公开(公告)号：US07128294B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-31

申请号：US10760150

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Cory Roeseler ,  Andreas H. von Flotow

Inventor： Cory Roeseler ,  Andreas H. von Flotow

IPC: B64C3/56

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that operates with a wedge action. A launch carriage carrying an unmanned aircraft is positioned on first and second launch members. At least one of the launch members moves relative to the other from a first position to a second position, causing the launch carriage to move from a first launch carriage position to a second launch carriage position. As the launch carriage moves, it accelerates the aircraft and releases the aircraft for takeoff.

Abstract translation: 描述了发射无人机和其他飞行装置或射弹的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，飞行器可以从用楔形动作操作的装置发射。 携带无人机的发射架位于第一和第二发射构件上。 发射构件中的至少一个相对于另一个从第一位置移动到第二位置，使得发射托架从第一发射托架位置移动到第二发射托架位置。 随着发射架移动，它加速飞机并释放飞机起飞。

公开(公告)号：US20060108469A1

公开(公告)日：2006-05-25

申请号：US10922047

申请日：2004-08-19

Applicant: Daryl Elam

Inventor： Daryl Elam

IPC: F42B10/14

CPC classification number: F42B10/146 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/102

Abstract: An articulated wing (20) is readily deployable from a stowed configuration that occupies minimal volume to an extended configuration for flight. The wing (20) includes a frame (24) having a pair of beams (30) spaced by one or more ribs (36), and a flexible covering material (26) over the frame (24) that defines the surface of the wing (20). Each beam (30) typically has multiple segments (40), and each segment (40) is pivotally connected to an adjacent segment (40) at a joint (42). A flexible actuation line (52) extends past each joint (42) and is attached to a portion of the beam beyond the joint. The beam (30) also includes portions that act as stops (46). The stops (46) limit the range of angular motion through which the respective segments (40) can rotate relative to one another. Consequently, when tension is applied to the line (52), the segments (40) rotate until respective stops (46) prevent further rotation. Tension in each line (52) keeps the wing (20) in its extended configuration.

Abstract translation: 铰接翼（20）可以从占有最小体积的收起构型展开到用于飞行的延伸构型。 机翼（20）包括具有由一个或多个肋（36）间隔开的一对梁（30）的框架（24）以及限定翼的表面的框架（24）上方的柔性覆盖材料（26） （20）。 每个梁（30）通常具有多个段（40），并且每个段（40）在接头（42）处枢转地连接到相邻段（40）。 柔性致动线（52）延伸穿过每个接头（42）并且被附接到梁的超过接头的一部分。 梁（30）还包括用作挡块（46）的部分。 止动件（46）限制角运动的范围，相应的段（40）可以相对于彼此旋转。 因此，当向线（52）施加张力时，片段（40）旋转直到相应的挡块（46）阻止进一步旋转。 每条线（52）中的张力保持机翼（20）处于其延伸构型。

公开(公告)号：US07014141B2

公开(公告)日：2006-03-21

申请号：US10194814

申请日：2002-07-12

Applicant: Beverly Cox ,  Hampton Dews ,  Nicholas Nyroth

Inventor： Beverly Cox ,  Hampton Dews ,  Nicholas Nyroth

IPC: B64C13/20 ,  B64C13/00

CPC classification number: F41G3/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/185 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/203 ,  B64F1/06 ,  Y02T50/82

Abstract: An unmanned airborne reconnaissance system, the unmanned airborne reconnaissance system including a lightweight, portable, powered aircraft and a foldable launch rail, the aircraft, in a broken down condition and the launch rail in a broken down condition fitable inside a box, the box capable of being carried by one man. The launch system includes an elongated launch rail with the carriage assembly, and a propulsion means for accelerating the carriage assembly from one end of the launch rail to the other. The carriage assembly releasably engages the aircraft so as to propel the aircraft from one end of the launch rail to the other. The propulsion may be by a cartridge that explodes and releases a gas through a cylinder, or by elastic cords. The aircraft is guided through the air either by a programmed onboard computer which controls the control surfaces of the aircraft and/or by remote control. The aircraft typically contains a camera for recording and transmitting images received from the ground below.

公开(公告)号：US20050218260A1

公开(公告)日：2005-10-06

申请号：US10951041

申请日：2004-09-23

Applicant: David Corder ,  Jeffrey Koessler ,  George Webb

Inventor： David Corder ,  Jeffrey Koessler ,  George Webb

IPC: B64C3/56 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C3/56 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/082 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201

Abstract: An air-launched aircraft includes deployable wings, elevons, and vertical fins that deploy from a fuselage during flight. The aircraft may include a control system for operating the elevons, a communication system, and batteries for powering the systems. In addition, the aircraft may include a payload module that mates with an interface in the fuselage. The payload module may include any of a variety of payloads, including cameras, sensors, and/or radar emitters. The aircraft may be powered or unpowered, and may be very small, for example, less than on the order of 10 kg (22 pounds). The aircraft may be employed at a low cost for any of a wide variety of functions, such as surveillance, or as a decoy. The deployable surfaces of the aircraft may be configured to deploy in a pre-determined order, allowing the aircraft automatically to enter controlled flight after being launched in a tumbling mode.

Abstract translation: 一架空中飞机包括在飞行期间从机身部署的可部署的机翼，电梯和垂直翼片。 飞机可以包括用于操作电梯的控制系统，通信系统和用于为系统供电的电池。 此外，飞机可以包括与机身中的接口相配合的有效载荷模块。 有效载荷模块可以包括各种有效载荷中的任何一种，包括相机，传感器和/或雷达发射器。 该飞机可能是动力或无动力的，并且可能非常小，例如小于10kg（22磅）的量级。 飞机可以以低成本从事各种功能，例如监视或作为诱饵。 飞机的可部署表面可以被配置成以预定的顺序部署，允许飞机在以翻滚模式发射之后自动进入受控飞行。

公开(公告)号：US20050151014A1

公开(公告)日：2005-07-14

申请号：US10759541

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian McGeer

Inventor： Brian McGeer

IPC: B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/06 ,  B64C1/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/04 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/06

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching, capturing, and storing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be assembled from a container with little or no manual engagement by an operator. The container can include a guide structure to control motion of the aircraft components. The aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to capture the aircraft in flight. The aircraft can then be returned to its launch platform, disassembled, and stored in the container, again with little or no direct manual contact between the operator and the aircraft.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于发射，捕获和存储无人机和其他飞行装置或射弹的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，飞行器可以由操作者很少或没有手动接合的容器组装。 容器可以包括用于控制飞机部件的运动的引导结构。 飞机可以从包括可伸缩吊杆的装置发射。 可以扩展繁荣部署一个恢复线，以便在飞行中捕获飞机。 飞机然后可以返回到其发射平台，拆卸并存储在容器中，再次与操作员和飞机之间的很少或没有直接的手动接触。

公开(公告)号：US20050082422A1

公开(公告)日：2005-04-21

申请号：US10690284

申请日：2003-10-21

Applicant: Glenn Tierney

Inventor： Glenn Tierney

IPC: B64B1/30 ,  B64C39/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64C27/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/005 ,  B64B1/30 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/165

Abstract: A system and method for moving an aerial vehicle along a flight path includes rotatable hubs mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle. Elongated airfoils are mounted on the hubs parallel to a common hub axis for rotation about the hub axis on a blade path. Each airfoil defines a chord line and the system includes a gear assembly changeable, during hub rotation, between a first modality wherein airfoil chord lines remain tangential to the blade path (curtate flight), and a second modality wherein airfoil chord lines remain parallel to the flight path of the vehicle (prolate flight). Also, rotation of the hub can be stopped and the airfoils used for fixed wing flight.

公开(公告)号：US20040232282A1

公开(公告)日：2004-11-25

申请号：US10758940

申请日：2004-01-16

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis

IPC: B64C037/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/06 ,  B63B27/26 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/084 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64F1/04

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capturing and recovering unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be captured by a recovery line in flight, a process that can be aided by a line capture device having a retainer with two portions spaced apart by a distance great enough to receive the recovery line, e.g., to capture the recovery line with increased security. The line capture device can be operatively mounted on a lifting surface of the aircraft.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于捕获和恢复无人驾驶飞机和其他飞行装置或射弹的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，飞行器可以由飞行中的恢复线捕获，该过程可以由具有保持器的线捕获装置辅助，该保持器具有两个间隔开足够大的距离以接收恢复线，例如捕获 恢复线增加了安全性。 线捕获装置可以可操作地安装在飞行器的提升表面上。

公开(公告)号：US06726148B2

公开(公告)日：2004-04-27

申请号：US10255182

申请日：2002-09-26

Applicant: Ernest A. Carroll

Inventor： Ernest A. Carroll

IPC: B64F500

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/028 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  F02B75/34

Abstract: A method of shipping a disassembled miniature, unmanned aircraft capable of handling data, the aircraft having remote guidance, an onboard microprocessor for managing flight, wing area of at least eight hundred square inches, a wingspan of at least eight feet, and weighing under fifty-five pounds. The aircraft includes a data handling module. The aircraft is disassembled into separate components including at a minimum the wing, the fuselage, and the data handling module. The fuselage and possibly other lesser components are packed in a first shipping container. The wing is packed in a second shipping container. The data handling module is packed in a third shipping container. The first and second containers are shipped by overnight courier, while the third container is either shipped the same way or alternatively travels as unchecked luggage aboard a commercial airliner.

Abstract translation: 运送能够处理数据的分解的微型无人飞机，具有远程引导的飞行器，用于管理飞行的机载微处理器，至少八百平方英寸的机翼面积，至少八英尺的翼展，并且重量在五十 - 英镑 飞机包括一个数据处理模块。 飞机被拆卸成单独的部件，包括至少机翼，机身和数据处理模块。 机身和可能的其他较小的部件被包装在第一运输容器中。 机翼包装在第二个运输集装箱。 数据处理模块包装在第三个运输容器中。 第一个和第二个集装箱是通过隔夜快递运送的，而第三个集装箱运输方式相同，或者作为一个商业客机上的未检查行李。

公开(公告)号：US20030141409A1

公开(公告)日：2003-07-31

申请号：US10310415

申请日：2002-12-05

Inventor： Derek L. Lisoski ,  Greg T. Kendall

IPC: B64C001/00 ,  B64C003/00 ,  B64C005/00

CPC classification number: B64C3/42 ,  B64C3/52 ,  B64C15/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/10 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/126 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64D27/24 ,  B64D31/06 ,  B64D2211/00 ,  G05D1/0022 ,  G05D1/0077 ,  H04B7/18504 ,  Y02T50/12 ,  Y02T50/14 ,  Y02T50/44 ,  Y02T50/55 ,  Y02T50/62

Abstract: A solar rechargeable, long-duration, span-loaded flying wing, having no fuselage or rudder. Having a two-hundred foot wingspan that mounts photovoltaic cells on most all of the wing's top surface, the aircraft uses only differential thrust of its eight propellers to turn, pitch and yaw. The wing is configured to deform under flight loads to position the propellers such that the control can be achieved. Each of five segments of the wing has one or more motors and photovoltaic arrays, and produces its own lift independent of the other segments, to avoid loading them. Five two-sided photovoltaic arrays, in all, are mounted on the wing, and receive photovoltaic energy both incident on top of the wing, and which is incident also from below, through a bottom, transparent surface.

Abstract translation: 太阳能可再充电，长时间，跨度的飞翼，没有机身或方向舵。 拥有两百英尺的翼展，将光伏电池安装在大部分机翼的顶部表面上，飞机只使用其八个螺旋桨的差速推力来转弯，俯仰和偏航。 机翼构造成在飞行载荷下变形以定位螺旋桨，使得可以实现控制。 翼的五个部分中的每一个具有一个或多个电动机和光伏阵列，并且独立于其它部分产生其自身的升降机，以避免加载它们。 五个双面光伏阵列总体上安装在机翼上，并且接收能量入射到机翼的顶部并且从下方入射的光能通过底部的透明表面。

公开(公告)号：US20030057325A1

公开(公告)日：2003-03-27

申请号：US10255182

申请日：2002-09-26

Inventor： Ernest A. Carroll

IPC: B64C001/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/028 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  F02B75/34

Abstract: A method of shipping a disassembled miniature, unmanned aircraft capable of handling data, the aircraft having remote guidance, an onboard microprocessor for managing flight, wing area of at least eight hundred square inches, a wingspan of at least eight feet, and weighing under fifty-five pounds. The aircraft includes a data handling module. The aircraft is disassembled into separate components including at a minimum the wing, the fuselage, and the data handling module. The fuselage and possibly other lesser components are packed in a first shipping container. The wing is packed in a second shipping container. The data handling module is packed in a third shipping container. The first and second containers are shipped by overnight courier, while the third container is either shipped the same way or alternatively travels as unchecked luggage aboard a commercial airliner.

Abstract translation: 运送能够处理数据的分解的微型无人飞机，具有远程引导的飞行器，用于管理飞行的机载微处理器，至少八百平方英寸的机翼面积，至少八英尺的翼展，并且重量在五十 - 英镑 飞机包括一个数据处理模块。 飞机被拆卸成单独的部件，包括至少机翼，机身和数据处理模块。 机身和可能的其他较小的部件被包装在第一运输容器中。 机翼包装在第二个运输集装箱。 数据处理模块包装在第三个运输容器中。 第一个和第二个集装箱是通过隔夜快递运送的，而第三个集装箱运输方式相同，或者作为一个商业客机上的未检查行李。