A system computes a fluid flow rate of a fluid flowing through a pipe. The system includes a docking station, attached to a portion of the pipe, the portion of the pipe exposed to an air space. The system further includes a drone, that includes a connecting device configured to latch securely onto the docking station, a first ultrasonic transducer that connects to the pipe when the connecting device is latched, a second ultrasonic transducer that connects to the pipe when the connecting device is latched, and a computer configured to perform a computational procedure. The computational procedure includes instructing the first ultrasonic transducer to emit a source signal into the fluid and receiving a propagated signal from the second ultrasonic transducer. The computational procedure further includes computing the fluid flow rate, using a computational model, based on the propagated signal.

A system computes a fluid flow rate of a fluid flowing through a pipe. The system includes a docking station, attached to a portion of the pipe, the portion of the pipe exposed to an air space. The system further includes a drone, that includes a connecting device configured to latch securely onto the docking station, a first ultrasonic transducer that connects to the pipe when the connecting device is latched, a second ultrasonic transducer that connects to the pipe when the connecting device is latched, and a computer configured to perform a computational procedure. The computational procedure includes instructing the first ultrasonic transducer to emit a source signal into the fluid and receiving a propagated signal from the second ultrasonic transducer. The computational procedure further includes computing the fluid flow rate, using a computational model, based on the propagated signal.

The invention relates to a hybrid drone for transporting or delivering objects 124, comprising at least one first wing 102 having an airfoil, at least one first and one second longitudinal drive unit 104, wherein the first longitudinal drive unit 104 and the second longitudinal drive unit 104 are arranged on the at least one wing 102, an object-holding device 110 formed on an upper side or on an underside between the first and second longitudinal drive units 104 and for holding an object 124, and a regulating unit formed for regulating the hybrid drone, in particular the drive units, based on control signals. The hybrid drone further comprises at least one first high drive unit 105, wherein the first high drive unit 105 is aligned or is pivotally alignable such that a thrust force that can be generated by means of the high drive unit 105 acts substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal direction 106 and substantially parallel to a vertical axis 116 of the hybrid drone, and the first high drive unit 105 is arranged with a defined lever distance relative to the center of gravity of the hybrid drone, and wherein a pitch angle of the hybrid drone in the flight state is adjustable by means of the first high drive unit 105. In addition, at least one holding element is provided, which is associated with the underside in a front region of the hybrid drone, wherein the holding element is configured for releasably arranging, in particular for hooking, the hybrid drone on a top-ending vertical receiving structure.

The invention relates to a hybrid drone for transporting or delivering objects 124, comprising at least one first wing 102 having an airfoil, at least one first and one second longitudinal drive unit 104, wherein the first longitudinal drive unit 104 and the second longitudinal drive unit 104 are arranged on the at least one wing 102, an object-holding device 110 formed on an upper side or on an underside between the first and second longitudinal drive units 104 and for holding an object 124, and a regulating unit formed for regulating the hybrid drone, in particular the drive units, based on control signals. The hybrid drone further comprises at least one first high drive unit 105, wherein the first high drive unit 105 is aligned or is pivotally alignable such that a thrust force that can be generated by means of the high drive unit 105 acts substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal direction 106 and substantially parallel to a vertical axis 116 of the hybrid drone, and the first high drive unit 105 is arranged with a defined lever distance relative to the center of gravity of the hybrid drone, and wherein a pitch angle of the hybrid drone in the flight state is adjustable by means of the first high drive unit 105. In addition, at least one holding element is provided, which is associated with the underside in a front region of the hybrid drone, wherein the holding element is configured for releasably arranging, in particular for hooking, the hybrid drone on a top-ending vertical receiving structure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for autonomously performing and/or facilitating drone diagnostic functions. Prior to a mission of a UAV, an inspection station comprising at least one imaging sensor and at least one directional force sensor may be used to perform a plurality of air worthiness inspections and/or maintenance checks with little to no human intervention. Once the UAV has been determined to be air worthy, it is approved for a subsequent mission.

A transport device for transporting an unmanned aerial vehicle and methods for using the transport device are described herein. An example embodiment of the transport device includes: a carriage configured to engage the unmanned aerial vehicle; a plurality of engagement arms movably attached to the carriage and movable between a first locking position and a second locking position, each of the plurality of engagement arms, and configured to maintain engagement of the unmanned aerial vehicle by the carriage when in the first locking position; and a handle adapter having a first end configured for attachment to the carriage and a second end configured to receive an extension member.

A transport device for transporting an unmanned aerial vehicle and methods for using the transport device are described herein. An example embodiment of the transport device includes: a carriage configured to engage the unmanned aerial vehicle; a plurality of engagement arms movably attached to the carriage and movable between a first locking position and a second locking position, each of the plurality of engagement arms, and configured to maintain engagement of the unmanned aerial vehicle by the carriage when in the first locking position; and a handle adapter having a first end configured for attachment to the carriage and a second end configured to receive an extension member.

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tests, and more particularly, to an electromagnetic release device for use in vertical falling tests of tri-rotor UAVs and including a mounting frame and multiple clamping and release modules arranged on the mounting frame. movable kits, which include a ferromagnetic plate matching and connected with the electromagnetic adsorption assembly, one end of the ferromagnetic plate is hinged with the electromagnet mounting frame, and the other end of the ferromagnetic plate is connected with the UAV connecting plate; The present disclosure uses electromagnetic control to accurately control the simultaneous opening of three clamping and release modules of a UAV, realizes the release and landing of the UAV in a horizontal status, and is characterized by simple structure and easy operation.

A flight controller of a drone calculates a target attitude of the drone on a port based on the result of acquisition by an anemometer. The flight controller of the drone controls each of a plurality of rotors independently, and controls each of the rotors so as to make the drone on the port take a target attitude.

A flight controller of a drone calculates a target attitude of the drone on a port based on the result of acquisition by an anemometer. The flight controller of the drone controls each of a plurality of rotors independently, and controls each of the rotors so as to make the drone on the port take a target attitude.