Back to results
US 2018/0186474 A1Published application
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.
Claims21
1-20. (canceled)
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 the 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 cap and strap have sufficient strength to forcibly retain an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) within the tube upon application of a launch force;
- wherein the strap extends around the entire tube.
2 more elements
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;
- and
- providing an axial launch force to the UAV.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.