公开(公告)号：US20160355259A1

公开(公告)日：2016-12-08

申请号：US15171984

申请日：2016-06-02

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind ,  Gregor Boone Cadman

IPC: B64D1/08 ,  F03D9/32 ,  F03D9/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64D1/08 ,  B64C27/04 ,  B64C31/06 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/10 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64F3/02 ,  F03D9/255 ,  F03D9/32

Abstract: A hardpoint relief pad is described and includes a base surface, a hardpoint overlay, and a first stress relief area. The base surface is configured to conform to and be fixedly attached to an interior surface of an aerial vehicle wing. The hardpoint overlay protrudes above adjacent areas of the hardpoint relief pad and is adapted to conform to a hardpoint. The hardpoint protrudes from the interior surface of the wing and is configured to carry a load fixed to the hardpoint. The hardpoint overlay includes an oculus that is configured to allow the load to be fixed to the hardpoint through the hardpoint overlay. The first stress relief area protrudes above adjacent areas of the hardpoint relief pad and also forms a hollow cavity between the first stress relief area and the interior surface of the wing.

Abstract translation: 描述了一个硬点浮雕垫，它包括一个基面，一个硬点覆盖层和一个第一应力消除区域。 基座表面构造成符合并固定地连接到飞行器机翼的内表面。 硬点覆盖层突出在硬点浮雕垫的相邻区域上方，并且适于符合硬点。 硬点从机翼的内表面突出并且被配置为承载固定到硬点的负载。 硬点覆盖包括一个被配置为允许负载通过硬点覆盖固定到硬点的一个oculus。 第一应力消除区域突出在硬点浮雕垫的相邻区域上方，并且还在第一应力消除区域和机翼的内表面之间形成中空腔。

公开(公告)号：US09429954B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-30

申请号：US14137286

申请日：2013-12-20

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Erik Christopher Chubb ,  Damon Vander Lind ,  Brian Hachtmann

IPC: G05D1/08 ,  B64C17/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: G05D1/0816 ,  B64C17/00 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  G05D1/0866

Abstract: An example method may include receiving data representing an initial position and an initial attitude of an aircraft. The method further includes determining a change to a first attribute and a second attribute of the position or the attitude of the aircraft to achieve a subsequent position and a subsequent attitude. The method also includes determining a priority sequence for changing the first attribute and the second attribute of the position or the attitude of the aircraft based on a first thrust of the actuator to achieve the change to the first attribute and a second thrust of the actuator to achieve the change to the second attribute. The priority sequence is configured to cause changes to the first attribute before causing changes to the second attribute where the actuator is unable to concurrently provide the first thrust and the second thrust.

Abstract translation: 示例性方法可以包括接收表示飞机的初始位置和初始姿态的数据。 该方法还包括确定飞行器的位置或姿态的第一属性和第二属性的改变以实现随后的位置和随后的姿态。 该方法还包括基于致动器的第一推力来确定用于改变飞行器的位置或姿态的第一属性和第二属性的优先顺序，以实现对第一属性的改变，并且致动器的第二推力 实现第二个属性的更改。 优先级序列被配置为在对第二属性进行改变之前引起对第一属性的改变，其中致动器不能同时提供第一推力和第二推力。

公开(公告)号：US09372137B1

公开(公告)日：2016-06-21

申请号：US14066667

申请日：2013-10-29

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Elias Wolfgang Patten ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: G01N3/02 ,  G01N3/04 ,  G01N3/10 ,  G01N3/32 ,  G01N3/08

CPC classification number: G01N3/02 ,  G01N3/04 ,  G01N3/08 ,  G01N3/10 ,  G01N3/32 ,  G01N2203/0005 ,  G01N2203/0016 ,  G01N2203/0017 ,  G01N2203/0254

Abstract: A system includes: a tension member having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the tension member is connected to a first loading member and the second end of the tension member is connected to a second loading member; a first actuator configured to translate the first loading member, such that a tensile load is applied to the tension member along a first direction; a second actuator configured to translate the second loading member in two or more second directions that are substantially transverse to the first direction; and a control system that is configured to control the second actuator, such that the second loading member oscillates between the two or more second directions, where the oscillation of the second loading member causes the tension member to vibrate at a frequency.

Abstract translation: 系统包括：张紧构件，其具有第一端和第二端，其中所述张紧构件的第一端连接到第一加载构件，并且所述张紧构件的第二端连接到第二加载构件; 第一致动器，其构造成平移第一加载构件，使得拉伸载荷沿着第一方向施加到张紧构件; 第二致动器，其构造成在基本上横向于所述第一方向的两个或更多个第二方向上平移所述第二加载构件; 以及控制系统，其被配置为控制所述第二致动器，使得所述第二加载构件在所述两个或更多个第二方向之间振荡，其中所述第二加载构件的振荡使所述张紧构件以频率振动。

公开(公告)号：US09353033B2

公开(公告)日：2016-05-31

申请号：US14485412

申请日：2014-09-12

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind ,  Thomas Van Alsenoy ,  Richard Wayne DeVaul

IPC: F02B63/04 ,  F03G7/08 ,  H02K7/18 ,  C07C29/141 ,  F03D9/00 ,  B63H9/06 ,  B64C31/06 ,  F03D5/00

CPC classification number: F03D9/32 ,  B63H9/0685 ,  B63H2009/0692 ,  B64C27/00 ,  B64C31/06 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64C2201/206 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64D47/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  C07C29/141 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/008 ,  F03D9/11 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D80/80 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  H02K7/1838 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/725 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A vehicle-based airborne wind turbine system having an aerial wing, a plurality of rotors each having a plurality of rotatable blades positioned on the aerial wing, an electrically conductive tether secured to the aerial wing and secured to a ground station positioned on a vehicle, wherein the aerial wing is adapted to receive electrical power from the vehicle that is delivered to the aerial wing through the electrically conductive tether; wherein the aerial wing is adapted to operate in a flying mode to harness wind energy to provide a first pulling force through the tether to pull the vehicle; and wherein the aerial wing is also adapted to operate in a powered flying mode wherein the rotors may be powered so that the turbine blades serve as thrust-generating propellers to provide a second pulling force through the tether to pull the vehicle.

公开(公告)号：US09329096B1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-03

申请号：US14620122

申请日：2015-02-11

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Kenny Jensen ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: G01L1/22 ,  G01L5/16

CPC classification number: G01L5/16 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  G01L1/22 ,  G01M9/06 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A system may include a tether coupled to a ground station. The system may also include an aerial vehicle coupled to the tether and configured to fly in a given path relative to the ground station based on a length of the tether. The system may also include one or more load cells coupled to the tether and configured to provide information indicative of a tether force between the tether and the aerial vehicle. The one or more load cells may be arranged in a given arrangement indicative of a direction of the tether force. The system may also include a controller configured to determine an angle between a direction of wind incident on the aerial vehicle and a plane defined by a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis of the aerial vehicle based on the tether force.

Abstract translation: 系统可以包括耦合到地面站的系绳。 系统还可以包括耦合到系绳并被配置为基于系链的长度相对于地面站在给定路径中飞行的飞行器。 系统还可以包括耦合到系绳的一个或多个称重传感器，并且被配置为提供指示系绳与空中飞行器之间的系绳力的信息。 一个或多个称重传感器可以以指示系绳力的方向的给定布置来布置。 系统还可以包括控制器，该控制器被配置为基于系绳力来确定入射在飞行器上的风的方向与由空中飞行器的纵向轴线和横向轴线限定的平面之间的角度。

公开(公告)号：US09325224B2

公开(公告)日：2016-04-26

申请号：US14142825

申请日：2013-12-28

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind ,  Leo Francis Casey ,  George Edward Homsy

IPC: F03D9/00 ,  H02P9/04 ,  H02K9/00 ,  H02K9/20 ,  H02K9/19 ,  H02K1/30 ,  F03D1/02 ,  H02K1/18 ,  H02K9/193

CPC classification number: H02K9/19 ,  F03D1/02 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/32 ,  F03D80/60 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  H02K1/185 ,  H02K1/187 ,  H02K1/30 ,  H02K9/193 ,  Y02E10/725

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and rotor/stator assemblies with improved electrical isolation. An example rotor/stator assembly may include a rotor, a rotor housing, a rotor insulator, a stator, a stator plate, and a stator insulator. The rotor may be electrically isolated from the rotor housing by the rotor insulator, and the stator may be electrically isolated from the stator plate by the stator insulator. The stator may be disposed coaxial to the rotor. The rotor/stator assembly may function as a motor, and the stator may be configured to cause the rotor to rotate about the stator in response to an input of electrical energy to the stator. Alternatively or additionally, the rotor/stator may function as an electrical generator. The rotor may be configured to rotate about the stator, and the stator may be configured to produce electrical energy in response to rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.

Abstract translation: 公开了具有改进的电隔离的系统和转子/定子组件。 示例性转子/定子组件可以包括转子，转子壳体，转子绝缘体，定子，定子板和定子绝缘体。 转子可以通过转子绝缘体与转子壳体电隔离，并且定子可以通过定子绝缘体与定子板电隔离。 定子可以与转子同轴设置。 转子/定子组件可以用作电动机，并且定子可以被配置为响应于对定子的电能的输入而使转子围绕定子旋转。 替代地或另外地，转子/定子可以用作发电机。 转子可以被配置为围绕定子旋转，并且定子可以被配置为响应于转子相对于定子的旋转而产生电能。

公开(公告)号：US20160056621A1

公开(公告)日：2016-02-25

申请号：US14928850

申请日：2015-10-30

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Elias Wolfgang Patten ,  Damon Vander Lind ,  Leo Casey

IPC: H02G7/00 ,  F03D9/00 ,  H01B9/00

CPC classification number: H01B9/006 ,  D07B1/147 ,  D07B1/148 ,  D07B5/006 ,  D07B2201/2087 ,  D07B2201/2088 ,  D07B2201/209 ,  D07B2201/2094 ,  D07B2205/2003 ,  D07B2205/201 ,  D07B2205/2046 ,  D07B2205/2064 ,  F03D1/02 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/30 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F03D80/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  H01B7/043 ,  H02G11/00 ,  Y02E10/725 ,  D07B2801/22

Abstract: A tether may include a core, a plurality of electrical conductors wound around the core, and a jacket surrounding the plurality of electrical conductors. The plurality of electrical conductors may include at least two groups of electrical conductors. Each group of electrical conductors of the at least two groups of electrical conductors may define a respective electrical path, where the respective electrical path is different from the electrical paths defined by other groups of electrical conductors of the at least two groups of the electrical conductors. Moreover, each group of electrical conductors of the at least two groups of electrical conductors is located around a respective portion of the core, such that a cross-section of each group of electrical conductors of the at least two or more electrical conductors defines a respective arc around the respective portion of the core.

Abstract translation: 系绳可以包括芯，围绕芯的多个电导体和围绕多个电导体的护套。 多个电导体可以包括至少两组电导体。 所述至少两组电导体的每组电导体可以限定相应的电路径，其中相应的电路径不同于由至少两组电导体的其它电导体组定义的电路径。 此外，至少两组电导体的每组电导体位于芯的相应部分周围，使得至少两个或更多个电导体的每组电导体的横截面限定相应的 围绕芯的相应部分。

公开(公告)号：US20160002013A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-07

申请号：US14588105

申请日：2014-12-31

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Brian Hachtmann ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B66D1/38 ,  B66D1/60

CPC classification number: B66D1/60 ,  B66D1/38 ,  F03D1/02 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/32 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine (“AWT”), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path, such as a substantially circular path, to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. In an example embodiment, the aerial vehicle may be connected to a ground station via a tether that both restrains the AWT and conveys the electrical energy to the base station. The tether may be wound about a drum when the AWT is not in flight, and the drum may include a helical groove of varying pitch to receive the tether. An asymmetrical levelwind may be positioned adjacent to the drum and configured to move along the drum and guide the tether onto the drum.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在诸如基本圆形路径的路径中飞行的空中飞行器，以将动能风能转换成电能。 在一个示例性实施例中，空中交通工具可以经由系统连接到地面站，系绳都限制AWT并将电能传送到基站。 当AWT不在飞行中时，系绳可绕卷筒缠绕，并且滚筒可包括不同间距的螺旋槽以接收系绳。 不对称的侧风可以定位成与滚筒相邻，并且被配置成沿滚筒移动并将系绳引导到滚筒上。

公开(公告)号：US09230714B2

公开(公告)日：2016-01-05

申请号：US14531449

申请日：2014-11-03

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind ,  Jacob Felser

IPC: H01B7/00 ,  H01B7/02 ,  F03D5/00 ,  H01B7/04 ,  H02G11/00 ,  F03D11/00 ,  D07B1/14 ,  D07B5/00 ,  H01B7/18 ,  H01B9/00

CPC classification number: H01B7/025 ,  D07B1/147 ,  D07B5/005 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D80/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  F05B2240/922 ,  H01B7/043 ,  H01B7/1815 ,  H01B9/006 ,  H02G11/00 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/722 ,  Y02E10/725 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A tether, and system using such a tether, adapted to provide mechanical and electrical coupling of an airborne flying platform to the ground. The tether may have a center structural core with electrical conductors on or near the outer diameter of the tether. The tether may utilize exterior configurations adapted to reduce drag.

Abstract translation: 系绳和使用这种系绳的系统，适于提供机载飞行平台与地面的机电耦合。 系绳可以具有在系链的外径上或附近的电导体的中心结构核心。 系绳可以利用适于减少阻力的外部构造。

公开(公告)号：US20150353194A1

公开(公告)日：2015-12-10

申请号：US14831687

申请日：2015-08-20

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Erik Christopher Chubb ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A method may involve operating an aerial vehicle in a hover-flight orientation. The aerial vehicle may be connected to a tether that defines a tether sphere having a radius based on a length of the tether, and the tether may be connected to a ground station. The method may involve positioning the aerial vehicle at a first location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The method may involve transitioning the aerial vehicle from the hover-flight orientation to a forward-flight orientation, such that the aerial vehicle moves from the tether sphere. And the method may involve operating the aerial vehicle in the forward-flight orientation to ascend at an angle of ascent to a second location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The first and second locations may be substantially downwind of the ground station.

Abstract translation: 一种方法可以包括以悬停飞行方向操作飞行器。 航空器可以连接到限定了基于系绳的长度的半径的系绳球的系绳，并且系绳可以连接到地面站。 该方法可以包括将飞行器定位在基本上在系绳球上的第一位置。 该方法可以包括将空中飞行器从悬停飞行方向转换到前向飞行方向，使得空中飞行器从系绳球移动。 并且该方法可以涉及以前向飞行方向操作飞行器，以升高的角度升高到基本上处于系绳球上的第二位置。 第一和第二位置可以是地面站的大致顺风向。