Methods and apparatuses for capturing unmanned aircraft and constraining motion of the captured aircraft
US7175135B2 · kind B2 · utility
101Cited by
105References
35Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for capturing and constraining motion of unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles. 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. A trigger mechanism coupled to the recovery line can actuate a hoist device to reduce slack in the recovery line. A tension device coupled to the recovery line can absorb forces associated with the impact of the aircraft on the recovery line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.