An unmanned aerial robotic vehicle (UARV) that can fly to an object such as a palm tree, hover in place adjacent to the object, mount itself securely and releasably to a mounting location on the object using a mounting mechanism, and which uses an incorporated utility system for performing one or more utilitarian functions, such as use of a cutting tool to trim palm tree branches and foliage.

Systems for exchanging information between a cargo handling system of an aircraft and a Power Drive Unit (PDU) are described herein. The systems include a power source provided within the aircraft and a first PDU provided within the aircraft. The power source is capable of providing DC power to the at least one PDU via an electrical power line. The power source further including a first Power Line Communication (PLC) node and the PDU further including a second Power Line Communication (PLC) node. The first PLC node being capable of communicating with the second PLC node via the electrical power line.

Systems for exchanging information between a cargo handling system of an aircraft and a Power Drive Unit (PDU) are described herein. The systems include a power source provided within the aircraft and a first PDU provided within the aircraft. The power source is capable of providing DC power to the at least one PDU via an electrical power line. The power source further including a first Power Line Communication (PLC) node and the PDU further including a second Power Line Communication (PLC) node. The first PLC node being capable of communicating with the second PLC node via the electrical power line.

An electronics cooling system for an aircraft includes a heat exchanger comprising a coolant circuit, an air circuit, and a fuel circuit such that each of the circuits is in thermal communication with at least one of the other circuits. The coolant circuit is in thermal communication with one or more aircraft electronics. The air circuit is in fluid communication with at least one air source. The fuel circuit is in fluid communication with a fuel tank between the fuel tank and an engine of the aircraft.

An electronics cooling system for an aircraft includes a heat exchanger comprising a coolant circuit, an air circuit, and a fuel circuit such that each of the circuits is in thermal communication with at least one of the other circuits. The coolant circuit is in thermal communication with one or more aircraft electronics. The air circuit is in fluid communication with at least one air source. The fuel circuit is in fluid communication with a fuel tank between the fuel tank and an engine of the aircraft.

A flow angle sensor includes a sensing element, a background component connected to and movable with the sensing element, the background component having a marker, a lens adjacent the disk, an image sensor axially aligned with the lens, a light source positioned to illuminate the disk, and an image processing system connected to the image sensor. The image processing system provides an angle of attack output based on a location of the marker sensed by the image sensor.

A flow angle sensor includes a sensing element, a background component connected to and movable with the sensing element, the background component having a marker, a lens adjacent the disk, an image sensor axially aligned with the lens, a light source positioned to illuminate the disk, and an image processing system connected to the image sensor. The image processing system provides an angle of attack output based on a location of the marker sensed by the image sensor.

A coupled battery and motor controller thermal management system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a motor controller and a heat sink are coupled thermally to a battery. At least a portion of waste heat generated by the motor controller is transferred to the thermal mass of the battery during at least a first mode of operation in which a relatively low amount of ambient air flows through the heat sink.

The improved active noise cancellation system for forced air heating or cooling systems onboard aircraft employs a duct having a proximal end coupled to the fan unit to entrain the airflow stream in the direction of a distal end of the duct. A reference sensor is positioned within the proximal end of the duct. A means is provided for injecting an audio frequency control signal into the airflow stream in a manner that does not substantially impede the airflow stream. An error sensor is positioned at the distal end of the duct where it is responsive to sounds carried by the airflow stream, including the audio frequency control signal. An electronic circuit coupled to the reference sensor and to the error sensor supplies a noise abating control signal to energize the control transducer and thereby substantially reduce at least one noise harmonic of the fan unit through destructive interference.

The improved active noise cancellation system for forced air heating or cooling systems onboard aircraft employs a duct having a proximal end coupled to the fan unit to entrain the airflow stream in the direction of a distal end of the duct. A reference sensor is positioned within the proximal end of the duct. A means is provided for injecting an audio frequency control signal into the airflow stream in a manner that does not substantially impede the airflow stream. An error sensor is positioned at the distal end of the duct where it is responsive to sounds carried by the airflow stream, including the audio frequency control signal. An electronic circuit coupled to the reference sensor and to the error sensor supplies a noise abating control signal to energize the control transducer and thereby substantially reduce at least one noise harmonic of the fan unit through destructive interference.