公开(公告)号：US08740142B2

公开(公告)日：2014-06-03

申请号：US13901295

申请日：2013-05-23

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：US20140061377A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-06

申请号：US13682816

申请日：2012-11-21

Applicant: Donald Earl Smith

Inventor： Donald Earl Smith

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/06 ,  G06K7/10 ,  B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64C3/10 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/028 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/06 ,  G06K7/10366

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), specifically to launch, fly and land unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This disclosure describes a system comprised of a UAV, a portable launch pad, a telescoping landing net and an integrated RFID system. This system provides a unique combination of UAV performance and payload capabilities with integrated Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) electronic systems capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions including high winds in remote locations.

Abstract translation: 本公开一般涉及无人飞行器系统（UAS）领域，特别是发射，飞行和陆上无人驾驶飞行器（UAV）。 本公开描述了由UAV，便携式发射台，伸缩式地面网和集成RFID系统组成的系统。 该系统提供无人机性能和有效载荷能力的独特组合，能够承受极端天气条件（包括偏远地区的大风）的集成射频识别设备（RFID）电子系统。

公开(公告)号：US20130313357A1

公开(公告)日：2013-11-28

申请号：US13956225

申请日：2013-07-31

Applicant: Arcturus UAV LLC

Inventor： Andrew B. Robinson

IPC: B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64F1/04 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: A UAV attachment assembly, used with a UAV launch assembly comprising a frame and a launch driver, comprises a base, a UAV support, a biasing element, a coupler, and a retainer. The base is operably coupled to the launch driver. The UAV support is mounted to the base and is placeable in vertically collapsed and vertically extended orientations. The biasing element biases the UAV support towards the collapsed orientation. The coupler releasably couples the UAV support to a UAV when the UAV support is in the extended orientation, the UAV support being free of the UAV when in the collapsed orientation. The retainer maintains the UAV support in the vertically extended orientation prior to launch and releases the UAV support at launch so that the biasing element can cause the UAV support to move towards the collapsed orientation and to disengage from the UAV.

Abstract translation: 与包括框架和发射驱动器的UAV发射组件一起使用的UAV附件组件包括基座，UAV支撑件，偏置元件，联接器和保持器。 基座可操作地联接到发射驱动器。 无人机支撑安装在基座上，可放置在垂直折叠和垂直延伸的方向上。 偏置元件使无人机支撑朝向折叠方向偏移。 当UAV支撑处于延伸方向时，联接器将UAV支撑件可释放地耦合到UAV，UAV支撑在处于折叠方向时无UAV。 保持架在启动之前将UAV支撑件保持在垂直延伸的方向，并在发射时释放UAV支撑，使得偏置元件可以使UAV支撑件朝向折叠方向移动并与UAV脱离接合。

公开(公告)号：US08453966B2

公开(公告)日：2013-06-04

申请号：US12702935

申请日：2010-02-09

Applicant: Brian T. McGeer ,  Andreas H. Von Flotow

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: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for use on a small vessel, or a base with similarly limited space or irregular motion. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of a base apparatus. Continued translation of the aircraft may pull the cable clear of the apparatus, in which case it can continue in free flight and return for another retrieval attempt. Alternatively, the cable will be dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot or similar channel, until its free end is captured. The aircraft, having thus become anchored to the base station, is then pulled down by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, while directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture. Once mated to the fixture, the cable can be released and stored aboard the aircraft; the aircraft can be automatically shut down; and fueling or other servicing can be completed through appropriate connectors in the docking fixture. The aircraft can remain docked as needed, and when desired, be automatically started and tested in preparation for launch. It can then be released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle can thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus. It can be used with low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract translation: 可以使用适合在小型船舶上使用的设备或具有相似空间或不规则运动的基座来自动检索，维修和启动能够推力飞行的飞机。 为了进行检索，飞机将一个加权电缆丢弃，并以相对较低的速度将其拉到一个基本设备的宽孔中。 飞机的连续翻译可将电缆从设备中拉出，在这种情况下，它可以继续自由飞行并返回以进行另外的检测尝试。 或者，电缆将沿着设备的引导表面拖入并穿过槽或相似的通道，直到其自由端被捕获。 因此，已经锚定到基站的飞机然后被电缆拉到插座中。 插座的导向面调整飞机上探头的位置和方向，同时引导探头与对接固定装置配合。 一旦配合到固定装置上，电缆可以被释放并存放在飞机上; 飞机可以自动关机; 并且可以通过对接固定装置中的适当连接器来完成加油或其它维修。 飞机可以根据需要保持对接，并且在需要时，可以自动启动和测试以准备发射。 然后可以将其释放到免费飞行中。 因此，可以用简单而经济的装置实现完整的地面处理循环。 它可以使用低损害风险，只有适度的驾驶准确性。

公开(公告)号：US08439301B1

公开(公告)日：2013-05-14

申请号：US13552591

申请日：2012-07-18

Applicant: David A. Lussier ,  Andrew J. Delisle ,  Philip M. Torrence

Inventor： David A. Lussier ,  Andrew J. Delisle ,  Philip M. Torrence

IPC: B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64F1/04 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64F1/02

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system provides for UAV deployment and remote, unattended operation with reduced logistics requirements. The system includes a launcher that can include one or more launch tubes, each launch tube configured to house a UAV in a canister and one or more gas generators operatively connected to each canister and configured to push the UAV out of the launch tube by releasing gas into the canister. A controller for activating the gas generators can sequentially, and with a predetermined time delay, expel the UAV with a desired velocity and acceleration. The system further includes a UAV recovery device, a power supply, a security subsystem, a command and control subsystem and a communications subsystem. Command, control and communications can be provided between a remote station and the UAV.

Abstract translation: 无人飞行器（UAV）系统提供无人机部署和远程无人值守操作，物流需求减少。 该系统包括可以包括一个或多个发射管的发射器，每个发射管被配置成容纳罐中的UAV和可操作地连接到每个罐的一个或多个气体发生器，并且被配置为通过释放气体将UAV推出发射管 进入罐 用于激活气体发生器的控制器可以顺序地并且以预定的时间延迟以期望的速度和加速度排出UAV。 该系统还包括UAV恢复装置，电源，安全子系统，命令和控制子系统以及通信子系统。 可以在远程站和无人机之间提供命令，控制和通信。

公开(公告)号：US08167242B2

公开(公告)日：2012-05-01

申请号：US12893407

申请日：2010-09-29

Applicant: William R. McDonnell

Inventor： William R. McDonnell

IPC: 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UAV（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：US08028952B2

公开(公告)日：2011-10-04

申请号：US12059389

申请日：2008-03-31

Applicant: James M. Urnes, Sr.

Inventor： James M. Urnes, Sr.

IPC: B64F1/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B63B35/50 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: A system to launch and recover an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) aircraft has a pole member attached to a deck of a ship. An arm member is attached to the pole member and extends away from the pole member in an approximately horizontal direction. The arm member is able to move rotationally and vertically on the pole member. An attachment mechanism is attached to a distal end of the arm member for holding and capturing the UAV aircraft. Momentum of the UAV aircraft causes the arm member to move rotationally around and vertically on the pole member when the UAV aircraft is coupled to the attachment mechanism.

Abstract translation: 发射和恢复无人机（UAV）飞机的系统具有连接在船甲板上的极板。 臂构件附接到极构件并且在近似水平的方向上远离极构件延伸。 臂构件能够在极构件上旋转且垂直地移动。 附接机构附接到臂构件的远端，用于保持和捕获无人机。 UAV飞机的动量使得当UAV飞机联接到附接机构时，臂构件在极构件上旋转移动并垂直移动。

公开(公告)号：US20110127378A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-02

申请号：US13020970

申请日：2011-02-04

Applicant: William R. McDonnell

Inventor： William R. McDonnell

IPC: 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UAV（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：US20100096496A1

公开(公告)日：2010-04-22

申请号：US12582208

申请日：2009-10-20

Applicant: Stephen William Miller

Inventor： Stephen William Miller

IPC: B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/08

CPC classification number: B64F1/06 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/084

Abstract: An aircraft launcher includes a base frame, a first sliding frame that slides with respect to the base frame, a second sliding frame that slides with respect to the first sliding frame, an aircraft support located on the second sliding frame, and a drive apparatus adapted to slide at least one of the first sliding frame and the second sliding frame with respect to the base frame.

Abstract translation: 飞机发射器包括基架，相对于基架滑动的第一滑动框架，相对于第一滑动框架滑动的第二滑动框架，位于第二滑动框架上的飞行器支架，以及适于 相对于基架滑动第一滑动框架和第二滑动框架中的至少一个。

公开(公告)号：US20100051741A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-04

申请号：US12230638

申请日：2008-09-03

Applicant: Anvar Ismailov

Inventor： Anvar Ismailov

IPC: B64C1/00 ,  B64C3/38 ,  B64D37/04 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64C11/00 ,  B64D27/24 ,  B64D27/00 ,  G05D1/02 ,  F41A9/00 ,  F42B15/00 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/00 ,  F02K7/00

CPC classification number: F42B10/64 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/121 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  F42B10/14

Abstract: An unmanned air vehicle for military, land security and the like operations includes a fuselage provided with foldable wings having leading edge flaps and trailing edge ailerons which are operable during ascent from launch to control the flight pattern with the wings folded, the wings being deployed into an open unfolded position when appropriate. The vehicle is contained within a pod from which it is launched and a landing deck is provided to decelerate and arrest the vehicle upon its return to land.

Abstract translation: 用于军事，陆上安全等操作的无人驾驶飞行器包括设置有可折叠翼的机身，其具有前缘翼片和后缘副翼，其可以在发射时上升操作以控制翼折叠的飞行图案，翼部署成 在适当的时候打开展开位置。 车辆被容纳在发射的荚内，并且提供着陆甲板以在车辆返回陆地时减速和阻止车辆。