Abstract

A drone port has a set of autonomous transport robots (or rovers) that can collaborate with each other, are automated and can provide a scalable drone service unit or system within an existing building. The rovers are able to transport or move the drones, such as to and from a landing, take-off or drop-off area. The rovers can transport or move (drone) packages/payloads and load/unload the packages onto, or from, the drones.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64U 80/10 - Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs with means for moving the UAV to a supply or launch location, e.g. robotic arms or carousels
• B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
• B64F 1/228 - Vehicles specially adapted therefor, e.g. aircraft tow tractors remotely controlledVehicles specially adapted therefor, e.g. aircraft tow tractors operating autonomously
• B64U 80/25 - Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs with arrangements for servicing the UAV for recharging batteriesTransport or storage specially adapted for UAVs with arrangements for servicing the UAV for refuelling
• B64U 80/30 - Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs with arrangements for data transmission
• B64U 80/40 - Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs for two or more UAVs
• B64U 101/64 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons for parcel delivery or retrieval
• B64U 101/70 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for use inside enclosed spaces, e.g. in buildings or in vehicles

Abstract

A gripping system for attaching a parcel to a drone, comprises: a gripper (2) to be part of or for mounting on the drone, and a handle (12) to be part of or for mounting on the parcel, wherein * the handle comprises a handle body, extending from which is a neck (16) and a head (18), wherein the head is wider than and projects outwardly from the neck, forming a flange; * the gripper comprises a gripper body (4) on which are mounted at least 2 jaws (6) moveable between gripping and releasing positions, * each jaw comprises a mating surface (8) complementary to a portion of the neck; * in the releasing position, the mating surfaces are retracted and the head can move freely into and out of the jaws; * in the gripping position, the mating surfaces are moved inwardly to mate with and grip the neck below the flange, thereby gripping the handle and preventing its release from the jaws of the gripper.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 1/22 - Taking-up articles from earth's surface
• B25J 9/10 - Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by positioning means for manipulator elements
• B64U 101/66 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengersUAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting goods other than weapons for parcel delivery or retrieval for retrieving parcels