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, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.

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, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.

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, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a line having one end coupled to the chassis and an opposite free end, wherein the free end is positioned below the chassis, and a severing mechanism operable to sever the line under control of the control system.

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, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a line having one end coupled to the chassis and an opposite free end, wherein the free end is positioned below the chassis, and a severing mechanism operable to sever the line under control of the control system.

Modular units having one or more bays or compartments are installed into openings of aerial vehicles that are sized and configured to accommodate the modular units. Multiple items may be loaded into the respective bays or compartments of the modular unit, which is installed into an opening of an aerial vehicle, and carried by the aerial vehicle to locations where the items are to be delivered. Hatches or coverings of the bays or compartments are selectively operated to deploy the items therefrom at the designated locations. A modular unit may be selected for use in a mission based on a number of bays or compartments therein, or any other features of the modular unit, and installed in any number of aerial vehicles having appropriately sized and configured openings.

Modular units having one or more bays or compartments are installed into openings of aerial vehicles that are sized and configured to accommodate the modular units. Multiple items may be loaded into the respective bays or compartments of the modular unit, which is installed into an opening of an aerial vehicle, and carried by the aerial vehicle to locations where the items are to be delivered. Hatches or coverings of the bays or compartments are selectively operated to deploy the items therefrom at the designated locations. A modular unit may be selected for use in a mission based on a number of bays or compartments therein, or any other features of the modular unit, and installed in any number of aerial vehicles having appropriately sized and configured openings.

A fragile substance storage transportation and release device comprises a frame for inserting cartridges to hold the fragile substance; a propulsion unit for propelling the fragile substance out of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge; and an opening mechanism for opening each cartridge one by one in coordination with a propulsion mechanism. The device is useful for distribution of fragile insects such as mosquitoes and there is a mechanism for automatic collection of insects from pupae.

A fragile substance storage transportation and release device comprises a frame for inserting cartridges to hold the fragile substance; a propulsion unit for propelling the fragile substance out of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge; and an opening mechanism for opening each cartridge one by one in coordination with a propulsion mechanism. The device is useful for distribution of fragile insects such as mosquitoes and there is a mechanism for automatic collection of insects from pupae.

The present disclosure relates to a flying body. The flying body includes a mounting space for mounting an object, a loading port for loading the object in the mounting space, and a take-out port for taking out the object loaded in the mounting space, wherein the loading port and the take-out port are provided at least partially at different positions. According to such a configuration, even a person without specialized knowledge can operate it easily and safely.

The invention relates, generally, to systems and methods for optimizing the performance of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) by optimizing the UAV's drivetrain, extending the UAV's battery life; by monitoring and reporting on payload imbalance or overweight conditions; and by improving the aerodynamics and streamlining of certain drag-producing elements.