公开(公告)号：US20150183517A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-02

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 ,  F03D9/00 ,  F03D11/04 ,  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 may involve operating an aerial vehicle to travel along a first closed path on a tether sphere while oriented in a crosswind-flight orientation. A tether may be connected to the aerial vehicle on a first end and may be connected to a ground station on a second end. Further, the tether sphere may have a radius corresponding to a length of the tether. The method may further involve 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 may involve 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.

公开(公告)号：US20150158586A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-11

申请号：US14620194

申请日：2015-02-12

Applicant: Google Inc.

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

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  F03D11/04 ,  B64F3/00

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：US09010693B1

公开(公告)日：2015-04-21

申请号：US13463516

申请日：2012-05-03

Applicant: James Emmett Dee Barbieri

Inventor： James Emmett Dee Barbieri

IPC: B64C3/56 ,  B64C3/54

CPC classification number: B64C3/54 ,  B64C3/56 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/203 ,  Y02T50/14

Abstract: A collapsible wing, methods of producing the collapsible wing, and an unmanned aircraft system that includes the collapsible wing are provided.

Abstract translation: 提供了可折叠机翼，生产可折叠机翼的方法以及包括可折叠机翼的无人飞行器系统。

公开(公告)号：US09010678B1

公开(公告)日：2015-04-21

申请号：US13786299

申请日：2013-03-05

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Nathan Hiller

IPC: B60F5/02

CPC classification number: B60F5/02 ,  B64C37/00 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/082 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/126 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64C2201/206

Abstract: A vehicle which is adaptable for both flight and water travel includes: a body; a wing, a stabilizer, or a first propelling member; and at least one attachment member. The body is configured to fly through air and to move through water. The at least one attachment member attaches the wing, the stabilizer, or the first propelling member to the body while the body is in flight. The at least one attachment member detaches at least a portion of the wing, at least a portion of the stabilizer, or at least a portion of the first propelling member from the body when the body is in the water.

Abstract translation: 适用于飞行和水上旅行的车辆包括：身体; 翼，稳定器或第一推进构件; 和至少一个附接构件。 身体被配置为飞过空气并移动通过水。 当身体飞行时，至少一个附接构件将翼，稳定器或第一推进构件附接到身体。 当身体在水中时，至少一个附接构件将至少一部分翼，至少一部分稳定器，或至少一部分第一推进构件与身体分开。

公开(公告)号：US20150102154A1

公开(公告)日：2015-04-16

申请号：US14054613

申请日：2013-10-15

Applicant: Elwha LLC

Inventor： William D. Duncan ,  Roderick A. Hyde ,  Jordin T. Kare ,  Stephen L. Malaska ,  Nathan P. Myhrvold ,  Robert C. Petroski ,  Thomas Allan Weaver ,  Lowell L. Wood, JR.

IPC: B64F1/00 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64D9/00 ,  B64C39/00 ,  B64D37/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/046 ,  B64C2201/063 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64F1/00 ,  G05D1/0094

Abstract: A motor vehicle system includes a motor vehicle including an aircraft landing portion, and an actively propelled unmanned aircraft configured to be supported on the aircraft landing portion. The vehicle and aircraft are configured such that the vehicle can provide at least one of fuel and electrical energy to the aircraft while the aircraft is supported on the aircraft landing portion.

Abstract translation: 机动车辆系统包括包括飞行器着陆部分的机动车辆和被配置为被支撑在飞行器着陆部分上的主动推进无人飞行器。 车辆和飞行器构造成使得当飞行器被支撑在飞行器着陆部分上时，车辆能够向飞机提供燃料和电能中的至少一种。

公开(公告)号：US20150076289A1

公开(公告)日：2015-03-19

申请号：US14144545

申请日：2013-12-30

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Erik Christopher Chubb ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C13/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A method may involve operating an aerial vehicle in a hover-flight orientation. The aerial vehicle may be connected to a tether that defines a tether sphere having a radius based on a length of the tether, and the tether may be connected to a ground station. The method may involve positioning the aerial vehicle at a first location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The method may involve transitioning the aerial vehicle from the hover-flight orientation to a forward-flight orientation, such that the aerial vehicle moves from the tether sphere. And the method may involve operating the aerial vehicle in the forward-flight orientation to ascend at an angle of ascent to a second location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The first and second locations may be substantially downwind of the ground station.

Abstract translation: 一种方法可以包括以悬停飞行方向操作飞行器。 航空器可以连接到限定了基于系绳的长度的半径的系绳球的系绳，并且系绳可以连接到地面站。 该方法可以包括将飞行器定位在基本上在系绳球上的第一位置。 该方法可以包括将空中飞行器从悬停飞行方向转换到前向飞行方向，使得空中飞行器从系绳球移动。 并且该方法可以涉及以前向飞行方向操作飞行器，以升高的角度上升到基本上在系绳球上的第二位置。 第一和第二位置可以是地面站的大致顺风向。

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：US08957303B2

公开(公告)日：2015-02-17

申请号：US13286202

申请日：2011-10-31

Applicant: Robert Erik Grip ,  Blaine Knight Rawdon ,  Tab Hunter Crooks ,  Michael F. Stoia

Inventor： Robert Erik Grip ,  Blaine Knight Rawdon ,  Tab Hunter Crooks ,  Michael F. Stoia

IPC: F24J2/46 ,  H01L31/042

CPC classification number: H01L31/0422 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64D2211/00 ,  H01L31/042 ,  H02S10/40 ,  H02S20/00 ,  Y02B10/20 ,  Y02E10/50

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a strain isolation layer assembly. The assembly has a rigid solar layer; a strain isolation layer having a discontinuous configuration, a vertical rigidity, and a horizontal shear flexibility; and an underlying substrate layer. The strain isolation layer is coupled between the rigid solar layer and the underlying substrate layer to form a strain isolation layer assembly, such that the strain isolation layer isolates the rigid solar layer to reduce one or more strains induced on the rigid solar layer.

Abstract translation: 在本公开的一个实施例中，提供了应变隔离层组件。 该组件具有刚性的太阳能层; 具有不连续构型，垂直刚性和水平剪切挠度的应变隔离层; 和底层基底层。 应变隔离层耦合在刚性太阳能层和下面的基底层之间以形成应变隔离层组件，使得应变隔离层隔离刚性太阳能层以减少在刚性太阳能层上诱发的一种或多种应变。

公开(公告)号：US20150041598A1

公开(公告)日：2015-02-12

申请号：US14124993

申请日：2012-06-09

Applicant: Thomas J. Nugent ,  David Bashford ,  Jordin T. Kare ,  David James Bashford

Inventor： Thomas J. Nugent ,  David Bashford ,  Jordin T. Kare ,  David James Bashford

IPC: B64D27/02 ,  B64D37/00 ,  H02J17/00

CPC classification number: H02J50/30 ,  B64B1/50 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/022 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/06 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  H02J7/025 ,  H02J17/00 ,  H02J50/40 ,  H04B10/807

Abstract: An aerial platform receives power in the form of light, for example laser light, transmitted via an optical fiber from a remote optical power source. The platform comprises a receiver which converts at least a portion of the light to a different form of power, for example electric power. The platform also comprises a propulsion element which consumes the different form of power to generate propulsive thrust. Supplying power to the aerial platform from a remote source enables the platform to remain aloft longer than a battery or fuel tank carried by the platform would allow. Transmitting the power in the form of light is preferable in many cases to transmitting electric power, because electrical conductors are generally heavier than optical fibers, and are hazardous in the presence of lightning or a high-voltage power line.

Abstract translation: 空中平台通过光纤从远程光功率源接收以光的形式（例如激光）的功率。 平台包括将至少一部分光转换成不同形式的功率（例如电力）的接收器。 该平台还包括消耗不同形式的动力以产生推进推力的推进元件。 从远程电源向空中平台供电可使平台比平台承载的电池或燃料箱更长时间保持高度。 由于电导体通常比光纤重，所以在许多情况下以光的形式发射功率在传输电力方面是优选的，并且在存在雷电或高压电力线的情况下是危险的。

公开(公告)号：US08936212B1

公开(公告)日：2015-01-20

申请号：US12861986

申请日：2010-08-24

Applicant: Qiang Fu ,  Xu Zhang

Inventor： Qiang Fu ,  Xu Zhang

IPC: B64C15/12

CPC classification number: B64C37/02 ,  B64C3/56 ,  B64C29/0033 ,  B64C37/00 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  Y02T50/14

Abstract: System and method to construct vertical and/or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aerial vehicles capable of being folded into compact size, and capable of be combined with one or more such vehicles to form bigger composite aerial vehicles. Airframe of the vehicle comprises a plurality of wings on lateral or periphery of thrust generators, wherein arrangements of wings make it possible to optionally fold wings without moving thrust generators. Folding transforms such vehicles into ground vehicles which can share roads and house parking lots with conventional ground vehicles. Therefore such vehicles can be used as V/STOL flying cars. Means are provided for attaching to and detaching from one or more similarly equipped vehicles in flight or before takeoff, so that multiple vehicles can form a large composite vehicle. Compactness, combinability and V/STOL capability enable versatile applications.

Abstract translation: 构建能够折叠成紧凑尺寸的垂直和/或短起飞（V / STOL）飞行器的系统和方法，并且能够与一个或多个这样的车辆组合以形成更大的复合飞行器。 车辆的机身包括在推力发生器的侧面或周边上的多个翼，其中翼的布置使得可以可选地折叠翼而不移动推力发生器。 折叠将这种车辆转换成可与常规地面车辆共享道路和房屋停车场的地面车辆。 因此，这种车辆可以用作V / STOL飞行车。 提供了用于在飞行中或起飞之前附接和分离一个或多个类似装备的车辆的装置，使得多个车辆可以形成大型复合车辆。 紧凑性，组合性和V / STOL功能可实现多种应用。