A system to maintain an inert ullage in a hydrocarbon tank. The system provides for outgassing/venting of ullage gases when a high-pressure event is found within the tank. Further, when a low-pressure event occurs, during fuel discharge or based on ambient conditions, a source of inert gas, such as nitrogen) supplies gas on-demand to the hydrocarbon tank via a pressure regulator (preferably along the venting system) to maintain both the pressure and inerting of the ullage. A method for maintaining the inert ullage is also provided, whereby a low-pressure event triggers a supply of inert gas into the tank.

An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.

A system for harvesting airborne substances includes a first sampling airborne apparatus and a second primary airborne apparatus. The second primary airborne apparatus is controlled to harvest airborne substances according to data obtained by the sampling airborne apparatus.

A system for harvesting airborne substances includes a first sampling airborne apparatus and a second primary airborne apparatus. The second primary airborne apparatus is controlled to harvest airborne substances according to data obtained by the sampling airborne apparatus.

A method for stabilizing drones performing a mid-air package transfer. One or more processors detecting the proximity of a second drone to a first drone. Interference of air pressure between rotors of the first drone and rotors of the second drone is detected by data from sensors included on the first and second drone. Positions of the rotors of the first drone are adjusted by moving rotor arms in a first direction and the rotors of the second drone are adjusted by moving rotor arms of the second drone in a second direction that increases separation between the rotors of the first drone and the second drone, and the amount of separation is based on reduced interference of air pressure between rotors of the first and second drone. Responsive to determining completion of a package transfer, the positions of the rotors are adjusted to original positions.

A method for stabilizing drones performing a mid-air package transfer. One or more processors detecting the proximity of a second drone to a first drone. Interference of air pressure between rotors of the first drone and rotors of the second drone is detected by data from sensors included on the first and second drone. Positions of the rotors of the first drone are adjusted by moving rotor arms in a first direction and the rotors of the second drone are adjusted by moving rotor arms of the second drone in a second direction that increases separation between the rotors of the first drone and the second drone, and the amount of separation is based on reduced interference of air pressure between rotors of the first and second drone. Responsive to determining completion of a package transfer, the positions of the rotors are adjusted to original positions.

The present invention discloses a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mounted on a law enforcement vehicle for the purposes of interfacing with occupants of a stopped vehicle after being pulled over for a traffic violation or routine stop. The drone is equipped with a navigation system, obstacle-avoidance sensors, a telepresence system (a camera, microphone, speaker and screen), and a robotic arm with a secure box and a device for estimating blood alcohol content. Once a suspect vehicle has been pulled over by a law enforcement officer, without leaving the safety of a law enforcement vehicle, the officer deploys the drone to perform a visual check of the interior of the suspect vehicle for dangerous items, ascertain if an occupant's face triggers any flags on a central database, administer a sobriety test, collect the necessary documents and deliver a citation to the driver via the secure box.

The present invention discloses a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mounted on a law enforcement vehicle for the purposes of interfacing with occupants of a stopped vehicle after being pulled over for a traffic violation or routine stop. The drone is equipped with a navigation system, obstacle-avoidance sensors, a telepresence system (a camera, microphone, speaker and screen), and a robotic arm with a secure box and a device for estimating blood alcohol content. Once a suspect vehicle has been pulled over by a law enforcement officer, without leaving the safety of a law enforcement vehicle, the officer deploys the drone to perform a visual check of the interior of the suspect vehicle for dangerous items, ascertain if an occupant's face triggers any flags on a central database, administer a sobriety test, collect the necessary documents and deliver a citation to the driver via the secure box.

An aerial drone is configured to capture aerial objects. The aerial drone has an airframe, a propulsion system mounted to the airframe, and a capturing device mounted to the airframe. The propulsion system is configured to control the movement of the aerial drone. The capturing device is configured to receive and capture an aerial object located above the aerial drone. A method of capturing an aerial object using the aerial drone is also contemplated.

An aerial drone is configured to capture aerial objects. The aerial drone has an airframe, a propulsion system mounted to the airframe, and a capturing device mounted to the airframe. The propulsion system is configured to control the movement of the aerial drone. The capturing device is configured to receive and capture an aerial object located above the aerial drone. A method of capturing an aerial object using the aerial drone is also contemplated.