Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed relating to coupling with, and subsequently refilling or refuelling autonomous UAVs. A self-aligning liquid coupler system comprises a first link (506) to rotate about a pin joint (510), a second link (508) rotatably coupled to the first link (506), the second link having a nozzle (520) at a first end (516) and a weight (522) at a second end (518) opposite the first end, and a fluid inlet (322) including a funnel portion (323) and an opening (324), the funnel portion having a conical taper converging towards the opening.
SELF-ALIGNING LIQUID COUPLER SYSTEM
SELBSTAUSRICHTENDE FLÜSSIGKEITSKUPPLUNGSSYSTEM
SYSTÈME DE COUPLEUR DE LIQUIDE À ALIGNEMENT AUTOMATIQUE
2022-08-10
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B64F GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT , Boden- oder Flugzeugträgerdeckeinrichtungen besonders ausgebildet für die Verwendung in Verbindung mit Luftfahrzeugen / B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge / B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT / B67D Ausschenken, Abgeben oder Überleiten von Flüssigkeiten, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen , DISPENSING, DELIVERING, OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR |
NTRS | 1990
|Self-aligning liquid coupler systems and related methods
European Patent Office | 2023
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