Apparatus and method for providing package release to unmanned aerial system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for releasing packages for retrieval by an unmanned aerial system comprising:
- a plurality of arms configured to surround a plurality of packages stacked vertically in an extended position;
a plurality of powered hinges at a base of each of the plurality of arms; and
a control circuit coupled to the plurality of powered hinges and configured to;
cause the plurality of powered hinges to lower the plurality of arms from the extended position to a first lowered position at which the plurality of arms do not obstruct an unmanned aerial vehicle from coupling with a coupling structure on a first package of the plurality of packages positioned at a top of the plurality of packages.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing package release for an unmanned aerial system. An apparatus for releasing packages for retrieval by an unmanned aerial system comprises a plurality of arms configured to surround a plurality of packages stacked vertically in an extended position, a plurality of powered hinges at a base of each of the plurality of arms, and a control circuit coupled to the plurality of powered hinges. The control circuit being configured to: determine a height for a first lowered position for the plurality of arms at which the plurality of arms do not obstruct an unmanned aerial vehicle from coupling with a coupling structure on a first package of the plurality of packages positioned at a top of the plurality of packages, and cause the plurality of powered hinges to pivot the plurality of arms from the extended position to the first lowered position.
11 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for releasing packages for retrieval by an unmanned aerial system comprising:
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a plurality of arms configured to surround a plurality of packages stacked vertically in an extended position; a plurality of powered hinges at a base of each of the plurality of arms; and a control circuit coupled to the plurality of powered hinges and configured to; cause the plurality of powered hinges to lower the plurality of arms from the extended position to a first lowered position at which the plurality of arms do not obstruct an unmanned aerial vehicle from coupling with a coupling structure on a first package of the plurality of packages positioned at a top of the plurality of packages. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for releasing packages for retrieval by an unmanned aerial system comprising:
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surround a plurality of packages that are stacked vertically with a plurality of arms coupled to a plurality of powered hinges, wherein the plurality of arms are in an extended position; and cause, with a control circuit, the plurality of powered hinges to lower the plurality of arms from the extended position to a first lowered position at which the plurality of arms do not obstruct an unmanned aerial vehicle from coupling with a coupling structure on a first package of the plurality of packages positioned at a top of the plurality of packages. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for package delivery comprising:
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a plurality of packages stacked vertically, each package having a coupling structure extending upwards from the package; an unmanned aerial system having a lift structure configured to become coupled with the coupling structure while in flight; and a release system comprising; a plurality of arms surrounding the plurality of packages; and a control circuit coupled to the plurality of arms and configured to pivot the plurality of arms such that the plurality of arms do not obstruct the unmanned aerial system from coupling with the coupling structure on a top package of the plurality of packages.
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Specification