Methods and apparatus to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by kites

US11542037B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IN-SITU, INC. · US

Inventors

• Benjamin T. Brown · Parkdale, US
• Alice Fockele · Portland, US
• Kelly A. Comstock · Carson, US
• John R. Wong · Klickitat, US
• Jacob Allen · Bingen, US
• Daniel L. Shaw · Roseville, US
• Jesse D. Kiewit · Bingen, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 9, 2019
• Grant date: Jan 3, 2023
• Expiry date: Feb 13, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U70/93
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by kites are disclosed. An example apparatus to deploy a UAV includes a tether line to support the UAV, a tensioner operatively coupled to the tether line, and a kite operatively coupled to the tether line to support the tether line for deployment of the UAV.