Systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing the mechanical energy of an aerial vehicle as part of an Airborne Wind Turbine are disclosed. The aerial vehicle is coupled to a distal portion of a tether and a ground station is coupled to a proximal portion of the tether. A mass possessing a gravitational potential energy is also coupled to the proximal portion of the tether. A connector is configured to releasably hold the mass at an elevation. Release of the mass transfers energy to the aerial vehicle by increasing tension in the tether.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing the mechanical energy of an aerial vehicle as part of an Airborne Wind Turbine are disclosed. The aerial vehicle is coupled to a distal portion of a tether and a ground station is coupled to a proximal portion of the tether. A mass possessing a gravitational potential energy is also coupled to the proximal portion of the tether. A connector is configured to releasably hold the mass at an elevation. Release of the mass transfers energy to the aerial vehicle by increasing tension in the tether.

A method and a system for controlling the winding/unwinding of a rope portion onto/from a rotary drum, comprises the step of making available a rope which is at least partially wound onto a rotary drum, wherein the rope is guided from the rotary drum along a defined path as far as a hauling point, wherein a traction force acts on the rope beyond the hauling point. The method comprises unwinding or winding the rope by executing a rotation of the rotary drum, such that a defined rope portion is moved along the defined path; and determining the length of the defined rope portion in the region of the defined path. The method comprises determining an angle difference corresponding to the rotation of the rotary drum; and controlling the rotary drum for further winding/unwinding taking into account the length and the angle difference. A calibration in the region of the defined path during the use of the rotary drum provides a control for the rotary drum.

A self-homing hoist includes a controller configured to initiate a self-homing process to return the hook assembly to a homed position in response to each of at least one homing factor being true. Each homing factor is true or false based on a comparison of the current condition of the homing factor with a threshold requirement. If the current condition satisfies the threshold requirement, then the homing factor is true. If the current condition does not satisfy the threshold requirement, then the homing factor is false. Where all homing factors are true, the controller can initiate the self-homing process by activating a hoist motor to drive the cable drum and reel the hook assembly into the homed position.

A deadline compensator including a compensator assembly configured to engage a deadline between a crown block and a supply reel. The compensator assembly is configured to transition between a first position and a second position. The deadline compensator also includes at least one compensator sheave of the compensator assembly. The compensator sheave is configured to engage the deadline. The deadline compensator includes at least one actuator of the compensator assembly. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the deadline via the at least one compensator sheave to displace the deadline while the compensator assembly is in the first position and configured to retract into the second position in response to force applied via the deadline.

A vehicle comprising a first device and a canopy. The first device includes a first spool device; a first drive screw comprising a threaded portion, wherein the first drive screw is configured to extend through an opening in the first spool device; a first drive motor coupled to the first drive screw, wherein the first drive motor is configured to rotate the first drive screw; a first tension controller device coupled to the first spool device; and a first stop pawl coupled to the first drive screw. The canopy includes a canopy fabric; and a first line, wherein the canopy is coupled to the first spool device through the first line.

A vehicle comprising a first device and a canopy. The first device includes a first spool device; a first drive screw comprising a threaded portion, wherein the first drive screw is configured to extend through an opening in the first spool device; a first drive motor coupled to the first drive screw, wherein the first drive motor is configured to rotate the first drive screw; a first tension controller device coupled to the first spool device; and a first stop pawl coupled to the first drive screw. The canopy includes a canopy fabric; and a first line, wherein the canopy is coupled to the first spool device through the first line.

A winch controller for a hoisting apparatus for a wireline operation operates as a closed loop controller. The winch controller is adapted to control a winch or, if included, a winch and a capstan in a coordinated manner. The winch controller may utilize process variables including the tension of the cable between the winch and the capstan. The controller is coupled to a power pack adapted to power the winch and capstan. The power pack and controller are configured such that the capstan may be selectively removed from the system when it is not needed.

A self-homing hoist includes a controller configured to initiate a self-homing process to return the hook assembly to a homed position in response to each of at least one homing factor being true. Each homing factor is true or false based on a comparison of the current condition of the homing factor with a threshold requirement. If the current condition satisfies the threshold requirement, then the homing factor is true. If the current condition does not satisfy the threshold requirement, then the homing factor is false. Where all homing factors are true, the controller can initiate the self-homing process by activating a hoist motor to drive the cable drum and reel the hook assembly into the homed position.

A system and a method for a swivel winch are described for rotating a winch about an axis such that friction is reduced when letting out or pulling in a line. The swivel winch includes a fairlead with an orifice and sensors which sense the pressure from the cable and send the retrieved data to a controller which generates commands for an actuator, causing the swivel mount coupled to the winch to swivel in a direction that will relieve pressure.