Method and apparatus for retrieving a hovering aircraft
US8672264B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U70/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.