公开(公告)号：US09926084B2

公开(公告)日：2018-03-27

申请号：US15291878

申请日：2016-10-12

Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation

Inventor： James Peverill ,  Adam Woodworth ,  Benjamin Freudberg ,  Dan Cottrell ,  Terrence McKenna

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  G05D1/10 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64D47/04 ,  B64D47/08 ,  G06K9/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B60L11/1816 ,  B60L11/1838 ,  B60L2200/10 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/06 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64D47/04 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F1/362 ,  G05D1/101 ,  G06K9/0063

Abstract: An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle.

公开(公告)号：US20170021944A1

公开(公告)日：2017-01-26

申请号：US15291878

申请日：2016-10-12

Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation

Inventor： James Peverill ,  Adam Woodworth ,  Benjamin Freudberg ,  Dan Cottrell ,  Terrence McKenna

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/36

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B60L11/1816 ,  B60L11/1838 ,  B60L2200/10 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/06 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64D47/04 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F1/362 ,  G05D1/101 ,  G06K9/0063

Abstract: An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle.

Abstract translation: 一种包括第一柱和第二柱的飞行器着陆台，其中所述第二柱与所述第一柱分开并且用于捕获空中飞行器的缆线，其中所述缆线在所述第一柱和所述第二柱之间被拉伸，并且被配置为 一旦捕获，支持飞行器的重量，并且电缆可以在捕获后向飞行器提供充电电流。 可以将一个或多个标记物进一步定位在电缆上以指定着陆点，其中所述一个或多个标记被配置为由飞行器视觉上跟踪。 经由一个或多个滑轮联接到电缆的电缆管理装置可以调节电缆的张力。 航空器着陆站的通信收发器可以与飞行器无线地传送数据。

公开(公告)号：US20170021943A1

公开(公告)日：2017-01-26

申请号：US15291870

申请日：2016-10-12

Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation

Inventor： James Peverill ,  Adam Woodworth ,  Benjamin Freudberg ,  Dan Cottrell

IPC: B64F1/02 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B60L11/1816 ,  B60L11/1838 ,  B60L2200/10 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/06 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64D47/04 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F1/362 ,  G05D1/101 ,  G06K9/0063 ,  Y02T10/7005 ,  Y02T10/7072 ,  Y02T90/121 ,  Y02T90/128 ,  Y02T90/14 ,  Y02T90/16 ,  Y02T90/163

Abstract: A capturing hook for engaging a cable during capture and release of an aerial vehicle may comprise a first and second gate pivotally supported at their first ends by a base portion and each being movable between a closed position and an open position, but spring-biased to the closed position. The capturing hook may further include a latch device comprising a movable locking part biased by a return spring to a locked position to lock the second gate in the closed position.

Abstract translation: 用于在捕捉和释放空中飞行器期间接合电缆的捕获钩可以包括第一和第二门，其第一和第二门在其第一端处由基部枢转地支撑，并且每个可在关闭位置和打开位置之间移动，但是弹簧偏置到 关闭位置。 捕获钩还可以包括闩锁装置，其包括由复位弹簧偏压到锁定位置的可移动锁定部件，以将第二闸门锁定在关闭位置。

公开(公告)号：US10308375B2

公开(公告)日：2019-06-04

申请号：US15291870

申请日：2016-10-12

Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation

Inventor： James Peverill ,  Adam Woodworth ,  Benjamin Freudberg ,  Dan Cottrell

IPC: B64C25/68 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  G05D1/10 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B64D47/04 ,  B64D47/08 ,  G06K9/00

Abstract: A capturing hook for engaging a cable during capture and release of an aerial vehicle may comprise a first and second gate pivotally supported at their first ends by a base portion and each being movable between a closed position and an open position, but spring-biased to the closed position. The capturing hook may further include a latch device comprising a movable locking part biased by a return spring to a locked position to lock the second gate in the closed position.

公开(公告)号：US09527392B2

公开(公告)日：2016-12-27

申请号：US14213450

申请日：2014-03-14

Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation

Inventor： James Peverill ,  Adam Woodworth ,  Benjamin Freudberg ,  Dan Cottrell ,  Terrence McKenna

IPC: B60L11/18 ,  B64C39/02 ,  G05D1/10

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B60L11/1816 ,  B60L11/1838 ,  B60L2200/10 ,  B64C25/68 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/06 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64D47/04 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F1/362 ,  G05D1/101 ,  G06K9/0063

Abstract: An aerial vehicle system for gathering data may comprise a Waypoint Location, wherein the Waypoint Location comprises an arresting cable; a Ground Control Station, wherein the Ground Control Station comprises a charging cable; and an aerial vehicle, wherein the aerial vehicle comprises an onboard battery, a capturing hook and a sensor payload for generating surveillance data. The aerial vehicle may be configured to autonomously travel between the Waypoint Location and the Ground Control Station. The aerial vehicle may be configured to couple with the arresting cable via the capturing hook. The aerial vehicle may be configured to electronically couple with the charging cable via the capturing hook to facilitate charging the aerial vehicle's onboard battery.

Abstract translation: 用于收集数据的飞行器系统可以包括航点位置，其中航点位置包括拦阻缆线; 地面控制站，其中地面控制站包括充电电缆; 以及飞行器，其中所述空中飞行器包括车载电池，捕获钩和用于产生监视数据的传感器有效载荷。 航空器可以被配置为在路点位置和地面控制站之间自主行进。 飞行器可以被配置成经由捕获钩与阻止电缆耦合。 飞行器可以被配置为经由捕获钩与充电电缆电子耦合，以便于对飞行器的车载电池充电。