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US 11,235,892 B2Granted
Aircraft retrieval system and method
AssigneeHood Technology Corporation
InventorsAndreas H. von Flotow, Corydon C. Roeseler, Caleb A. Woodruff, Benjamin T. Ketler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure describes various systems, devices, and methods configured to retrieve a fixed-wing aircraft from free flight using a flexible capture member and a monopole assembly.
Claims28
An aircraft retrieval device comprising:
- a flexible capture member couplable to a lifting device on a first end, the lifting device configured to raise the first end of the flexible capture member to a predetermined height;
- a tensioning device, couplable to a second end of the flexible capture member;
- a monopole assembly configured such that the flexible capture member can extend longitudinally through the monopole assembly;
- and
- an upper guiding component configured to guide the flexible capture member at an area where the flexible member exits an upper end of the monopole assembly.
2 more elements
An aircraft retrieval device comprising:
- a flexible capture member couplable to a lifting device on a first end, the lifting device configured to raise the first end of the flexible capture member to a predetermined height;
- a tensioning device, couplable to a second end of the flexible capture member;
- a monopole assembly comprising an articulating joint and an upstanding monopole structure;
- a plurality of outrigger supports configured to support the articulating joint of the monopole assembly;
- and
- an upper guiding component configured to guide the flexible capture member with respect to the monopole assembly.
3 more elements
An aircraft retrieval device comprising:
- a flexible capture member couplable to a lifting device on a first end of the flexible capture member;
- a tensioning device couplable to a second end of the flexible capture member;
- a monopole assembly;
- and
- a support structure comprising:
- first and second outrigger supports, and
- a storage assembly,
- wherein the first and second outrigger supports and the storage assembly form a tripod to support a base of the monopole assembly.
5 more elements
An aircraft retrieval device comprising:
- a flexible capture member couplable to a lifting device on a first end, the lifting device configured to raise the first end of the flexible capture member to a predetermined height;
- a tensioning device couplable to a second end of the flexible capture member;
- a monopole assembly including an articulating joint and an upstanding monopole structure, wherein the articulating joint includes a spring that biases the upstanding monopole structure to a center position;
- and
- an upper guiding component configured to guide the flexible capture member with respect to the monopole assembly.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.