US 7,318,564 B1Granted

Power line sentry charging

AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

InventorPatrick T. Marshall

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A surveillance aircraft recharging system based on energy collection by magnetic induction from the current flowing in a randomly selected alternating current transmission line conductor. The charging energy originates in the magnetic field surrounding the current carrying conductor and is obtained by way of a laminated magnetic circuit surrounding the current carrying conductor and disposable in both an open and transmission line receiving state and a closed and energy collecting state upon command. Latching of the magnetic structure into a condition providing physical suspension stability for the host aircraft as well as an efficient magnetic circuit are provided. Latching of the magnetic structure includes a docking aircraft kinetic energy storage sequence assisting in aircraft deceleration and also providing saved energy useful during an undocking sequence.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A sub-human sized aircraft comprising:

an electrical apparatus for collecting aircraft propulsion electrical energy from an opportune energize alternating current transmission line conductor, said electrical apparatus comprising:
a magnetic core member having a movable link portion disposable in a magnetically open core position and a magnetically closed core position, said magnetic core member being mounted on a salient portion of said aircraft in a position of convenient opened core position engagement with said transmission line conductor during an aircraft approach and parking sequence;
a movable core link operating apparatus connected with said magnetic core movable link portion and responsive to an open core and a closed core electrical control signal;
a sensor apparatus received on said aircraft for determining proximity of said aircraft to said energized alternating current transmission line conductor;
and
a control apparatus responsive to said sensor apparatus and enabling movement of said core link operating apparatus attending transmission line docking and undocking maneuvers.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/169,260Filed 24 Jun 2005 · us provisional application
Priority: 4 Oct 2004
Granted: 15 Jan 2008
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification15 codes

B60L 53/11
Characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle: dC charging controlled by the charging station, e.g. mode 4
B60L 53/80
Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of…:…
B64U 50/37
Supply or distribution of electrical power: charging when not in flight
B60L 2200/10
Type of vehicles: air crafts