Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft
First Claim
1. An apparatus for retrieving a flying object from free flight, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) a base; and
(b) a docking station supported by the base and configured to receive a portion of the flying object, the docking station including;
(i) a member holder configured to receive a member connected to a body of the flying object and hold the member after receiving the member, and(ii) a member mover configured to move the member relative to the docking station to cause the flying object to move toward the docking station.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for retrieving a flying object from free flight, said apparatus comprising:
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(a) a base; and (b) a docking station supported by the base and configured to receive a portion of the flying object, the docking station including; (i) a member holder configured to receive a member connected to a body of the flying object and hold the member after receiving the member, and (ii) a member mover configured to move the member relative to the docking station to cause the flying object to move toward the docking station. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for retrieving a flying object from free flight, said apparatus comprising:
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(a) a base; and (b) a docking station supported by the base and configured to receive a portion of the flying object, the docking station including; (i) a member holder configured to receive a flexible member connected to a body of the flying object and hold the member after receiving the member, and (ii) a member mover configured to move the member relative to the docking station until the docking station receives the portion of the flying object. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification