Tethered unmanned aerial vehicle
US10065738B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/728
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Tethered unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) includes at least one wing fixed to a fuselage. The wing is comprised of an airfoil shaped body capable of producing lift in response to a flow of air across a major wing surface, and can include at least one flight control surface, such as an aileron. One or more buoyancy cell is disposed within the fuselage for containing a lighter than air gas to provide positive buoyancy for the TUAV when the TUAV is disposed in air. A tether attachment structure facilitates attachment of the TUAV to a tether which is secured to an attachment point for securing the TUAV to the ground when aloft. A wind-powered generator is integrated with the TUAV and configured to generate electric power in response to the flow of air across the least one wing when the TUAV is aloft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.