Unmanned aerial delivery system

• US 10,196,155 B2
• Filed: 09/09/2014
• Issued: 02/05/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joseph Martin
• Original Assignee: Joseph Martin
• Inventors: Martin, Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): Michener, Joshua J
• Assistant Examiner(s): Andonyan, George
• Application Number:
  US14/481,456
• Publication Number:
  US 20160257423A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,610 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/14 Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk , or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles , i.e. food or large parcels
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 39/024 of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/00 Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations specially adapted for captive aircraft B64F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/13 Flying platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/64 for parcel delivery or retrieval
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/19 using electrically powered motors
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/34 In-flight charging photovoltaics B64U50/31
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/99 Means for retaining the UAV on the platform, e.g. dogs or magnets

Abstract

An unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver packages between an initiation point and multiple delivery points at a raised elevation. The UAV flies between points in an organized manner, using logistical, maintenance and safety software, commands from a delivery organization, and guidance tools to coordinate deliveries. One advantage of the system is that the UAV engages the delivery points at a raised elevation, rather than the ground level. The UAV docks through an elevated structure at the delivery point for delivering the package and replenishing a power source. The package is conveyed from a docking end and through a central shaft of the elevated structure by means of an elevator. The package then travels to a lower structure, such as a house or office, for pickup. After completion of the delivery, the UAV replenishes its power source and/or continues on the delivery route.

Claims

1. A delivery system for transporting at least one package, the delivery system comprising:

an unmanned aerial vehicle

an initiation point;

a plurality of delivery points;

each delivery point comprising an elevated structure for transporting the at least one package and replenishing of a battery connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle;

a power supply apparatus, wherein the power supply apparatus is a battery recharger comprised of a plurality of extension posts, wherein each extension post extends upward and outward from the elevated structure to a flat conductive surface, such that the flat conductive surface is above the elevated structure and outside a perimeter of the elevated structure;

wherein extension posts of a docking section of the unmanned aerial vehicle are symmetrical with the extension posts of the power supply apparatus;

wherein each flat conductive surface of the docking section of the unmanned aerial vehicle mates with a corresponding flat conductive surface of the power supply apparatus;

the elevated structure comprising a docking end and a central shaft,

the docking end having a package aperture through which to transfer the at least one package between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the elevated structure,

the docking end further configured to at least partially replenish the battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle, each delivery point further comprising a lower structure; and

at least one recharging point configured to at least partially replenish the battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the elevated structure is a tower, the tower comprising an elevator configured to convey the at least one package between the docking end and the lower structure.

3. A delivery system for transporting at least one package, the delivery system comprising:

an unmanned aerial vehicle;

an initiation point; and

a plurality of delivery points, each delivery point comprising an elevated structure for engaging the unmanned aerial vehicle at a raised elevation for delivery of the at least one package and replenishment of a battery connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle;

a power supply apparatus, wherein the power supply apparatus is a battery recharger comprised of a plurality of extension posts, wherein each extension post extends upward and outward from the elevated structure to a flat conductive surface, such that the flat conductive surface is above the elevated structure and outside a perimeter of the elevated structure;

wherein each flat conductive surface of a docking section of the unmanned aerial vehicle mates with a corresponding flat conductive surface of the power supply apparatus;

wherein a number of extension posts of the power supply apparatus totals four;

the elevated structure comprising a docking end and a central shaft, the docking end configured to transfer the at least one package between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the elevated structure, each delivery point further comprising a lower structure, wherein the at least one package traverses between the elevated structure and the lower structure through the central shaft.