公开(公告)号：US07360741B2

公开(公告)日：2008-04-22

申请号：US11603815

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与飞行器接触的至少一个抓握部分，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：US07165745B2

公开(公告)日：2007-01-23

申请号：US10808725

申请日：2004-03-24

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：US07140575B2

公开(公告)日：2006-11-28

申请号：US10758955

申请日：2004-01-16

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

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

IPC: B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64F1/06 ,  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 launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can belaunched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch axis. 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 fuselage of the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff.

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着发射轴移动的发射台的装置掀起。 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。 随着发射台减速，至少一个把手部分可以与飞机的机身脱离接触，释放飞机起飞。

公开(公告)号：US07121507B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-17

申请号：US10758943

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis ,  Clifford Jackson ,  Brian T. McGeer

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis ,  Clifford Jackson ,  Brian T. McGeer

IPC: B64F1/00

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：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：US08348193B2

公开(公告)日：2013-01-08

申请号：US13540032

申请日：2012-07-02

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

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

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F5/00

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

公开(公告)号：US20100014981A1

公开(公告)日：2010-01-21

申请号：US11756336

申请日：2007-05-31

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

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

IPC: B64C11/20 ,  F01D5/14 ,  F03D11/00

CPC classification number: B63H1/26 ,  B64C27/473 ,  F03D7/0224 ,  F05B2260/74 ,  F05B2260/75 ,  F05B2260/77 ,  Y02E10/723

Abstract: The twist distribution of torsionally-flexible rotor blades is adjusted by exploiting centrifugal effect on inertial torquers affixed at one or more stations along the blade span. Twist is thereby made to vary passively as a function of rotor speed and hub incidence angle. With inertias of appropriate size and location, the twist variation is such that high rotor efficiency is maintained over a wide range of operating conditions. Satisfactory dynamic behavior of the blade, including cyclic-pitch response and flutter resistance, is simultaneously achieved.

Abstract translation: 通过利用沿着叶片跨度固定在一个或多个站的惯性扭矩的离心效应来调节扭转柔性转子叶片的扭转分布。 由此扭转作为转子速度和轮毂入射角的函数而被动地变化。 对于具有适当尺寸和位置的惯性，扭转变化使得在宽范围的操作条件下保持高的转子效率。 同时实现叶片的令人满意的动态行为，包括循环音调响应和颤振电阻。

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：US07954758B2

公开(公告)日：2011-06-07

申请号：US11837878

申请日：2007-08-13

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

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

IPC: B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F5/00

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract translation: 为了检索悬停的飞行器，电缆，杆或类似的固定装置悬挂在两个分离好的支撑件之间的取回区域的大致水平的方向上。 飞机慢慢地飞入这个固定装置，然后沿着与飞机的推力线大致平行的方向沿飞机滑动。 这导致飞行器通过拦截器或飞行器捕获器被固定到固定装置，在替代实施例中飞行器或飞机捕获器分别在飞机或夹具上或两者上。 然后减小推力，飞机从固定装置上休息，以便随后拆卸。 因此，在飞机上使用简单经济的装置，轻便和不引人注意的元件来实现检索，损坏风险低，而且只有适度的驾驶准确性。

公开(公告)号：US07857598B2

公开(公告)日：2010-12-28

申请号：US11756336

申请日：2007-05-31

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

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

IPC: B64C11/34

CPC classification number: B63H1/26 ,  B64C27/473 ,  F03D7/0224 ,  F05B2260/74 ,  F05B2260/75 ,  F05B2260/77 ,  Y02E10/723

Abstract: The twist distribution of torsionally-flexible rotor blades is adjusted by exploiting centrifugal effect on inertial torquers affixed at one or more stations along the blade span. Twist is thereby made to vary passively as a function of rotor speed and hub incidence angle. With inertias of appropriate size and location, the twist variation is such that high rotor efficiency is maintained over a wide range of operating conditions. Satisfactory dynamic behavior of the blade, including cyclic-pitch response and flutter resistance, is simultaneously achieved.

Abstract translation: 通过利用沿着叶片跨度固定在一个或多个站的惯性扭矩的离心效应来调节扭转柔性转子叶片的扭转分布。 由此扭转作为转子速度和轮毂入射角的函数而被动地变化。 对于具有适当尺寸和位置的惯性，扭转变化使得在宽范围的操作条件下保持高的转子效率。 同时实现叶片的令人满意的动态行为，包括循环音调响应和颤振电阻。