公开(公告)号：US20160144958A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-26

申请号：US14280992

申请日：2014-05-19

Applicant: AURORA FLIGHT SCIENCES CORPORATION

Inventor： ADAM WOODWORTH ,  JAMES PEVERILL

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64F3/02 ,  B64C27/00 ,  B64C27/20 ,  B64C9/00 ,  B64C25/58

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C9/00 ,  B64C25/58 ,  B64C27/006 ,  B64C27/20 ,  B64C37/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/143 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64D17/80 ,  B64F3/02 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  G05D1/104 ,  H02G11/00

Abstract: A tethered unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) may be outfitted with a sensor payload for data gathering. The tethered UAV may be tethered to a ground station for constricting the flight space of the UAV while also providing the option for power delivery and/or bidirectional communications. The tethered UAV's flight path may be extended by introducing one or more secondary UAVs that cooperate to extend the horizontal flight path of a primary UAV. The ground station, which may be coupled with the tethered aerial vehicle, may comprise a listening switch configured to determine a condition of the tether such that the supply of power to the tether may be terminated when tether damage or a tether severance is detected.

Abstract translation: 系绳无人机（“UAV”）可以装备有用于数据采集的传感器有效载荷。 系缚的UAV可以被绑在地面站上，用于收缩无人机的飞行空间，同时还提供功率传送和/或双向通信的选项。 可以通过引入一个或多个辅助UAV以扩展主UAV的水平飞行路径来扩展系留的UAV的飞行路径。 可以与系留式航空器耦合的地面站可以包括侦听开关，其被配置为确定系绳的状况，使得当检测到系绳损伤或系绳断开时，可以终止对系绳的供电。

公开(公告)号：US20150353194A1

公开(公告)日：2015-12-10

申请号：US14831687

申请日：2015-08-20

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Erik Christopher Chubb ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A method may involve operating an aerial vehicle in a hover-flight orientation. The aerial vehicle may be connected to a tether that defines a tether sphere having a radius based on a length of the tether, and the tether may be connected to a ground station. The method may involve positioning the aerial vehicle at a first location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The method may involve transitioning the aerial vehicle from the hover-flight orientation to a forward-flight orientation, such that the aerial vehicle moves from the tether sphere. And the method may involve operating the aerial vehicle in the forward-flight orientation to ascend at an angle of ascent to a second location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The first and second locations may be substantially downwind of the ground station.

Abstract translation: 一种方法可以包括以悬停飞行方向操作飞行器。 航空器可以连接到限定了基于系绳的长度的半径的系绳球的系绳，并且系绳可以连接到地面站。 该方法可以包括将飞行器定位在基本上在系绳球上的第一位置。 该方法可以包括将空中飞行器从悬停飞行方向转换到前向飞行方向，使得空中飞行器从系绳球移动。 并且该方法可以涉及以前向飞行方向操作飞行器，以升高的角度升高到基本上处于系绳球上的第二位置。 第一和第二位置可以是地面站的大致顺风向。

公开(公告)号：US20150344136A1

公开(公告)日：2015-12-03

申请号：US14730187

申请日：2015-06-03

Applicant: Working Drones, Inc.

Inventor： Robert L. Dahlstrom

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B05B13/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B05B13/005 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/148

Abstract: A system is disclosed including an aerial vehicle to perform a task to an object, while in an aerial mode that includes at least one of a hover mode or a slow movement mode during a predominant phase of the task being performed, the aerial vehicle has a command and control system, a removable mobile computing device that when attached to the aerial vehicle assists in control of the aerial vehicle and when detached assists in control of the aerial vehicle with user intervention through the mobile device, wherein assist in control is further performed through the command and control system and at least one attachment attachable to the aerial vehicle for facilitating the task performed to the object by the aerial vehicle while the aerial vehicle is in the aerial mode, the at least one attachment is controlled by the removable mobile computing device. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种系统，其包括用于对物体执行任务的航空器，而在执行任务的主要阶段期间，在包括悬停模式或慢动作模式中的至少一种的空中模式中，飞行器具有 指挥和控制系统，一种可移动式移动计算装置，当连接到空中飞行器时协助对飞行器进行控制，并且当分离时通过移动装置进行用户干预协助对飞行器进行控制，其中进一步执行辅助控制 所述命令和控制系统以及至少一个可附接到所述飞行器的附件，用于当所述空中飞行器处于空中模式时便于由所述飞行器对所述物体执行的任务，所述至少一个附件由所述可移动移动计算设备 。 还公开了方法。

公开(公告)号：US20150191259A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-09

申请号：US14390677

申请日：2013-04-02

Applicant: OTO Melara S.p.A.

Inventor： Andrea Giovannini ,  Fabio Varone

IPC: B64F3/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B66D1/48

CPC classification number: B64F3/00 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64F3/02 ,  B66D1/485 ,  B66D1/505

Abstract: A method automatically controls the movement of a winch device (2), which is adapted to pull in or let out a cable (T), to which at least one flying device 4 is connected. The method includes the following subsequent steps: a) determining the relative position between the winch device (2) and the flying device (4); b) calculating the optimal length of the cable “T” as a function of the relative distance determined during the previous step; c) activating said winch device (2), so as to obtain the desired length of the cable “T” calculated during the previous step; d) repeating the sequence of steps a)-c) for a desired amount of time; in order to obtain, in real time, the optimal length of the cable (T) as a function of the changes in the relative position between the winch device (2) and the flying device (4).

Abstract translation: 一种方法自动控制绞盘装置（2）的运动，该装置适于拉出或放出连接有至少一个飞行装置4的电缆（T）。 该方法包括以下步骤：a）确定绞盘装置（2）和飞行装置（4）之间的相对位置; b）计算电缆“T”的最佳长度作为在前一步骤期间确定的相对距离的函数; c）启动所述绞车装置（2），以获得在前一步骤期间计算出的电缆“T”的期望长度; d）重复步骤a）-c）的序列达期望的时间量; 为了实时获得作为绞盘装置（2）和飞行装置（4）之间的相对位置变化的函数的电缆（T）的最佳长度。

公开(公告)号：US20150158585A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-11

申请号：US14102483

申请日：2013-12-10

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Brian Hachtmann ,  Corwin Hardham ,  Damon Vander Lind ,  Rob Nelson

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  H01R13/58 ,  H01R39/64 ,  B64F3/02 ,  B64D47/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  F05B2240/923 ,  H01R39/64 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine (“AWT”), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be tethered to a ground station with a tether that terminates at a tether termination mount. In one aspect, the tether may be a conductive tether that can transmit electricity and/or electrical signals back and forth between the aerial vehicle and the ground station. The tether termination mount may include one or more gimbals that allow for the tether termination mount to rotate about one or more axis. In a further aspect, the tether termination mount may include a slip ring that allows for rotation of the tether without twisting the tether.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在将动能风能转换成电能的路径中飞行的空中飞行器。 航空器可以用连接臂终止于系绳终端安装座的拴系到地面站。 在一个方面，系绳可以是可以在飞行器和地面站之间来回传递电和/或电信号的导电系绳。 系绳终端安装件可以包括一个或多个允许系绳终端安装件围绕一个或多个轴线旋转的万向节。 在另一方面，系绳终端安装件可以包括滑环，其允许系绳的旋转而不扭转系绳。

公开(公告)号：US20140251743A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-11

申请号：US13791105

申请日：2013-03-08

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： JAMES J. CHILDRESS ,  John J. Viniotis

IPC: B64C19/00 ,  B60L9/00

CPC classification number: B64C19/00 ,  B60L9/00 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/50 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/022 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/148

Abstract: Systems and methods to launch an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises an electrically powered buoyant aircraft, a control system to maneuver the aircraft and a tether adapted to couple to the aircraft and to a ground-based power supply to provide power to the aircraft while the aircraft is coupled to the tether, wherein the aircraft can disconnect autonomously from the tether in response to a command signal. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract translation: 公开了发射飞机的系统和方法。 在一个实施例中，系统包括电动浮力飞机，用于操纵飞行器的控制系统和适于联接到飞行器和地面的电源以在航空器耦合到飞行器的情况下为飞行器供电的系绳 系绳，其中飞机可以响应于命令信号而自主地从系绳断开。 可以描述其他实施例。

公开(公告)号：US08738198B2

公开(公告)日：2014-05-27

申请号：US13134009

申请日：2011-05-26

Applicant: Hagen Schempf

Inventor： Hagen Schempf

IPC: G06F17/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B25J11/002 ,  B64C27/20 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F41H7/005 ,  G05D1/0038 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  G05D2201/0209

Abstract: A robot surveillance system includes a robot chassis, a drive subsystem for the chassis, a dock on the chassis, and a payout device associated with the chassis. A flying module is configured to be received in the dock and includes at least one rotor powered by a motor and a body portion including an imager. A tether is coupled to the payout device of the robot and to the flying module for allowing the flying module to climb out of the dock when powered to gain elevation for surveillance and imaging via the imager and for retracting the flying module to land on the robot and reside in the chassis dock after surveillance.

Abstract translation: 机器人监视系统包括机器人底盘，用于机箱的驱动子系统，底盘上的坞站以及与底盘相关联的支付设备。 飞行模块被配置为被接纳在码头中并且包括由马达供电的至少一个转子和包括成像器的主体部分。 系绳连接到机器人的支付装置和飞行模块，用于允许飞行模块在通电时获得升高以便通过成像器进行监视和成像并使飞行模块缩回到机器人上 并在监视后驻留在底盘底座。

公开(公告)号：US20140046504A1

公开(公告)日：2014-02-13

申请号：US13759084

申请日：2013-02-05

Applicant: Gabriel Shachor ,  Shy Cohen ,  Ronen Keidar

Inventor： Gabriel Shachor ,  Shy Cohen ,  Ronen Keidar

IPC: B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/12 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/08 ,  B64C29/04 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64F1/007 ,  B64F1/125

Abstract: An aerial unit, a method and a system are provide, the system includes a ground unit; an aerial unit and a connecting element arranged to connect the ground unit to the aerial unit. The ground unit may include a connecting element manipulator, a ground unit controller for controlling the connecting element manipulator; and a ground unit location sensor arranged to generate ground unit location information indicative of a location of the ground unit. The wherein the aerial unit may include a first propeller, a frame, a first propeller motor, at least one steering element; and an aerial unit location sensor arranged to generate aerial unit location information indicative of a location of the aerial unit. At least one of the ground unit and the aerial unit includes a controller that is arranged to control, at least in response to a relationship between the aerial unit location information and the ground unit location information, at least one of the first propeller motor and the at least one steering element to affect at least one of the location of the aerial unit and an orientation of the aerial unit.

Abstract translation: 提供一种天线单元，方法和系统，该系统包括接地单元; 天线单元和布置成将地面单元连接到天线单元的连接元件。 接地单元可以包括连接元件操纵器，用于控制连接元件操纵器的接地单元控制器; 以及地面单元位置传感器，布置成产生指示地面单元的位置的地面单元位置信息。 其中，所述天线单元可以包括第一螺旋桨，框架，第一螺旋桨电动机，至少一个操纵元件; 以及天线单元位置传感器，布置成产生指示天线单元的位置的天线单元位置信息。 地面单元和天线单元中的至少一个包括控制器，其被布置为至少响应于天线单元位置信息和地面单元位置信息之间的关系来控制第一螺旋桨电动机和 至少一个操纵元件，以影响天线单元的位置和天线单元的定向中的至少一个。

公开(公告)号：US20130313364A1

公开(公告)日：2013-11-28

申请号：US13847583

申请日：2013-03-20

Applicant: Gabriel Shachor ,  Shy Cohen ,  Ronen Keidar

Inventor： Gabriel Shachor ,  Shy Cohen ,  Ronen Keidar

IPC: B64F1/12

CPC classification number: B64F1/12 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C27/08 ,  B64C29/04 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64F1/007 ,  B64F1/125

Abstract: A system that includes a ground unit that includes: a takeoff and landing platform; a landing and takeoff assisting module; and a housing. The takeoff and landing platform is arranged to hold and support an aerial unit during a first part of a landing process of the aerial unit and a first part of takeoff process of the aerial unit. The aerial unit is coupled to the ground unit via a connecting element. The effective length of the connecting element increases during the takeoff process and decreases during the landing process. The landing and takeoff assisting module is coupled to the takeoff and landing platform and is arranged to (a) lower the takeoff and landing platform into the housing during a second part of the landing process and (b) elevate the takeoff and landing platform during a second part of the takeoff process.

Abstract translation: 一种包括地面单元的系统，包括：起降平台; 着陆和起飞辅助模块; 和住房。 起飞和着陆平台布置成在天线单元的着陆过程的第一部分和天线单元的起飞过程的第一部分期间保持和支撑天线单元。 天线单元通过连接元件耦合到接地单元。 连接元件的有效长度在起飞过程中增加，在着陆过程中减小。 着陆和起飞辅助模块耦合到起飞和着陆平台，并且被布置成（a）在着陆过程的第二部分期间将起飞和着陆平台降低到壳体中，并且（b）在起飞和着陆平台期间提升起飞和着陆平台 起飞过程的第二部分。

公开(公告)号：US08109711B2

公开(公告)日：2012-02-07

申请号：US12349868

申请日：2009-01-07

Applicant: Eric Blumer ,  John Thurston ,  Paul Wingett ,  Louie Timothy Gaines ,  Yogendra Yogi Sheoran

Inventor： Eric Blumer ,  John Thurston ,  Paul Wingett ,  Louie Timothy Gaines ,  Yogendra Yogi Sheoran

IPC: F03B15/06 ,  F03B13/00 ,  F03B7/00 ,  F03B17/06 ,  F03D7/00 ,  F03D11/04 ,  F03D9/00 ,  F01D25/28 ,  F01D15/00 ,  F01D15/12 ,  F04D29/60 ,  B63H1/38

CPC classification number: F03D1/00 ,  B64B1/50 ,  B64C31/06 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D7/0204 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/28 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/723 ,  Y10S416/06 ,  Y10T74/19

Abstract: A wind turbine energy conversion device that can take advantage of the higher speed and more persistent winds at higher altitudes is hereinafter disclosed. The wind turbine energy conversion device includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) connected to one end of a tether (which may include multiple shorter tethers), the other end being connected to a terrestrial anchorage point. The UAV flies at altitudes where wind speeds can reach 40 mph or higher. The UAV comprises a flying wing with one or more trailing wind power turbines and flies airborne maneuvers designed to increase relative wind speed up to about four times the true wind speed.

Abstract translation: 以下公开了能够在更高海拔地区利用更高速度和更持久的风的风力涡轮机能量转换装置。 风力涡轮机能量转换装置包括连接到系绳一端的无人驾驶飞行器（UAV），其可以包括多个较短的系绳，另一端连接到陆地锚固点。 无人机在高度达到40英里/小时以上的高空飞行。 无人机包括具有一个或多个尾随风力涡轮机的飞翼，并且飞行空中机动设计，以将相对风速增加到真实风速的大约四倍。