A hoist system includes a hook; a cable connected to the hook; a motor configured to move the hook and the cable; an overload protection device (OLPD) configured to limit loads imparted on one or more of the hook, the cable, and the motor. The hoist system further includes an emergency brake system configured to stop movement of at least the cable, where the emergency brake system is configured to operate in response to a manual control or automatically in response to a controller.

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, a line having one end coupled to the chassis and an opposite free end, wherein the free end is positioned below the chassis, and a severing mechanism operable to sever the line under control of the control system.

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, a line having one end coupled to the chassis and an opposite free end, wherein the free end is positioned below the chassis, and a severing mechanism operable to sever the line under control of the control system.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A driving device includes a frame, a screw-nut system comprising a threaded rod and a first nut helicoidally connected to the threaded rod, the threaded rod being connected to the frame by a pivot connection that allows the threaded rod to rotate with respect to the frame about a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod, a first position sensor making it possible to detect a limit position of the first nut along the longitudinal axis, the first position sensor comprising a first part and a second part, the first position sensor being sensitive to a variation in a distance between the first part and the second part of the first position sensor along the axis, the first part being fixed to the first nut and the second part being connected to the threaded rod without passing via the pivot connection and in such a way that rotation of the threaded rod about the longitudinal axis leads to a variation in the distance between the first part and the second part of the first position sensor along the longitudinal axis.

Airborne unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) may be used to hover over swimming pools or spas and dispense chemicals (or other materials or devices) directly thereinto. UAVs alternatively or additionally may include sensors designed to identify certain characteristics of pools or spas or of the water therein. The UAVs further may hover over, or land on, pool pads or other areas adjacent or near a pool or spa to deliver or receive parts or other objects.

Airborne unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) may be used to hover over swimming pools or spas and dispense chemicals (or other materials or devices) directly thereinto. UAVs alternatively or additionally may include sensors designed to identify certain characteristics of pools or spas or of the water therein. The UAVs further may hover over, or land on, pool pads or other areas adjacent or near a pool or spa to deliver or receive parts or other objects.

An aircraft that takes off and lands vertically for transporting people and/or loads, and a method for operating same. The aircraft comprises: a flying unit having a framework structure formed in a plane E, drive units arranged on the framework structure and air-guiding devices each having an adjustable angle of incidence which can be varied between a minimum and maximum angle of incidence; a transport unit comprising a conveying pod and connection device for connecting the conveying pod to the flying unit, the connection device comprising an elongate shaft connecting the conveying pod at one end; and an articulated coupling device for connecting the flying unit to the other end of the elongate shaft. An adjustable tilt angle α of the flying unit can be varied between a minimum angle α.sub.min of 0° ≤ α.sub.min < 30° and a maximum tilt angle α.sub.max = 90°.

An aircraft that takes off and lands vertically for transporting people and/or loads, and a method for operating same. The aircraft comprises: a flying unit having a framework structure formed in a plane E, drive units arranged on the framework structure and air-guiding devices each having an adjustable angle of incidence which can be varied between a minimum and maximum angle of incidence; a transport unit comprising a conveying pod and connection device for connecting the conveying pod to the flying unit, the connection device comprising an elongate shaft connecting the conveying pod at one end; and an articulated coupling device for connecting the flying unit to the other end of the elongate shaft. An adjustable tilt angle α of the flying unit can be varied between a minimum angle α.sub.min of 0° ≤ α.sub.min < 30° and a maximum tilt angle α.sub.max = 90°.