公开(公告)号：US20150329218A1

公开(公告)日：2015-11-19

申请号：US14518348

申请日：2014-10-20

Applicant: Advanced Aerospace Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： William R. McDonnell ,  Charles H. Baker

IPC: B64F1/10 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D3/00

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：US20150329205A1

公开(公告)日：2015-11-19

申请号：US14792165

申请日：2015-07-06

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Mark Hanna ,  David R. Poling

IPC: B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/082 ,  B64C2201/126 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/206

Abstract: An aircraft system incorporates a first aircraft having a grappling device including a first gripper with a first actuator and a second gripper with a second actuator. The first gripper and the second gripper are movable between an open and a closed position to engage a hooking device and pivot together to change a capture angle. A first controller receives a command and operates the actuators in response to open and close the first and second grippers of the grappling device. The controller also receives a second command and operates the first and second actuators to pivot the grippers and provide grappling at a range of capture angles. A second aircraft, which may be a UAV, incorporates the hooking device. The hooking device includes a ring rotatable from the surface and a third actuator to rotate the ring between a stowed and an extended position.

Abstract translation: 飞行器系统包括具有抓斗装置的第一飞行器，该抓斗装置包括具有第一致动器的第一夹持器和具有第二致动器的第二夹持器。 第一夹持器和第二夹持器可在打开位置和关闭位置之间移动以接合钩挂装置并枢转在一起以改变捕获角度。 响应于打开和关闭抓斗装置的第一和第二夹持器，第一控制器接收命令并操作致动器。 控制器还接收第二命令并且操作第一和第二致动器以枢转夹持器并且在捕获角度范围内提供抓斗。 可能是UAV的第二架飞机结合了挂钩装置。 挂钩装置包括从表面可旋转的环和第三致动器，以在收起和伸出位置之间旋转环。

公开(公告)号：US20150076285A1

公开(公告)日：2015-03-19

申请号：US14028029

申请日：2013-09-16

Applicant: Jose Cruz Chavez, JR.

Inventor： Jose Cruz Chavez, JR.

IPC: B64F1/12

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

Abstract: A retrieval device for an unmanned aircraft. The retrieval device may include a frame that supports a flexible material. The flexible material may form a receptacle portion shaped to receive the unmanned aircraft. The flexible material may absorb at least a portion of the energy exerted by the aircraft landing within the receptacle portion. Wheels may be connected to the frame to further control and absorb energy from the landing.

Abstract translation: 无人机的检索装置。 检索装置可以包括支撑柔性材料的框架。 柔性材料可以形成成形为接收无人驾驶飞行器的接收器部分。 柔性材料可以吸收飞机着陆在容器部分内施加的能量的至少一部分。 轮可以连接到框架以进一步控制和吸收来自着陆的能量。

公开(公告)号：US08955801B2

公开(公告)日：2015-02-17

申请号：US14247807

申请日：2014-04-08

Applicant: Aerovel Corporation

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

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/12 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/06 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F5/00 ,  B64F1/28

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.

Abstract translation: 本公开的各种实施例提供了被配置为自动检索，服务和发射飞行器的装置。 为了进行检索，飞机会丢弃加权电缆，并以相对较低的速度将其拉到设备的宽孔中。 在某些情况下，电缆沿着设备的引导表面被拖入并穿过插槽直到其自由端被捕获。 飞机被锚定到设备上，并且被电缆向下拉到插座中。 接收器的导向面调节飞机上探头的位置和方位，引导探头与设备的对接固定装置配合。 一旦交配，飞机将自动关闭并维修。 当需要时，飞机自动启动并进行测试，准备发射，然后释放到自由飞行中。 因此，通过简单，经济的装置实现完整的地面处理循环。

公开(公告)号：US08783607B2

公开(公告)日：2014-07-22

申请号：US13204456

申请日：2011-08-05

Applicant: Mark Cameron Allen ,  D'Milo Dean Hallerberg ,  Greg P. Timm

Inventor： Mark Cameron Allen ,  D'Milo Dean Hallerberg ,  Greg P. Timm

IPC: B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64F1/025

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recovery system comprises a base and a pneumatic capture net, including a set of upwardly extending, flexible, inflatable tubes, supported by a capture net support assembly. Drag forces are exerted on a UAV by the set of tubes when the UAV flies into them. In some examples the recovery system includes a plurality of decelerators, each decelerator having a supply of a restraint strap, connected to the pneumatic net, which can be pulled from the decelerator upon the application of a sufficient force so that movement of the pneumatic net is resistible by forces exertable by the decelerators on the pneumatic net.

Abstract translation: 无人飞行器（UAV）回收系统包括基座和气动捕获网，其包括由捕获网支撑组件支撑的一组向上延伸的柔性可充气管。 当无人机进入其中时，该组管子对无人机施加拖拉力。 在一些示例中，回收系统包括多个减速器，每个减速器具有连接到气动网的约束带的供应，其可以在施加足够的力时从减速器拉动，使得气动网的移动为 可抵抗由气动网上的减速器施加的力。

公开(公告)号：US08714482B2

公开(公告)日：2014-05-06

申请号：US13901283

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.

Abstract translation: 本公开的各种实施例提供了被配置为自动检索，服务和发射飞行器的装置。 为了进行检索，飞机会丢弃加权电缆，并以相对较低的速度将其拉到设备的宽孔中。 在某些情况下，电缆沿着设备的引导表面被拖入并穿过插槽直到其自由端被捕获。 飞机被锚定到设备上，并且被电缆向下拉到插座中。 接收器的导向面调节飞机上探头的位置和方位，引导探头与设备的对接固定装置配合。 一旦交配，飞机将自动关闭并维修。 当需要时，飞机自动启动并进行测试，准备发射，然后释放到自由飞行中。 因此，通过简单，经济的装置实现完整的地面处理循环。

公开(公告)号：US08708278B2

公开(公告)日：2014-04-29

申请号：US13900191

申请日：2013-05-22

Applicant: Aerovel Corporation

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：US20140091176A1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-03

申请号：US13901283

申请日：2013-05-23

Applicant: Aerovel Corporation

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

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64F5/00 ,  B64F1/12

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：US20130320138A1

公开(公告)日：2013-12-05

申请号：US13483330

申请日：2012-05-30

Applicant: Matthew Robert Dickson ,  Craig Aram Thomasian

Inventor： Matthew Robert Dickson ,  Craig Aram Thomasian

IPC: B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/04

Abstract: Line capture devices for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a line capture device body having a line slot with an open end and a closed end. A retainer is positioned proximate to the line slot and has a rotor with a plurality of rotor arms positioned to extend at least partially across the line slot as the rotor rotates relative to the body. A joint rotatably couples the rotor to the body, and a ratchet device is operably coupled to the rotor to allow the rotor to rotate in a first direction and at least restrict the rotor arm from rotating in a second direction opposite the first. In other embodiments, the retainer can include other arrangements, for example, one or more wire-shaped elements.

公开(公告)号：US08596576B1

公开(公告)日：2013-12-03

申请号：US13743069

申请日：2013-01-16

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.