公开(公告)号：US11661186B2

公开(公告)日：2023-05-30

申请号：US16436307

申请日：2019-06-10

Applicant: Dragonfly Pictures, Inc.

Inventor： Michael W. Piasecki ,  Joseph S. Pawelczyk, Jr. ,  Jeffrey Field

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  H04B10/2575

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  H04B10/2575 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64C2201/205

Abstract: An unmanned aerial signal relay includes an unmanned aerial vehicle, including a communication relay unit and at least one antenna, communicatively connected to the communication relay unit; a tether comprising at least two wires and at least one fiber optic cable, the wires and cable communicatively connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle; and a surface support system comprising a spool physically connected to the tether and a ground-based receiver communicatively connected to the at least one fiber optic cable, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is powered by electrical energy provided by the at least two wires, and wherein the communication relay unit is configured to relay signals received from the at least one antenna via the fiber optic cable to the ground-based receiver. Various systems and methods related to an unmanned aerial signal relay are also described.

公开(公告)号：US10081425B2

公开(公告)日：2018-09-25

申请号：US15905572

申请日：2018-02-26

Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation

Inventor： Jeanette L. Blomberg ,  Eric K. Butler ,  Anca A. Chandra ,  Pawan R. Chowdhary ,  Thomas D. Griffin ,  Divyesh Jadav ,  Sunhwan Lee ,  Robert J. Moore ,  Hovey R. Strong, Jr.

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B64F1/22 ,  B64F1/32 ,  B64F1/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64C2201/206 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64F1/007 ,  B64F1/222 ,  B64F1/32 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B64F1/368

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising a body including a cavity for storing one or more packages, and a conveyor belt disposed above a top surface of the body. The belt is shaped to receive one or more packages, and the belt is controllable to rotate a package placed on the belt either from the top surface to the cavity for storage or from the cavity to the top surface for dispatch. A package comprises at least one of a drone and a payload transported by the drone. The apparatus further comprises a landing mechanism for stabilizing a drone landing on the apparatus.

公开(公告)号：US20180244383A1

公开(公告)日：2018-08-30

申请号：US15755187

申请日：2016-08-30

Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

Inventor： EVANDRO GURGEL DO AMARAL VALENTE ,  NORMAN M. WERELEY ,  EDUARDO GURGEL DO AMARAL VALENTE

IPC: B64C37/00 ,  B64C39/10 ,  B64C29/00 ,  B64C29/02 ,  B64C15/12 ,  B64C5/02 ,  B64C11/46 ,  B64C19/00

CPC classification number: B64C37/00 ,  B64C5/02 ,  B64C11/46 ,  B64C15/12 ,  B64C17/02 ,  B64C19/00 ,  B64C29/0033 ,  B64C29/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C39/10 ,  B64C2201/028 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64C2211/00 ,  B64D29/00

Abstract: The universal vehicle system is designed with a lifting body which is composed of a plurality of interconnected modules which are configured to form an aerodynamically viable contour of the lifting body which including a front central module, a rear module, and thrust vectoring modules displaceably connected to the front central module and operatively coupled to respective propulsive mechanisms. The thrust vectoring modules are controlled for dynamical displacement relative to the lifting body (in tilting and/or translating fashion) to direct and actuate the propulsive mechanism(s) as needed for safe and stable operation in various modes of operation and transitioning therebetween in air, water and terrain environments.

公开(公告)号：US09969491B2

公开(公告)日：2018-05-15

申请号：US14843329

申请日：2015-09-02

Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY

Inventor： James David Strayer

IPC: B64F1/04 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D1/02 ,  B64C5/06

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B63G3/04 ,  B63G2008/004 ,  B63G2008/008 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/167 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205

Abstract: A drone launch system includes a canister defining an internal cavity, and a drone positioned within the internal cavity in a stowed state. The drone is configured to be ejected from the canister and transition from the stowed state into a deployed state outside of the canister. A method for launching a drone, the method includes positioning the drone in a stowed state in an internal cavity of a canister, ejecting the drone from the canister, and transitioning the drone into a deployed state after the ejecting operation.

公开(公告)号：US09784243B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-10

申请号：US15167415

申请日：2016-05-27

Applicant: X Development LLC

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

IPC: F03D9/00 ,  H02P9/04 ,  B63H9/06 ,  C07C29/141 ,  B64C31/06 ,  F03D5/00 ,  B64C27/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64D47/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  H02K7/18

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.

公开(公告)号：US09545852B2

公开(公告)日：2017-01-17

申请号：US14504828

申请日：2014-10-02

Applicant: SWIFT ENGINEERING, INC.

Inventor： Andrew Streett

IPC: B64C13/00 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/22 ,  G05D1/00 ,  H02J7/35 ,  B65G67/00

CPC classification number: B60L11/182 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/222 ,  G05D1/0011 ,  G05D1/0088 ,  H02J7/35

Abstract: A transportable ground station for a UAV includes a container in which the UAV may be transported and housed. The container includes a wireless or contact-based recharging station that recharges the UAV's batteries or other power sources after the UAV returns from a mission. The recharging station may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more solar panels that generate energy to power the recharging station. The ground station may be deployed virtually anywhere, from any vehicle (e.g., plane, train, boat, truck, etc.), and may operate over an extended period of time without human intervention.

Abstract translation: 无人机的可运输地面站包括可以运输和收纳无人机的容器。 该集装箱包括一个无线或接触式充电站，在无人机从任务返回后，为无人机的电池或其他电源充电。 充电站可以直接或间接地连接到一个或多个太阳能电池板，该太阳能电池板产生能量以为充电站供电。 地面站几乎可以从任何车辆（例如，飞机，火车，船，卡车等）部署到任何地方，并且可以在较长时间内进行操作而无需人为干预。

公开(公告)号：US20160340006A1

公开(公告)日：2016-11-24

申请号：US15158518

申请日：2016-05-18

Applicant: Rujing Tang

Inventor： Rujing Tang

IPC: B63C9/01 ,  B63C9/26 ,  B63C9/18 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64C27/08

CPC classification number: B63C9/01 ,  B63C2009/0023 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/205

Abstract: A drone equipped with a camera, a wireless communication module, an acoustic sensor, a GPS receiver, software and collapsible floatation device patrols above swimmers. The camera and acoustic sensor capture the video and audio of the swimmers. The information is either streamed to a command center or processed by the onboard software. With audio and video analysis capabilities, software is used to detect a swimmer in distress (SID). Alternatively the information is streamed to lifeguard or volunteers all over the world to spot SID. Another detection method is to let swimmer wear a wearable emergency notification device, which sends wireless signals comprising GPS location data. A SID presses a button to indicate rescue request and the drones fly over by GPS signal guidance. Solar power is used as the optional power source of the drones, which would allow the to sustain operation for a prolonged period of time. Once a SID is identified, the drone or drones fly over the SID and drops the collapsible floatation device.

Abstract translation: 无人机配有摄像机，无线通信模块，声传感器，GPS接收器，软件和可折叠漂浮装置巡视游泳者。 相机和声学传感器捕获游泳者的视频和音频。 该信息是流式传输到指挥中心，或由板载软件处理。 通过音视频分析功能，软件可用于检测遇险游泳者（SID）。 或者，将信息流传到世界各地的救生员或志愿者来发现SID。 另一种检测方法是让游泳者佩戴穿戴式紧急通知装置，发送包含GPS位置数据的无线信号。 A SID按下按钮来指示救援请求，并且无人机通过GPS信号指导飞行。 太阳能发电被用作无人机的可选动力源，这将允许长时间维持运行。 一旦识别到SID，无人机或无人驾驶飞行器将飞越SID并丢弃可折叠浮动装置。

公开(公告)号：US20160273519A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-22

申请号：US15167415

申请日：2016-05-27

Applicant: Google Inc.

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

IPC: F03D9/00 ,  B64C27/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  H02K7/18 ,  B64C31/06 ,  B64D47/00 ,  B63H9/06 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64F3/02

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

公开(公告)号：US20160229299A1

公开(公告)日：2016-08-11

申请号：US14504828

申请日：2014-10-02

Applicant: Swift Engineering, Inc.

Inventor： Andrew Streett

IPC: B60L11/18 ,  B64C39/02 ,  G05D1/00 ,  H02J7/35

CPC classification number: B60L11/182 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/201 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64F1/222 ,  G05D1/0011 ,  G05D1/0088 ,  H02J7/35

Abstract: A transportable ground station for a UAV includes a container in which the UAV may be transported and housed. The container includes a wireless or contact-based recharging station that recharges the UAV's batteries or other power sources after the UAV returns from a mission. The recharging station may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more solar panels that generate energy to power the recharging station. The ground station may be deployed virtually anywhere, from any vehicle (e.g., plane, train, boat, truck, etc.), and may operate over an extended period of time without human intervention.

Abstract translation: 无人机的可运输地面站包括可以运输和收纳无人机的容器。 该集装箱包括一个无线或接触式充电站，在无人机从任务返回后，为无人机的电池或其他电源充电。 充电站可以直接或间接地连接到一个或多个太阳能电池板，该太阳能电池板产生能量以为充电站供电。 地面站几乎可以从任何车辆（例如，飞机，火车，船，卡车等）部署到任何地方，并且可以在较长时间内进行操作而无需人为干预。

公开(公告)号：US09248910B1

公开(公告)日：2016-02-02

申请号：US14620201

申请日：2015-02-12

Applicant: Google Inc.

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

IPC: F02B63/04 ,  F03G7/08 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F3/02 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B63H9/00 ,  F03D9/00 ,  F03D11/04 ,  C25B9/00 ,  C25B1/04 ,  C02F1/20 ,  C02F1/469 ,  C02F101/10

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B63H9/00 ,  B63H9/0685 ,  B63H21/20 ,  B63J2003/002 ,  B63J2003/046 ,  B64C31/06 ,  B64C2201/205 ,  B64D3/00 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  C02F1/20 ,  C02F1/4693 ,  C02F2101/10 ,  C25B1/04 ,  C25B9/00 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/008 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/32 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  F05B2240/923 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/725 ,  Y02E10/728 ,  Y02E60/366 ,  Y02P20/133 ,  Y02T70/5209 ,  Y02T70/5218 ,  Y02T70/70 ,  Y02T90/46

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，以通过所述系绳提供第二拉力以拉动所述车辆。