Connector for harsh environments
US7335067B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32606
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Two embodiments of a connector that can be mated without regard for its orientation are disclosed. One embodiment is mated and demated autonomously as part of a system for recovering, docking with, recharging and re-launching unmanned aerial vehicles. Another embodiment is employed on the decks of vessels to facilitate mating and demating of various equipment providing different functions to reconfigure the vessel. Because both embodiments are configured for connection irrespective of angular orientation over 360°, they are especially suited for harsh environments including autonomous operation, rough seas, darkness and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.