Patents
A selected list of patents is below.
US patent 6,264,140 (2001). B.T. McGeer, A.H. von Flotow, C. Roeseler and C. Jackson. Method for retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft without a runway. (Equivalent patents in multiple jurisdictions)
US patent 7,066,430 (2006). B. Dennis, C. Jackson, B.T. McGeer and A.H. von Flotow. Methods and apparatuses for capturing and recovering unmanned aircraft, including extendable capture devices.
US patent 7,104,495 (2006). B.T. McGeer. Methods and apparatuses for launching, capturing, and storing unmanned aircraft, including a container having a guide structure for aircraft components.
US patent 7,121,507 (2006). B. Dennis, C. Jackson, B.T. McGeer. Methods and apparatuses for capturing and storing unmanned aircraft, including methods and apparatuses for securing the aircraft after capture.
US patent 7,140,575 (2006). B.T. McGeer, C. Roeseler and A.H. von Flotow. Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft, including methods and apparatuses for releasably gripping aircraft during launch.
US patent 7,143,974 (2006). C. Roeseler, B.T. McGeer and A.H. von Flotow. Methods and apparatuses for launching airborne devices along flexible elongated members.
US patent 7,152,827 (2006). B.T. McGeer. Methods and apparatuses for launching, capturing, and storing unmanned aircraft, including a container having a guide structure for aircraft components.
US patent 7,165,745 (2007). B.T. McGeer, A.H. von Flotow and C. Roeseler. Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft, including releasably gripping aircraft during launch and braking subsequent grip motion.
US patent 7,175,135 (2007). B. Dennis, B.T. McGeer and C. Roeseler. Methods and apparatuses for capturing unmanned aircraft and constraining motion of the captured aircraft.
US patent 7,857,598 (2010). B.T. McGeer and, A.H. von Flotow. Variable-twist rotor blade controlled by hub pitch angle and rotational speed.
US patent 7,954,758 (2011). B. T. McGeer, A. H. Flotow, and C. Roeseler. Method for retrieving a hovering aircraft.
US patent 9,434,481 (2016) B. T. McGeer. Apparatus and method for launch and retrieval of a hovering aircraft.
US patent 10,299,702 (2019) B. T. McGeer. Capture and launch apparatus and method of using same for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft.
US patent 10,272,999 (2019) Rutger Engbersen, B. T. McGeer, Michael Baxter. Tail-sitter aircraft with legged undercarriage foldable to form rear fuselage.
US patent application 20110024559 (2010). B. T. McGeer and A. H. von Flotow. Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft.
Australia patent 2004207369 (2008). A.H. von Flotow, M. Mercadal and B.T. McGeer. Cooperative nesting of mechanical and electronic stabilization for an airborne camera system.