Methods and apparatuses for capturing and recovering unmanned aircraft, including extendable capture devices
US7066430B2 · kind B2 · utility
97Cited by
102References
33Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for capturing and recovering unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be captured at an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to retrieve the aircraft in flight. The boom can be retracted when not in use to reduce the volume it occupies. A tension device coupled to the recovery line can absorb forces associated with the impact of the aircraft and the recovery line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.