公开(公告)号：US07556219B2

公开(公告)日：2009-07-07

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: 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主体的有效载荷盖。 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：US07410124B2

公开(公告)日：2008-08-12

申请号：US10509659

申请日：2004-02-19

Applicant: Stephen W. Miller ,  Matthew T. Velazquez

Inventor： Stephen W. Miller ,  Matthew T. Velazquez

IPC: F41B11/00

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 including a foldable unmanned air vehicle with 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: 一种便携式无人驾驶飞行器和发射系统，包括带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：US20080093501A1

公开(公告)日：2008-04-24

申请号：US11877201

申请日：2007-10-23

Applicant: Stephen Miller ,  Matthew Velazquez

Inventor： Stephen 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 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：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：US07237750B2

公开(公告)日：2007-07-03

申请号：US10976153

申请日：2004-10-29

Applicant: Tien Seng Chiu ,  Jay Willmott

Inventor： Tien Seng Chiu ,  Jay Willmott

IPC: B64C1/00

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：US20070145182A1

公开(公告)日：2007-06-28

申请号：US11304535

申请日：2005-12-16

Applicant: Gregory Page

Inventor： Gregory Page

IPC: B64F1/04

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/082 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  F42B15/36

Abstract: A takeoff assist device for an air vehicle, such as an unmanned air vehicle is provided. The device features an electric motor and is much less complex and lighter than takeoff assist devices heretofore known. A body member is shaped to fit to a portion of the air vehicle. The body member defines a housing in which the majority of the components are housed, including the electric motor, a motor controller, an electrical power source and a main controller. A propeller is attached to a shaft of the electric motor outside of the housing and rotates with a shaft of the electric motor. In addition, there is a latch mechanism that removeably attaches the body member to the host air vehicle for takeoff, and then is controlled to release from the air vehicle after it is airborne at a desired airspeed and altitude. The electric motor-driven takeoff assist device can launch an air vehicle with minimal auxiliary equipment and can be remotely controlled to launch from a site at which a takeoff ready vehicle can be left for extended periods of time.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于空中客车的起飞辅助装置，例如无人机。 该装置具有电动机，并且比迄今为止已知的起飞辅助装置复杂和轻巧。 身体构件被成形为适合于空中车辆的一部分。 主体构件限定了容纳大部分部件的壳体，包括电动马达，马达控制器，电源和主控制器。 螺旋桨安装在外壳外的电动机的轴上，并与电动机的轴一起旋转。 此外，还有一个可将主体部件可移除地连接到主机空中的起飞位置的闩锁机构，然后在空气车辆以期望的空速和高度空气传播后被控制以释放。 电动马达起飞辅助装置可以发射具有最小辅助设备的空中飞行器，并且可以远程控制以从起飞准备好的车辆可以长时间留下的地点发射。

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：US20060175463A1

公开(公告)日：2006-08-10

申请号：US11269395

申请日：2005-11-08

Applicant: Brian McGeer

Inventor： Brian McGeer

IPC: B64F5/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/04 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching, capturing, and storing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be assembled from a container with little or no manual engagement by an operator. The container can include a guide structure to control motion of the aircraft components. The aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to capture the aircraft in flight. The aircraft can then be returned to its launch platform, disassembled, and stored in the container, again with little or no direct manual contact between the operator and the aircraft.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于发射，捕获和存储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，飞行器可以由操作者很少或没有手动接合的容器组装。 容器可以包括用于控制飞机部件的运动的引导结构。 飞机可以从包括可伸缩吊杆的装置发射。 可以扩展繁荣部署一个恢复线，以便在飞行中捕获飞机。 飞机然后可以返回到其发射平台，拆卸并存储在容器中，再次与操作员和飞机之间的很少或没有直接的手动接触。