The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 05, 2006
Filed:
Mar. 31, 2004
Cory Roeseler, Hood River, OR (US);
Brian T. Mcgeer, Underwood, WA (US);
Andreas H. Von Flotow, Hood River, OR (US);
Cory Roeseler, Hood River, OR (US);
Brian T. McGeer, Underwood, WA (US);
Andreas H. von Flotow, Hood River, OR (US);
The Insitu Group, Inc., Bingen, WA (US);
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.