公开(公告)号：US09004402B2

公开(公告)日：2015-04-14

申请号：US14034097

申请日：2013-09-23

Applicant: Aerovel Corporation

Inventor： Brian Theodore McGeer ,  Robert Joseph Heavey, III ,  Damon Lucas McMillan ,  John William Stafford

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D37/00 ,  B64F5/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64D37/00 ,  B64F5/00

Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched. In one embodiment, for retrieval, the aircraft drops a tether and pulls the tether at low relative speed into contact with a horizontal guide. The tether is pulled across the guide until the guide is captured b an end effector. The tether length is adjusted as necessary, and the aircraft swings on the guide to hang in an inverted position. Translation of the tether along the guide then brings the aircraft to a docking carriage, in which the aircraft parks for servicing. For launch, the carriage is swung upright, the end effector is released from the guide, and the aircraft thrusts into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle can thus be accomplished automatically with a simple, economical apparatus. It can be used with low risk of damage and requires moderate accuracy in manual or automatic flight control.

Abstract translation: 可以自动检索，维修和启动能够推力飞行的飞机。 在一个实施例中，为了检索，飞行器降低系绳并且以相对较低的速度将系绳拉动以与水平引导件接触。 将系绳拉过引导件，直到引导件被捕获为末端执行器。 系绳长度根据需要进行调整，飞机在导轨上摆动，悬挂在倒立的位置。 沿着导轨翻转系绳，然后将飞机带到对接车厢，飞机停在其中，以便维修。 对于发射，托架正直摆动，末端执行器从引导件释放，飞机起飞进入自由飞行。 因此，可以使用简单，经济的装置自动完成完整的地面处理循环。 它可以在低风险的情况下使用，并且在手动或自动飞行控制中要求中等精度。

公开(公告)号：US08864069B2

公开(公告)日：2014-10-21

申请号：US14010176

申请日：2013-08-26

Applicant: Advanced Aerospace Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： William R. McDonnell

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64C25/68

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/10

Abstract: A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).

Abstract translation: 一种发射和检索无人机（无人机）的方法（10）。 优选的发射方法是将无人机（10）运送到高度，使用类似于用来搭载高层游客的伞（8）。 无人机被丢弃，并在潜水中获得足够的空速，执行上升到等级控制飞行。 回收的首选方法是使UAV飞入并锁定在悬挂拖线（4）上或悬挂在拖绳上的电缆，然后被绞盘回到船（2）。

公开(公告)号：US08708277B1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-29

申请号：US13899172

申请日：2013-05-21

Applicant: Aerovel Corporation

Inventor： Brian T. McGeer ,  Andreas H. von Flotow

IPC: B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/12 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/06 ,  B64F1/125 ,  B64F1/28 ,  B64F5/00

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.

公开(公告)号：US20140054415A1

公开(公告)日：2014-02-27

申请号：US14034097

申请日：2013-09-23

Applicant: Aerovel Corporation

Inventor： Brian Theodore McGeer ,  Robert Joseph Heavey, III ,  Damon Lucas McMillan ,  John William Stafford

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64F5/00 ,  B64D37/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64D37/00 ,  B64F5/00

Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched. In one embodiment, for retrieval, the aircraft drops a tether and pulls the tether at low relative speed into contact with a horizontal guide. The tether is pulled across the guide until the guide is captured b an end effector. The tether length is adjusted as necessary, and the aircraft swings on the guide to hang in an inverted position. Translation of the tether along the guide then brings the aircraft to a docking carriage, in which the aircraft parks for servicing. For launch, the carriage is swung upright, the end effector is released from the guide, and the aircraft thrusts into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle can thus be accomplished automatically with a simple, economical apparatus. It can be used with low risk of damage and requires moderate accuracy in manual or automatic flight control.

Abstract translation: 可以自动检索，维修和启动能够推力飞行的飞机。 在一个实施例中，为了检索，飞行器降低系绳并且以相对较低的速度将系绳拉动以与水平引导件接触。 将系绳拉过引导件，直到引导件被捕获为末端执行器。 系绳长度根据需要进行调整，飞机在导轨上摆动，悬挂在倒立的位置。 沿着导轨翻转系绳，然后将飞机带到对接车厢，飞机停在其中，以便维修。 对于发射，托架正直摆动，末端执行器从引导件释放，飞机起飞进入自由飞行。 因此，可以使用简单，经济的装置自动完成完整的地面处理循环。 它可以在低风险的情况下使用，并且在手动或自动飞行控制中要求中等精度。

公开(公告)号：US08567718B1

公开(公告)日：2013-10-29

申请号：US13783575

申请日：2013-03-04

Applicant: Advanced Aerospace Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： William Randall McDonnell

IPC: B64C25/68 ,  B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/10

Abstract: A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).

Abstract translation: 一种发射和检索无人机（无人机）的方法（10）。 优选的发射方法是将无人机（10）运送到高度，使用类似于用来搭载高层游客的伞（8）。 无人机被丢弃，并在潜水中获得足够的空速，执行上升到等级控制飞行。 回收的首选方法是使UAV飞入并锁定在悬挂拖线（4）上或悬挂在拖绳上的电缆，然后被绞盘回到船（2）。

公开(公告)号：US20120138727A1

公开(公告)日：2012-06-07

申请号：US13097394

申请日：2011-04-29

Applicant: Jeremy F. Fisher

Inventor： Jeremy F. Fisher

IPC: F42B15/01 ,  B64D1/02 ,  B64C3/56 ,  F42B10/14

CPC classification number: F42B15/10 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/167 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  F41F1/08 ,  F41F3/042

Abstract: A sonar buoy includes a fuselage having a tube-like shape, one or more wings coupled to the fuselage, an engine coupled to the fuselage and operable to propel the sonar buoy through flight, and a guidance computer operable to direct the sonar buoy to a predetermined location. The sonar buoy further includes a sonar detachably coupled to the fuselage and forming at least a part of the fuselage, and a rocket motor detachably coupled to the fuselage. The one or more wings are operable to be folded into a position to allow the sonar buoy to be disposed within a launch tube coupled to a vehicle and to automatically deploy to an appropriate position for flight after the sonar buoy is launched from the launch tube. The rocket motor propels the sonar buoy from the launch tube and detaches from the fuselage after launch.

Abstract translation: 声纳浮标包括具有管状形状的机身，耦合到机身的一个或多个翼，耦合到机身的发动机，并且可操作以通过飞行推进声纳浮标;以及引导计算机，其可操作以将声纳浮标引导到 预定位置。 声纳浮标还包括可拆卸地联接到机身并形成机身的至少一部分的声纳和可拆卸地联接到机身的火箭发动机。 一个或多个翼可操作以折叠到允许声纳浮标布置在联接到车辆的发射管内并且在从发射管发射声纳浮标之后自动部署到适当位置用于飞行的位置。 火箭发动机从发射管推进声纳浮标，并在发射后从机身分离。

公开(公告)号：US20110168838A1

公开(公告)日：2011-07-14

申请号：US12799297

申请日：2010-04-21

Applicant: William Hornback ,  Michael Holly

Inventor： William Hornback ,  Michael Holly

IPC: B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64C39/028 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/203 ,  F41A23/42 ,  F41B7/00 ,  F41B11/62 ,  F41F3/042 ,  F41F3/052 ,  F41F7/00 ,  F42B10/16 ,  F42B15/08

Abstract: An unmanned aerial surveillance and reconnaissance system are disclosed wherein an unmanned aerial vehicle is launchable from a launch tube, for instance, the bore of an existing weapons system mounted on a mobile vehicle, such as a weapon barrel of a tank or armored combat vehicle and which the launch may be remotely initiated from the protected armored compartment of the mobile vehicle.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种无人驾驶的空中监视和侦察系统，其中无人驾驶飞行器可从发射管发射，例如安装在诸如坦克或装甲战斗车辆的武器枪的移动车辆上的现有武器系统的钻孔， 该发射可以从移动车辆的受保护的装甲舱远程地发起。

公开(公告)号：US07712702B2

公开(公告)日：2010-05-11

申请号：US11603810

申请日：2006-11-21

Applicant: Brian T. McGeer ,  Andreas H. von Flotow ,  Cory Roeseler

Inventor： Brian T. McGeer ,  Andreas H. von Flotow ,  Cory Roeseler

IPC: B64F1/06

CPC classification number: B64F1/06 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/165

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch.

Abstract translation: 描述了发射无人机和其他飞行装置或射弹的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，飞行器可以从包括沿发射导向装置移动的发射台的装置发射。 当滑架和/或发射引导件的部分相对于彼此移动时，托架可以加速。 由发射托架携带的夹具可以具有至少一个与飞行器接触的抓握部分，同时发射托架沿着发射轴加速。 当发射架减速时，至少一个把手部分可以与飞行器脱离接触，释放飞机起飞。 制动器可以在发射后阻止夹具的运动。

公开(公告)号：US07665691B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-23

申请号：US11679365

申请日：2007-02-27

Applicant: Patrick T. Hanzlick ,  Joshua J. Lange

Inventor： Patrick T. Hanzlick ,  Joshua J. Lange

IPC: B64F1/10

CPC classification number: B64F1/10 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/208

Abstract: An aerial vehicle launching system includes a launch platform and a restraint system coupled to the launch platform. The restraint system has at least one passive restraint suitably adapted to indirectly restrain an aerial vehicle. The restraint system is configured to coordinate the uniform retention and release of the passive restraint in order to launch the aerial vehicle.

Abstract translation: 飞行器发射系统包括发射平台和耦合到发射平台的约束系统。 约束系统具有至少一个适当地适应于间接限制飞行器的被动约束。 约束系统被配置为协调被动约束的均匀保持和释放以便发射飞行器。

公开(公告)号：US20100025543A1

公开(公告)日：2010-02-04

申请号：US12262747

申请日：2008-10-31

Applicant: LLOYD E. KINSEY ,  Patrick Kranking

Inventor： LLOYD E. KINSEY ,  Patrick Kranking

IPC: B64C27/24

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C29/02 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/088

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a transforming aerial vehicle according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a launch system configured to rotate the aerial vehicle about its longitudinal axis. A lifting surface pivotally connected to the aerial vehicle may be positioned such that the rotation of the aerial vehicle causes the lifting surface to generate a lifting force on the aerial vehicle. This lift causes the aerial vehicle to rise gyroscopically before the lifting surface is rotated to a second position such that the aerial vehicle transforms from a gyroscopic mode to a fixed-wing aerial vehicle. The lifting surface may then be rotated again to allow the aerial vehicle to land as an auto gyro.

Abstract translation: 根据本发明的各个方面的用于变换航空器的方法和装置可以与被配置为围绕其纵向轴线旋转飞行器的发射系统一起操作。 枢转地连接到飞行器的提升表面可以被定位成使得飞行器的旋转导致提升表面在飞行器上产生提升力。 该升降机使得飞行器在提升表面旋转到第二位置之前陀螺地升高，使得飞行器从陀螺仪模式转换为固定翼型飞行器。 然后可以再次旋转提升表面，以允许飞行器作为自动陀螺仪着陆。