Paul Laverne Stevens

US Patent:

6604711, Aug 12, 2003

Filed:

Nov 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/716099

Inventors:

Paul Stevens - Chino CA
Sach Sinha - Burbank CA

Assignee:

Sargent Fletcher, Inc. - El Monte CA

International Classification:

B64D 3700

US Classification:

244135A

Abstract:

A motor with a variable speed controller is used to operate a hose reel for connecting a fuel source or decontaminant on a tanker plane to a fuel tank or other receptor on an unmanned vehicle. The hose reel is controlled to feed the fuel or other liquid through the hose and a drogue to a receiving probe on the unmanned vehicle and is also controlled to maintain the drogue in proper position. This end result is achieved by means of a controlling transponder on the unmanned vehicle which receives radio control signals from a communicating transponder on the tanker. A microcomputer processes the received control signals which are then fed to the motor controller. The motor controller not only controls the positioning of the drogue but also controls the motor so that excess hose is reeled in by the hose reel. The controller in addition controls the thrust power. A lidar tracker with a miniature video camera maintains a line of sight between the drogue and the receiver probe and tracks the drogue-probe.