A method and apparatus for scalable and fast deployment of drones are presented. The method is based on packing multiple drones within a cell structure that provides means for changing, communication and fast deployment of drones as well as environmental protection. Multiple cells can be combined the further scale up the number and rate of drones being deployed. In a preferable arrangement, individual drones are equipped with special contacts that allow them to connect to the cell and optionally with other drones for power supply, diagnostic and communication.

Intermodal vehicles may be loaded with items and an aerial vehicle, and directed to travel to areas where demand for the items is known or anticipated. The intermodal vehicles may be coupled to locomotives, container ships, road tractors or other vehicles, and equipped with systems for loading one or more items onto the aerial vehicle, and for launching or retrieving the aerial vehicle while the intermodal vehicles are in motion. The areas where the demand is known or anticipated may be identified on any basis, including but not limited to past histories of purchases or deliveries to such areas, or events that are scheduled to occur in such areas. Additionally, intermodal vehicles may be loaded with replacement parts and/or inspection equipment, and configured to conduct repairs, servicing operations or inspections on aerial vehicles within the intermodal vehicles, while the intermodal vehicles are in motion.

A projectile-launched aircraft system includes a projectile launcher including a triggering mechanism, a rotary-wing, hover-capable aircraft including a rotor assembly that includes at least one rotor blade, wherein the rotor blade includes a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration that is circumferentially spaced from the stowed configuration about a pivot axis, wherein, upon actuation of the triggering mechanism, the projectile launcher is configured to launch the aircraft along a flightpath.

A modular drone containment system including a plurality of modular stacked drone containers. Each modular drone container is configured to house a drone device and be removably disposed in a stacked orientation relative to one another. Each modular container includes a sidewall having a continuous upstanding wall defining a containment space configured to house a respective drone device. A topmost modular container in the stacked orientation further includes a top cover pivotally attached to a top portion of its sidewall. A bottommost modular container in the stacked orientation includes a bottom wall attached to a bottom portion of its sidewall. Further included is a charging system configured to simultaneously charge a battery provided in each drone housed in a stacked modular container.

A modular drone containment system including a plurality of modular stacked drone containers. Each modular drone container is configured to house a drone device and be removably disposed in a stacked orientation relative to one another. Each modular container includes a sidewall having a continuous upstanding wall defining a containment space configured to house a respective drone device. A topmost modular container in the stacked orientation further includes a top cover pivotally attached to a top portion of its sidewall. A bottommost modular container in the stacked orientation includes a bottom wall attached to a bottom portion of its sidewall. Further included is a charging system configured to simultaneously charge a battery provided in each drone housed in a stacked modular container.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reconnaissance and communication assembly, adapted to be launched from a gun barrel into the air. The assembly comprises a carrier (with a cavity) and a payload (within the cavity). The payload is arranged to be controllably expelled from the carrier and once expelled from the carrier, the payload transmits a signal.

A balloon-launching apparatus includes a plurality of housing sections each formed in a box shape having an opening that opens in an upper part thereof and configured to house a balloon. The housing section launches the balloon from the opening, and the plurality of housing sections is arranged in a matrix shape.

A launcher for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the launcher having a foldable UAV stowed within said launcher, the launcher includes, a launch tube configured as a UAV launcher and a UAV carrying case. The launcher further includes a pneumatic booster connected to said UAV for accelerating said UAV during launching phase. The launcher further includes a separation mechanism operated to permits separation of the booster from the UAV when the UAV leaves the launcher tube and to transfer the kinetic energy that is created from the pneumatic booster to the UAV in the launching phase. The UAV is propelled off of the launch tube by the booster that transmits thrust in the launch tube to the space below said booster. The UAV which is connected to the booster by the separation mechanism is pushed out of the launcher tube body and leaves the launch tube, the booster is separated from the UAV by the separation mechanism and the UAV is automatically deployed. The UAV propellers are activated to propel the UAV and driven the UAV.

An assistive apparatus for sensing the environment in the vicinity of a user, and provide feedback signals generated based on the sensing data to the user. The assistive apparatus includes a sensing device configured to collect data characterizing the environment, a processing device, including one or more processors, configured to process an input including the collected data into presentation data specifying an audio signal and/or a haptic signal, and a presentation device configured to deliver the audio signal or the haptic signal to the user.

An assistive apparatus for sensing the environment in the vicinity of a user, and provide feedback signals generated based on the sensing data to the user. The assistive apparatus includes a sensing device configured to collect data characterizing the environment, a processing device, including one or more processors, configured to process an input including the collected data into presentation data specifying an audio signal and/or a haptic signal, and a presentation device configured to deliver the audio signal or the haptic signal to the user.