A tagline control system for handling a wind turbine component during an operation on a wind turbine using a lifting apparatus. The tagline control system includes a tagline control module (74, 164) having a housing (80), at least two winches (126,128) disposed within the housing and each having a tagline cable (130, 132), a controller (146) disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the at least two winches, and a power source (148) disposed within the housing (80) and operatively coupled to the at least two winches. A method of handling a wind turbine component during an operation on a wind turbine using the lifting apparatus includes coupling the tagline control module to the lifting apparatus and to a wind turbine component, and operating the tagline control system to effectuate the position of the wind turbine component.

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, a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, a plurality of rotors, and a support structure mounted atop the chassis. Each rotor is mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms, is in communication with the control system, and is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The support structure includes a plurality of arched struts that connect to one another at an apex region of the support structure.

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, a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, a plurality of rotors, and a support structure mounted atop the chassis. Each rotor is mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms, is in communication with the control system, and is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The support structure includes a plurality of arched struts that connect to one another at an apex region of the support structure.

An example carriage is configured for mounting to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The carriage generally includes a housing assembly configured for mounting to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a movable grip mounted to the housing assembly for movement between a capturing position and a releasing position, a latch device, and a driver. The latch device has a latching state and an unlatching state, is configured to retain the movable grip in the capturing position when the latch device is in the latching state, and is configured to permit movement of the movable grip from the capturing position to the releasing position when in the unlatching state. The driver is operable to transition the latch device from the latching state to the unlatching state.

An example carriage is configured for mounting to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The carriage generally includes a housing assembly configured for mounting to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a movable grip mounted to the housing assembly for movement between a capturing position and a releasing position, a latch device, and a driver. The latch device has a latching state and an unlatching state, is configured to retain the movable grip in the capturing position when the latch device is in the latching state, and is configured to permit movement of the movable grip from the capturing position to the releasing position when in the unlatching state. The driver is operable to transition the latch device from the latching state to the unlatching state.

In an integrated structure of a power source of a power winch and an electric control box, the electric control box of the power winch is integrally combined with the top of the power source by a support frame, and an outer cover is provided for axially covering the electric control box and the power source and locked and connected to a front shell wall, so that the electric control box and the power source are completely hidden in the outer cover without any exposure. In other words, the electric control box is combined with the power source by a hidden assembly mode, so that the electric control box can be securely assembled without any risk of being shaken or falling off. In the meantime, the electric control box is hidden in the outer cover, and thus it will not be affected by weather at all.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to an unmanned aerial vehicle including a control system, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a spool mounted for rotation in a winding direction and an unwinding direction opposite the winding direction, a motor operable to rotate the spool in at least the winding direction under control of the control system, and a brake mechanism including a brake actuator operable to transition the brake mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state under control of the control system. The brake mechanism in the locked state prevents rotation of the spool in at least the unwinding direction. The brake mechanism in the unlocked state does not prevent rotation of the spool in the unwinding direction.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to an unmanned aerial vehicle including a control system, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a spool mounted for rotation in a winding direction and an unwinding direction opposite the winding direction, a motor operable to rotate the spool in at least the winding direction under control of the control system, and a brake mechanism including a brake actuator operable to transition the brake mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state under control of the control system. The brake mechanism in the locked state prevents rotation of the spool in at least the unwinding direction. The brake mechanism in the unlocked state does not prevent rotation of the spool in the unwinding direction.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising a chassis, a control system mounted to the chassis, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a spool having a wound portion of a line wound thereon, the line including a free portion, an attachment device secured to the free portion of the line and configured to facilitate attachment of a parcel to the line, a motor operable to rotate the spool under control of the control system such that the control system is operable to raise the attachment device to a raised position and lower the attachment device from the raised position, and a spring positioned between the chassis and the attachment device such that the spring is engaged between the chassis and the attachment device when the attachment device is in the raised position.

The invention relates to a cable winch comprising a cable drum onto which a cable can be wound, a temperature measuring device being provided to measure the temperature of the cable drum.