; securing the maneuverable capture device to a dock positioned on the parasite aircraft; lifting, via a cable secured at a first end to the carrier aircraft and at a second end to the maneuverable capture device, the parasite aircraft with the carrier aircraft; and releasing the parasite aircraft from the maneuverable capture device.

Abstract: A hoisting system for hoisting a load relative to a body includes a hoisting cable, a hoisting mechanism selectively operable to deploy and retract the hoisting cable, and a guide mechanism movably mounted to the body at a position between the body and the hoisting cable. The guide mechanism includes at least one locking device that selectively locks the guide mechanism against movement in a first direction.

Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft includes, prior to an in-flight refueling operation, operating the aircraft using fuel from a first fuel tank connected to a fuel delivery system. Subsequently, the in-flight refueling operation is performed over a refueling area while operating the aircraft from another fuel tank, including (1) disconnecting the first fuel tank from the fuel delivery system, (2) jettisoning the first fuel tank, and (3) taking on a replacement fuel tank by (a) capturing the replacement fuel tank from the refueling area and (b) bringing the captured replacement fuel tank onboard the aircraft. The replacement fuel tank is then connected to the fuel delivery system and the aircraft is operated using fuel from the replacement fuel tank.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rotorcraft-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft into and from free flight. The launch and retrieval system includes a modular multicopter, a storage and launch system, an anchor system, a flexible capture member, and an aircraft-landing structure. The multicopter is attachable to the fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launching the fixed-wing aircraft into free, wing-borne flight. The storage and launch system is usable to store the multicopter (when disassembled) and to act as a launch mount for the fixed-wing aircraft by retaining the fixed-wing aircraft in a desired launch orientation. The anchor system is usable with the multicopter, the flexible capture member, and the aircraft-landing structure to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from free, wing-borne flight.

Abstract: A hoist controller for a rescue hoist collects hoist operating data from one or more sensors during operation of the rescue hoist. The hoist controller compares the hoist operating data to a maintenance parameter stored in a memory of the hoist controller and determines a maintenance task status based on the comparison of the hoist operating data and the maintenance parameter. The hoist controller automatically initiates maintenance routines where the maintenance task status indicates that maintenance is required, and the hoist controller provides the maintenance routines to the user via a user interface. The hoist controller can confirm that the maintenance task was successfully completed based on maintenance data received from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A system of transporting micro-cargo incorporates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a tether capture device. A tether is connected to and suspends a micro cargo container with a suspension system to vertically extend the tether. The system having a first pickup state and a second flight state with a transition between the first and second states. The first state provides the micro-container unsuspended via the tether from the suspension system. The transition state provides engagement of the tether by the UAV, the tether positioning the micro-cargo container with respect to the capture device which secures the tether. The second state is then entered with the micro-cargo towed by the UAV in cruising flight to its destination.

Abstract: A reactive tether spool comprises a drum, a signal cable, a drum actuator, a tension sensor, and a controller. The signal cable transports power and a control signal to a UAV. A controller receives a tension measurement from the tension sensor and controls the drum actuator to maintain a determined tension on the signal cable while performing at least one of the following: dispensing the signal cable; holding the signal cable steady; and collecting the signal cable.

Abstract: A plug-and-play multifunctional attachment of a remote control rotorcraft, which includes: an attachment body that includes a device board and a remote control receiver unit. The device board has a top surface to which a first coupling member is mounted. The remote control receiver unit is mounted to and electrically connected to a bottom surface of the device board. Wireless transmission of a signal is enabled between a remote control device and the remote control receiver unit. A second coupling member is mounted to a bottom of an unmanned aircraft to enable selective engagement and coupling between the second coupling member and the first coupling member.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can deliver a package to a delivery destination. Packages delivered by a UAV may be lowered towards the ground while the UAV continues to fly rather than the UAV landing on the ground and releasing the package. Packages may sway during lowering as a result of wind or movement of the UAV. A package sway may be monitored and mitigated by rapidly paying out a tether, when using a winch mechanism, to dissipate the energy of the sway as downward energy. Further, the UAV may navigate in the direction of the sway or reduce the altitude of the UAV to dissipate the energy of the sway. Open-loop and/or closed loop drop techniques may be utilized to lower a package from the UAV, and the package may be released in the air or on the ground.

Abstract: A system of transporting micro-cargo incorporates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a tether capture device. A tether is connected to and suspends a micro cargo container with a suspension system to vertically extend the tether. The system having a first pickup state and a second flight state with a transition between the first and second states. The first state provides the micro-container unsuspended via the tether from the suspension system. The transition state provides engagement of the tether by the UAV, the tether positioning the micro-cargo container with respect to the capture device which secures the tether. The second state is then entered with the micro-cargo towed by the UAV in cruising flight to its destination.

Abstract: An improved remote sling release for a crane has a main plate member including an access hole for attaching a main crane hoisting line therethrough, a hook portion located at an opposite end from the access hole and adapted to selectively hold securely or release sling members thereon. Two sling ejector plate members connected to one another such that the ejector plate members are pivotally attached to the main plate member, wherein each of the sling ejector plate member has a sling notch therein adapted to receive the sling members of a hoist pallet therein. A sling access handle member attached to at least one of the sling ejector plate members and used to manually rotate the ejector plate members from an open position for receiving the sling members therein and into a closed position, wherein the sling member are locked upon the hook portion of the main plate member.

Abstract: A suspension system (10) of an aircraft (1). The suspension system (10) comprises a fastener device (15) including a coupling member (20) suitable for carrying a load (5) with a sling (21). The suspension system (10) has a return device (30) that comprises a linkage (40) provided with a plurality of bars (41, 42, 43) hinged in pairs to apply a non-linear force to the coupling device (15), said linkage (40) being suitable for fastening to a load-carrier structure (2) of an aircraft (1). In addition, the return device (30) includes a tie (35) connecting said linkage (40) to the coupling device (15), as well as a spring member (36) fastened to a bar (41) of the linkage (40) and suitable for being connected to an aircraft (1).

Abstract: A system of transporting micro-cargo incorporates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a tether capture device. A tether is connected to and suspends a micro cargo container with a suspension system to vertically extend the tether. The system having a first pickup state and a second flight state with a transition between the first and second states. The first state provides the micro-container unsuspended via the tether from the suspension system. The transition state provides engagement of the tether by the UAV, the tether positioning the micro-cargo container with respect to the capture device which secures the tether. The second state is then entered with the micro-cargo towed by the UAV in cruising flight to its destination.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for delivering mail and goods using a mobile robot drone system. The method may comprise self-moving the mobile robot drone system to a mail or goods receiving location. Data on the mail or goods receiving location and mail or goods to deliver id received from a user. Itinerary to the mail or goods receiving location is determined based on itinerary data received from a GPS unit. In the location, the mobile robot drone system receives the mail or goods via a mail and goods compartment and then delivers the mail or goods to a predefined location. Based on user instructions, the mobile robot drone system electronically signs receipt verification documents or performs payment by displaying a payment barcode encoding user payment information. After delivering the mail or goods, the mobile robot drone system provides access to the mail and goods compartment.

Abstract: A stringing apparatus for stringing a sock-line, optionally a phase line, within a closed framed opening of a power line tower of H-frame, portal or corset type uses a helicopter for pulling the sock-line where the stringing apparatus is suspended from the helicopter by a tow-line and the sock-line is fastened to it. The stringing apparatus comprises an arcuate channel which is attached to the sock-line and a rotating open spoke star-wheel defining legs the ends of which travel inside the channel and allows a continuous revolution of the star wheel thus allowing the closed frame cross member to travel through one of the gaps between the legs while the sock-line passes to the underside of the cross member and the tow line passes over the cross member.

Abstract: Output-size information G1 and reference-resolution information G0 are input to a zoom-rate section. The zoom-rate section derives zoom-rates M1 and M2, based on the output-size information G1 and the reference-resolution information G0. A reconstruction section reconstructs an image at the resolution level corresponding to the specified zoom-rate M1. A parameter-setting section derives an image-processing parameter K1 suitable for the resolution level of a reconstructed-image signal S1, based on the zoom-rate M1, reference-resolution information G0, and reference-processing parameter K0, and sets the derived parameter K1 to the image-processing section. The image-processing section obtains a processed-image signal S2 by performing image processing, using the image-processing parameter K1. A zoom-processing section performs a zoom process on the processed-image signal S2, using the zoom rate M2.