Positioning hovering objects for docking
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
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Jan 9, 2018
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Mar 27, 2015
filing date -
Apr 4, 2014
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
The present invention extends to methods, systems, devices, apparatus, and computer program products for aligning a target with and/or over and/or into a specific position and orientation. Embodiments include one or more capture components, such as, engagement lines, spars, or struts, that can be actuated together or independently to position a vehicle in a capture area defined by a ring or other geometry. A vehicle can include a sloped surface feature configured to engage with the capture components. When actuated, the capture components draw the sloped surface feature towards and down into the center of the defined capture area. Variations allow a vehicle to be rotated in place, repositioned in place, or clamped securely in place. Positioning and rotation allows alignment with replenishment devices for resupplying and refueling. In this way, a vehicle is relieved from having to have precision terminal guidance for landing and recharging.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available
Family
| Country | kind | publication No. | Filing Date | Type | Sub-Type |
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International Classification(s)
- 2015 Application Filing Year
- B64F Class
- 353 Applications Filed
- 233 Patents Issued To-Date
- 66.01 % Issued To-Date
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
- 2 Citation Count
- B64F Class
- 8.70 % this patent is cited more than
- 7 Age
Maintenance Fees
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| 7.5 Year Payment | $3600.00 | $1800.00 | $900.00 | Jul 9, 2025 |
| 11.5 Year Payment | $7400.00 | $3700.00 | $1850.00 | Jul 9, 2029 |