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.

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 DISCLOSURE1. 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 wh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a platform that allows for adjusting the direction in which an object is launched from a vehicle. This results in a more precise and controlled launch.

Problems solved by technology

Although many of these uses are beneficial to society, some have found uses for drones that do not benefit the general public.

Other UAV activities are dangerous such as when a UAV flies into the airspace used by airplanes.

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