Automated multi-plane propulsion system

    公开(公告)号:US09969504B1

    公开(公告)日:2018-05-15

    申请号:US15082255

    申请日:2016-03-28

    CPC classification number: B64F1/04 B64C39/024 B64C2201/021 B64C2201/08

    Abstract: Provided here is a UAV launcher generally comprising a launcher frame, first rail guide, second rail guide, and a conveyor system comprising a conveyor, where the first rail guide, second rail guide, and some portion of the conveyor are typically substantially parallel, and where the first and second rail guide typically extend beyond the driver wheel of the conveyor system in a launching direction. The driver wheel and driven wheel of the conveyor system rotate on axes generally perpendicular to the first and second rail guide. A DC motor is coupled to the driver wheel and generates rotation of the driver wheel, and correspondingly governs the linear velocity of the conveyor. A motor controller is configured to control the RPM of the DC motor using a motor speed profile and a wedge interface coupled to the transmission drive motivates a loaded UAV to a launching velocity such that the UAV achieves airborne operation.

    CAPTURE AND LAUNCH APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME FOR AUTOMATED LAUNCH, RETRIEVAL, AND SERVICING OF A HOVERING AIRCRAFT

    公开(公告)号:US20180050823A1

    公开(公告)日:2018-02-22

    申请号:US15421732

    申请日:2017-02-01

    Inventor: Brian T. McGeer

    Abstract: Automated launch and retrieval of a “tail-sitting” VTOL aircraft is accomplished by exploiting the natural stability of hover when restrained in tension by an upwind wing tip. For retrieval, a flexible rod is lifted into contact with the trailing edge of the upwind wing as the aircraft translates downwind overhead. Sliding between the rod and wing leads to interlocking of hooks at the rod end and wing tip, while the aircraft swings into a stable tethered hover downwind of the rod. The rod is then used to pull the aircraft upwind into a fixture for secure parking and servicing. After servicing, the aircraft lifts-off into tethered hover, and power margin for climb is assessed. If the aircraft is judged to have sufficient power safely to proceed, then the interlocking hooks are disengaged, leaving the aircraft to climb away in free flight.

    METHODS FOR LAUNCHING AND LANDING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
    28.
    发明申请
    METHODS FOR LAUNCHING AND LANDING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE 有权
    启动和着陆无人驾驶飞机的方法

    公开(公告)号:US20160313742A1

    公开(公告)日:2016-10-27

    申请号:US14236305

    申请日:2013-12-13

    Inventor: Ming-yu WANG

    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for launching and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including multi-rotor aircrafts. The methods and apparatus disclosed herein utilize positional change of the UAV, visual signal, or other means to effect the launch or landing. The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are user friendly, particularly to amateur UAV users lacking practice of operating a UAV.

    Abstract translation: 提供了包括多转子飞机在内的无人机(UAV)发射和着陆的方法和装置。 本文公开的方法和装置利用无人机,视觉信号或其他方式的位置变化来实现发射或着陆。 本文公开的方法和装置是用户友好的,特别是对于没有操作无人机的操作的业余无人机的用户。

    TAKE-OFF SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
    29.
    发明申请
    TAKE-OFF SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES 有权
    无人驾驶飞机的起飞系统和方法

    公开(公告)号:US20160167804A1

    公开(公告)日:2016-06-16

    申请号:US14955945

    申请日:2015-12-01

    CPC classification number: B64F1/08 B64C39/024 B64C2201/08

    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicles take-off system may include at least one winch, at least one towline, at least one dolly on which at least one aircraft is mounted, and at least one battery of the at least one winch. At least one micro-controller unit is connected to the at least one winch, wherein the at least one microcontroller unit is configured to control the activation/deactivation of the at least one winch. An unmanned aerial vehicle take-off method is also disclosed that includes operating the at least one winch by means of at least one microcontroller unit connected to said at least one winch.

    Abstract translation: 无人飞行器起飞系统可以包括至少一个绞盘,至少一个拖链,至少一个安装有至少一架飞机的小车以及至少一个绞盘的至少一个电池。 至少一个微控制器单元连接到所述至少一个绞盘,其中所述至少一个微控制器单元被配置为控制所述至少一个绞盘的激活/去激活。 还公开了一种无人飞行器起飞方法,其包括通过连接到所述至少一个绞盘的至少一个微控制器单元来操作所述至少一个绞盘。

    LAUNCH-CONTROLLED UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    30.
    发明申请
    LAUNCH-CONTROLLED UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS 有权
    无人驾驶的无人驾驶飞机和相关系统和方法

    公开(公告)号:US20160139602A1

    公开(公告)日:2016-05-19

    申请号:US14746401

    申请日:2015-06-22

    Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

    Abstract translation: 公开了发射控制的无人驾驶飞行器及相关系统和方法。 用于在代表性实施例中操作无人驾驶飞行器的计算机实现的方法包括当用户释放用于飞行的UAV时检测UAV的运动的至少一个参数。 至少部分地基于至少一个检测到的参数,该方法还可以包括建立无人机的飞行路径,并且指示无人机飞行飞行路径。

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