Guided parafoil system for delivering lightweight payloads
US6758442B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D17/34
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A guided parafoil system for delivering lightweight payloads provides an accurate, small and low-cost delivery system for small payloads such as chemical sensor packages. The delivery system is adapted to fit along with the payload within a standardized canister. The delivery system includes a parafoil and a guidance control system that includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and an electronic compass to detect a deviation and bearing from a desired target. The parafoil is guided by a single motor that turns the parafoil in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the current direction of travel in response to deviations detected from a desired course. The desired course is initially linear until the system reaches a predetermined horizontal radius from the target and then the course becomes a circular path around and above the target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.