公开(公告)号：US09290269B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-22

申请号：US13838399

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: CyPhy Works, Inc.

Inventor： Jason S. Walker ,  John W. Ware ,  Samuel A. Johnson ,  Andrew M. Shein

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  H02G11/02 ,  B64F3/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/203 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F3/00 ,  H02G11/02

Abstract: In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.

Abstract translation: 在一个方面，一般来说，卷绕装置包括用于将丝线从卷绕装置展开和缩回到空中飞行器的丝条进给机构，用于感测灯丝离开卷线装置的出口几何形状的出口几何传感器，以及用于 控制进给机构基于出口几何形状来进给和退回长丝。

公开(公告)号：US20160052026A1

公开(公告)日：2016-02-25

申请号：US14463954

申请日：2014-08-20

Applicant: Elwha LLC

Inventor： Hon Wah Chin ,  Bill Gross ,  Roderick A. Hyde ,  Jordin T. Kare ,  Nathan P. Myhrvold ,  Robert C. Petroski ,  Clarence T. Tegreene ,  Lowell L. Wood, JR.

IPC: B08B5/02 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B08B5/02 ,  A47L1/02 ,  B08B1/00 ,  B08B1/002 ,  B08B3/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/14 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  E04G23/00 ,  E04G23/002 ,  H02G1/02

Abstract: Described embodiments include an unmanned aerial vehicle and a method. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an airframe and a rotary wing system coupled with the airframe and configured to aerodynamically lift the vehicle in the air. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a flight controller configured to control a movement of the vehicle while airborne. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a cleansing controller configured to manage a removal of a surface contaminant from a selected portion of a surface of an external object using an airflow generated by the rotary wing system.

公开(公告)号：US09211951B2

公开(公告)日：2015-12-15

申请号：US14102483

申请日：2013-12-10

Applicant: Google Inc.

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

IPC: A63H27/08 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F3/02 ,  H01R39/64 ,  B64F3/00 ,  F03D11/04 ,  F03D5/00

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.

公开(公告)号：US09169013B2

公开(公告)日：2015-10-27

申请号：US14620204

申请日：2015-02-12

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Kenneth Jensen ,  Erik Christopher Chubb ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  F03D5/00 ,  G05D1/10

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D5/06 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  G05D1/101 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/725

Abstract: A method involves operating an aerial vehicle to travel along a first closed path on a tether sphere while oriented in a crosswind-flight orientation. A tether is connected to the aerial vehicle on a first end and is connected to a ground station on a second end. Further, the tether sphere has a radius corresponding to a length of the tether. The method further involves while the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight orientation, operating the aerial vehicle to travel along a second closed path on the tether sphere, such that a speed of the aerial vehicle is reduced. And the method involves after or while the speed of the aerial vehicle is reduced, transitioning the aerial vehicle from traveling along the second closed path while in the crosswind-flight orientation to a hover-flight orientation.

Abstract translation: 一种方法涉及在沿着侧风飞行方向定向的情况下操作空中飞行器沿着系绳球体上的第一封闭路径行进。 系绳在第一端连接到飞行器，并在第二端连接到地面站。 此外，系绳球具有对应于系绳长度的半径。 该方法还涉及当飞行器处于侧风飞行方向时，操作飞行器沿着系绳球上的第二闭合路径行进，使得飞行器的速度降低。 该方法涉及在降低航空器的速度之后或同时降低航空器的速度，使空中飞行器沿着侧风飞行方向沿着第二闭合路径行驶到悬停飞行方位。

公开(公告)号：US20150304869A1

公开(公告)日：2015-10-22

申请号：US14689979

申请日：2015-04-17

Applicant: PC-TEL, Inc.

Inventor： Brandon Johnson ,  James Zik ,  Atsushi Satoh ,  Buchanan Blake ,  Martin H. Singer

IPC: H04W24/08 ,  G05D1/00 ,  G01S19/14

CPC classification number: G05D1/0022 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/121 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  G01C21/20 ,  G01S19/14 ,  G05D1/0011 ,  G05D1/102 ,  G08G5/003 ,  H04W24/08

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for the measurement, collection, and analysis of radio signals are provided. A transport host device, including an unmanned aerial vehicle, can transport a scanning device into desired locations for autonomously collecting radio data for a wireless network, thereby enabling the rapid interrogation and optimization the wireless network, including in locations and spatial areas where previously known systems and methods have been impractical or impossible.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于测量，收集和分析无线电信号的系统，装置和方法。 包括无人驾驶飞行器的传输主机装置可以将扫描设备运送到所需的位置，以便自动地收集无线网络的无线电数据，从而使无线网络能够快速询问和优化无线网络，包括在先前已知的系统 和方法是不切实际或不可能的。

公开(公告)号：US09045218B2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-02

申请号：US13791105

申请日：2013-03-08

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： James J. Childress ,  John J. Viniotis

IPC: B64B1/50 ,  B64C19/00 ,  B60L9/00 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64C39/02

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. The aircraft can disconnect autonomously from the tether in response to a command signal.

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 飞机可以响应于命令信号而自动地从系绳断开。

公开(公告)号：US20150130936A1

公开(公告)日：2015-05-14

申请号：US14535107

申请日：2014-11-06

Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC

Inventor： Tristan Coram ,  Yang Yang ,  Terry R. Wright ,  Pradeep Setlur

IPC: G01N33/00

CPC classification number: G01N33/0098 ,  B64B1/44 ,  B64B1/50 ,  B64B1/66 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F1/12 ,  B64F1/14 ,  F03D5/00 ,  G05D1/00 ,  G05D1/0094 ,  G05D1/0866

Abstract: A system for high temporal and high spatial resolution monitoring of a field of plants is disclosed. Illustratively, the system includes a plurality of ground based reference objects, a balloon adapted to be positioned above the field of plants, and a balloon positioning system coupled to the balloon and configured to position the balloon relative to the field of plants. An imaging system is supported by the balloon and includes a location system, at least one camera, and at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera. The imaging system captures at least one image of the field of plants including the plurality of ground based reference objects in the at least one image.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于植物领域的高时空和高空间分辨率监测的系统。 示例性地，系统包括多个基于地面的参考对象，适于定位在植物区域上方的球囊以及耦合到球囊并被配置为相对于植物领域定位球囊的球囊定位系统。 成像系统由气球支撑并且包括定位系统，至少一个照相机以及被配置为定向至少一个照相机的至少一个万向节。 所述成像系统在所述至少一个图像中捕获包括所述多个基于地面的参考对象的植物区域的至少一个图像。

公开(公告)号：US08931144B2

公开(公告)日：2015-01-13

申请号：US13804984

申请日：2013-03-14

Applicant: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

Inventor： James M. Freeman ,  Roger D. Schmidgall ,  Brian N. Harvey ,  Nathan Lee Tofte

IPC: F16G11/12

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  A63H27/04 ,  A63H30/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F16G11/12 ,  Y10T24/10 ,  Y10T24/31 ,  Y10T29/49826

Abstract: A tethering system for a remote-controlled device includes a tether line having a first end adapted to be connected to a ground support and a second end adapted to be connected to the remote-controlled device. The system further includes an anchor-point disposed between the first and second ends of the tether line, the anchor point having an eyelet for securing the tether line and allowing the tether line to slide through the eyelet during use. The anchor-point and eyelet enable the tether line to flex or bend and the remote-controlled device to maneuver one or more of over or around the target area without interfering with any nearby obstructions.

Abstract translation: 用于遥控设备的系绳系统包括系绳线，其具有适于连接到地面支撑件的第一端和适于连接到遥控设备的第二端。 系统还包括设置在系绳线的第一和第二端之间的锚定点，锚定点具有用于固定系绳的孔眼，并且允许系绳在使用期间通过孔眼滑动。 锚点和孔眼使得系绳弯曲或弯曲，并且远程控制装置在目标区域周围或周围操纵一个或多个，而不会干扰任何附近的障碍物。

公开(公告)号：US08777157B2

公开(公告)日：2014-07-15

申请号：US12610055

申请日：2009-10-30

Applicant: Ronald M. Barrett ,  David N. Borys ,  Alex Gladbach ,  Dustin Grorud ,  Andrew Spalding

Inventor： Ronald M. Barrett ,  David N. Borys ,  Alex Gladbach ,  Dustin Grorud ,  Andrew Spalding

IPC: B64F1/12 ,  B64C27/20 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C27/20 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/028 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/148

Abstract: The design and refinement of a tethered hovering platform into a feasible working system is presented. To determine a starting point for the design, a detailed historical search was conducted to find the history and the current state of such technology. Real world current needs are analyzed to produce a mission specification and to drive the preliminary vehicle design. Analysis of environmental conditions and decisions about an initial payload package are made in conjunction with motor and propeller sizing. Initial concept testing to discover feasibility and operational issues was performed; from this, instability issues were discovered. Analyzing these instability issues using known rotorcraft and momentum effects, in conjunction with flight testing, yields possible solutions to the problem. The use of constrained layer dampers as a means of passive stabilization is addressed and suggested as the preferred solution. Testing of passive constrained layer damping verifies the stability of the solution. The system components and manufacturing cost is presented in comparison to current systems using active stabilization.

Abstract translation: 提出了一种系留盘旋平台进入可行的工作系统的设计和细化。 为了确定设计的起点，进行了详细的历史搜索，以查找这种技术的历史和现状。 分析现实世界当前的需求，制定任务规范并推动初步车辆设计。 环境条件分析和关于初始有效负载包的决定与电机和螺旋桨尺寸一起进行。 进行初步概念测试，以发现可行性和操作问题; 从此，发现了不稳定性问题。 使用已知的旋翼航空器和动量效应分析这些不稳定性问题，结合飞行测试，为问题提供可能的解决方案。 使用约束层阻尼器作为被动稳定的手段被解决并被建议为优选的解决方案。 被动约束层阻尼测试验证了解决方案的稳定性。 与使用主动稳定的当前系统相比，提供了系统组件和制造成本。

公开(公告)号：US20130134254A1

公开(公告)日：2013-05-30

申请号：US13306419

申请日：2011-11-29

Applicant: Jason Moore

Inventor： Jason Moore

IPC: B64C27/00 ,  A62C99/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  A62C29/00 ,  A62C99/00 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64C2201/162 ,  B64D1/16

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to extinguish fires from the air while remaining tethered to the ground via a tether system fashioned to provide the UAV with power and extinguishant. The UAV is preferably electrically powered and is stabilized in the air via a system of gyroscopes fashioned to work in concert with a series of electric motors capable of moving to counteract the opposing recoil force exhibited as water escapes the nozzle of the tether. A command and control unit on the ground supplies the UAV with electricity and water via the tether. The UAV is preferably stored within and launched from the command and control unit. Controls and sensor readings are communicated to a controller—be it autonomous or human—on the ground, preferably within or proximal to the command and control unit.

Abstract translation: 一种无人驾驶飞行器（UAV），旨在扑灭空气中的火焰，同时通过系绳系统将其连接到地面，以提供无人机的动力和灭火。 UAV优选地是电动的，并且通过陀螺仪系统被稳定在空气中，陀螺仪的系统与一系列电动机协同工作，该电动机能够移动以抵消随着水逸出系绳的喷嘴而呈现的相反反冲力。 地面上的指挥和控制单元通过系绳向无人机供电和供水。 UAV优选地存储在命令和控制单元中并从命令和控制单元发射。 控制器和传感器读数传达给控制器（无论是自主的还是人的），优选在指令和控制单元内或近端。