A portable wireless aircraft security monitoring system including first, second and third apparatuses configured to removably attach to an exterior of an aircraft via vacuum suction mounting devices that may include one or more suction cups. The first and second apparatus may include a camera, a motion sensor, a microphone/speaker, and a data processor; and wherein the camera, motion sensor, and the microphone provide information to the data processor, which wirelessly communicates with the device of the third apparatus to communicate via the Internet to a user smartphone software application. The third apparatus may include a Wi-Fi wireless router hotspot configured to connect to the Internet and may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal which allows the Wi-Fi enabled first and second apparatus to connect to the internet to send/receive data alerts to the user's smartphone.

A method for sheltering a balloon, a blimp, or airship. The method includes obtaining a first guideway by detachably attaching a first plurality of detachable rings to a first side of an outer surface of the balloon, placing a first rope into the first guideway by passing the first rope through the first plurality of detachable rings, attaching a first end of the first rope to a first point of a blanket, and pulling the blanket over the balloon by pulling a second end of the first rope in a first direction pulling the blanket over the balloon by pulling a second end of the first rope in a first direction.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and launch system includes a UAV pod having an open position and a closed position, the closed position establishing an interior that is weather resistant to an environment external to the UAV pod and a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV enclosed in the UAV pod so that the UAV pod in the closed position provides a weather resistant interior for the VTOL UAV.

The present invention is directed to multiple arrangements of a self-disengaging pitot tube cover, which can be triggered by a plurality of different environmental conditions while the cover admits to a plurality of different latching mechanisms and opening configurations to guarantee the expeditious, automatic removal of the pitot tube cover while avoiding damage or contamination of the pitot tube itself.

A protection apparatus employed in the construction of aircraft can be collapsed to a small configuration to enable insertion of the apparatus to access openings in a structure of the aircraft, for example an access opening in a wing of the aircraft, to position the protection apparatus inside the aircraft structure. Once inside the aircraft structure, the protection apparatus can be expanded from its collapsed configuration and positioned over components in the aircraft structure, for example hydraulic tubing or electric wiring, to protect those components from damage by a worker working in the aircraft structure above the components.

Disclosed is an autonomous hanging storage, docking and charging multipurpose station (the UAVMCS) for unmanned aerial vehicles. The UAVMCS enables UAV to approach it, connect to it and fly into it from the bottom up. The UAVMCS is in the form of a cocoon in a closed state, and it is in the form of an umbrella in the open state. The system can be networked with a central control and a plurality of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The UAVMCS can include a base structure connected to a power grid, a station receiving assembly, a remote controller at the base structure enabled to communicate with a UAV and to initiate, control and stop docking and charging processes, a housing with covers, a positioning and stabilizing surface, and a UAV docking charging and refueling frame used for connecting to the docking housing unit. The UAVMCS can be mounted on towers, bridges, posts, electricity pylons, communication structures, buildings, and gas stations, but is not limited to them. The UAVMCS can serve as a UAV garage and as a place for storage of packages, as an outdoor lighting facility, and perform other functions.

A monitoring system, a base station, and a control method thereof are provided. The monitoring system includes a drone and a base station. The drone includes a main body and at least two leg holders extending from the main body. The base station includes a platform and a positioning mechanism. The platform has a horizontal plate, and the drone is placed on the platform. The positioning mechanism includes at least two movement members. The movement members are movably disposed on the platform and movable between a first position and a second position. When the movement members are located at the second position, the movement members hold and fix the leg holders of the drone, each of the leg holders forms an inclined angle with respect to the horizontal plate, and the inclined angle is less than 90 degrees.

Apparatuses for securing drones during transport and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a structural panel of a vehicle having a compartment configured to receive and retain a drone, a retractable cover member configured to at least partially cover the compartment to create an enclosure around the drone, and a drone securement assembly that retains the drone within the enclosure so as to prevent the drone from displacement during vehicle operation.

A lock-detecting system is configured to be installed in an aircraft to determine if a gust lock is emplaced on a flight control surface. The lock-detecting system includes at least one servo actuator and a computing device. The at least one servo actuator is associated with the flight control surface of the aircraft such that the servo actuator is configured to supply a force to a flight control surface when engaged. The computing device is configured to instruct the at least one servo actuator to actuate the flight control surface, acquire an indication that the flight control surface did not move in response to said actuation by the servo actuator, and alert a pilot to remove the gust lock from the flight control surface.

A method of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation, including: receiving from a customer a first data request, the first data request having: a first geographic coverage area; and a refresh rate for the first geographic coverage area; planning a first plurality of flight missions to accomplish the first data request; uploading flight missions data representing the first plurality of flight missions into a UAV pod; and deploying the UAV pod.