U.S. patent application number 15/055392 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-14 for aerial arresting system for unmanned aerial vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is William Dryden, JR., Michael E. Rogers, Frank Saho, III, Shawn M. Theiss. Invention is credited to William Dryden, JR., Michael E. Rogers, Frank Saho, III, Shawn M. Theiss.
Application Number | 20170356726 15/055392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60573863 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170356726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Theiss; Shawn M. ; et
al. |
December 14, 2017 |
AERIAL ARRESTING SYSTEM FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
Abstract
A device launcher can be carried and be used to launch a device
by an airborne UAV against an airborne or ground target. The target
can be a moving target with the device configured to slow or
disable the movement of the target. The device can be triggered
manually or through an automated targeting system. The launch
apparatus can be configured to launch a single device or a
plurality of devices. The device launched against the target can be
separated from the launch vehicle or tethered to the launch
vehicle. The device can be a net that entangles the rotors of a
rotor-driven vehicle. The device can include a parachute to retard
movement of target vehicle whether it is falling or if it continues
to move. A method of patrolling a perimeter with an airborne
vehicle includes the steps of moving the airborne vehicle within
the perimeter to sense unauthorized targets and launching a device
against those sensed targets.
Inventors: |
Theiss; Shawn M.; (North
Benton, OH) ; Rogers; Michael E.; (Raleigh, NC)
; Saho, III; Frank; (Gnadenhutten, OH) ; Dryden,
JR.; William; (Gnadenhutten, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Theiss; Shawn M.
Rogers; Michael E.
Saho, III; Frank
Dryden, JR.; William |
North Benton
Raleigh
Gnadenhutten
Gnadenhutten |
OH
NC
OH
OH |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60573863 |
Appl. No.: |
15/055392 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62176670 |
Feb 26, 2015 |
|
|
|
62262264 |
Dec 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 2201/182 20130101;
B64C 39/024 20130101; F41H 13/0006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 13/00 20060101
F41H013/00 |
Claims
1. An airborne vehicle and launch device comprising: an airborne
vehicle; a launch device carried by the airborne vehicle; and the
launch device carrying at least one device that can be launched by
the launch device away from the vehicle; the device being a
net.
2. The vehicle and launch device of claim 1, wherein the launch
device is selectively repositionable with respect to the vehicle so
that it can be aimed.
3. The vehicle and launch device of claim 1, wherein the launch
device is an unmanned vehicle.
4. The vehicle and launch device of claim 1, further comprising a
sensor that provides data related to the target.
5-8. (canceled)
9. The vehicle and launch device of claim 1, wherein the launch
device carries a plurality of nets.
10-19. (canceled)
20. The vehicle and launch device of claim 1, wherein the net is
tethered to the vehicle.
21. The vehicle and launch device of claim 1, wherein the net can
be launched by at least one of a manual system, through a remote
controlled system, and an autopilot system.
22. The vehicle and launch device of claim 1, further comprising an
aerodynamic retardation system connected to the net.
23. An airborne vehicle and launch device comprising: an airborne
vehicle; a launch device carried by the airborne vehicle; and the
launch device carrying a plurality of nets that can be selectively
launched by the launch device away from the vehicle.
24. The vehicle and launch device of claim 23, wherein the
plurality of nets are stacked within a net container.
25. The vehicle and launch device of claim 24, further comprising a
net separation disc disposed between the stacked nets.
26. The vehicle and launch device of claim 23, wherein each net is
connected to a plurality of weights.
27. The vehicle and launch device of claim 23, wherein the launch
device carries the plurality of net assemblies carried by a
selectively movable block.
28. The vehicle and launch device of claim 23, wherein the launch
device includes a housing that defines a chamber that holds
compressed gas used to launch the nets.
29. The vehicle and launch device of claim 28, further comprising a
canister of compressed gas connected to the housing.
30. The vehicle and launch device of claim 28, further comprising a
recharging valve connected to the housing that allows the chamber
to be filled with compressed gas.
31. The vehicle and launch device of claim 29, further comprising
an electronically-controller valve that can be opened to deliver
compressed gas from the chamber of the housing to weights connected
to one of the nets.
32. The vehicle and launch device of claim 31, further comprising a
gas distribution block that evenly distributes the compressed gas
from the electronically-controlled valve to the weights.
33. The vehicle and launch device of claim 32, wherein the gas
distribution block is selectively movable with respect to the
housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Applications 62/176,670 filed Feb. 26, 2015 and 62/262,264
filed Dec. 2, 2015; the disclosures of both are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. Technical Field
[0002] The disclosure generally relates to aerial arresting devices
and methods for using the devices for eliminating or reducing an
aerial device such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone.
More particularly, the disclosure relates to aerial arresting
devices and methods that launch a device such as a net from one
aerial vehicle to disrupt or discontinue the operation of another
aerial vehicle. The disclosure relates to devices launched manually
and automatically.
2. Background Information
[0003] Privately-owned aerial vehicles have increased in numbers
especially unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which are commonly
referred to as drones. These vehicles have historically been for
hobbyists who enjoy flying and the challenges of building airborne
vehicles and controlling them with a short range radio controller.
With the dramatic rise in smartphone technology, miniaturization of
cameras, and fast, ubiquitous cellular communications technologies,
the use of UAVs for aerial photography or the delivery of goods has
increased. Although many of these uses are beneficial to society,
some have found uses for drones that do not benefit the general
public. One example is the delivery of contraband over borders or
inside prison walls. Another example is photography of private
areas at low elevations or real-time surveillance of private
leisure or commercial activities from low elevation positions that
were previously unattainable by a photographer. Other UAV
activities are dangerous such as when a UAV flies into the airspace
used by airplanes. As the uses of UAVs increases, those persons in
charge of securing the facilities or activities above desire a safe
device and method for disabling a UAV.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The disclosure provides devices and methods for disabling
airborne vehicles using a device or devices launched from another
airborne vehicle. In particular, the devices and methods relate to
the disabling a multi-prop unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a net
launched from another UAV in order to entangle the rotors of the
target vehicle. The net can be tethered to the launch vehicle to
allow the launch vehicle to retrieve the target. Alternatively or
selectively, the net can be released from the launch vehicle to
allow the launch vehicle to proceed unencumbered or to proceed
operations when the target is too large to carry.
[0005] The disclosure also provides a device launcher that can be
carried by and used to launch a device by an airborne UAV against
an airborne or ground target. The target can be a moving target
with the device configured to slow or disable the movement of the
target. The device can be triggered manually by the operator or
through an automated targeting system using data from one or more
sensors. The launch apparatus can be configured to launch a single
device or a plurality of devices. The device launched against the
target can be separated from the launch vehicle or tethered to the
launch vehicle. The device can be a net that entangles the rotors
of a rotor-driven vehicle. The device can include a parachute to
retard movement of target vehicle whether it is falling or if it
continues to move.
[0006] The disclosure provides different configurations of the
device launcher with different options for providing charges to the
device launcher. Devices with quick-refill and quick reload
capabilities include configurations with removable and replaceable
compressed gas cartridges and embodiments with gas valves
selectively connectable to sources of compressed gas (such as
compressors or large storage tanks) for refill.
[0007] The disclosure provides an adjustable launching platform
that allows the direction of launch to be adjusted with respect to
the launch vehicle.
[0008] The disclosure provides a method for patrolling an area
against unauthorized incursions by an aerial vehicle and arresting
the vehicle which makes the unauthorized incursion.
[0009] The preceding non-limiting aspects, as well as others, are
more particularly described below. A more complete understanding of
the processes and equipment can be obtained by reference to the
accompanying drawings, which are not intended to indicate relative
size and dimensions of the assemblies or components thereof. In
those drawings and the description below, like numeric designations
refer to components of like function. Specific terms used in that
description are intended to refer only to the particular structure
of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and
are not intended to define or limit the scope of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary fixed wing aircraft launching a
tethered device at an airborne target.
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts the successful arrest and capture of the
airborne target of FIG. 1 by the fixed wing aircraft of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts the fixed wing aircraft of FIG. 1 using the
tethered device to retrieve the target.
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary multi-rotor UAV carried an
exemplary device launcher with an exemplary wireless radio
frequency controller.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an overview flowchart describing an exemplary
autonomous system for tracking a target and firing the system of
the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a device in the form of a net being launched
from an airborne UAV at a target airborne UAV with the net being
spread out by a plurality of projectile weights connected to the
net.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary configuration for the
device launcher.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an end view of the device launcher of FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device launcher of FIGS.
7 and 8.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of FIG. 9.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 12 is an end view from the left side of FIG. 11.
[0022] FIG. 13 is an end view from the right side of FIG. 11.
[0023] FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the device launcher
of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a side view of another configuration for the
device launcher.
[0025] FIG. 16 is an end view of FIG. 15.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side view similar to FIG. 15 depicting the
internal components.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the configuration of FIG.
15.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a side view of another configuration for the
device launcher.
[0029] FIG. 20 is an end view of FIG. 19 (net not shown for
clarity).
[0030] FIG. 21 is a side view similar to FIG. 19 depicting the
internal components.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the configuration of FIG.
19 (net not shown for clarity).
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another configuration for
the device launcher that carries multiple launchable devices.
[0033] FIG. 24 is an end view from the left side of FIG. 23.
[0034] FIG. 25 is an end view from the right side of FIG. 23.
[0035] FIG. 26 is a side view of the device launcher of FIG.
23.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another configuration for
the device launcher that carries multiple launchable devices.
[0037] FIG. 24 is an end view from the left side of FIG. 23.
[0038] FIG. 25 is an end view from the right side of FIG. 23 (nets
not shown for clarity).
[0039] FIG. 26 is a side view of the device launcher of FIG.
23.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another configuration for
the device launcher that carries multiple launchable devices.
[0041] FIG. 28 is a side view of FIG. 27.
[0042] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the configuration of FIG.
27 with a first device already launched from the device.
[0043] FIG. 30 is a side view of FIG. 29.
[0044] Similar numbers refer to similar elements.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE
[0045] The different configurations of the launch devices are
indicated generally by the numeral 2 in the accompanying drawings.
Launch devices 2 are carried by airborne vehicles 4 such as the
fixed wing device depicted in FIGS. 1-3 or the rotor-type device
depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6. Different vehicles can be used including
manned aircraft or unmanned aircraft, fixed wing, rotorcraft,
ducted-fan, ornithopter or orthopter, rocket/missile, and/or
lighter-than-air. The rotor-type vehicle can be a multiple-rotor
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone which is controlled by a
user through a controller 6 such as a radio frequency controller or
a mobile computer such as a smart phone using cellular, WIFI,
ZigBee.RTM., Bluetooth.RTM., WiMAX, communications protocols or a
combination of both. The target 8 can be another airborne vehicle
or a ground-based target. The ground-based target can be a vehicle,
a person, or an animal. Launch device 2 is configured to be
operated while vehicle 4 is airborne and in motion. Launch device 2
can launch its device in the same direction as vehicle 4 is
traveling. Launch device 2 can be manually triggered by the user or
can be automatically triggered in response to a sensor signal
generated from a sensor carried by vehicle 4.
[0046] Vehicle 4 can be a type vehicles having a range of less than
10 kilometers. Vehicle 4 also can be the type that must be in line
of sight with the user for operation.
[0047] Launch device 2 can be mounted in a fixed or adjustable
position on vehicle 4. For example, device 2 in FIG. 4 can be
mounted in a fixed position to the frame of vehicle 4 with the
device to be launched extended under the front two rotors of
vehicle 4. The mount that secures launch device 2 to vehicle 4 can
include a mount 5 that can be a swivel mount or a pivot mount or
both to allow launch device 2 to be aimed by the user or the
automatic targeting system. Launch device 2 can be mounted to
vehicle 4 in a configuration that allows launch device 2 to swivel
in either direction through an entire 360 degree arc or rotate in
either direction in continuous 360 degree circles. Launch device 2
also can pivot up and down so that its device can be launched
directly upward or directly downward. The upward launch direction
uses a mount that positions the device to be launched between
rotors or radially outwardly of the rotors so that the launch does
not disrupt the operation of vehicle 4. The movements of launch
device 2 can be powered by motors carried by vehicle 4 and
controlled by the user or by the automatic targeting system. Launch
device 2 can be configured to allow the user to trigger the launch
at any time after launch device 2 is armed.
[0048] Vehicle 4 can carry a camera that is used to provide live
video data to the user. The camera can be fixed with vehicle 4 and
move with vehicle 4 or the camera can be mounted with launch device
2 and move together with launch device 2. The person controlling
the flight of vehicle 4 or the position of launch device 2 uses the
images from the video camera to position vehicle 4 (or manipulate
the mount of launch device 2) before triggering the launch of its
device. Gauge lines can be provided on the video screen or a gauge
can be positioned in front of the camera lens in order to allow the
user to estimate the distance to target 8. The video images can be
used alone or in combination with data from other sensors such as
those described below.
[0049] An automatic targeting system can be used to operate launch
device 2. The system includes one or more sensors 9 carried by
vehicle 4 to provide data to a computer (either carried by vehicle
4 or at a remote location) that can trigger launch device 2 when
criteria are met for a launch that has a high chance of success.
The user controls the parameters used such that device 2 will only
launch in situations wherein the chance of a successful capture is
above a controllable threshold. For example, the user may set
device 2 and the automated system to only launch when there is a
95% of a capture. Sensors 9 include the camera discussed above, a
communications signal detector such as a radio frequency or WIFI
detector, a radar device, a sonar device, a motion detector such as
an infrared motion detector, a range finder, and/or an acoustic
sensor. Any one of these or any combination of these sensors can be
carried by vehicle 4 and provide data to a computer that is
programmed with software or instructions that creates the launch
signal when certain criteria are met. For example, the criteria can
be a distance measurement between sensor 9 and target 8 or a
combination of a video image from camera in combination with a
distance measurement. Another example, is a combination of a
distance measurement in combination with a comparison of relative
speeds and directions between vehicle 4 and target 8. This
configuration relies on the remote human operator to pilot vehicle
4.
[0050] The aerial vehicle 4 can be provided with an autopilot
and/or an auto-launch mode wherein the computer controls the flight
commands of vehicle 4 to bring itself within launch range of target
8 and then automatically launching its device when a position is
acquired that has a high probability of a capture. Vehicle 4 can
turn its controls back to the operator automatically after
launching its device or only when a signal is received from the
operator.
[0051] Another feature of the autopilot system is a sentinel mode
which instructs vehicle 4 to patrol (via a fixed pattern or a
random pattern control) an area inside a security perimeter or
patrol along a security perimeter or security line. The position of
vehicle 4 can be controlled based on Global Positioning System
(GPS) signals or other location data. The autopilot system
continually or periodically senses the area around its location for
unauthorized devices. Upon acquisition of a signal indicating an
unauthorized device, the autopilot system controls the movement of
vehicle 4 to position vehicle 4 for a successful launch. The
autopilot system also sends an alert signal to the user. Such
sentinels are programmed to recognize another aerial vehicle from
birds and airborne debris using data from additional sensors.
[0052] The configurations of launch device 2 depicted in FIGS. 7-30
are configured to launch one or more devices in the form of
weighted nets 18. Net 18 includes at least one projectile weight 16
upon which the launch force from device 2 acts to project net 18
away from device 2. Projectile weights 16 can be connected directly
to the net structure or by cable (such as cables 32 shown in FIGS.
27-30). The relatively light-weight netting is carried by the
flight of projectile weights 16. Projectile weights 16 are launched
at trajectories away from on another to cause net 18 to spread out
for effective target capture. Projectile weights 16 can be carried
in tubes or on guides both of which help direct weights 16 in a
desired direction from device 2. The launch of net 18 is triggered
by an electric switch that controls a valve that releases
pressurized gas to launch projectile weights 16. In other
configurations, projectile weights 16 are launched with one or more
explosive charge.
[0053] Net 18 can be made from textile or polymer cords or metal
cords or a combination of materials as need to prevent tearing and
breaking of net 18 when encountering fast spinning rotors.
[0054] Net 18 can be provided with electronic disablement, chemical
disablement, and/or explosive disablement to act against target 8.
These features can be carried by the net material or by weights 16.
For example, weights 16 can be batteries that provide a current to
the net to interfere or disable target 8. In another configuration,
weights 16 can be explosive charges with timers.
[0055] Net 18 can be tethered to vehicle 4 with a tether as shown
in FIGS. 1-3 or fired as an individual element as shown in FIG. 6.
When net 18 is tethered, a winch can be provided to pull target 8
toward vehicle 4. When net 18 is tethered, a cutter can be provided
to break the tethered by command if needed.
[0056] The switch receives a signal that triggers the launch of net
18. The signal can originate from the remote human operator of
vehicle 4 or from a sensor 9 or a computer receiving data from
sensor 9. Using an electrically-controlled valve to launch net 18
provides for remote operation while minimizing external force that
could move launch device 2 off target.
[0057] FIGS. 7-14 depict an exemplary configuration for the launch
device 2 which includes an electronically controlled valve 10 in
selective fluid communication with an expansion chamber 12 and a
supply of gas such as the compressed carbon dioxide container 14
depicted. Expansion chamber 12 is used to ensure there is a
sufficient volume of compressed gas that can be immediately
provided against weights 16 to launch weights 16 as needed.
Although some configurations of container 14 release their
compressed gas fat enough to multiple weights 16, expansion chamber
12 allows weights 16 to be launched using standard compressed gas
canisters such as those used in pellet guns. Net 18 can be disposed
within an optional cone-shaped sleeve 15 that minimizes tangling of
net 18 with projectile weights 16. FIGS. 7 and 8 depict
configurations with sleeve 15 while FIGS. 9-11 depict net 18 packed
directly between weights 16. FIGS. 13 and 14 have net 18 removed
for clarity. When net 18 is to be deployed, valve 10 is opened to
allow the compressed gas in the expansion chamber 12 to launch
projectile weights 16 which are connected to different portions of
net 18 to help it spread out to its full area to be an effective
capture device. A gas distribution block 19 evenly distributes the
compressed gas to each of projectile weights 16 causing them to
launch at the same time with the same amount of force. Valve 10 can
be controlled by the operator of the aerial vehicle by sending a
command through a radio frequency signal. Valve 10 can be
controlled automatically from a sensor carried by the aerial
vehicle. In one configuration, almost all of the gas from container
14 is used to fill expansion chamber 10 when container 14 as
connected to chamber 10. In configurations wherein all of this
compressed gas is not needed for a launch, valve 10 controls the
release of the gas so that multiple launches can be achieved (after
loading a net 18 each time) without changing container 14. In
another configuration, a valve can be used to fill chamber 10 and
hold compressed gas in container 14 so that device 2 can be fired
again when another net 18 is loaded for launch. In this
configuration, all of the compressed gas in expansion chamber 10
can be used for a single launch because it can be refilled from
container 14.
[0058] FIG. 8 is an end view of the system of FIG. 7. Although four
projectile weights 16 are depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, different
numbers, arrangements, and shapes of projectile weights 16 can be
used with net 18. Projectile weights 16 can number from a single
projectile weight 16 to a plurality as needed to carry and spread
net 18.
[0059] FIGS. 15-18 depict another configuration for device launcher
2 that is more compact and thus easier to carry by vehicle 4. In
this configuration, housing 20 receives the compressed gas supply
container 14 such as the carbon dioxide canister. A plug 21 can be
used to push container 14 against a valve release pin 23 to release
the gas into the chamber of housing 20 such that housing 20
functions as the expansion chamber for the gas. Plug 21 can be
threaded to housing or fit in with a push and twist bayonet-style
locking motion. Plug 21 seals the chamber of housing 20. Housing 20
also carries the electrically-controlled switch 22 that opens a
valve to release the compressed gas to launch the projectile
weights 16. Housing 20 defines a chamber that is filled with
compressed gas from container 14 so that enough volume of gas is
provided to launch projectile weights 16 a desired distance. Switch
22 causes the release of the pressurized gas from the chamber of
housing 20 to block 19. This configuration is more compact than the
configuration of FIG. 7 and is easier to mount for gimbaled
movement on vehicle 4.
[0060] FIGS. 19-22 depict another configuration for device 2
wherein a canister of compressed gas is not carried by device 2. In
this configuration, the chamber of housing 20 charged with
compressed gas through a recharging valve 24. Recharging valve 24
can be a ball valve that provides for quick connect and quick
disconnect for fast recharging of housing 20. This system can work
with compressed air or other compressed gas. This system is lighter
because the gas canister is not carried by the aerial vehicle 4.
This system also allows for quick recharging of device 2 for more
rapid reloading and deployment. In this configuration, the chamber
of housing 20 can be large enough to hold a volume of compressed
gas sufficient to launch multiple devices 2.
[0061] In these configurations, valves 10 and 22 can carry their
own power supplies, communications and control links with the
user's controller 6 or the onboard computer. In other
configurations, valves 10 and 22 use the power and control features
of the onboard computer or controller that is controlling vehicle
4.
[0062] In these configurations, device launcher 2 can be provided
with an individual tether line for each projectile weight 16. Each
individual tether line is connected to a winch disposed within or
behind gas distribution block 19 or on or within the tube or guide
for weight 16. These individual tether lines may be of any length
and material necessary to allow net 18 to be launched to its
maximum distance without interference from the individual tether
lines. The individual tether lines remain attached to projectile
weights 16 and/or net 18 after launch, and may serve to keep net 18
attached to vehicle 4 for the purpose of relocating or carrying off
target 8 after being successfully netted. However, should target 8
be missed, the individual tether lines allow projectile weights 16
and net 18 to be pulled back to gas distribution block 19, thereby
reloading projectile weights 16 into block 19 or the firing
tubes/guides to allow device 2 to be fired again. The individual
tether lines may be pulled back by use of one or more winches (with
pulleys or guides), springs, or compressed air. As they are pulled
back to device 2, projectile weights 2 are realigned and reloaded
with guides or rails.
[0063] FIGS. 23-26 depict a configuration for device 2 wherein a
plurality of nets 18 can be launched one after another by moving
gas distribution block 19 with respect to the pressurized chamber
of housing 19. These configurations are depicted with recharging 24
but they can also carry compressed gas canisters as above. In the
configuration of these drawings, gas distribution block 19 rotates
through four firing positions. Gas distribution block 19 can also
be configured to slide between firing positions or slide across and
then down through an array of firing positions. A minimum of two
firing positions are provided with the maximum number being defined
by the size of net 18, block 19, and vehicle 4.
[0064] Block 19 defines the passageways for the compressed gas that
lead from valve 22 (which can be in the configuration of FIGS. 7-22
or disposed entirely within housing 20) to the seats that receive
the inner ends of projectile weights 16. Block 19 can be turned
with a motor or with a portion of the compressed gas.
[0065] Another configuration similar in appearance to FIGS. 23-26
does not rotate or move block 19. Instead, valve 22 or a series of
valves downstream of valve 22 within block 19 or housing 20 are
used to selectively deliver the compressed gas to the different
firing positions. These are controlled electronically such that
only one is open at a time for each single launch. Alternatively,
the valves can be configured to automatically close (after initial
use) and open (prior to initial use--having started in a closed
configuration) during a launch such that the next burst of
compressed gas is delivered to the next valve in line. This system
can thus be electronically controlled or mechanically/pneumatically
controlled.
[0066] In the configuration of FIGS. 27-30 a plurality of nets 18
are stacked one on top of the other with the valves configured to
launch weights 16 from the outermost net 18 first and before
switching the next net 18 in line. The delivery of the pressurized
gas can be controlled with valves as above or by moving block 19 as
above. FIGS. 27 and 28 show two nets 18 stacked with FIGS. 29 and
30 showing the configuration after the first net 18 is launched. In
these configurations, weights 16 are disposed in launch tubes 30.
Cables 32 are depicted here as connecting weights 16 to nets 18. An
optional net separation disc 34 can be disposed between nets 18.
Disc 34 can be dragged out by the first launch or can remain for
the second launch. Nets 18 are packed within a net container 36 to
maintain their packed configuration.
[0067] The example shows eight launch tubes 30 for the purpose of
launching two nets 18, however there can be any number of tubes 30
and Net Containers for firing any number of nets. In an alternative
configuration, nets 18 can be stacked in an array such as
two-by-two and two deep to provide eight nets 18 for launch.
[0068] The device launcher and arresting system of the disclosure
is capable of the following:
[0069] 1. Able to be mounted to and launched from an airborne
platform such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be fixed
wing or rotor-style;
[0070] 2. Able to launch a net for the purpose of capturing,
arresting, detaining, obstructing, and/or relocating another
aircraft, including but not limited to manned aircraft or unmanned
aircraft, fixed wing, rotorcraft. ducted-fan, ornithopter,
rocket/missile, lighter-than-air, and/or ground vehicles (manned or
unmanned), and/or humans whether on the ground or in the air,
and/or animals whether on the ground or in the air (cumulatively
known as the "target");
[0071] 3. Able to launch the net for "air-to-air" or
"air-to-ground" applications against a target;
[0072] 4. Able to launch the net manually, and/or through a remote
controlled system, and/or through an autopilot system, and/or
through a sensor system;
[0073] 5. Once the net is deployed, it may be immediately
released/separated from the launch platform, or may be
tethered/attached to the launch platform for the purpose of
dragging or lifting the "target" to another location, with the
tether able to be released from the launch platform as required at
a later time;
[0074] 6. The net may include an aerodynamic retardation system
(i.e. parachute) to prevent an airborne "target" from continuing
its operation/movement, or to retard the target's decent;
[0075] 7. The aerial capturing/arresting system may be capable of a
single net launch or may have multiple net launching
capabilities;
[0076] 8. The aerial capturing/arresting system may be mounted in
such a way that allows launching the net forward, backward, to
either side, up, down, or any combination thereof to allow a net
launch in any direction from the platform;
[0077] 9. The aerial capturing system may have means of disabling
the "target" in addition to the physical capturing/disruption. This
may include, but is not limited to electronic disablement, chemical
disablement, and/or explosive disablement.
[0078] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description
and illustration of the embodiments are examples and the invention
is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Modifications and alterations of those embodiments will be apparent
to one who reads and understands this general description. The
present disclosure should be construed as including all such
modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope
of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. Throughout the
description and claims of this specification the words "comprise"
and "include" as well as variations of those words, such as
"comprises," "includes," "comprising," and "including" are not
intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.
* * * * *