Systems and methods for controlling flexible communication links used for aircraft refueling
First Claim
1. An aerial refueling system, comprising:
- a support configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft;
a motion control device carried by the support and including a passage for receiving hydraulic fluid;
a movable aerial refueling boom positioned proximate to the support, the boom carrying an aerial refueling line; and
a flexible communication link carried by the boom and movable with the boom relative to the support, the flexible communication link including a hydraulic hose and being coupled to the motion control device, wherein the motion control device limits relative motion between the flexible communication link and the support.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for controlling flexible communication links used for aircraft refueling are disclosed. A system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a support configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft, and a motion control device carried by the support. A movable aerial refueling boom is positioned proximate to the support and carries an aerial refueling line. A flexible communication link is carried by the boom and is movable with the boom relative to the support. The flexible communication link is coupled to the motion control device wherein the motion control device limits relative motion between the flexible communication link and the support. In particular embodiments, the flexible communication link can include a hydraulic hose or a cable, and the motion control device can include a spring or other forcing member positioned to rotationally urge the flexible communication link toward the support.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An aerial refueling system, comprising:
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a support configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft; a motion control device carried by the support and including a passage for receiving hydraulic fluid; a movable aerial refueling boom positioned proximate to the support, the boom carrying an aerial refueling line; and a flexible communication link carried by the boom and movable with the boom relative to the support, the flexible communication link including a hydraulic hose and being coupled to the motion control device, wherein the motion control device limits relative motion between the flexible communication link and the support. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20)
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11. An aerial refueling system, comprising:
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a support configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft; a movable aerial refueling boom positioned proximate to the support, the boom carrying an aerial refueling line; a flexible communication link carried by the boom and movable with the boom relative to the support; and control means for controlling motion of the flexible communication link carried by the support, the control means limiting relative motion between the flexible communication link and the support, the control means including a conduit having a passage that receives hydraulic fluid, and further including;
at least one of a mechanical spring, a hydraulic spring, and a pneumatic spring. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for operating an aerial refueling system, comprising:
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moving an aerial refueling boom carried by an aerial refueling aircraft relative to the aerial refueling aircraft; moving a flexible communication link carried by the boom along with the boom as the boom moves relative to the aircraft, the flexible communication link including a hydraulic hose; and controlling a motion of the flexible communication link relative to the aircraft by applying a force on the flexible communication link separate from a force applied to move the boom to at least restrict contact between the flexible communication link and fixed portions of at least one of the aircraft and the boom. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 21)
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22. An aerial refueling system, comprising:
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a support configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft; a motion control device carried by the support and includes a passage for receiving hydraulic fluid; a movable aerial refueling boom positioned proximate to the support, the boom carrying an aerial refueling line; and a flexible communication link carried by the boom and movable with the boom relative to the support, the flexible communication link being configured to transmit electromagnetic signals and being coupled to the motion control device, wherein the motion control device limits relative motion between the flexible communication link and the support.
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23. An aerial refueling system, comprising:
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a support configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft; a motion control device carried by the support and including a generally rigid conduit that is pivotable relative to the support about a pivot axis, wherein the conduit includes at least two coupling sites proximate to the pivot axis, and at least two coupling sites spaced apart from the pivot axis in opposite directions; a movable aerial refueling boom positioned proximate to the support, the boom carrying an aerial refueling line; and a flexible communication link carried by the boom and movable with the boom relative to the support, the flexible communication link being coupled to the motion control device, wherein the motion control device limits relative motion between the flexible communication link and the support.
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24. A method for operating an aerial refueling system, comprising:
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moving an aerial refueling boom carried by an aerial refueling aircraft relative to the aerial refueling aircraft; moving a flexible communication link carried by the boom along with the boom as the boom moves relative to the aircraft, the flexible communication link being configured to carry electromagnetic signals; and controlling a motion of the flexible communication link relative to the aircraft by applying a force on the flexible communication link to at least restrict contact between the flexible communication link and fixed portions of at least one of the aircraft and the boom.
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25. A method for operating an aerial refueling system, comprising:
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moving an aerial refueling boom carried by an aerial refueling aircraft relative to the aerial refueling aircraft; moving a flexible communication link carried by the boom along with the boom as the boom moves relative to the aircraft, the communication link being coupled to a conduit; and controlling a motion of the flexible communication link relative to the aircraft by rotating the conduit about a pivot axis and applying a force on the flexible communication link to at least restrict contact between the flexible communication link and fixed portions of at least one of the aircraft and the boom.
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Specification