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US 10,239,639 B2Granted
Launch tube restraint system for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
AssigneeAeroVironment, Inc.
InventorsGuan H Su, Marcos Henry Rodriguez
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An unmanned aerial launch vehicle (UAV) launch apparatus is disclosed that includes a UAV having an exterior surface, an aerial vehicle (AV) tab extending from the exterior surface, a tube containing the UAV, the tube including a tab stop configured to controllably hinder travel of the AV tab past the tab stop, and a pair of opposing tab guides configured to position the AV tab for travel over the tab stop.
Claims20
An unmanned aerial launch vehicle (UAV) launch apparatus, comprising:
- a tube, wherein the tube has an open end;
- a cap positioned over the open end of the tube;
- a strap extending through at least one strap guide and restraining the cap;
- wherein the strap extends around the entire tube;
- and
- a gas generator configured to provide a launching force wherein the launching force is at least sufficient to enable a UAV to translate axially out of the tube.
3 more elements
An apparatus, comprising:
- a tube having an open end;
- a cap positioned over the open end of the tube;
- and
- a strap restraining the cap wherein the strap extends around the entire tube.
1 more element
A method of launching an unmanned aerial launch vehicle (UAV), comprising:
- removing a strap detachably coupled to a tube wherein the strap extends around the entire tube;
- removing a cap from an end of the tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.