Method and apparatus for retrieving a flying object

• US 20030222173A1
• Filed: 01/17/2003
• Published: 12/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Andreas H Von Flotow, Brian T. Mcgeer, Clifford Jackson, Cory Roeseler
• Original Assignee: Andreas H Von Flotow, Brian T. Mcgeer, Clifford Jackson, Cory Roeseler
• Inventors: McGeer, Brian T., von Flotow, Andreas H., Jackson, Clifford, Roeseler, Cory
• Application Number:
  US10/347,157
• Publication Number:
  US 20030222173A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/116
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 25/68 Arrester hooks
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/029 using a cable or tether
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/0295 aerodynamically or aerostatically supported, e.g. parafoil or balloon
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/202 using tethers for connecting to ground station
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/30 for capturing UAVs in flight by ground or sea-based arresting gear, e.g. by a cable or a net
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 80/84 Waterborne vehicles

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for capturing a flying object (5) are revealed. The apparatus includes a generally linear fixture (2), such as a length of rope; a means for suspending (1) the fixture (2) across the path of the flying object (5); and one or more hooks (19) on the flying object (5). The method involves suspending the fixture (2) such that its orientation includes a component normal to the flying object'"'"'s line of approach; striking the fixture (2) with the flying object (5), which causes the flying object (5) to rotate and decelerate, while the fixture (2) slides along a surface of the flying object (5) into a hook (19); capturing the fixture (2) in the hook (19); and retrieving the flying object (5) from the fixture (2).

Claims

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for suspending the fixture is selected from the group consisting of a kite, a balloon, a kite/balloon hybrid, an aircraft, a mast and a crane.

8. A method for capturing a flying object, comprising the steps of:

a) suspending a generally linear fixture across the flight path, such that the orientation of the fixture includes a component normal to the flying object'"'"'s line of approach;

b) allowing the flying object to strike the suspended fixture, whereupon the fixture slides along a surface of the flying object while imparting a decelerating force and a rotation to the flying object;

c) capturing the fixture with a hook on the flying object; and

d) retrieving the flying object.

1. An apparatus for capturing a flying object, comprising:

a) a generally linear fixture suspended across the flight path;

b) means for suspending the fixture; and

c) means for capturing the flying object with the fixture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a cable or pole.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for capturing the flying object comprises at least one hook on a surface of the flying object.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each hook includes a cleat or latch.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a cable or pole,

wherein the means for suspending the fixture is selected from the group consisting of a kite, a balloon, a kite/balloon hybrid, an aircraft, a mast and a crane;

and

wherein the means for capturing the flying object comprises at least one hook on a surface of the flying object.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each hook further includes a cleat or latch.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the fixture is a cable or pole.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the means for suspending the fixture is selected from the group consisting of a kite, a balloon, a kite/balloon hybrid, an aircraft, a mast and a crane.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the means for capturing the flying object comprises at least one hook on a surface of the flying object.

10-1. The method of claim 8, wherein each hook includes a cleat or latch.

11-2. The method of claim 8, wherein the fixture is a cable or pole,

wherein the means for suspending the fixture is selected from the group consisting of a kite, a balloon, a kite/balloon hybrid, an aircraft, a mast and a crane;

and

wherein the means for capturing the flying object comprises at least one hook on a surface of the flying object.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the fixture is a cable or pole, wherein the means for suspending the fixture is selected from the group consisting of a kite, a balloon, a kite/balloon hybrid, an aircraft, a mast and a crane;

and wherein the means for capturing the flying object comprises at least one hook on a surface of the flying object.

12-3. The method of claim 13, wherein each hook includes a cleat or latch.