公开(公告)号：US08864069B2

公开(公告)日：2014-10-21

申请号：US14010176

申请日：2013-08-26

Applicant: Advanced Aerospace Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： William R. McDonnell

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64C25/68

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：US20140054423A1

公开(公告)日：2014-02-27

申请号：US13954218

申请日：2013-07-30

Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation

Inventor： Adam John Woodworth ,  James Peverill ,  Greg Vulikh ,  Jeremy Scott Hollman

IPC: B64D27/26 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C1/30 ,  A63H27/001 ,  A63H27/02 ,  B64C15/00 ,  B64C19/00 ,  B64C39/028 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/18 ,  B64C2201/187 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64D1/14 ,  B64D9/00 ,  B64D27/26

Abstract: An aircraft for unmanned aviation is described. The aircraft includes an airframe, a pair of fins attached to a rear portion of the airframe, a pair of dihedral braces attached to a bottom portion of the airframe, a first thrust-vectoring (“T/V”) module and a second T/V module, and an electronics module. The electronics module provides commands to the two T/V modules. The two T/V modules are configured to provide lateral and longitudinal control to the aircraft by directly controlling a thrust vector for each of the pitch, the roll, and the yaw of the aircraft. The use of directly articulated electrical motors as T/V modules enables the aircraft to execute tight-radius turns over a wide range of airspeeds.

公开(公告)号：US20140021288A1

公开(公告)日：2014-01-23

申请号：US13569360

申请日：2012-08-08

Applicant: Andrew Charles ELSON ,  Peter Davison

Inventor： Andrew Charles ELSON ,  Peter Davison

IPC: B64D5/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64D5/00 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/082 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/162 ,  B64C2201/187 ,  B64D2211/00

Abstract: A method of launching a powered unmanned aerial vehicle at an altitude of at least 13,000 m, the method comprising lifting the vehicle by attachment to a lighter-than-air carrier from a substantially ground-level location to an elevated altitude, causing the vehicle to detach from the carrier while the velocity of the vehicle relative to the carrier is substantially zero, the vehicle thereafter decreasing in altitude as it accelerates to a velocity where it is capable of preventing any further descent and can begin independent sustained flight.

Abstract translation: 一种在至少13000米的高度上发射供电的无人驾驶飞行器的方法，该方法包括通过将空载承载装置从基本上地平面的位置附近提升到升高的高度，使得车辆 当车辆相对于承载件的速度基本上为零时，车辆离开载体，然后车辆随着其高度减小到能够防止任何进一步下降并且可以开始独立的持续飞行的速度。

公开(公告)号：US08567718B1

公开(公告)日：2013-10-29

申请号：US13783575

申请日：2013-03-04

Applicant: Advanced Aerospace Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： William Randall McDonnell

IPC: B64C25/68 ,  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：US20130261914A1

公开(公告)日：2013-10-03

申请号：US13538107

申请日：2012-06-29

Applicant: Benjamin T. INGRAM ,  Robert Ussery ,  William M. Yates, III

Inventor： Benjamin T. INGRAM ,  Robert Ussery ,  William M. Yates, III

IPC: G01C21/34 ,  B60W40/04 ,  B60W40/06 ,  B60W10/18

CPC classification number: B64D33/00 ,  B60W20/12 ,  B60W30/143 ,  B60W30/146 ,  B60W30/188 ,  B60W2050/0089 ,  B60W2520/10 ,  B60W2550/12 ,  B60W2550/20 ,  B60W2550/402 ,  B60W2710/083 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/187 ,  B64D27/24 ,  G01C21/3469

Abstract: A control system that makes adjustments, such as limiting the maximum speed or maximum torque in a vehicle, is provided. These adjustments can be based on knowledge about the vehicle and trip, and on the estimated energy remaining. The control system is applicable to a wide range of vehicles, including ground, air, water, and sea vehicles, as well as vehicles powered by battery, electricity, compressed natural gas, or even liquid fuel propulsion systems. The control system may be used to adjust vehicle operation in route to assure the vehicle reaches a destination and to inform or counteract a human vehicle operator. Control system can also be used in racing applications to calculate the fastest-possible race speed and drive torque for a given race length; or alternatively, in endurance racing or delivery applications to optimize the vehicle speed and/or drive torque for a given race length or route.

Abstract translation: 提供了进行调节的控制系统，例如限制车辆中的最大速度或最大扭矩。 这些调整可以基于关于车辆和行程的知识以及剩余的估计能量。 控制系统适用于各种车辆，包括地面，空气，水和海上车辆，以及由电池，电力，压缩天然气或甚至液体燃料推进系统供电的车辆。 控制系统可用于在路线中调整车辆操作，以确保车辆到达目的地并通知或抵消人类车辆操作者。 控制系统也可以用于赛车应用中，以计算给定的赛道长度的最快的赛车速度和驱动扭矩; 或者替代地，在耐力赛车或交付应用中，以针对给定的赛跑长度或路线优化车辆速度和/或驱动扭矩。

公开(公告)号：US08333348B1

公开(公告)日：2012-12-18

申请号：US12705691

申请日：2010-02-15

Applicant: Gerald D. Miller

Inventor： Gerald D. Miller

IPC: B64C23/00

CPC classification number: B64C13/16 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/162 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  Y02T50/44

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a wing tip device for a wing of an air vehicle. The device comprises a tip tail element, a boom element attaching the tip tail element to a wing tip, a hinge element connecting the tip tail element to the boom element, and an actuator element connected to the hinge element. One or more wing load sensors sense wing loads, and a flight control system controls the actuator element. A load alleviation method and system for an air vehicle are also provided.

Abstract translation: 本公开在一个实施例中提供了用于机动车辆的机翼的翼尖装置。 该装置包括尖端尾部元件，将尖端尾部元件附接到翼尖的吊杆元件，将末端尾部元件连接到吊杆元件的铰链元件以及连接到铰链元件的致动器元件。 一个或多个机翼负载传感器感测机翼负载，飞行控制系统控制致动器元件。 还提供了一种用于空中交通工具的负载减轻方法和系统。

公开(公告)号：US08308106B2

公开(公告)日：2012-11-13

申请号：US13200466

申请日：2011-09-23

Applicant: Paul B. MacCready ,  Bart D. Hibbs ,  Robert F. Curtin

Inventor： Paul B. MacCready ,  Bart D. Hibbs ,  Robert F. Curtin

IPC: B64D27/24 ,  B64D27/00

CPC classification number: B64C1/26 ,  B64C3/10 ,  B64C3/14 ,  B64C9/24 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/10 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/086 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/187 ,  B64D27/02 ,  B64D27/24 ,  B64D37/30 ,  B64D2041/005 ,  Y02T50/12 ,  Y02T50/32 ,  Y02T50/44 ,  Y02T50/64 ,  Y02T90/36

Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft, configured to have a wide range of flight speeds, consuming low levels of power for an extended period of time, while supporting a communications platform with an unobstructed downward-looking view. The aircraft includes an extendable slat at the leading edge of the wing, and a reflexed trailing edge. The aircraft comprises a flying wing extending laterally between two ends and a center point. The wing is swept and has a relatively constant chord. The aircraft also includes a power module configured to provide power via a fuel cell. The fuel cell stores liquid hydrogen as fuel, but uses gaseous hydrogen in the fuel cell. A fuel tank heater is used to control the boil-rate of the fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel cell compresses ambient air for an oxidizer, and operates with the fuel and oxidizer at pressures below one atmosphere.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种被配置为具有宽范围的飞行速度的飞机，在延长的时间段内消耗低水平的功率，同时以无阻碍的向下观看的方式支持通信平台。 飞机在翼的前缘包括可延伸的板条，以及反射的后缘。 飞机包括在两端之间横向延伸的飞翼和中心点。 机翼被扫掠并具有相对恒定的和弦。 该飞机还包括被配置为经由燃料电池提供电力的功率模块。 燃料电池将液态氢作为燃料储存，而在燃料电池中使用气态氢。 燃料箱加热器用于控制燃料箱中的燃料的沸腾率。 燃料电池压缩氧化剂的环境空气，并在低于一个大气压的燃料和氧化剂下操作。

公开(公告)号：US20120234968A1

公开(公告)日：2012-09-20

申请号：US13442544

申请日：2012-04-09

Applicant: FRICK A. SMITH

Inventor： FRICK A. SMITH

IPC: B64C29/00 ,  B64C5/04 ,  B64D35/04

CPC classification number: B64C29/0033 ,  B64C1/1415 ,  B64C1/1476 ,  B64C27/22 ,  B64C27/26 ,  B64C27/28 ,  B64C27/52 ,  B64C27/82 ,  B64C29/00 ,  B64C29/0016 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/04 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/10 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/162 ,  B64D17/24 ,  B64D17/34 ,  B64D17/62 ,  B64D17/64 ,  B64D17/80 ,  B64D27/02 ,  B64D31/00 ,  B64D35/04

Abstract: An aircraft may have a fuselage, a left wing extending from the fuselage, a right wing extending from the fuselage, a tail section extending from a rear portion of the fuselage, and a first engine and a second engine operably connected by a common driveshaft, wherein the first and second engines are configured for freewheeling such that if one of the first and second engines loses power the other of the first and second engines continues to power the aircraft.

Abstract translation: 飞机可以具有机身，从机身延伸的左翼，从机身延伸的右翼，从机身的后部延伸的尾部，以及通过共同的驱动轴可操作地连接的第一发动机和第二发动机， 其中所述第一和第二发动机被配置为自由转动，使得如果所述第一和第二发动机中的一个发动机失去动力，则所述第一和第二发动机中的另一个继续为所述飞行器供电。

公开(公告)号：US20110108675A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-12

申请号：US12742667

申请日：2009-01-06

Applicant: Miron Tuval

Inventor： Miron Tuval

IPC: B64C3/32 ,  B64C39/08

CPC classification number: B64C3/16 ,  B64C3/32 ,  B64C11/001 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/04 ,  B64C39/066 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/165

Abstract: A wing that includes a lower portion that is located between two curved portions; wherein the lower portion is substantially flat and the two curved portions extend above the lower portion; wherein the wing defines a space that is wider than twice a diameter of a propeller that introduces a quasi-laminar stream if positioned in proximity to the wing and is circulated at a desired speed. The curved portions can be arcuated ends of the wing.

Abstract translation: 机翼，其包括位于两个弯曲部分之间的下部; 其中所述下部基本上是平坦的，并且所述两个弯曲部分在所述下部的上方延伸; 其中所述机翼限定了比推进器的直径大两倍的空间，所述推进器引入准层流，如果定位在机翼附近并以期望的速度循环。 弯曲部分可以是机翼的弧形末端。

公开(公告)号：US07712702B2

公开(公告)日：2010-05-11

申请号：US11603810

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。