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: 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: 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: 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: Methods and apparatuses for capturing and constraining motion of unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be captured at an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to retrieve the aircraft in flight. A trigger mechanism coupled to the recovery line can actuate a hoist device to reduce slack in the recovery line. A tension device coupled to the recovery line can absorb forces associated with the impact of the aircraft on the recovery line.

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: Methods and apparatuses for cable launching airborne devices (e.g., unmanned aircraft) are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated structure, e.g., a tower, boom or derrick. At least one flexible elongated member (e.g., a cable or rope) can be attached toward one end to the structure and toward another end to the ground or another structure to form an elongated launch path. A cradle, which can carry the airborne device, can also be movably attached to the flexible elongated member and can be accelerated along the launch path. As the cradle decelerates, the aircraft can be released into flight.

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: 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 operates with a wedge action. A launch carriage carrying an unmanned aircraft is positioned on first and second launch members. At least one of the launch members moves relative to the other from a first position to a second position, causing the launch carriage to move from a first launch carriage position to a second launch carriage position. As the launch carriage moves, it accelerates the aircraft and releases the aircraft for takeoff.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cable launching airborne devices (e.g., unmanned aircraft) are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated structure, e.g., a tower, boom or derrick. At least one flexible elongated member (e.g., a cable or rope) can be attached toward one end to the structure and toward another end to the ground or another structure to form an elongated launch path. A cradle, which can carry the airborne device, can also be movably attached to the flexible elongated member and can be accelerated along the launch path. As the cradle decelerates, the aircraft can be released into flight.

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: 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: A passive blade detection sensor exploits the electrically conductive trait of typical turbo machinery components such as fan, compressor and turbine blades. A permanent magnet is placed strategically adjacent to a wire coil to generate a single pulse/antipulse signal when a blade passes in front of the sensor. The electrically conductive blade allows eddy currents to flow briefly as it passes through the magnetic field, the local reluctance is momentarily increased, and the magnetic field is momentarily changed. The coil is sensitive only to the portion of change through its cross section, so that a simple voltage pulse, useful for precise timing of blade passage, is produced. Since the device is only sensitive to fast changes in local conductivity, blades can be detected through non-ferrous barriers such as typical engine case walls.

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 operates with a wedge action. A launch carriage carrying an unmanned aircraft is positioned on first and second launch members. At least one of the launch members moves relative to the other from a first position to a second position, causing the launch carriage to move from a first launch carriage position to a second launch carriage position. As the launch carriage moves, it accelerates the aircraft and releases the aircraft for takeoff.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capturing and constraining motion of unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be captured at an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to retrieve the aircraft in flight. A trigger mechanism coupled to the recovery line can actuate a hoist device to reduce slack in the recovery line. A tension device coupled to the recovery line can absorb forces associated with the impact of the aircraft on the recovery line.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for capturing a flying object (5) are revealed. The apparatus includes a generally linear fixture (2), such as a length of rope; a means for suspending (1) the fixture (2) across the path of the flying object (5); and one or more hooks (19) on the flying object (5). The method involves suspending the fixture (2) such that its orientation includes a component normal to the flying object's line of approach; striking the fixture (2) with the flying object (5), which causes the flying object (5) to rotate and decelerate, while the fixture (2) slides along a surface of the flying object (5) into a hook (19); capturing the fixture (2) in the hook (19); and retrieving the flying object (5) from the fixture (2).

Abstract: The present invention is for an elevated tow device made of a superstructure extending skyward from a towboat, where the superstructure raises an attachment point of a tether above 10 feet from the waterline, where the towboat is 25 feet or less in length, and a tether connecting the towboat to a towed subject. The present invention may further include an aerodynamic surface whose angular position is guided by the tether and which acts to stabilize the towboat as the towed subject applies lateral loads. When the towed subject pulls on the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The towboat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: When it is beneficial for a towing craft, such as a boat, to tow from a point high above its center, an airfoil can be fastened to a tether for improved roll and yaw stability. In the case of a wakeboarder, the upward tow angle afforded by a tall tower improves the wakeboarder's performance, but it causes the towboat to roll excessively when the wakeboarder pulls to the side. An aerodynamic surface can be linked to the tether to safely oppose the rolling moment of the wakeboarder. When the wakeboarder pulls out to the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The boat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for capturing a flying object (5) are revealed. The apparatus includes a generally linear fixture (2), such as a length of rope; a means for suspending (1) the fixture (2) across the path of the flying object (5); and one or more hooks (19) on the flying object (5). The method involves suspending the fixture (2) such that its orientation includes a component normal to the flying object's line of approach; striking the fixture (2) with the flying object (5), which causes the flying object (5) to rotate and decelerate, while the fixture (2) slides along a surface of the flying object (5) into a hook (19); capturing the fixture (2) in the hook (19); and retrieving the flying object (5) from the fixture (2).

Abstract: A realistic study of high-cycle fatigue in turbo-machinery is dependent on a means of reproducing, in an evacuated test facility, the vibration of turbine blades caused by inhomogeneous flow in the engine. An apparatus and method are described which use magnetic eddy currents to generate such vibration. The apparatus makes use of an array of magnets to produce blade vibration of the magnitude and period characteristic for turbo-machines.