Launch and/or recovery for unmanned aircraft and/or other payloads, including via parachute-assist, and associated systems and methods
US11066185B2 · kind B2 · utility
5Cited by
213References
30Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U30/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Launch and/or recovery for unmanned aircraft and/or other payloads, including via parachute-assist, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method for lofting a payload includes directing a lifting device upward, releasing a parachute from the lifting device, with the parachute carrying a pulley and having a flexible line passing around the pulley. The flexible line is connected between a tension device (e.g., a winch) and the payload. The method further includes activating the tension device to reel in the flexible line and accelerate the payload upwardly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.