Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft
US8714482B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U80/25
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.