公开(公告)号：US09809305B2

公开(公告)日：2017-11-07

申请号：US14635743

申请日：2015-03-02

Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Daniel Buchmueller ,  Scott A. Green ,  Atishkumar Kalyan ,  Gur Kimchi

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G06Q10/04 ,  G06Q50/28 ,  G06Q50/30 ,  G08G5/00 ,  G08G5/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/14 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  B64C2201/18 ,  B64C2201/20 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  G01C21/3423 ,  G01C21/343 ,  G06Q10/047 ,  G06Q10/083 ,  G06Q50/28 ,  G06Q50/30 ,  G08G5/0013 ,  G08G5/0039 ,  G08G5/0056 ,  G08G5/0065 ,  G08G5/0069 ,  G08G5/025

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) which fly to destinations (e.g., for delivering items) may land on transportation vehicles (e.g., delivery trucks, etc.) for temporary transport. An agreement with the owner of the transportation vehicles (e.g., a shipping carrier) may be made for obtaining consent and determining compensation for landings, and the associated transportation vehicles that are available for landings may be identified by markers on the roof or other identification techniques. The routes of the transportation vehicles may be known and utilized to determine locations where UAVs will land on and take off from the transportation vehicles, and in cases of emergencies (e.g., due to low batteries, mechanical issues, etc.) the UAVs may land on the transportation vehicles for later retrieval.

公开(公告)号：US20170313422A1

公开(公告)日：2017-11-02

申请号：US15582168

申请日：2017-04-28

Applicant: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.

Inventor： Julio Gil

IPC: B64D9/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/32 ,  B64C25/34 ,  B64D45/04 ,  B64F1/22 ,  B65G1/06 ,  G06Q10/08

CPC classification number: B64D1/22 ,  B60P3/11 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/18 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64C2211/00 ,  B64D1/00 ,  B64D9/00 ,  B64D45/04 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F1/10 ,  B64F1/22 ,  B64F1/32 ,  B65G1/0435 ,  B65G1/06 ,  E05F15/77 ,  G01S19/42 ,  G06Q10/083 ,  G06Q10/0832 ,  G06Q10/0833 ,  G08G5/006 ,  G08G5/0069 ,  G08G5/025

Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

公开(公告)号：US20170225802A1

公开(公告)日：2017-08-10

申请号：US15518966

申请日：2015-10-13

Applicant: Systems Engineering Associates Corporation

Inventor： David A. Lussier ,  Andrew Delisle ,  Brian Charpentier

IPC: B64F1/22 ,  B60L11/18 ,  E04H12/18 ,  B63B35/50 ,  G01S19/03 ,  E04H12/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D47/08

CPC classification number: B64F1/222 ,  B60L53/36 ,  B63B35/50 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/08 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/206 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F1/00 ,  B64F1/007 ,  B64F1/22 ,  E04H12/003 ,  E04H12/18 ,  G01S19/03 ,  H02J7/355 ,  Y02E10/766

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system provides for UAV deployment and remote, unattended operation with reduced logistics requirements. The system includes a launcher that can include one or more containers, or hangars, configured to house vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs. The system can further include a VTOL UAV orientation and charging module configured to mechanically position a UAV within a container and facilitate electrical mating and charging of a battery in the UAV. These operations, and others, can be performed by remote command that can initiate a series of pre-programmed steps. The UAV system can further include a power generation and storage subsystem, a security subsystem, a command and control subsystem and a communications subsystem. Command, control and communications can be provided between a remote station and the UAV.

公开(公告)号：US09715236B2

公开(公告)日：2017-07-25

申请号：US15227574

申请日：2016-08-03

Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI

Inventor： Hiroyuki Fujimori

IPC: B64C39/00 ,  B05D1/00 ,  G05D1/10 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D47/08 ,  G05D1/00

CPC classification number: G05D1/102 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B66F9/07504 ,  B66F9/0755 ,  G05D1/0094 ,  G05D1/101 ,  G05D2201/0216

Abstract: A forklift operation assist system includes a forklift truck having a load-handling device with a lifting portion, a small unmanned aerial vehicle that is mountable on the forklift truck and has an image capture device, and a display device that presents images captured by the image capture device. The forklift truck includes a vehicle controller that is electrically connected to the display device. The small unmanned aerial vehicle includes an aircraft controller that communicates with the vehicle controller. The small unmanned aerial vehicle takes off the forklift truck when a lifting operation of the lifting portion is detected. The display device presents the images captured by the image capture device while the aerial vehicle is flying.

公开(公告)号：US20170190419A1

公开(公告)日：2017-07-06

申请号：US15210039

申请日：2016-07-14

Applicant: Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC

Inventor： Hank J. HUNDEMER

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F3/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D2201/00 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64F3/02

Abstract: In one aspect, an example system includes: (i) a base including a bottom surface and a first coupling-point; (ii) a vertically-oriented elongate structure comprising a lower end, an upper end, and an inner channel, wherein the inner channel comprises an upper access-point disposed proximate the upper end, wherein the base is coupled to the elongate structure proximate the lower end; (iii) a deployable cushioning-device coupled to the elongate structure; and (iv) a tether comprising a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion, wherein the first portion is coupled to the first coupling-point, the second portion is coupled to a second coupling-point of the UAV, the third portion extends through the inner channel, the fourth portion extends from the upper access-point to the second coupling-point, and the fourth portion has a length that is less than a distance between the upper access-point and the bottom surface.

公开(公告)号：US20170139420A1

公开(公告)日：2017-05-18

申请号：US15419804

申请日：2017-01-30

Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor： John A. Lockwood ,  Joseph F. Stanek

IPC: G05D1/02 ,  G05D1/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: G05D1/0276 ,  B60R16/02 ,  B60W30/00 ,  B64C29/0008 ,  B64C29/0091 ,  B64C29/02 ,  B64C39/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/00 ,  B64C2201/02 ,  B64C2201/08 ,  B64C2201/086 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/126 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/14 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/18 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/185 ,  B64C2201/187 ,  B64C2201/20 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64C2230/00 ,  G05D1/0022 ,  G05D1/0088 ,  G05D1/0094 ,  G05D1/0202 ,  G05D1/0212 ,  G05D1/0231 ,  G05D1/0242 ,  G05D1/0255 ,  G05D1/0257 ,  G05D1/028 ,  G05D2201/0213 ,  G08C17/00 ,  G08G1/012 ,  G08G1/091

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to an automotive drone deployment system that includes at least a vehicle and a deployable drone that is configured to attach and detach from the vehicle. More specifically, the disclosure describes the vehicle and drone remaining in communication with each other to exchange information while the vehicle is being operated in an autonomous driving mode so that the vehicle's performance under the autonomous driving mode is enhanced.

公开(公告)号：US09639091B2

公开(公告)日：2017-05-02

申请号：US14794054

申请日：2015-07-08

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Richard Carpenter

IPC: B60T17/18 ,  G05D7/06 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D1/22 ,  G01N1/10

Abstract: A system for collecting a fluid sample from a machine having a fluid module is provided. The system includes a docking station disposed on the machine. The system also includes a pump selectively disposed in fluid communication with the fluid module of the machine. The pump is configured to draw a fluid from the fluid module. The system further includes an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV is configured to detachably dock onto the docking station. The UAV is also configured to collect the fluid sample from the pump.

公开(公告)号：US09555885B2

公开(公告)日：2017-01-31

申请号：US15231579

申请日：2016-08-08

Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor： Joseph F. Stanek ,  John A. Lockwood

IPC: B64C39/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  G05D1/00 ,  G05D1/02

CPC classification number: G05D1/0276 ,  B60R16/02 ,  B60W30/00 ,  B64C29/0008 ,  B64C29/0091 ,  B64C29/02 ,  B64C39/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/00 ,  B64C2201/02 ,  B64C2201/08 ,  B64C2201/086 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/126 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/14 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/18 ,  B64C2201/182 ,  B64C2201/185 ,  B64C2201/187 ,  B64C2201/20 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64C2230/00 ,  G05D1/0022 ,  G05D1/0088 ,  G05D1/0094 ,  G05D1/0202 ,  G05D1/0212 ,  G05D1/0231 ,  G05D1/0242 ,  G05D1/0255 ,  G05D1/0257 ,  G05D1/028 ,  G05D2201/0213 ,  G08C17/00 ,  G08G1/012 ,  G08G1/091

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to an automotive drone deployment system that includes at least a vehicle and a deployable drone that is configured to attach and detach from the vehicle. More specifically, the disclosure describes the vehicle and drone remaining in communication with each other to exchange information while the vehicle is being operated in an autonomous driving mode so that the vehicle's performance under the autonomous driving mode is enhanced.

Abstract translation: 本公开总体上涉及一种汽车无人机部署系统，该系统至少包括车辆和可部署的无人机，其配置为从车辆附接和分离。 更具体地，本公开描述了当车辆以自主驾驶模式操作时彼此保持通信的车辆和无人机交换信息，使得车辆在自主驾驶模式下的性能得到增强。

公开(公告)号：US20170008626A1

公开(公告)日：2017-01-12

申请号：US15041211

申请日：2016-02-11

Applicant: CyPhy Works, Inc.

Inventor： Jason S. Walker ,  John W. Ware ,  Samuel A. Johnson ,  Andrew M. Shein

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64D47/08

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/203 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D47/08 ,  B64F3/00 ,  H02G11/02

Abstract: In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.

Abstract translation: 在一个方面，一般来说，卷绕装置包括用于将丝线从卷绕装置展开和缩回到空中飞行器的丝条进给机构，用于感测灯丝离开卷线装置的出口几何形状的出口几何传感器，以及用于 控制进给机构基于出口几何形状来进给和退回长丝。

公开(公告)号：US20150298806A1

公开(公告)日：2015-10-22

申请号：US14485412

申请日：2014-09-12

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind ,  Thomas Van Alsenoy ,  Richard Wayne DeVaul

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64D3/00 ,  C07C29/141 ,  B63H9/06 ,  B64F1/36 ,  F03D9/00 ,  B64D47/00

CPC classification number: F03D9/32 ,  B63H9/0685 ,  B63H2009/0692 ,  B64C27/00 ,  B64C31/06 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64C2201/206 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64D47/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  C07C29/141 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/008 ,  F03D9/11 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D80/80 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  H02K7/1838 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/725 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A vehicle-based airborne wind turbine system having an aerial wing, a plurality of rotors each having a plurality of rotatable blades positioned on the aerial wing, an electrically conductive tether secured to the aerial wing and secured to a ground station positioned on a vehicle, wherein the aerial wing is adapted to receive electrical power from the vehicle that is delivered to the aerial wing through the electrically conductive tether; wherein the aerial wing is adapted to operate in a flying mode to harness wind energy to provide a first pulling force through the tether to pull the vehicle; and wherein the aerial wing is also adapted to operate in a powered flying mode wherein the rotors may be powered so that the turbine blades serve as thrust-generating propellers to provide a second pulling force through the tether to pull the vehicle

Abstract translation: 一种具有空中翼面的车载机载风力涡轮机系统，多个转子，每个转子具有位于空中飞翼上的多个可旋转叶片，固定在飞行器上并固定在位于车辆上的地面站的导电系绳， 其中所述空中翼适于从通过所述导电系绳传送到所述空中翼的车辆接收电力; 其中所述空中翼适于以飞行模式操作以利用风能以提供穿过所述系绳的第一拉力以拉动所述车辆; 并且其中所述空中翼还适于以动力飞行模式操作，其中所述转子可以被供电，使得所述涡轮机叶片用作推力产生螺旋桨以提供穿过所述系绳的第二拉力以拉动所述车辆