Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B60L 53/00 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
2.
UAV delivery control system for UAV delivery of packages
A UAV delivery control system is disclosed. Sensors detect operation parameters associated with the UAV as the UAV maneuvers along an airborne delivery route. A UAV operation controller monitors UAV route parameters as the UAV maneuvers along the airborne delivery route. The UAV route parameters are indicative as to a current environment of the airborne delivery route that the UAV is encountering. The UAV operation controller automatically adjusts the operation of the UAV to maintain the operation of the UAV within an operation threshold based on the operation parameters and the UAV route parameters. The operation threshold is the operation of the UAV that is maintained within an overall airborne operation radius of the UAV from a return destination thereby enabling the UAV to execute the delivery of the package along the airborne delivery route and to return to the return destination.
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, a plurality of rotors, and a support structure mounted atop the chassis. Each rotor is mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms, is in communication with the control system, and is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The support structure includes a plurality of arched struts that connect to one another at an apex region of the support structure.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
An example carriage is configured for mounting to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The carriage generally includes a housing assembly configured for mounting to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a movable grip mounted to the housing assembly for movement between a capturing position and a releasing position, a latch device, and a driver. The latch device has a latching state and an unlatching state, is configured to retain the movable grip in the capturing position when the latch device is in the latching state, and is configured to permit movement of the movable grip from the capturing position to the releasing position when in the unlatching state. The driver is operable to transition the latch device from the latching state to the unlatching state.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
Certain embodiments of the present application relate to an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising a chassis, a control system mounted to the chassis, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a spool having a wound portion of a line wound thereon, the line including a free portion, an attachment device secured to the free portion of the line and configured to facilitate attachment of a parcel to the line, a motor operable to rotate the spool under control of the control system such that the control system is operable to raise the attachment device to a raised position and lower the attachment device from the raised position, and a spring positioned between the chassis and the attachment device such that the spring is engaged between the chassis and the attachment device when the attachment device is in the raised position.
Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a method for releasing a parcel from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The parcel is engaged with a hook attached to a line suspended from the UAV. The method includes lowering the hook such that the parcel is at least partially supported by a target surface, thereby performing an attempt to release the parcel from the hook, performing at least one iteration of an iterative procedure. The iterative procedure includes raising the hook, and determining whether the line remains loaded. The iterative procedure further includes lowering the hook an additional time in response to a determination that the line remains loaded, thereby performing an additional attempt to release the parcel from the hook. The iterative procedure further includes performing an additional iteration of the iterative procedure in response to the number of attempts failing to satisfy a threshold number of attempts.
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
Certain embodiments of the present application relate to an unmanned aerial vehicle including a control system, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a spool mounted for rotation in a winding direction and an unwinding direction opposite the winding direction, a motor operable to rotate the spool in at least the winding direction under control of the control system, and a brake mechanism including a brake actuator operable to transition the brake mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state under control of the control system. The brake mechanism in the locked state prevents rotation of the spool in at least the unwinding direction. The brake mechanism in the unlocked state does not prevent rotation of the spool in the unwinding direction.
A method according to certain embodiments generally involves operating a system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The base station includes a nest including an upper opening having an upper opening diameter and a lower opening having a lower opening diameter less than the upper opening diameter. The lower opening is accessible from within the base station. The method generally includes landing the UAV within the nest such that a portion of the UAV is accessible via the lower opening, releasably attaching a load to the UAV, and operating the UAV to deliver the load to a destination.
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software and downloadable mobile applications for use in managing the delivery of packages; Downloadable computer software and downloadable mobile applications for use in managing, tracking, monitoring, providing instructions for, displaying real-time videos of, and providing information pertaining to the delivery of packages via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and motor vehicles Providing temporary use of non-downloadable cloud-based software for use in managing the delivery of packages; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable cloud-based software for use in managing, tracking, monitoring, providing instructions for, displaying real-time videos of, and providing information pertaining to the delivery of packages via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and motor vehicles; Software as a service (SaaS) services featuring software for use in managing the delivery of packages; Software as a service (SaaS) services featuring software for use in managing, tracking, monitoring, providing instructions for, displaying real-time videos of, and providing information pertaining to the delivery of packages via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and motor vehicles; Providing a website featuring online non-downloadable software for use in managing the delivery of packages; Providing a website featuring online non-downloadable software for use in managing, tracking, monitoring, providing instructions for, displaying real-time videos of, and providing information pertaining to the delivery of packages via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and motor vehicles
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a line having one end coupled to the chassis and an opposite free end, wherein the free end is positioned below the chassis, and a severing mechanism operable to sever the line under control of the control system.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
B64U 101/69 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons the UAVs provided with means for airdropping goods, e.g. deploying a parachute during descent
A UAV delivery control system is disclosed. Sensors detect operation parameters associated with the UAV as the UAV maneuvers along an airborne delivery route. A UAV operation controller monitors UAV route parameters as the UAV maneuvers along the airborne delivery route. The UAV route parameters are indicative as to a current environment of the airborne delivery route that the UAV is encountering. The UAV operation controller automatically adjusts the operation of the UAV to maintain the operation of the UAV within an operation threshold based on the operation parameters and the UAV route parameters. The operation threshold is the operation of the UAV that is maintained within an overall airborne operation radius of the UAV from a return destination thereby enabling the UAV to execute the delivery of the package along the airborne delivery route and to return to the return destination.
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
13.
Package delivery by means of an automated multi-copter UAS/UAV dispatched from a conventional delivery vehicle
Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
B60L 53/00 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
A method according to certain embodiments generally involves operating a system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The base station includes a nest including an upper opening having an upper opening diameter and a lower opening having a lower opening diameter less than the upper opening diameter. The lower opening is accessible from within the base station. The method generally includes landing the UAV within the nest such that a portion of the UAV is accessible via the lower opening, releasably attaching a load to the UAV, and operating the UAV to deliver the load to a destination.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
An example charging station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the charging station generally including a nest and a charging device. The nest includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an upper opening sized and shaped to receive a landing apparatus of the UAV, and a diameter of the nest reduces from a first diameter at the upper opening to a second diameter at the lower portion. The charging device is mounted in the nest, and includes a first contact pad and a second contact pad. The charging device is configured to apply a voltage differential across the first contact pad and the second contact pad such that the charging station is operable to charge a power supply of the UAV via the landing apparatus.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
A method according to certain embodiments generally involves operating a system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The base station includes a nest including an upper opening having an upper opening diameter and a lower opening having a lower opening diameter less than the upper opening diameter. The lower opening is accessible from within the base station. The method generally includes landing the UAV within the nest such that a portion of the UAV is accessible via the lower opening, releasably attaching a load to the UAV, and operating the UAV to deliver the load to a destination.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
An example charging station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the charging station generally including a nest and a charging device. The nest includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an upper opening sized and shaped to receive a landing apparatus of the UAV, and a diameter of the nest reduces from a first diameter at the upper opening to a second diameter at the lower portion. The charging device is mounted in the nest, and includes a first contact pad and a second contact pad. The charging device is configured to apply a voltage differential across the first contact pad and the second contact pad such that the charging station is operable to charge a power supply of the UAV via the landing apparatus.
B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
A UAV delivery control system is disclosed. Sensors detect operation parameters associated with the UAV as the UAV maneuvers along an airborne delivery route. A UAV operation controller monitors UAV route parameters as the UAV maneuvers along the airborne delivery route. The UAV route parameters are indicative as to a current environment of the airborne delivery route that the UAV is encountering. The UAV operation controller automatically adjusts the operation of the UAV to maintain the operation of the UAV within an operation threshold based on the operation parameters and the UAV route parameters. The operation threshold is the operation of the UAV that is maintained within an overall airborne operation radius of the UAV from a return destination thereby enabling the UAV to execute the delivery of the package along the airborne delivery route and to return to the return destination.
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, a plurality of rotors, and a support structure mounted atop the chassis. Each rotor is mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms, is in communication with the control system, and is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The support structure includes a plurality of arched struts that connect to one another at an apex region of the support structure.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, a line having one end coupled to the chassis and an opposite free end, wherein the free end is positioned below the chassis, and a severing mechanism operable to sever the line under control of the control system.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a motor operable to lower a free end of a line. The free end of the line is operable to engage a parcel to be delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle. The control system is configured to operate the motor to cause the free end of the line to accelerate toward a delivery surface as the free end of the line passes through a first portion of a distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the delivery surface, and to decelerate as the free end of the line passes through a lower portion of the distance.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
B60L 53/00 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a control system, and at least one rotor. The chassis includes a first battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a first battery, and a second battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a second battery. The control system is operable to receive power from the first battery and the second battery when the first battery is received in the first battery compartment and the second battery is received in the second battery compartment. The at least one rotor is operable to generate lift under control of the control system when both the first battery and the second battery are installed to the chassis. The control system is configured to remain at least partially active under power supplied by the first battery when the second battery is removed from the second battery compartment.
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
26.
Carriage lock mechanism for an unmanned aerial vehicle
An example carriage is configured for mounting to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The carriage generally includes a housing assembly configured for mounting to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a movable grip mounted to the housing assembly for movement between a capturing position and a releasing position, a latch device, and a driver. The latch device has a latching state and an unlatching state, is configured to retain the movable grip in the capturing position when the latch device is in the latching state, and is configured to permit movement of the movable grip from the capturing position to the releasing position when in the unlatching state. The driver is operable to transition the latch device from the latching state to the unlatching state.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
B64U 101/60 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons
An example charging station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the charging station generally including a nest and a charging device. The nest includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an upper opening sized and shaped to receive a landing apparatus of the UAV, and a diameter of the nest reduces from a first diameter at the upper opening to a second diameter at the lower portion. The charging device is mounted in the nest, and includes a first contact pad and a second contact pad. The charging device is configured to apply a voltage differential across the first contact pad and the second contact pad such that the charging station is operable to charge a power supply of the UAV via the landing apparatus.
A method according to certain embodiments generally involves operating a system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The base station includes a nest including an upper opening having an upper opening diameter and a lower opening having a lower opening diameter less than the upper opening diameter. The lower opening is accessible from within the base station. The method generally includes landing the UAV within the nest such that a portion of the UAV is accessible via the lower opening, releasably attaching a load to the UAV, and operating the UAV to deliver the load to a destination.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 5/36 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles with means for collecting current simultaneously from more than one conductor, e.g. from more than one phase
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64D 31/00 - Power plant control systemsArrangement of power plant control systems in aircraft
B64D 41/00 - Power installations for auxiliary purposes
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
