Patent ID: 7690438
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: A62C,B64D

Abstract:
1. A method of delivering a material payload to a selected position on the ground using a reusable delivery device, comprising: loading an aircraft with at least one reusable delivery device; flying the aircraft to an area above the selected position; releasing the at least one reusable delivery device from the aircraft; causing the at least one reusable delivery device to travel from the aircraft to a location over the selected position on the ground; transmitting a payload release signal from a remote location to the at least one reusable delivery device; receiving the payload release signal at the at least one reusable delivery device and using the release signal to trigger the release of the material payload; transmitting guidance signals from the remote location to the at least one reusable delivery device after it has released its material payload; and receiving the guidance signals at the at least one reusable delivery device, and using those guidance signals to selectively move flight control surfaces of the at least one reusable delivery device to guide the at least one reusable delivery device from a location over the selected position to a location apart from the selected position.