公开(公告)号：US07584925B2

公开(公告)日：2009-09-08

申请号：US11877201

申请日：2007-10-23

Applicant: Stephen W. Miller ,  Matthew Velazquez

Inventor： Stephen W. Miller ,  Matthew Velazquez

IPC: B64C3/56 ,  B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/203 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: A portable unmanned air vehicle and launcher system that includes a foldable unmanned air vehicle having a pressure tube; a launch gas reservoir for holding launch gas; a launch tube operatively connected to the launch gas reservoir and having a free end that is positioned in the pressure tube of the air vehicle; a free piston positioned within the launch tube; and a free piston stop to prevent the free piston from leaving the launch tube. A first portion of the launch gas in the launch gas reservoir is released into the launch tube and forces the free piston from an initial position to an end position at which the free piston is stopped by the free piston stop.

Abstract translation: 一种便携式无人机和发射系统，包括具有压力管的可折叠无人机; 用于发射气体的发射气藏; 操作地连接到发射气体储存器并具有位于空中载体的压力管中的自由端的发射管; 位于发射管内的自由活塞; 和自由活塞止挡件，以防止自由活塞离开发射管。 发射气体储存器中的发射气体的第一部分被释放到发射管中，并且将自由活塞从初始位置推动到自由活塞由自由活塞停止的终止位置。

公开(公告)号：US20090134273A1

公开(公告)日：2009-05-28

申请号：US11064287

申请日：2005-02-22

Applicant: Mark A. Page ,  Doug McLarty ,  Adrian Fazio ,  Christian Durand ,  Bob Emerick

Inventor： Mark A. Page ,  Doug McLarty ,  Adrian Fazio ,  Christian Durand ,  Bob Emerick

IPC: B64C1/00 ,  B28B5/00 ,  B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/082 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided, that is cost effective to use and manufacture and that includes a low count of component parts, allowing mission planners to use the UAVs in a disposable manner. The UAV includes an airframe having a central body and wings extending from the central body, defining an interior cavity. The airframe includes an upper and a lower shell, each configured of a unitary piece of plastic. The upper and lower shells have walls among them that define a fuel tank and a payload bay in a stacked configuration. The airframe can further include a payload cover configured to enclose the payload bay and to contribute to the central body of the airframe. A launch assembly is also provided. In a first configuration, a launch assembly is provided, that includes a container for housing multiple UAVs and a deployment mechanism that initiates rapid ejection of the UAVs from the container. In a second configuration, a launch assembly is provided, that includes an elastic tether connecting a UAV to an accelerated mass for gentle acceleration to flight speed under a stable tow.

Abstract translation: 提供无人驾驶飞行器（UAV），使用和制造具有成本效益，并且包括低数量的部件，允许任务规划人员以一次性方式使用无人机。 无人机包括具有中心体的机身和从中心体延伸的翼，限定内腔。 机身包括一个上部和下部壳体，每个都由整体塑料构成。 上壳体和下壳体之间具有限定了堆叠构造的燃料箱和有效载荷的壁。 机身还可以包括配置成包围有效载荷舱并有助于机身的中心体的有效载荷盖。 还提供发射组件。 在第一配置中，提供了一种发射组件，其包括用于容纳多个UAV的容器和启动无人机从容器的快速喷射的展开机构。 在第二构造中，提供了一种发射组件，其包括将UAV连接到加速质量块的弹性系绳，以在稳定的丝束下平缓加速到飞行速度。

公开(公告)号：US20080210818A1

公开(公告)日：2008-09-04

申请号：US11822278

申请日：2007-07-03

Applicant: Tien-Seng Chiu ,  Jay Willmott ,  Kirk Jenkins

Inventor： Tien-Seng Chiu ,  Jay Willmott ,  Kirk Jenkins

IPC: B64C1/00 ,  B64C1/10 ,  A45C5/00

CPC classification number: B64C1/00 ,  A45C5/00 ,  A45C13/02 ,  B64C1/30 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/126 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/187 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/203

Abstract: A modular unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a fuselage, a nose cone, a left wing piece, a right wing piece, and a tail section. The tail section and nose cone each join to the fuselage through mating bulkhead structures that provide quick connection capability while being readily separated so as to enable the UAV to break apart at these connection points and thereby absorb or dissipate impact upon landing. The UAV is capable of rapid assembly in the field for two-man launch and data retrieval, as well as quick disassembly into these five component parts for transport and storage in a highly compact transport case that can be carried as a backpack.

Abstract translation: 具有机身，鼻锥，左翼片，右翼片和尾部的模块化无人驾驶飞行器（UAV）。 尾部和鼻锥每个通过配合的隔板结构连接到机身，提供快速的连接能力，同时易于分离，以便使UAV在这些连接点处分裂，从而吸收或消散着陆时的冲击。 无人机能够在现场快速组装两人发射和数据检索，以及快速拆卸到这五个部件中，用于运输和存储，可以作为背包携带的高度紧凑的运输箱。

公开(公告)号：US07143974B2

公开(公告)日：2006-12-05

申请号：US10813906

申请日：2004-03-31

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

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

IPC: B64F1/06

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/084

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cable launching airborne devices (e.g., unmanned aircraft) are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated structure, e.g., a tower, boom or derrick. At least one flexible elongated member (e.g., a cable or rope) can be attached toward one end to the structure and toward another end to the ground or another structure to form an elongated launch path. A cradle, which can carry the airborne device, can also be movably attached to the flexible elongated member and can be accelerated along the launch path. As the cradle decelerates, the aircraft can be released into flight.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于电缆发射机载装置（例如，无人飞行器）的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，装置包括细长结构，例如塔架，起重臂或井架。 至少一个柔性细长构件（例如，电缆或绳索）可以朝向结构的一端并且朝向地面或另一结构的另一端附接以形成细长的发射路径。 可以携带机载装置的托架也可以可移动地附接到柔性细长构件并且可以沿着发射路径被加速。 当支架减速时，飞机可以释放飞行。

公开(公告)号：US07097137B2

公开(公告)日：2006-08-29

申请号：US10754251

申请日：2004-01-09

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：US07097136B2

公开(公告)日：2006-08-29

申请号：US10823434

申请日：2004-04-13

Applicant: Robert A. Ruszkowski, Jr.

Inventor： Robert A. Ruszkowski, Jr.

IPC: B64C35/00

CPC classification number: B64C1/062 ,  B63G8/28 ,  B63G8/30 ,  B63G13/00 ,  B64C35/00 ,  B64C37/00 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2001/0045 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/121 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  F41F3/07 ,  F42B15/20

Abstract: A sea-launched and recovered unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The aircraft is jet-powered and has features and systems to maintain watertight integrity such that it may be released from a submerged submarine or dropped into a body of water by a ship or an aircraft. The aircraft is buoyant and remains at or near the water surface before its rockets are ignited. The rockets propel the air vehicle out of the sea and accelerate it to flying speed at which time a jet engine is started and the rockets are jettisoned. The air vehicle performs its mission independently or in conjunction with other ones of the air vehicles. The air vehicle then returns to an assigned splashdown point at sea via, for example, an engine-off “whip-stall” maneuver. A submarine or ship may retrieve the air vehicle and readies it for another mission.

Abstract translation: 披露了一架海上发射和回收的无人机。 飞机是喷气式动力的，并具有保持水密完整性的特征和系统，使得其可以从潜水艇释放或由船或飞机落入水体。 这架飞机是浮力的，并且在其火箭点火之前保持在水面或附近。 火箭将空中车辆推出海面，并将其加速到飞行速度，此时起飞喷气发动机，火箭被抛弃。 机动车辆独立地或与其他机动车辆一起执行任务。 然后，空中飞行器通过例如发动机关闭“鞭炮”操纵返回到海上指定的飞溅点。 潜艇或船只可以检索空中飞行器并准备进行另一个飞行任务。

公开(公告)号：US07059564B2

公开(公告)日：2006-06-13

申请号：US10758940

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis

IPC: B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/06 ,  B63B27/26 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64F1/04

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capturing and recovering unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be captured by a recovery line in flight, a process that can be aided by a line capture device having a retainer with two portions spaced apart by a distance great enough to receive the recovery line, e.g., to capture the recovery line with increased security. The line capture device can be operatively mounted on a lifting surface of the aircraft.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于捕获和恢复无人驾驶飞机和其他飞行装置或射弹的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，飞行器可以由飞行中的恢复线捕获，该过程可以由具有保持器的线捕获装置辅助，该保持器具有两个间隔开足够大的距离以接收恢复线，例如捕获 恢复线增加了安全性。 线捕获装置可以可操作地安装在飞行器的提升表面上。

公开(公告)号：US20050274845A1

公开(公告)日：2005-12-15

申请号：US10509659

申请日：2004-02-19

Applicant: Stephen Miller ,  Matthew Velazquez

Inventor： Stephen Miller ,  Matthew Velazquez

IPC: B64B20060101 ,  B64B1/00 ,  B64C3/56 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/06

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/203 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: A portable unmanned air vehicle and launcher system is provided that includes a foldable unmanned air vehicle having a pressure tube; a launch gas reservoir for holding launch gas; a launch tube operatively connected to the launch gas reservoir and having a free end that is positioned in the pressure tube of the air vehicle; a free piston positioned within the launch tube; and a free piston stop to prevent the free piston from leaving the launch tube. A first portion of the launch gas in the launch gas reservoir is released into the launch tube and forces the free piston from an initial position to an end position at which the free piston is stopped by the free piston stop.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种便携式无人驾驶飞行器和发射系统，其包括具有压力管的可折叠无人驾驶飞行器; 用于发射气体的发射气藏; 操作地连接到发射气体储存器并具有位于空中载体的压力管中的自由端的发射管; 位于发射管内的自由活塞; 和自由活塞止挡件，以防止自由活塞离开发射管。 发射气体储存器中的发射气体的第一部分被释放到发射管中，并且将自由活塞从初始位置推动到自由活塞由自由活塞停止的终止位置。

公开(公告)号：US20050230536A1

公开(公告)日：2005-10-20

申请号：US10758943

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian Dennis ,  Clifford Jackson ,  Brian McGeer

Inventor： Brian Dennis ,  Clifford Jackson ,  Brian McGeer

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/06

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capturing, recovering, disassembling, and storing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to capture the aircraft in flight, a process that can be aided by a line capture device having retainers in accordance with further aspects of the invention. The aircraft can then be returned to its launch platform, disassembled, and stored, again with little or no direct manual contact between the operator and the aircraft, for example, by capturing a first wing of the aircraft and securing a second wing before releasing the first.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于捕获，恢复，拆卸和存储无人驾驶飞机和其他飞行装置或射弹的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，吊杆可以被延伸以部署回收线以在飞行中捕获飞行器，这是根据本发明的其它方面能够由具有保持器的线捕获装置辅助的过程。 然后，飞机然后可以返回到其发射平台，拆卸和存储，再次与操作者和飞机之间的很少或没有直接的手动接触，例如通过捕获飞行器的第一翼并且在释放之前固定第二翼 第一。

公开(公告)号：US20050178895A1

公开(公告)日：2005-08-18

申请号：US10808725

申请日：2004-03-24

Applicant: Brian McGeer ,  Andreas von Flotow ,  Cory Roeseler

Inventor： Brian McGeer ,  Andreas von Flotow ,  Cory Roeseler

IPC: B64C3/56 ,  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。