公开(公告)号：US09944408B2

公开(公告)日：2018-04-17

申请号：US13279148

申请日：2011-10-21

Applicant: Robert Gilchrist, III ,  John Stafford ,  Brian D. Dennis ,  Allen Smith ,  Jaime Mack ,  Steven M. Sliwa ,  Bradley Schrick ,  Robert Hughes

Inventor： Robert Gilchrist, III ,  John Stafford ,  Brian D. Dennis ,  Allen Smith ,  Jaime Mack ,  Steven M. Sliwa ,  Bradley Schrick ,  Robert Hughes

IPC: B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C2201/182

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering unmanned aircraft and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft are disclosed herein. An aircraft recovery system for handling an unmanned aircraft in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a base portion and an elongated aircraft capture member having a first end movably coupled to the base portion and a second, free end opposite the first end. The aircraft capture member includes a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion and positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight. The first and/or second portions are generally flexible. The system further includes an energy capture and dissipation assembly operably coupled to the aircraft capture member and positioned to receive at least a portion of the landing forces from the aircraft.

公开(公告)号：US20120223182A1

公开(公告)日：2012-09-06

申请号：US13279148

申请日：2011-10-21

Applicant: Robert Gilchrist, III ,  John Stafford ,  Brian D. Dennis ,  Allen Smith ,  Jaime Mack ,  Steven M. Sliwa ,  Bradley Schrick ,  Robert Hughes

Inventor： Robert Gilchrist, III ,  John Stafford ,  Brian D. Dennis ,  Allen Smith ,  Jaime Mack ,  Steven M. Sliwa ,  Bradley Schrick ,  Robert Hughes

IPC: B64F1/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/02 ,  B64C2201/182

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering unmanned aircraft and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft are disclosed herein. An aircraft recovery system for handling an unmanned aircraft in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a base portion and an elongated aircraft capture member having a first end movably coupled to the base portion and a second, free end opposite the first end. The aircraft capture member includes a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion and positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight. The first and/or second portions are generally flexible. The system further includes an energy capture and dissipation assembly operably coupled to the aircraft capture member and positioned to receive at least a portion of the landing forces from the aircraft.

Abstract translation: 本文公开了用于恢复无人飞机并控制飞行器的恢复后运动的系统和方法。 根据本公开的一个实施例的用于处理无人飞行器的飞机恢复系统包括基部和细长的飞行器捕获构件，其具有可移动地联接到基部的第一端和与第一端相对的第二自由端。 飞机捕获构件包括在第一部分的远端处的第一部分和第二部分，并且定位成拦截飞行中的无人飞行器。 第一和/或第二部分通常是柔性的。 该系统还包括能量捕获和耗散组件，其可操作地联接到飞行器捕获构件并且被定位成接收来自飞行器的着陆力的至少一部分。

公开(公告)号：US07175135B2

公开(公告)日：2007-02-13

申请号：US10759545

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis ,  Brian T. McGeer ,  Cory Roeseler

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis ,  Brian T. McGeer ,  Cory Roeseler

IPC: B64F1/02

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capturing and constraining motion of unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be captured at an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to retrieve the aircraft in flight. A trigger mechanism coupled to the recovery line can actuate a hoist device to reduce slack in the recovery line. A tension device coupled to the recovery line can absorb forces associated with the impact of the aircraft on the recovery line.

Abstract translation: 用于捕获和限制无人驾驶飞机和其他飞行装置或射弹的运动的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，飞机可以在可延伸的吊杆上被捕获。 可以扩展繁荣部署恢复线以在飞行中检索飞机。 联接到回收管线的触发机构可以启动提升装置以减少回收管线中的松弛。 耦合到回收管线的张紧装置可以吸收与飞机在回收管线上的冲击相关联的力。

公开(公告)号：US06382641B1

公开(公告)日：2002-05-07

申请号：US09081837

申请日：1998-05-19

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis ,  John D. Martin ,  Cameron W. Andrus ,  Andy J. Aiken ,  Cory W. Smith

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis ,  John D. Martin ,  Cameron W. Andrus ,  Andy J. Aiken ,  Cory W. Smith

IPC: A63C503

Abstract: A step-in binding system (20) for securing a boot (24) to a snowboard (22). The boot includes a sole defining a toe end, a heel end, and a binding attachment surfaces (46 and 50). The boot also has an elongate, substantially U-shaped highback (28) mounted to the exterior of the boot in the calf area thereof and extending from the ankle area to the top of the boot. The step-in binding system includes a toe and heel binding (62 and 64) attached to the snowboard for receiving and securing the boot to the snowboard. The step-in binding system also includes a lever arm (66) attached to the heel binding for selectively releasing the boot from the binding. A lean support member (68) is fastened near the rearward end of the binding for engagement with a stopper block (29) secured to the highback to define a minimum forward lean angle of the boot and to limit the aft flexure of the ankle support portion of the boot when the boot is received within the binding.

公开(公告)号：US20090194638A1

公开(公告)日：2009-08-06

申请号：US12024861

申请日：2008-02-01

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis

IPC: B64C1/00

CPC classification number: B64C3/38 ,  B64C23/069 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  F16B31/021 ,  F16B41/002 ,  Y02T50/164 ,  Y10T29/49947

Abstract: Frangible fasteners and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a winglet carried by the wing portion. The aircraft can also include at least one frangible fastener coupling the winglet to the wing portion. The fastener is coupled to only partially release the winglet from the wing portion when a force on the winglet exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract translation: 本文公开了易碎紧固件及相关系统和方法。 在一个实施例中，例如，无人飞行器可以包括机身部分，翼部分和由翼部分承载的小翼。 飞机还可以包括将小翼片连接到机翼部分的至少一个易碎紧固件。 当小翼上的力超过阈值时，紧固件联接成仅从翼部分部分地释放小翼。

公开(公告)号：US07090166B2

公开(公告)日：2006-08-15

申请号：US10758948

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis ,  Andreas H. von Flotow

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis ,  Andreas H. von Flotow

IPC: B64F1/06

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/048 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  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 includes an extendable boom. A launch carriage is positioned on a launch guide structure of the boom and carries the aircraft during takeoff. An energy reservoir is configured to provide energy to the launch carriage during takeoff of the aircraft, and can absorb energy from the launch carriage to decelerate the launch carriage after takeoff. The apparatus can further include a transmission that smoothly and rapidly accelerates and/or decelerates the launch carriage.

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，飞行器可以从包括可扩展起重臂的装置发射。 发射架位于起重臂的发射导向结构上，并在起飞时承载飞机。 能量储存器构造成在飞行器起飞期间向发射台提供能量，并且可以从起飞台吸收能量，以在起飞后减速发射台。 该装置还可以包括使发射台平滑且快速地加速和/或减速的变速器。

公开(公告)号：US07059564B2

公开(公告)日：2006-06-13

申请号：US10758940

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis

IPC: B64F1/02

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：US08136766B2

公开(公告)日：2012-03-20

申请号：US12024861

申请日：2008-02-01

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis

IPC: B64C23/06 ,  B64C1/00

CPC classification number: B64C3/38 ,  B64C23/069 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  F16B31/021 ,  F16B41/002 ,  Y02T50/164 ,  Y10T29/49947

Abstract: Frangible fasteners and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a winglet carried by the wing portion. The aircraft can also include at least one frangible fastener coupling the winglet to the wing portion. The fastener is coupled to only partially release the winglet from the wing portion when a force on the winglet exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract translation: 本文公开了易碎紧固件及相关系统和方法。 在一个实施例中，例如，无人飞行器可以包括机身部分，翼部分和由翼部分承载的小翼。 飞机还可以包括将小翼片连接到机翼部分的至少一个易碎紧固件。 当小翼上的力超过阈值时，紧固件联接成仅从翼部分部分地释放小翼。

公开(公告)号：US07121507B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-17

申请号：US10758943

申请日：2004-01-16

Applicant: Brian D. Dennis ,  Clifford Jackson ,  Brian T. McGeer

Inventor： Brian D. Dennis ,  Clifford Jackson ,  Brian T. McGeer

IPC: B64F1/00

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 capturing, recovering, disassembling, and storing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to capture the aircraft in flight, a process that can be aided by a line capture device having retainers in accordance with further aspects of the invention. The aircraft can then be returned to its launch platform, disassembled, and stored, again with little or no direct manual contact between the operator and the aircraft, for example, by capturing a first wing of the aircraft and securing a second wing before releasing the first.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于捕获，恢复，拆卸和存储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，吊杆可以被延伸以部署回收线以在飞行中捕获飞行器，这是根据本发明的其它方面能够由具有保持器的线捕获装置辅助的过程。 然后，飞机然后可以返回到其发射平台，拆卸和存储，再次与操作者和飞机之间的很少或没有直接的手动接触，例如通过捕获飞行器的第一翼并且在释放之前固定第二翼 第一。

公开(公告)号：US07182290B2

公开(公告)日：2007-02-27

申请号：US10976566

申请日：2004-10-29

Applicant: Steven M. Sliwa ,  Andreas H. von Flotow ,  Brian D. Dennis

Inventor： Steven M. Sliwa ,  Andreas H. von Flotow ,  Brian D. Dennis

IPC: B64D31/02

CPC classification number: B64C11/003 ,  A63H27/02 ,  B64C11/04 ,  B64C11/14 ,  B64C11/28 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/044 ,  B64C2201/082 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/206 ,  B64D41/007 ,  F02K5/023 ,  F05D2260/85 ,  Y02T50/44 ,  Y02T50/672

Abstract: Methods and systems for starting propeller driven aircraft and other devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a removable fixture that is coupled to the propeller and has at least one portion exposed to a flowstream to rotate the propeller during engine start-up. The fixture is configured to separate from the propeller after the engine begins to turn over (e.g., after the engine starts and/or rotates above a threshold rate). Accordingly, the system can include a releasable link between the fixture and the propeller.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于启动螺旋桨驱动的飞机和其他装置的方法和系统。 根据本发明的一个实施例的系统包括可拆卸的固定装置，其连接到螺旋桨并且具有暴露于流动流中的至少一个部分以在发动机起动期间旋转螺旋桨。 发动机开始翻转（例如在发动机起动和/或旋转高于阈值速率之后），该固定装置构造成与螺旋桨分离。 因此，系统可以包括夹具和螺旋桨之间的可释放的连接。