Apparatus and method for launch and retrieval of a hovering aircraft
US9434481B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/31
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for launch and retrieval of a hovering aircraft. Generally, the apparatus of the present disclosure is configured to capture a hovering aircraft between two or more fingers of an aircraft capturer, guide the captured aircraft into a docking station for servicing and/or storage, and launch the aircraft from the docking station. The apparatus of the present disclosure is thus configured to bring the aircraft from an imprecise, irregular hover into a secure and well-controlled rest state. The tolerance of imprecision provided by the apparatus makes it particularly suited for use under a practical conditions such as aboard a small boat in a rough sea.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.