Patents by Inventor Grant Sharp Schlichting

Grant Sharp Schlichting has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Aerial vehicle towing systems and methods
    Patent number: 12134482
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for towing an aircraft mid-flight are disclosed. The apparatuses include a tow line receiver that is configured for releasably mechanically joining to an aircraft connector on an aircraft to be towed. The aerial vehicle towing system includes an aircraft connector on the aircraft to be towed, a tow line receiver, a tow line, and a winch. Several methods are also provided. These include: a method of towing or retrieving an aircraft in flight; a method of recharging an electrically-powered aircraft in flight; methods of towing and refueling aircraft in flight; a method of communicating between a tow aircraft and an aircraft being towed; and combinations of these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Grant Sharp Schlichting