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Locking line capture devices for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods

  • US 10,407,181 B2
  • Filed: 06/27/2016
  • Issued: 09/10/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (LAV) system, comprising:

  • a line capture body having a line slot, the line slot having an open end and a closed end;

    a retainer positioned proximate the line slot and rotatable relative to the line capture body and a wing of the UAV system between a first position in which the retainer blocks access to the line slot and a second position in which the retainer allows access to the line slot, the retainer positioned in the first position prior to the retainer being engaged by a recovery line;

    a locking device operably coupled between the line capture body and the retainer, and moveable between at least one unlocked position in which the locking device allows movement of the retainer from the first position to the second position, and a locked position in which the locking device blocks movement of the retainer from the first position to the second position, the locking device including a line strike device positioned across the line slot to make contact with the recovery line, and a locking element positioned to engage with the retainer when the locking device is in the locked position; and

    a release device operably coupled to the locking device and moveable between a secured position with the locking device secured in the locked position, and a released position with the locking device movable between the locked position and the unlocked position.

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