Title:
METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR LAUNCHING AIRBORNE DEVICES ALONG FLEXIBLE ELONGATED MEMBERS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2005016753
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for cable launching airborne devices (e.g., unmanned aircraft) are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated structure, e.g., a tower, boom or derrick. At least one flexible elongated member (e.g., a cable or rope) can be attached toward one end to the structure and toward another end to the ground or another structure to form an elongated launch path. A cradle, which can carry the airborne device, can also be movably attached to the flexible elongated member and can be accelerated along the launch path. As the cradle decelerates, the aircraft can be released into flight.
Inventors:
ROESELER CORY (US)
MCGEER BRIAN T (US)
VON FLOTOW ANDREAS H (US)
MCGEER BRIAN T (US)
VON FLOTOW ANDREAS H (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2004/009988
Publication Date:
October 19, 2006
Filing Date:
April 01, 2004
Export Citation:
Assignee:
INSITU GROUP INC (US)
ROESELER CORY (US)
MCGEER BRIAN T (US)
VON FLOTOW ANDREAS H (US)
ROESELER CORY (US)
MCGEER BRIAN T (US)
VON FLOTOW ANDREAS H (US)
International Classes:
B64F1/06; B64C39/02; B64F1/02; B64F1/04; B64F
Foreign References:
| US1164967A | 1915-12-21 | |||
| US1317631A | 1919-09-30 | |||
| US1384036A | 1921-07-12 |
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