Patents Assigned to Aerovel Corporation
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Patent number: 11319068Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft is provided. The apparatus includes a line which is elevatable while maintaining a principally horizontal axis. For retrieval, the aircraft translates principally spanwise over the line, following a path which is principally horizontal and normal to the line. At an appropriate moment, the line is elevated and contacts the aircraft's wing. As the aircraft continues translating, the line slides along the wing until captured in a cleat. The aircraft is then stably tethered in hover, and its position can be manipulated by articulating the line, such as to guide the aircraft into a docking station. For launch the aircraft lifts itself into hover while tethered to the line. Articulation of the line guides the aircraft into a launch position, at which point the line is disconnected from the cleat, thereby releasing the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Kristoffer Gauksheim, Rutger Engbersen, Andrew Crafts, Michael Baxter
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Patent number: 11305888Abstract: Automated launch and retrieval of a “tail-sitting” VTOL aircraft is accomplished by exploiting the natural stability of hover when restrained in tension by an upwind wing tip. For retrieval, a flexible rod is lifted into contact with the trailing edge of the upwind wing as the aircraft translates downwind overhead. Sliding between the rod and wing leads to interlocking of hooks at the rod end and wing tip, while the aircraft swings into a stable tethered hover downwind of the rod. The rod is then used to pull the aircraft upwind into a fixture for secure parking and servicing. After servicing, the aircraft lifts-off into tethered hover, and power margin for climb is assessed. If the aircraft is judged to have sufficient power safely to proceed, then the interlocking hooks are disengaged, leaving the aircraft to climb away in free flight.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventor: Brian T. McGeer
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Patent number: 10414493Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft is provided. The apparatus includes a line which is elevatable while maintaining a principally horizontal axis. For retrieval, the aircraft translates principally spanwise over the line, following a path which is principally horizontal and normal to the line. At an appropriate moment, the line is elevated and contacts the aircraft's wing. As the aircraft continues translating, the line slides along the wing until captured in a cleat. The aircraft is then stably tethered in hover, and its position can be manipulated by articulating the line, such as to guide the aircraft into a docking station. For launch the aircraft lifts itself into hover while tethered to the line. Articulation of the line guides the aircraft into a launch position, at which point the line is disconnected from the cleat, thereby releasing the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Kristoffer Gauksheim, Rutger Engbersen, Andrew Crafts, Michael Baxter
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Patent number: 10399702Abstract: Automated launch and retrieval of a “tail-sitting” VTOL aircraft is accomplished by exploiting the natural stability of hover when restrained in tension by an upwind wing tip. For retrieval, a flexible rod is lifted into contact with the trailing edge of the upwind wing as the aircraft translates downwind overhead. Sliding between the rod and wing leads to interlocking of hooks at the rod end and wing tip, while the aircraft swings into a stable tethered hover downwind of the rod. The rod is then used to pull the aircraft upwind into a fixture for secure parking and servicing. After servicing, the aircraft lifts-off into tethered hover, and power margin for climb is assessed. If the aircraft is judged to have sufficient power safely to proceed, then the interlocking hooks are disengaged, leaving the aircraft to climb away in free flight.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventor: Brian T. McGeer
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Patent number: 10272999Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tail-sitter aircraft having a leg assembly convertible from landing gear into a rear fuselage and empennage (or a tail assembly) of the aircraft. Generally, the leg assembly includes multiple legs movable from a closed configuration in which the legs form the tail assembly of the tail-sitter aircraft to an open configuration in which the legs form the landing gear of the tail-sitter aircraft (and vice-versa).Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Rutger Engbersen, Brian T. McGeer, Michael Baxter
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Patent number: 9434481Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for launch and retrieval of a hovering aircraft. Generally, the apparatus of the present disclosure is configured to capture a hovering aircraft between two or more fingers of an aircraft capturer, guide the captured aircraft into a docking station for servicing and/or storage, and launch the aircraft from the docking station. The apparatus of the present disclosure is thus configured to bring the aircraft from an imprecise, irregular hover into a secure and well-controlled rest state. The tolerance of imprecision provided by the apparatus makes it particularly suited for use under a practical conditions such as aboard a small boat in a rough sea.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventor: Brian T. McGeer
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Patent number: 9193481Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler
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Patent number: 9004402Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched. In one embodiment, for retrieval, the aircraft drops a tether and pulls the tether at low relative speed into contact with a horizontal guide. The tether is pulled across the guide until the guide is captured b an end effector. The tether length is adjusted as necessary, and the aircraft swings on the guide to hang in an inverted position. Translation of the tether along the guide then brings the aircraft to a docking carriage, in which the aircraft parks for servicing. For launch, the carriage is swung upright, the end effector is released from the guide, and the aircraft thrusts into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle can thus be accomplished automatically with a simple, economical apparatus. It can be used with low risk of damage and requires moderate accuracy in manual or automatic flight control.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian Theodore McGeer, Robert Joseph Heavey, III, Damon Lucas McMillan, John William Stafford
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Patent number: 8955801Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow
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Patent number: 8955800Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for a small vessel. For retrieval, the aircraft hovers over a base apparatus having one or more rails which bound a space into which the aircraft can safely descend. When the aircraft's measured position and velocity are appropriate, the aircraft descends promptly such that a spanwise component on the aircraft engages the rails. The teeth restrain the aircraft in position and orientation, while the rails bring the aircraft to rest. Articulation of the rails is used to park the aircraft in a servicing station. Connections for refueling, recharging, and/or functional checks are made in preparation for launch. Launch is effected by removing connections and restraints and articulating the rails to put the aircraft in an appropriate position and orientation. The aircraft uses its own thrust to climb out of the apparatus into free flight.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Robert S. Coatney
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Publication number: 20140203141Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flowtow, Corydon C. Roeseler
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Publication number: 20140203140Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flowtow
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Patent number: 8740142Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow
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Publication number: 20140124619Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow
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Patent number: 8714482Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow
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Patent number: 8708278Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler
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Patent number: 8708277Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow
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Patent number: 8672264Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. Von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler
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Publication number: 20140061378Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: AEROVEL CORPORATIONInventor: Aerovel Corporation
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Publication number: 20140054415Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched. In one embodiment, for retrieval, the aircraft drops a tether and pulls the tether at low relative speed into contact with a horizontal guide. The tether is pulled across the guide until the guide is captured b an end effector. The tether length is adjusted as necessary, and the aircraft swings on the guide to hang in an inverted position. Translation of the tether along the guide then brings the aircraft to a docking carriage, in which the aircraft parks for servicing. For launch, the carriage is swung upright, the end effector is released from the guide, and the aircraft thrusts into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle can thus be accomplished automatically with a simple, economical apparatus. It can be used with low risk of damage and requires moderate accuracy in manual or automatic flight control.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Aerovel CorporationInventors: Brian Theodore McGeer, Robert Joseph Heavey, III, Damon Lucas McMillan, John William Stafford