Aerial platform powered via an optical transmission element
US9800091B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J2310/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aerial platform receives power in the form of light, for example laser light, transmitted via an optical fiber from a remote optical power source. The platform comprises a receiver which converts at least a portion of the light to a different form of power, for example electric power. The platform also comprises a propulsion element which consumes the different form of power to generate propulsive thrust. Supplying power to the aerial platform from a remote source enables the platform to remain aloft longer than a battery or fuel tank carried by the platform would allow. Transmitting the power in the form of light is preferable in many cases to transmitting electric power, because electrical conductors are generally heavier than optical fibers, and are hazardous in the presence of lightning or a high-voltage power line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.