An embodiment of an antenna includes first and second transmission lines, first antenna elements, and second antenna elements. The first transmission line is configured to guide a first signal such that the first signal has a characteristic of a first value, and the second transmission line is configured to guide a second signal such that the second signal has the same characteristic but of a second value that is different than the first value. The first antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the first transmission line and are each configured to radiate the first signal in response to a respective first control signal, and the second antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the second transmission line and are each configured to radiate the second signal in response to a respective second control signal. Such an antenna can have better main-beam and side-lobe characteristics, and a better SIR, than prior antennas.

The present embodiments relate to detecting fraudulent insurance claims. According to certain aspects, a central monitoring server may receive and examine data detected by at least one unmanned vehicle and generate an estimated insurance claim for a loss event. The central monitoring server may then receive an actual insurance claim relating to the loss event, and may compare the estimated insurance claim to the actual insurance claim to identify potential buildup included in the actual insurance claim. If buildup is detected, the central monitoring server may then process the actual insurance claim accordingly based upon the potential buildup. As a result, claim monies may be paid to insureds that more accurately reflect actual losses resulting from the loss event, and insurance cost savings may be ultimately passed onto typical insurance customers.

A tethered uni-rotor network of multiple tethered satellite vehicles; each having lifting airfoil surfaces, stabilizers, control surfaces, fuselages, and propulsion systems, operating in persistent state of rotation, driven by propulsion units on each satellite vehicle, where airfoils generate lift which supports aerial system. As system rotates, centrifugal forces pull satellite vehicles outwards, which keeps tethers taught. The tethers are attached to inboard portions of each lifting surface, which places their structural members under tension, thereby eliminating an adverse bending moment common to all traditional fixed-wing aircraft. Tethers provide large spatial separation eliminating rotor downwash field interactions, slowing system rotation rate, and permitting an ideal elliptic load distribution across wings. This reduces weight within structural members, uses higher aspect ratio wings to minimize induced drag, and employ thin-thickness high-camber airfoil profiles for superior lift-to-drag ratios, resulting in a more aerodynamically efficient aircraft, requiring less power than fixed-wing without sacrificing hover capability.

A system for a wind park including: a control system in communication with a plurality of unmanned air vehicles, wherein the control system is configured to deploy one or more unmanned air vehicles during a triggering condition; and wherein the deployed unmanned air vehicles are guided towards an assigned wind turbine and to interact with a blade of that wind turbine in order to control oscillation of the blade. The invention also embraces a method for reducing blade oscillations of a wind turbine, comprising: monitoring for a triggering condition associated with the wind turbine; on detecting the triggering condition, deploying unmanned air vehicles towards a wind turbine and interacting with a blade of the wind turbine using the unmanned air to control oscillation of the blade. The invention therefore provides an efficient approach to controlling blade oscillations with minimal human operator involvement. Drones may be deployed automatically once suitable conditions are detected and may automatically engage with the blades, either by contacting those blades physically, or by interacting with the blades in close proximity, in order to disrupt airflow around the blades thereby reducing oscillations.

Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods are described for enhanced responsiveness in responding to an emergency situation using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Drones are fully autonomous in that they are operated without human intervention from a pilot, an operator, or other personnel. The disclosed drone utilizes movable access doors to provide the capability of vertically takeoff and landing. The drone also includes an emergency recovery system including a mechanism to deploy a parachute in an event of a failure of the on-board autopilot. Also disclosed herein is a drone port that provides an IR-based docking mechanism for precision landing of the drone, with a very low margin of error. Additionally, the drone port includes pads that provide automatic charge to the drone's batteries by contact-based charging via the drone's landing gear legs.

The target marking device (1) comprises a drone (2) which is provided with at least one transmitter (4), the transmitter (4) comprising an activation element (10) for activating it so that it transmits at a given time a signal (S) which represents a position information item, the transmitter (4) being configured to transmit at least one of the following signals: an infrared signal, a light signal, a sound signal, a signal generated by a chemical substance, the target marking device (1) being part of a target tracking system (6) and/or a target processing system which is provided with movable machinery (7).

The present invention provides a method of reducing interference caused by an aerial vehicle in a mobile communications system, the method comprising arranging for the aerial vehicle to steer radio transmissions when the aerial vehicle is airborne such that a direction of the transmissions is adjusted to be directed vertically downward.

A payload module of a stratospheric drone including a casing (10), and payload equipment contained in the casing (10), wherein the casing includes a support structure (12) and a cover (15), the support structure being suitable for attachment to the drone at the front end thereof, relative to the direction of movement of the drone, and for extending forward from said front end, and in that the cover (15) and the payload equipment are supported by the support structure (12).

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a stand for launching, landing, testing, refueling and recharging a UAV, and methods for testing, landing and launching the UAV are disclosed. Further, embodiments may include transferring a payload onto or off of the UAV, and loading flight planning and diagnostic maintenance information to the UAV.

A method of establishing a system for gathering surveillance data in a hostile environment. The method comprises the steps of providing a movable tractor for ground hauling a trailer, and providing a drone which can be operated independently from the tractor. The trailer has a floor pan for supporting a relay sensor dispensing mechanism and a platform above the floor pan, with a hole for dispensing relay sensors therethrough. The relay sensor dispensing mechanism has an elevator for holding a stockpile of relay sensors, and elevating the relay sensors through the hole. The method comprises disposing at least one relay sensor in the elevator, elevating the relay sensor to a pickup position at or above the platform and retrieving the relay sensor with a drone for subsequent deposition in the hostile environment. The relay sensor then gathers and transceives surveillance data for use and interpretation by an operator. Optional a conveyor chute may replenish the elevator when it is depleted of relay sensors.