Launch and/or recovery for unmanned aircraft and/or other payloads, including via parachute-assist, and associated systems and methods
US11142339B2 · kind B2 · utility
9Cited by
213References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U70/83
- 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.