Launching Patents (Class 244/63)
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Patent number: 9868548Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicles take-off system may include at least one winch, at least one towline, at least one dolly on which at least one aircraft is mounted, and at least one battery of the at least one winch. At least one micro-controller unit is connected to the at least one winch, wherein the at least one microcontroller unit is configured to control the activation/deactivation of the at least one winch. An unmanned aerial vehicle take-off method is also disclosed that includes operating the at least one winch by means of at least one microcontroller unit connected to said at least one winch.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Enrique Emilio Serrot Hauke, Eduardo Gabriel Ferreyra, Jose Luis Lemus, Jose Antonio Blanco Del Alamo, Nieves Lapena Rey
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Patent number: 9783322Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to UAV launching systems. The disclosed launching system eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air by providing an electric motor-driven tape that causes movement of a shuttle along a launcher rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems CorporationInventors: Andrew Tully, Dennis Page, Robert Withers, Kenneth Neeld, Richard L. Orner, Jr.
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Patent number: 9776717Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base vehicle, a takeoff and landing system, a rack system, a refueling system associated with the base vehicle, and a controller. The rack system comprises a group of racks with slots in which the slots receive unmanned aerial vehicles, provide refueling connections that facilitate refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots, and provide data connections that facilitate data transmission with the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots. The refueling system refuels an unmanned aerial vehicle located in a slot using a refueling connection in the refueling connections. The controller communicates with the unmanned aerial vehicle using a data connection and control the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles by the refueling system while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in the slot, enabling exchanging data with the unmanned aerial vehicle and the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicle simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Charles B. Spinelli, John Lyle Vian
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Patent number: 9708077Abstract: A method and apparatus for launching unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) includes supporting the unmanned air vehicle on a surface vehicle, such as a dolly cart, for riding along a surface such as ground or water. A towline is connected to the surface vehicle and the towline is pulled to force the unmanned air vehicle in a forward direction at a speed sufficient for take-off. The towline may be pulled by a winch system. In some embodiments the UAV is positioned with a nose down angle on the surface vehicle. The nose down angle permits overspeed of the UAV and cart as it is pulled along the ground, as well as controlled take-off.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Alfredo Criado, Grzegorz M. Kawiecki, Jose L. Lemus Martin, Eduardo G. Ferreyra, Sergio Pereira Mayan
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Patent number: 9688402Abstract: A service unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a flight system, a status component, a navigation system, and a recovery component. The flight system is for flying the service UAV. The status component is configured to determine that a first UAV is disabled. The navigation system is configured to fly the service UAV to a landing location of the first UAV in response to the status component determining that the first UAV is disabled. The recovery component is configured to recover one or more of a payload of the first UAV and a portion of the first UAV.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: ELWHA LLCInventors: Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Hon Wah Chin, William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Tony S. Pan, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Yaroslav A. Urzhumov, Thomas Allan Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 9656765Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a helicopter-mediated system and method for launching and retrieving an aircraft capable of long-distance efficient cruising flight from a small space without the use of a long runway.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Hood Technology CorporationInventors: Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler, Daniel Reiss
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Patent number: 9567107Abstract: A gas gun launcher has a pump tube and a launch tube with a first end of the launch tube slidably inserted into a second end of the pump tube. The pump tube may hold a heat exchanger to heat a light gas used to launch a vehicle. A sliding seal can be employed to manage recoil and to retain the gas within the launch tube and the pump tube. A fast-closing muffler at the second end of the launch tube can conserve the light gas utilized for launching a vehicle, enabling the light gas to be recycled. A launch tube alignment system is preferably automatic, ensuring the survival of the launch vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: QUICKLAUNCH, INC.Inventor: Harry E. Cartland
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Patent number: 9514653Abstract: A service unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a flight system, a status component, a navigation system, and a surveillance component. The flight system is for flying the service UAV. The status component is configured to determine that a first UAV is disabled. The navigation system is configured to fly the service UAV to a landing location of the first UAV in response to the status component determining that the first UAV is disabled. The surveillance component is configured to observe the first UAV and an area surrounding the first UAV.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: ELWHA LLCInventors: Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Hon Wah Chin, William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Tony S. Pan, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Yaroslav A. Urzhumov, Thomas Allan Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 9505493Abstract: A system for facilitating automated landing and takeoff of an autonomous or pilot controlled hovering air vehicle with a cooperative underbody at a stationary or mobile landing place and an automated storage system used in conjunction with the landing and takeoff mechanism that stores and services a plurality of UAVs is described. The system is primarily characterized in that the landing mechanism is settable with 6 axes in roll, pitch, yaw, and x, y and z and becomes aligned with and intercepts the air vehicle in flight and decelerates the vehicle with respect to vehicle's inertial limits. The air vehicle and capture mechanism are provided with a transmitter and receiver to coordinate vehicle priority and distance and angles between landing mechanism and air vehicle. The landing and takeoff system has means of tracking the position and orientation of the UAV in real time. The landing mechanism will be substantially aligned to the base of the air vehicle. With small UAVs, their lifting capacity is limited.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventor: Brandon Borko
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Patent number: 9470477Abstract: An unmanned aerial launch vehicle (UAV) launch apparatus is disclosed that includes a UAV (400) having an exterior surface, an aerial vehicle (AV) tab (510) extending from the exterior surface, a tube (440) containing the UAV (400), the tube (440) including a tab stop (515) configured to controllably hinder travel of the AV tab (510) past the tab stop (515), and a pair of opposing tab guides (700, 705) configured to position the AV tab (510) for travel over the tab stop (515).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.Inventors: Guan H Su, Marcos Henry Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9359075Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a helicopter-mediated system and method for launching and retrieving an aircraft capable of long-distance efficient cruising flight from a small space without the use of a long runway.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Hood Technology CorporationInventors: Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler, Daniel Reiss
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Patent number: 9340301Abstract: Line capture devices for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a line capture device body having a line slot with an open end and a closed end. A retainer is positioned proximate to the line slot and has a rotor with a plurality of rotor arms positioned to extend at least partially across the line slot as the rotor rotates relative to the body. A joint rotatably couples the rotor to the body, and a ratchet device is operably coupled to the rotor to allow the rotor to rotate in a first direction and at least restrict the rotor arm from rotating in a second direction opposite the first. In other embodiments, the retainer can include other arrangements, for example, one or more wire-shaped elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Insitu, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Robert Dickson, Craig Aram Thomasian
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Patent number: 9290278Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into orbit involve placing a space vehicle into a protective container. The protective container is placed on a sled in a maglev tunnel and then launched into the atmosphere. Once the protective container reaches a certain height the space vehicle is released from the protective container and the space vehicle then proceeds to the desired orbital position.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: David G. Dillon
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Patent number: 9211959Abstract: A system for launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from a moving platform, the system including: a platform configured to carry the UAV; one or more sensors configured to measure forces acting between the platform and the UAV in one or more directions; a mooring mechanism configured to moor the UAV to the platform; and a controller configured to: transmit at least one trimming command to the UAV based on measurements of the one or more sensors, and cause the mooring mechanism to release the UAV from the platform following the transmitting of the at least one trimming command, when the measurements of the one or more sensors indicate that a lift force is sufficiently close to a weight of the UAV.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventors: Igor Teller, Pavel Soifer
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Patent number: 9156564Abstract: Systems and methods for ground-based aircraft thrust systems are provided. In particular, some embodiments use an electromechanical thrust assembly to accelerate aircraft using ground-based energy for takeoff. The assembly can include one or more sleds, one or more maglev tracks, and/or one or more linear motors. Airplanes are loaded onto a sled (e.g., a saddle-shaped sled) that supports and balances the airplane instead of the landing gear aboard the aircraft. The sled levitates above the ground using high-density permanent magnet arrays. Magnetic levitation forces are varied along the assembly to account for lift provided by airflow over the wings. An aircraft thrust system includes a magnetically levitated saddle-shaped sled with airbags that support an aircraft during takeoff acceleration coupled with a linear motor that spans the length of the distance needed for takeoff.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: EXHAUSTLESS, INC.Inventor: Steven P. Endres
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Patent number: 9126699Abstract: Presented is a system to launch, carry and recover aerial vehicles with a portal circular synthetic runway formed by a moving pad which is equivalent to flying carpet in the ancient tale. Based on the fact that during the process of takeoff, landing or being carried, an aircraft only needs be supported from limited space directly underneath (or above) it, a pad (or a beam or a cable), which is acting as carriage and moving in unison with an aircraft, can be used to provide the same structural support as what's rendered by conventional runway or transportation vehicle. Circular structure of the synthetic runway makes such a device compact and portable.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Inventors: Eric R Fu, Lillian R Fu
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Patent number: 9108744Abstract: A major portion, if not the whole, of passenger facilities are located underground to reserve a virtually building-free ground level for the most efficient movements of aircraft. A number of pairs of parked positions of aircraft for loading/unloading are arranged in each of a number of rows. Adjacent aircraft face in opposite directions to facilitate loading/unloading from and to a pair of passenger gates located below each pair of such parked positions and to also facilitate forward movement of aircraft to and from such parked positions. The resulting arrangement is compact and allows efficient movement of aircraft to and from runways while also minimizing the distances passengers travel in moving from a terminal to gates and in moving from one gate to another. Loading/unloading ramps are moveable between inactive positions out of the paths of aircraft and active positions for loading and unloading. Two such ramps can be provided for fore and aft loading of one aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Inventor: Arthur S. Takeuchi
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Patent number: 9079671Abstract: Systems and methods for ground-based aircraft thrust systems are provided. In particular, some embodiments use an electromechanical thrust assembly to accelerate aircraft using ground-based energy for takeoff. The assembly can include one or more sleds, one or more maglev tracks, and/or one or more linear motors. Airplanes are loaded onto a sled (e.g., a saddle-shaped sled) that supports and balances the airplane instead of the landing gear aboard the aircraft. The sled levitates above the ground using high-density permanent magnet arrays. Magnetic levitation forces are varied along the assembly to account for lift provided by airflow over the wings. An aircraft thrust system includes a magnetically levitated saddle-shaped sled with airbags that support an aircraft during takeoff acceleration coupled with a linear motor that spans the length of the distance needed for takeoff.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Exhaustless, Inc.Inventor: Steven P. Endres
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Patent number: 9073645Abstract: A system and method for recovering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) uses the fact that many small UAVs can hover in a vertical or near-vertical attitude. An exemplary system includes two or more rollers rotatable about respective axes of rotation, a mechanism to capture a UAV, and a support to which the rollers are mounted in such a way as to place the axes of rotation in parallel in a common plane. When the plane is in a vertical orientation, the capture mechanism is enabled to capture a UAV positioned adjacent the rollers. By hovering the UAV in the vertical position there is no forward velocity or momentum, and hence the craft can more easily be captured and the motor can be shut down without damaging the UAV. Misalignment during recovery is mitigated by cushioning in the rollers and the ability of the capture mechanism to compensate for imperfect alignment.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: John T. Jacobs
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Patent number: 9067691Abstract: A tow vehicle for aircraft comprises a nose gear support assembly that can be raised and lowered relative to the vehicle. The support assembly can comprise a base portion and nose gear support portion pivotal about an upright axis relative to the base portion. Bearings can be positioned inwardly of the periphery of the support portion to support the support portion on the base portion. The bearings can be positioned partially in pockets provided in the base portion and in recesses in the support portion. A torque sensor can be coupled to the base portion and support portion to provide an output signal indicative of the torque between these components. An indicator, such as an alarm, can indicate when the torque exceeds first and second thresholds and can remain on if a second higher threshold is exceeded until, for example, an authorized individual turns off the indicator.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Lektro, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Pugh, Donald C. Morrison
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Publication number: 20150100182Abstract: A method for a fix-wing fighter to take off and land on an ultra-short distance is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for a fighter to take off with an ultra-short distance may include providing a runway on a predetermined height, wherein the runway is shorter than a normal runway; disposing the fighter at said runway; and providing the fighter with an initial speed and the fighter is able to accelerate on said runway; wherein the fighter reaches its takeoff speed (which is smaller than a normal takeoff speed of the fighter) at the end of the runway, and is then accelerated by a combination of the flighter's acceleration and gravitational acceleration until the fighter reaches its normal takeoff speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventor: Shouqin Zhu
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Publication number: 20150060600Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to UAV launching systems. The disclosed launching system eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air by providing an electric motor-driven tape that causes movement of a shuttle along a launcher rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Andrew Tully, Dennis Page, Robert Withers, Kenneth Neeld, Richard L. Orner
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Patent number: 8955791Abstract: A vehicle comprises a first stage supersonic aircraft, and a second stage hypersonic aircraft. The second stage aircraft is in tandem with the first stage aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Smith, Kevin G. Bowcutt
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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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Patent number: 8950698Abstract: A compound rotorcraft including a rotary wing aircraft having a fuselage and at least one rotor and a fixed-wing aircraft coupled to the rotary wing aircraft, wherein the rotary wing aircraft can fly on the rotor or the fixed-wing aircraft, and wherein the fixed-wing aircraft is detachable from the rotary wing aircraft to fly independently.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Glenn T. Rossi
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Patent number: 8950704Abstract: A cold-launch device, including a high-energy gas resource, a gas cylinder, a control valve, a gas-liquid mixing cylinder having a cylinder body, the high-energy gas resource is connected to the gas cylinder whereby supplying energy thereto, and the gas cylinder is connected to an terminal of the gas-liquid mixing cylinder via the control valve and a connecting pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Inventors: Xuanzhe Hu, Zhenhua Hu, Aiwu Hu
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Publication number: 20150008280Abstract: A launch canister for ejection from a submerged launch platform, the launch canister being adapted for ejection in a direction substantially along a first axis of the launch canister and comprising: an enclosure for carrying a UAV; a nose cap releasably located in a launch opening at a forward end of the launch canister; a launch mechanism for driving a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening in a direction substantially along said first axis; and a water surface sensor for detecting when the nose cap of the canister broaches the surface of the water; wherein the launch canister is configured to, on the water surface sensor detecting that the nose cap of the canister has broached the surface of the water, immediately release the nose cap and initiate the launch mechanism to drive a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventor: Thomas William Smoker
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Patent number: 8910905Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a combined shipping container and balloon deployment system for deploying balloons into a balloon network. Such a shipping container may allow one or more balloons to be transported to a desired launch location, and then launched directly from the shipping container.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Richard Wayne DeVaul, Eric Teller, Clifford L. Biffle, Joshua Weaver, Brad Rhodes
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Patent number: 8894006Abstract: A man-portable unmanned aerial system launcher (UAS) launcher includes a rail assembly having an internal track and a carriage assembly having a base configured to translate within the internal track. The carriage assembly also includes a cradle configured to support a UAS and a bracket configured to support the cradle above the base. The UAS launcher includes a launch control system configured to secure the carriage assembly in the launch-ready position until the launch control system receives a launch signal. The UAS launcher also includes one or more elastic members configured to engage the carriage assembly and the rail assembly. Once the carriage assembly is translated to the launch-ready position, strain is applied to the carriage assembly by the one or more elastic members. Release of the carriage assembly enables force generated by strain of the elastic members to propel the carriage assembly toward a launch position.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Wintec Arrowmaker, Inc.Inventors: John Charles Jones, Artem Igorevich Grigoryev, Luis Carlos Espinosa
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Patent number: 8894007Abstract: A canister system for a folding aircraft may include a canister housing and a launch mechanism powered by one or more compression springs. A hand-operated drive mechanism may rotate a plurality of threaded rods to drive the launch mechanism from a released position to a cocked position, in which mechanical energy is stored in the springs. A latch mechanism may capture the launch mechanism in the cocked position. The canister may include a housing for receiving and storing the aircraft when the launch mechanism is in the cocked position. A trigger mechanism may release the latch mechanism, permitting the energy stored in the compressed springs to drive the launch mechanism toward the released position and propel the aircraft from the housing at launch velocity.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Stark Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Andrew McComas, Jon Clark
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Publication number: 20140263851Abstract: Equipment and methods which combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle and the waves-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Publication number: 20140252162Abstract: A system for launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from a moving platform, the system comprising: a platform configured to carry the UAV; one or more sensors configured to measure forces acting between said platform and said UAV in one or more directions; a mooring mechanism configured to moor said UAV to said platform; and a controller configured to: transmit at least one trimming command to said UAV based on measurements of said one or more sensors, and cause said mooring mechanism to release said UAV from said platform following the transmitting of the at least one trimming command, when the measurements of said one or more sensors indicate that a lift force is sufficiently close to a weight of the UAV.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: IGOR TELLER, PAVEL SOIFER
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Publication number: 20140231583Abstract: A device for launching a projectile from the bore of a tube. A launch frame having a longitudinal axis is configured for being received within the bore of the tube with a shuttle assembly configured for urging a projectile alone the tube's longitudinal axis. A shuttle assembly tensioning means is configured to urge the shuttle assembly along the longitudinal axis and a shuttle assembly retention means is configured for the selective retention and release of the shuttle assembly at a predetermined position along the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventor: Itzhak Sapir
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Patent number: 8797761Abstract: An ultra-wideband assembly is provided. The assembly includes a non-conductive tapered core having a conductive wire wound on an outer surface of the non-conductive tapered core, a low-frequency inductor coupled to the non-conductive tapered core via the distal end of the conductive wire and configured to allow mounting of the non-conductive tapered core at an angle with respect to the circuit board. The low frequency inductor is being disposed on a dielectric board configured to be coupled to the circuit board. The assembly includes an ultra-wideband capacitor coupled to the non-conductive tapered core via the proximate end of the conductive wire, the ultra-wideband capacitor being also coupled to the transmission line on the dielectric board.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Inventor: John Mruz
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Publication number: 20140203137Abstract: Systems and methods for ground-based aircraft thrust systems are provided. In particular, some embodiments use an electromechanical thrust assembly to accelerate aircraft using ground-based energy for takeoff. The assembly can include one or more sleds, one or more maglev tracks, and/or one or more linear motors. Airplanes are loaded onto a sled (e.g., a saddle-shaped sled) that supports and balances the airplane instead of the landing gear aboard the aircraft. The sled levitates above the ground using high-density permanent magnet arrays. Magnetic levitation forces are varied along the assembly to account for lift provided by airflow over the wings. An aircraft thrust system includes a magnetically levitated saddle-shaped sled with airbags that support an aircraft during takeoff acceleration coupled with a linear motor that spans the length of the distance needed for takeoff.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: EXHAUSTLESS, INC.Inventor: Steven P. Endres
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Publication number: 20140203136Abstract: Systems and methods for ground-based aircraft thrust systems are provided. In particular, some embodiments use an electromechanical thrust assembly to accelerate aircraft using ground-based energy for takeoff. The assembly can include one or more sleds, one or more maglev tracks, and/or one or more linear motors. Airplanes are loaded onto a sled (e.g., a saddle-shaped sled) that supports and balances the airplane instead of the landing gear aboard the aircraft. The sled levitates above the ground using high-density permanent magnet arrays. Magnetic levitation forces are varied along the assembly to account for lift provided by airflow over the wings. An aircraft thrust system includes a magnetically levitated saddle-shaped sled with airbags that support an aircraft during takeoff acceleration coupled with a linear motor that spans the length of the distance needed for takeoff.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Exhaustless, Inc.Inventor: Steven P. Endres
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Patent number: 8744630Abstract: A system and method of measuring atmospheric parameters in an enclosed space using instrumented objects having measurement sensors. The instrumented objects travel through the space randomly or along defined flight paths. As the instrumented objects travel through the space, the measurement sensors measure atmospheric parameters and store the measurements to a memory. The devices periodically upload the measured atmospheric parameters to a controller circuit. By using self-propelled objects to carry measurement sensors, the system and method disclosed herein allow for periodically sampling atmospheric parameters in the interior of an enclosed space at a number of locations greater than the number of measurement devices employed. With data points taken from various locations within a volume of an enclosed space, the system and method can realize a more efficient utilization of energy by adjusting mechanical controls of an HVAC system or a ventilation system, for example.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Roy Stephen Colby, Mark John Kocher
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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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Patent number: 8740134Abstract: An unmanned aircraft system includes a manned aircraft and an unmanned aircraft. The manned aircraft includes a manned aircraft main wing, a manned aircraft fuselage, a manned aircraft landing system, and a manned aircraft joining mechanism provided at a bottom portion of the manned aircraft fuselage. The unmanned aircraft includes an unmanned aircraft main wing, an unmanned aircraft fuselage, an unmanned aircraft landing system, and an unmanned aircraft joining mechanism provided at a roof portion of the unmanned aircraft fuselage. The manned aircraft joining mechanism and the unmanned aircraft joining mechanism are detachably joined. The unmanned aircraft system can take off or land in a state that the unmanned aircraft and the manned aircraft are joined.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8733695Abstract: A UAV attachment assembly, used with a UAV launch assembly comprising a frame and a launch driver, comprises a base, a UAV support, a biasing element, a coupler, and a retainer. The base is operably coupled to the launch driver. The UAV support is mounted to the base and is placeable in vertically collapsed and vertically extended orientations. The biasing element biases the UAV support towards the collapsed orientation. The coupler releasably couples the UAV support to a UAV when the UAV support is in the extended orientation, the UAV support being free of the UAV when in the collapsed orientation. The retainer maintains the UAV support in the vertically extended orientation prior to launch and releases the UAV support at launch so that the biasing element can cause the UAV support to move towards the collapsed orientation and to disengage from the UAV.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Arcturus UAC LLCInventor: Andrew B. Robinson
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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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Publication number: 20140117153Abstract: Systems and methods to launch an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system to launch an aircraft comprises a launch arm comprising at least one load cell, an aircraft coupled to the launch arm, and a release mechanism in communication with the at least one load cell, wherein the release mechanism releases the aircraft when the at least one load cell indicates that a load on the launch arm is below a predetermined threshold. Other embodiments may be described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventors: James J. Childress, Daniel J. Perron
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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: 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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Publication number: 20140077028Abstract: 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-separatod supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then sides 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 unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Brian T. McGeer, Andreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler
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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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Patent number: 8669504Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle including a controller operating in a search mode of operation where a receiver of an acquisition sensor searches for a target and causes flight control surfaces to guide the vehicle in a downward spiral path, a terminal mode of operation where the acquisition sensor detects a target and causes flight control surfaces to direct the vehicle toward the target, and an activation mode of operation where a trigger sensor detects a target within a predetermined distance to the vehicle and the controller activates a responder.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Gerald Miller, James Stewart
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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: 20140061377Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), specifically to launch, fly and land unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This disclosure describes a system comprised of a UAV, a portable launch pad, a telescoping landing net and an integrated RFID system. This system provides a unique combination of UAV performance and payload capabilities with integrated Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) electronic systems capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions including high winds in remote locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: Donald Earl Smith