Described is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes a lifting propulsion mechanism that is circumferentially-driven and includes a propeller assembly and a propeller rim enclosure. The propeller assembly includes a plurality of propeller blades that extend radially and are coupled to an inner side of a substantially circular propeller rim that encompasses the propeller blades. Permanent magnets are coupled to an outer side of the propeller rim. The propeller rim and the magnets are positioned within a cavity of the propeller rim enclosure such that the propeller rim will rotate within the propeller rim enclosure. Also within the cavity of the propeller rim enclosure are electromagnets that are used to cause the propeller rim to rotate.

Modified magnetic levitation system for flying vehicle Modified magnetic levitation system for flying vehicle includes a propeller system (11, 12, 13), an axial levitation system (101, 102), radial levitation system (part of 201), rotary propulsion system (part of 201) and passive magnetic bearing system (301). An axial levitation system includes plurality of halbach array pairs connected on rotor and special short circuited coil windings connected on stator. A propulsion mechanism (part of 201) is provided for rotating rotor along the centre axis. Radial levitation and propulsion system (201) includes halbach arrays (53) located at outer circumference of rotor and interweaved active and passive coil windings (43) located at inner circumference of stator. Passive magnetic bearing system (301) includes parts of rotor and stator around centre axis of the system. Passive magnetic bearing (PMB) is utilized to levitate rotor at rest, below lift-off speed, and start and end condition of rotations.

Modified magnetic levitation system for flying vehicle Modified magnetic levitation system for flying vehicle includes a propeller system (11, 12, 13), an axial levitation system (101, 102), radial levitation system (part of 201), rotary propulsion system (part of 201) and passive magnetic bearing system (301). An axial levitation system includes plurality of halbach array pairs connected on rotor and special short circuited coil windings connected on stator. A propulsion mechanism (part of 201) is provided for rotating rotor along the centre axis. Radial levitation and propulsion system (201) includes halbach arrays (53) located at outer circumference of rotor and interweaved active and passive coil windings (43) located at inner circumference of stator. Passive magnetic bearing system (301) includes parts of rotor and stator around centre axis of the system. Passive magnetic bearing (PMB) is utilized to levitate rotor at rest, below lift-off speed, and start and end condition of rotations.

The present invention relates to rotating equipment, and more specifically, to high efficiency rotating equipment which generates thrust through contra-rotating or produces electricity. The rotating equipment includes: a plurality of propeller modules (10, 20) including a plurality of blades (11, 21) installed inside along a circumferential direction; and a rotary module (40) which rotates the plurality of propeller modules (10, 20) or is rotated.

Methods and apparatus for vertical or short takeoff and landing. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two or more counter driven rings with one or more airfoils attached. In one variant, there is an upper ring and a lower ring, each with multiple airfoils attached. In one variant, lift is generated largely via ambient air currents, allowing for long term on-station operation of the device.

A convertible multi-mode vehicle capable of motorized travel in the air, on land, on water, and under water. The multi-mode vehicle is capable of controlled aerial flight, movement on the ground in terrestrial environments, on an aquatic surface, as well as underwater by changing between the different modes. Pivoting propulsion motors enable a convertible configuration from one vehicle locomotion mode to another.

A convertible multi-mode vehicle capable of motorized travel in the air, on land, on water, and under water. The multi-mode vehicle is capable of controlled aerial flight, movement on the ground in terrestrial environments, on an aquatic surface, as well as underwater by changing between the different modes. Pivoting propulsion motors enable a convertible configuration from one vehicle locomotion mode to another.

An aircraft, in particular a personal air mobility aircraft or a drone, having one or more annular propellers, with one or more blades extending radially from a rotor ring body towards the axis of the rotor ring, and one or more belt transmissions, which connect the rotor ring of each annular propeller with the output shaft of a motor unit including an electric motor. Various aircraft configurations include a vertical take-off and horizontal flight configuration. The aircraft surfaces are covered by groups of photovoltaic solar cells connected to a main battery pack for powering the electric motors that drive the annular propellers, and to an auxiliary electric battery for powering the on-board electrical circuit.

An aircraft, in particular a personal air mobility aircraft or a drone, having one or more annular propellers, with one or more blades extending radially from a rotor ring body towards the axis of the rotor ring, and one or more belt transmissions, which connect the rotor ring of each annular propeller with the output shaft of a motor unit including an electric motor. Various aircraft configurations include a vertical take-off and horizontal flight configuration. The aircraft surfaces are covered by groups of photovoltaic solar cells connected to a main battery pack for powering the electric motors that drive the annular propellers, and to an auxiliary electric battery for powering the on-board electrical circuit.

A lightweight, pocket-sized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be held in an outstretched hand by a user for take-off and landing of the UAV. The UAV comprises a semi-toroidal or a substantially toroidal hollow body that defines a duct. The UAV further comprises a motor for rotating a fan that directs air into and out of the duct enabling UAV to take flight. The UAV comprises a flight-control system that comprises at least two flight control surfaces that can alter the directed air as it flows through the duct for controlling the roll and pitch and optionally the yaw of the UAV during flight. The flight control system may be controlled by a microprocessor controller. The UAV further comprises a payload, with at least a wireless transmitter and receiver unit.