U.S. patents available from 1976 to present.
U.S. patent applications available from 2005 to present.

Icon_funbox Did You Know...

...that two musicians were responsible for the invention of color print film? Fascinated by photography, Leopold Godowsky and Leopold Mannes worked together to produce an easy-to-use, practical color film. They worked full time as music teachers and gave concerts while experimenting during their off hours in Mannes' kitchen. Their success earned them full-time, well-paying jobs at Kodak and their efforts resulted in Kodachrome film, which was introduced in 1935.

Newsletter  PatentStorm News

Make the Most of PatentStorm

See this month's Top Inventors and Most Cited Patents.

Stay on top of the latest patents by subscribing to an RSS feed.

Got questions? Ask a Patent Expert!

Registered users: Manage your profile, comments and alerts.

 

US Patent 5503350 - Microwave-powered aircraft

US Patent Issued on April 2, 1996
Estimated Patent Expiration Date: Icon_subject October 28, 2013Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
loading...


View Patent Images (PDF)
(Registered users only)

Abstract

An unmanned, remotely controlled microwave-powered aircraft for use as a stationary communications platform. The aircraft is generally a flying wing with a large, flat inner wing having a rectenna on the underside. Rectennas may also be provided on the underside of the wings, the combined output from the rectenna being used to provide power to two electric motors housed within torpedo-shaped nacelles which drive two rear propellers. The rectenna converts a microwave signal at 35 GHz generated by a ground power station utilizing dual gyrotrons and a 34-meter diameter antenna dish. The aircraft has a preferred airfoil cross section throughout and is constructed of lightweight but strong materials in order to provide an enhanced flying time of several months. A power management and distribution system manages the DC power produced by the rectenna to supply power to the flight controls, propulsion system and payload.

Inventor

Assignee

Application

No. 145204 filed on 10/28/1993

US Classes:

244/1R, MISCELLANEOUS244/13, Airplane sustained244/62, AIRCRAFT PROPULSION244/190, Of pilotless aircraft244/194Monitoring circuit or response

Field of Search

244/1R, MISCELLANEOUS244/13, Airplane sustained244/36, Lifting fuselages244/62, AIRCRAFT PROPULSION244/189, By remote radio signal244/190, Of pilotless aircraft244/194Monitoring circuit or response

Examiners

Primary: Grant, William

Attorney, Agent or Firm

US Patent References

D139634, D145145, 1893129, 2604276, 4662588, Airplane configured with a moveable disk structure
Issued on: 05/05/1987
Inventor: Henderson
4943811, Dual polarization electromagnetic power reception and conversion system
Issued on: 07/24/1990
Inventor: Alden, et al.
4955562, Microwave powered aircraft
Issued on: 09/11/1990
Inventor: Martin, et al.
5068669, Power beaming system
Issued on: 11/26/1991
Inventor: Koert, et al.
5082204, All wing aircraft
Issued on: 01/21/1992
Inventor: Croston
5218374Power beaming system with printer circuit radiating elements having resonating cavities
Issued on: 06/08/1993
Inventor: Koert, et al.

Foreign Patent References

  • 951902 FR 11/09/2010

International Class

B64C 039/02

Comments

No comments for this page
 
 
Forgot password?
Register here