System for water-based launch of an unmanned aerial vehicle
US8091461B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41F7/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system includes a support structure having a compressed air tank therein, a pneumatic launch assembly coupled to the support structure, and an inflatable bladder disposed around at least a portion of a region defined by the support structure and the pneumatic launch assembly. The angle of the pneumatic launch assembly with respect to the support structure is adjustable. The pneumatic launch assembly comprises a launch tube, a compressed air manifold contained within the launch tube and in fluid connection with the compressed air tank, the compressed air manifold having an air outlet, a telescoping guide rod connected to the compressed air manifold, and a shuttle slidably coupled to the telescoping guide rod and at least partially disposed over the air outlet. The system may include a collapsible stabilizing weight coupled to the support structure, as well as communications and control circuitry within the launch tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.